John Raffin

John P. Raffin, age 68, of Manawa passed into eternal rest with Jesus Saturday December 17, 2005 at his home in the loving arms of his family after a determined and courageous eighteen month battle with cancer. Though his body was tired, he never lost his sense of humor or his resolve to be strong for his family. John was born on September 12, 1937 in Clintonville, the son of the late Arthur and Margaret Rose (Finnegan) Raffin. He graduated from Little Wolf High School, Manawa with the class of 1955. He entered into proud service with the U. S. Army in September 1956 and served through September 1958. He returned to active duty, serving in the Far East as part of the Special Forces from January 1961 through January 1964. He married Judith Marie Roenz, the love of his life, on January 29, 1966. He attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in September of 1966, and later Machinist School. He worked as a skilled machinist for 35 years at Continental Can Company, Milwaukee until his retirement. Never one to be idle, he ventured into ORT trucking for awhile after his retirement. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manawa. John loved the simple things in life, and cherished his family above all else. He gave selflessly of himself and asked for so little in life; his generosity spoke volumes. He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren most of all. Pa Pa's lap was always the most sought after seat in the house. He truly enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events and the local high school sporting events. He was an avid lover of the Florida warmth and sunshine, and looked forward to returning to his condo each winter. John will be sadly and profoundly missed by his loving wife of 39 years, Judy; his four adoring children: Jeanne (John) Meier, Iola; Julie Raffin, Shawano; Jeris (Tim) Schertz, Mosinee; and Joseph (Erin) Raffin, Appleton; his nine grandchildren: Tanner, Nikolas, and William Meier, Jordan, Mitchell, Jacob, Travis, and Tyler Schertz, and Hanna Raffin. He is further survived by three siblings: Mary (Don) Jirschele, and Pat Zellmer, both of Clintonville; Jim (Pat) Raffin, Grandberry Texas; many nieces, nephews, and friends. John was preceded in death by two infant children, a niece, 2 nephews and his parents. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday December 21, 2005 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manawa with Fr. Bertin Samsa OFM Cap officiating. Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Manawa and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A Parish Prayer Service will be held 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.