Robert L. Raetz, 76, Sauk Rapids

October 10, 1939 - August 15, 2016

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2016, at Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud for Robert L. Raetz, age 76, of Sauk Rapids, MN, who passed away on Monday. Rev. Erica Kennedy will officiate. Visitation will be held two hours prior to services at the church on Friday.

Bob was born October 10th, 1939, in Graceville, MN, to Carl and Edythe (Leslie) Raetz. On August 17th, 1963, he married his true love, Joyce Huckle, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marietta, MN. Bob served his country in the United States Army National Guard. He graduated from SCSU as a mechanical engineer. Bob worked as a Manager at DeZurik in Sartell for many years and later became the owner of Raetz Scenic Nursery. He was a longtime member and served on various boards at Atonement Lutheran Church. Bob had a passion for old cars and collecting them. He was a founding member and past president of Pantowners Antique Auto Club. Bob was very active in the Model T Club and loved taking his cars out for tours. He enjoyed his coffee groups (Education Hour) and catching up on the latest “news”. Bob loved spending time at the cabin with his family, traveling, and using his hands to build. Bob was a hard worker and kind hearted. His hardy laugh and big smile will be missed greatly.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Joyce of Sauk Rapids; children, Cindy (Randy) Eiynck of Medford, OR, Kim (Todd) Gorman of Fort Collins, CO, Pam (Travis) Benoit of Rice; sister, Audrey Gearman of Madison, MN; grandchildren, Skylar Eiynck, Reilly Eiynck, Tucker Eiynck, Trey Gorman, Mollie Gorman, Chet Gorman, Ella Benoit and Lily Benoit; sister in law, Joan Huckle and brother in law, Robert Huckle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Edythe Raetz; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Margerie and Chester Huckle; brother-in-law, Lynn Gearman; and sister-in-law, Susan Huckle.

The family would like to thank Dr. Elkadi and her staff at Coborn’s Cancer Center for their years of excellent care and compassion. Thank you also for the caring staff at the St. Cloud Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud or the Coborn’s Cancer Center.