Grada W. Raak

Grada W. Raak passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024 at Accura HealthCare in Milford, Iowa, at the age of 94 years, 9 months, and 9 days. Born on February 16, 1930, she was the beloved daughter of Ellis and Christina (Van Zanten) Kooi. Raised on the family farm in Rock Valley, Iowa, Grada developed a deep sense of dedication and resilience. She completed country school through the 8th grade and started high school at Hull Western but stopped to help at home. She was big sister to Bertha, Renzella, Ken and Karen. The sisters shared many laughs and good times and have stayed very close through the years.

On August 9, 1950, Grada married Clifford Raak, with whom she built a life filled with faith, family, and fond memories. After they married, they resided on the farm in Sioux Center, Iowa where they welcomed Gerry, Wayne, Art, Char, and Cliff. Shortly after Cliff was born, they moved to Sanborn, Iowa where they welcomed Kathleen and Mark. Just after Mark’s birth they moved to Avoca, Minnesota then Currie, Minnesota and finally to Luverne, Minnesota in early 1978. 

Grada worked as a nursing assistant on the night shift in Sanborn, Iowa, Slayton, Minnesota and Tracy, Minnesota. When they moved to Luverne, she was a home health aide for Rock County for about 30 years. 

Grada’s greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She prayed for them daily by name. Many family memories were made in the 30+ years of “Going to Grandma’s Cabin” in Alexandria. Rules were broken in terms of snoops, soda, and bedtime, as well as riding in the back of the pickup. Hours were spent fishing and playing cards, and even though she couldn’t swim, somehow, she came out to the raft to be with the kids and grandkids.

At home, she and Cliff tended to their garden with care. She loved her flowers and feeding the birds and squirrels (not). She treasured visits and especially loved family Christmas gatherings and grandchildren visits in the summer, swinging in the park and besting her grandkids at H-O-R-S-E with her granny shot. She was always up for a game of cards, especially pinochle and estimation, or a board game. Her competitive spirit survives in her children and their offspring. Grada also enjoyed playing piano and would find peace in playing.

Grada’s Christian faith and her church were the cornerstone of her life outside of her family. She was actively involved in her churches, teaching Sunday School, Catechism and Bible School and singing in the choir. She was also active in her Circles and after Cliff passed away in 2011, she loved her church ladies, especially the quilting group and Justice For All. Despite enduring many hardships, she remained steadfast in her beliefs and lived as an example of resilience and grace. Humble and forgiving, she blessed the lives of everyone around her. If she knew you, you can be assured she prayed for you by name.

In 2017 she moved to Heritage Landing in Milford to be close to her daughter Char. Grada made many new friends at Heritage. While in Milford she enjoyed visits from her family and friends. She had close bonds with Char’s kids and grandkids and was able to meet Ellie, her new great-granddaughter, at the nursing home. She enjoyed the many visits from her grandkids and great grandkids, as well as the many calls on Facetime and Zoom.

Grada was preceded in death and was looking forward to seeing again her husband, Cliff; son, Wayne; great- grandson, Griffin Stenger; her parents, Ellis and Christina Kooi; Cliff’s parents, Dick and Minnie Raak; her brother, Ken; her sister, Karen; and her infant sister, Sandra.

Grada will be missed by her children, Gerry Raak of Loveland, Colorado, Art Raak and his wife Patti of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Char Maertens and her husband Tom of Milford, Cliff Raak and his wife Kathy of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kathleen Schollmeier and her husband Kent of Stillwater, Minnesota, and Mark Raak and his wife Paula of Candia, New Hampshire. 

Wayne’s daughter, Shyla Ellingson, and her children, James, Molly, Kaden and Rachel, and grandchildren, Octavia, Ava Riley, and Katelynn Riley, and his daughter, Melissa (Jared Jenniges), and her children, Jelena, Jayla, Christian, and Ava, and grandchildren, Bailee, Aubree, Stormee and Harmonee.

Art and Patti’s children, Benjamin (Ashley), Lacey (Paul Oelfke), and Andrew (Christine), and his grandchildren, Matilda, Beckett, Gavin, and Henley. 

Char and Tom’s children, Zachary (Kiersten), Samuel (Marykathryn), and Hannah (Cole Stenger), and her grandchildren, Hank, Abbey, Myna Rose, Nila, Anna, Cliff, Owen, Sadie, Nora, and Ellie.

Cliff and Kathy’s children, Jason (Allie), Christina (Matthew Blais), and Nathaniel, and their grandchildren, Joshua, Benjamin, and Isaac.

Kathleen and Kent’s children, Jakob, Lita (Jarnail Sodhi), and Eli.

Mark and Paula’s children, Alexandra, Daniel, and Giovanna.

Grada once mentioned that she and Cliff never went to sleep without saying they loved each other, and she longed for the day she would be reunited with him in heaven. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace, embraced by her Lord and Savior and together once again with Cliff.