Paul Jacob Raschke

Bartow- Paul Jacob Raschke, 91, died from a series of complications arising from various system failures on Sunday February, 15, 2009, in Lakeland. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on June 18, 1917, Paul moved to Trumbull Ct. in 1958 where he spent thirty-five years, then moving to Bartow, Florida, in 1993. His life’s work was spent at John L. Simpson Co., in the capacity of business manager. In 1945 he was honorably discharged from the Army having served in New Guinea and Australia. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion in Bridgeport, Ct. In 1946, he married Johanna, who preceded him in death. Paul was a founding member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Trumbull, Ct. and became an active member at Redeemer Lutheran Church once moved to Bartow. He lived at Floral Lakes in Bartow and was actively involved in the Senior Olympics, Walks for Cancer, and several bowling and golf leagues. Paul is the last of six brothers and sisters and is survived by his daughter, Linda Schweitzer, of West Linn, Oregon and his son, Paul James Raschke, of Emily Minnesota. Paul was also blessed with two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10am at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartow on Friday, February 20, with the Rev. Ron Pennekamp of St. Paul’s Lutheran in Lakeland officiating. A reception will directly follow at Floral Lakes Clubhouse in Bartow. Please send memorial contributions to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 390 East Parker, Bartow FL, 33830. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com