Bernard Lee Raabe

January 14, 1925 - January 11, 2017

Bernard Lee Raabe, 91, of Hillview passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield. Bernard was born, January 14, 1925, in Hillview to Fred and Mamie (Thomas) Raabe. He married Mary A. Heil, July 3, 1949, in Winchester. She preceded him in death, May 28, 2011. Bernard is survived by three sons, Steven (Donna) Raabe of Phoenix, AZ, Mark Raabe of White Hall and Paul (Jeanne) Raabe of Franklin; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Jennifer), Brandon, Johnathon, Jessica, Leah and Matthew Raabe and Jennifer Raabe Price; eight great-grandchildren, Casey Shafer, Trenton Sampson, Nila Beatty, Neva and Nixon Raabe, Morgan Delcore, Mary and Maddalyn Raabe; a sister-in-law, Nishi Raabe of Tacoma WA, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Freda Patton, and brothers, Fred and Paul Raabe. He was a member of the Hillview Baptist Church and the Bryant-Thomas Post 1210 American Legion of Hillview, Illinois He graduated from White Hall HS and enlisted in the U. S. Navy Armed Guard during World War II from 1943 to 1946. After returning from the war, he worked on the railroad, at Fisher Body and Caterpillar. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Western University and began his thirty-year teaching career. He taught in Waverly, Alsey, Hillview, Patterson, and Manchester. Later, he worked at Hardees. Mr. Raabe was well respected in his teaching profession and during many of his working years served as principal and coached basketball. Bernard thoroughly enjoyed attending his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, many times accompanied by his brother, Fred. He also enjoyed gardening and cutting wood with his best friend, Lee Barrow, morning coffee at the Hillview Café, walking through the woods with his pets, telling stories about his students during his teaching days, and spending time with family and friends. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at the Daws Family Funeral Home in Roodhouse with internment in the Fernwood Cemetery in Roodhouse. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warriors.