Donald J. Raehl Sr.

Daddy, it's so empty without having you around. I feel so lost now without you. I always felt safe just knowing you were there. All your knowledge you took with you, I wish you could still share with us. No one was a better father than you. You were loved so much by Mom and your children. I remember my first day of school in 1st grade when you brought me there and you stood outside the classroom door in the hallway, looking in at me. I was crying because I didn't want to be there. I kept turning around to see you and I was still crying, and when you did leave because you had to go to work in Chicago and you weren't standing there anymore, I bawled my eyes out. I didn't want to be there alone; I needed you. I wish there was a way to relive all the wonderful memories growing up: You took us trick-or-treating; you pulled us in the cart with the tractor in the snow; helped us fly our kites; you set up your telescope so we could look at the planets and stars; we watched monster movies and hockey games with you; you made the baseball diamond in the backyard for us; the fold-out puppet theater you built for us one Christmas when Mom crocheted the puppets; the silly game we played with you as toddlers that we called "I'm going to throw you in the garbage can!" I loved it when you wore your Frankenstein mask and scared relatives during our cookouts! I remember some of us as kids would beg you to take us to the gas station so we could buy candy. We would sit in the station wagon and sing "We want to go to the gas station to buy some candy," until you gave in. You even built the observatory deck in the field, the clubhouse for your grand and great grandchildren, the doghouse in the front yard. So many wonderful memories! I wish that time had not run out. You were the greatest, honest, strongest, most caring and wonderful dad in the world! You will never be forgotten. I truly miss you so much, Daddy. My love for you will last forever, Daddy!

R.I.P PRAYERS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

R.I.P PRAYERS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

R.I.P PRAYERS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

HoHo, It was sad to hear you have passed as I am in Japan right now, I couldn't be home to see you one last time. You had a good long life and now its time for you to enjoy the glory of God. Let Jocelyn know for me that Iove her and miss her. Tell her to be waiting for me when my time comes. Just want to also let you know you have a cute great grandchild Akiko Jade Aoki, and from up above I hope you can watch over us sometimes. And as Hiro's dad recently passed too, you should go have a beer with him and be good buddies. We will all be in heaven one day. One more request before I go, let Jesus know I love him too and to just protect me though life. I will see you again, "In a little while" after my time on earth is done. Love you HoHo.

Rest in peace Dad. In your memory, instead of a candlelight vigil, I have decided to leave my Christmas tree on since your passing. I know how you loved the pretty Christmas lights, just like me.

Dad, a.k.a Ho-Ho, The house seems empty without you. A part of me died with you when you left and feel lost without your presence. As hard as it was for you to go and for us to let you go, I hope us kids made it easy for you by letting you know we will be okay and that Mom was waiting for you. Us kids were lucky to have the best Dad ever. For those who don't know the story on how you got the nickname "Ho-Ho", I will explain. It was around Christmas time. We had this blow mold of Santa, which I attached a picture of. Your 1st grandchild, Boe, was a toddler. You picked him up, to show him the blow mold of Santa, and made the sound of "Ho-Ho-Ho". Boe took it as your name being "Ho-Ho", and forever since that name stuck. You had said you never had a nickname until then. Your favorite holidays were Halloween and Christmas, and loved being surrounded by your kids. You always didn't like when we had to leave and asked when we would be back. I always hated to go and wished I could stay longer. I always knew you would protect me. I remember the 1st time going to the dentist and being very young and scared, thanks to my siblings. Anyways, when the dentist came in, I told him if he hurt me, I was going to tell my Daddy on him. Needless to say, he didn't touch me and was scared because you were 6 feet tall and much bigger than him. There are so many memories I will forever cherish of you. I am so glad you are no longer in pain. You fought a good fight. As hard as it was to see you take your last breath, I just hope me holding your hand, and my other siblings comforting you as well, made your transition a little easier. You will forever be missed. This isn't a good bye but an until we meet again. Love you Dad! ❤️ Forever and always, Your baby girl (a.k.a. "Polly")

Dad, you were able to earn more wealth through your constant generosity and selfless contributions than most could ever know. The lives you've touched throughout the years were greatly enriched for having known you. I strive to be as kind and giving of a man that you were, and felt blessed to have you as my father. We loved you for being the foundation within our lives, and we'll always hold you close to our hearts.

Dad, your job as a father was done well. Your life here on earth is complete. Now, you rest and enjoy Sandy and the rest of your family and friends that you shared your life with here. I am sure that you will get antsy and want to start a " a project" like build a garage or install a water heater or something. Anyway, I thank you and am honored for being my "Daddy" . Part of me died now that you are gone and hopefully, I can be, one day, as honorable a man as you. You are and will always be "One of the good guys". Well, time for you to go and as we say, "Pick up the eggs" now. Give Mom a big hug from me and give my little girl and your grand daughter, Jocelyn, a kiss and hug, as well. I will see you " In a little bit." Love you lots. Thanks for instilling upon me good moral values. Godspeed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.