Robert "Bob" Raesly

Robert E. “Bob” Raesly, age 91, of Faribault, MN passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. 

Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Carthage, SD. 

Bob Raesly was born on April 18, 1933 in Madison, SD to Robert H. Raesly and Gertrude (Oldre) Raesly from Carthage, SD. 

Bob attended 12 years of school at the Carthage Public School. He was very active in sports: played Forward in Varsity basketball for 4 years and was named All-Conference for 3 years. In baseball, Bob played as a pitcher and shortstop, and was selected to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs at age 18. 

He attended his Freshman year at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and pitched for the USD baseball team. He was also hired to pitch for Centerville and Oldham, SD. Bob was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and was their social chairman. 

Bob served 4 years in the U.S. Navy from 1952-56 during the Korean War. He returned to USD after service and received his BFA Degree in Jan., 1962. 

Bob married Gloria Ann Duffy on June 14, 1960 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Oldham, SD. To this union 2 daughters were born: Robin Marie and Anne Margaret. Bob worked as a Graphic Design Artist at Josten’s in Owatonna, MN. He worked for Federal Discount Corporation in Red Wing, Rochester, and Faribault. He served as Manager of Phoenix Budget Loans and Citizens Loan and Investment in Faribault for many years. When FDC was sold, Bob served as an agent for American Family Insurance. 

He was an active member of the Faribault Jaycees and served as District Director and Secretary. He also Co-chaired the Rice County Easter Seal Society along with being a Boy Scout Leader, Insurance Counselor at the Senior Center and volunteer for meals on wheels program. Bob was also an avid golfer for over 50 years. He enjoyed playing city league softball and basketball; hunting pheasants, geese, ducks, and grouse. He played bridge and euchre. He spent numerous hours at the Library reading a variety of newspapers and periodicals.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Robin (Tuey) Wilson of Faribault and Anne (Todd) Higbie of Colfax, WI; by three grandchildren, Jeremy (Jenna) Wilson of Farmington, MN, Molly and Emily Wilson of Faribault; by two great grandsons, Evan Wilson and Oliver Wilson. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gloria; and his only brother, John.

Memorials are preferred to Allina Hospice or Buckham Library in memory of Bob.