David “Dave” K. Raether, age 74 of Marion and Waupaca, passed away Saturday August 9, 2025 in his daughters arms, wife and son by his side. Thursday he was diagnosed with advanced pulmonary fibrosis at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. Family and close friends expressed their love and gratitude in those few precious days. Dave, in true character, never lost his sense of humor.
David Kevin Raether was born on May 16, 1951 as the son of the late Gordon and Luella (Mickelson) Raether. He graduated from Marion High School in 1969 and went on to UW Green Bay where he earned a degree in Education. Dave taught Social Studies in Wild Rose for 7 years prior to joining his father and brother Ken at the family business, Caroline Implement. As a local John Deere dealer, Dave made many lasting friendships over the years with his employees, farmers and customers. In 1970 he was united in marriage to Connie Rades. The couple raised 2 children and later divorced. Dave then met Kim Anderson and the couple wed on April 6, 2002. In January of 2019, Dave sold the family business and officially retired.
He enjoyed spending time at the couple’s lake house and land near Waupaca, working on projects around the “Ranch”, especially when his grandsons came to help. He remained an active part of the Marion community, as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and on the Board of Directors for Premier Community Bank. He spent hours at the Marion Area Historical Society where he created a beautiful Caroline Implement museum. Dave loved helping people and became an integral part of every community he spent time in. Dave loved to travel, especially if it meant he got to spend time with Eric at an away Packer game, or make a surprise visit to one of his grandchildren’s events or son-in-law’s concerts. Dave would always stop to appreciate a great sunset and even took a picture of one on his ride to the hospital to share with his family.
Dave is survived by his wife, Kim Anderson; children, Eric (Teri) Raether and Erin (Ivan Resendiz) Raether; three grandchildren, Devin and Calvin Raether and Ariel Resendiz-Raether; brother, Gary (Mary Beth) Raether; sister-in-law, Sue Raether; wonderful cousins and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is further survived by a family friend he treated as a son, Bob (Bobbi) Buss and family, and countless friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Luella, his sister Karen Welch, and brother Kendall “Ken” Raether.
A service and celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at his “Ranch”, N2291 Old Hwy 22, Waupaca, WI 54981 with Rev. Mark Ziemer officiating. Friends may gather at the ranch from 9am. A meal, refreshments and live music will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials for the Marion Area Historical Society or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation are greatly appreciated by Dave’s family. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Marion is assisting his family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com
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