Obituary of Emil Jim Raska

Emil Jim Raska, 93, passed away on May 28, 2011 with his devoted wife of sixty five years Bettie by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Hattie Raska; two brothers, Alfred and Julius Raska; three sisters, Ella Fajkus, Viola Petter and Elsie Culver. Emil is survived by his wife, Betty Oglesby Raska; three sons, Jim Raska and his wife Katrina, Gary Wayne Raska and his wife Barbara, Ricky Raska and his wife Tina; one daughter, Robin Gayle Roehr and her husband Bill; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Cooper and her husband Raymond, Stephan Raska and his wife Elizabeth, Christopher Allan Raska, Lily Anne Cochran and her husband Scott, Ricky Raska Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, Jennifer Raska, Zachary Roehr and Lauren Roehr; seven great grandchildren, Audrey Cooper, Grant Raska, Ella Kate Raska, Connor Allan Raska, Scotty Le Cochran, Victoria Anne Cochran and Madeline Raska; and a host of many other family and friends. Emil proudly served his country during WWII in the US Army and was stationed in England where he loaded the war planes that flew all over Europe. At the time of his discharge he had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Shortly after the war, he met Bettie at a dance where they quickly fell in love and were married after a short seven week engagement. Emil was a wonderful husband, father and good provider for his family. He often took his sons to work with him where he taught them a strong work ethic and the value of a dollar. Emil’s dedication to his job in the grocery business gave him much success and upon his retirement Emil had been a store manager for many years with Sid’s Grocery. After his retirement Emil enjoyed staying busy in his yard or working in his garden which he took great pride in growing his vegetables which he always shared with his friends and neighbors. Emil and Bettie also enjoyed going camping together in their travel trailer that they would take to the lake. Emil also enjoyed fishing and spending time with all of his family. He will always be fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him. A visitation for Emil will take place on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home at 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland TX 77581. The Funeral service will be on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 10:00 am at The First United Methodist Church at 2314 North Grand Blvd. Pearland, TX 77581 with Dr. Bob Joiner officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to be made to the First United Methodist Church of Pearland.