Pastor John Raske

PASTOR JOHN R. RASKE, PC-USA, (Retired) Pastor John, age 71, of rural Paola, KS, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at his home. A celebration of life service will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2008 at First Christian Church, 602 North First St., Louisburg, Kansas. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Louisburg. To leave a special message for the family, please visit our website at www.PenwellGabel.com John was born August 24, 1936 in Grundy Center, Iowa to Albert and Pauline Raske. He was a 1953 graduate of Grundy Center High School. In 1957 he received his under-graduate degree from Drake University and the Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Ill in 1960. He served in pastorates in Missouri, Ohio, and, lastly, Kansas throughout his ministry. Pastor John was a member of and distinguished pastor for the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. from which he honorably retired in 2004. He was also a member of Miami County Master Gardner"s. He was preceded by his parents Albert and Pauline Raske. He leaves his wife of 17 years, Linda, of the home; daughter, Christine Best of San Antonio, TX; son, John Peter Raske of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Anna (Richard Tracanna) Raske of Cleveland, Ohio; daughter, Molly Raske of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Sarah (Jason Fleener) Raske of Gladstone, Missouri; sister, Mildred (John 'Bud') Mumm of Hudson, Iowa; grandchildren, Callie Best and Kathryn Tracanna. A warm, outgoing, man of God, John knew no strangers, and had unique, one in a million sense of humor. His quirky nicknames for those he loved and his big smile will be so missed by his beloved family and wide circle of friends. First Christian Church, Louisburg, Kansas Service: Monday, April 07, 2008 5:00 PM Visitation: Monday, April 07, 2008 following the service at the church.