Sun Prairie

John E. Raffel, age 89, passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 21, 2018. He was born January 18, 1929 to George and Helen (Daugherty) Raffel in Madison, and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1947.

John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on July 8, 1948 and was honorably discharged on July 11, 1952. He attended UW-Madison where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 1955 and his Master’s Degree in 1957. John worked as a probation officer, and then served on the State of Wisconsin Parole Board until his retirement in 1991. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed metal detecting and collecting sports cards.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn (Statz) Raffel and his children, Jill (Mike) Lehmann of Sarona, WI, John “Jack” (Theresa) Raffel of Raytown, MO, Joe Raffel of Madison, Jim (special friend, Tricia) Raffel of Madison, Jay Raffel of Madison, Jerry (Teresa) Raffel of Middleton, Jeff Raffel of Cottage Grove, Jason (Christine) Raffel of Madison; his sister, Nancy (Bert) Diebold of Cross Plains, his sisters-in-law, Joan Raffel of Verona and Elsie Raffel of El Paso, TX. He is further survived by fifteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; George Anton and Helen (Daugherty) Raffel; his brothers, Donald and Thomas Raffel; and a great-granddaughter, Myah Ann Lehmann.

A memorial service with military honors will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, with Father Michael Radowicz officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service. “See you, So long!” In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, 53719, or the charity of your choice in memory of John. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

John Raffel

January 18, 1929 - April 21, 2018

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