This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: MisterMitton Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.shawano/16410/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Obituaries: Appleton Area (WI) - October 7, 2000 Wilburt A. Raatz "Bill" Neenah Formerly of Menasha, born on February 25, 1920, in the Township of Lessor, Shawano County passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2000. He was the son of Mr. William and Mrs. Augusta (Bohm) Raatz, Bonduel. On May 31, 1941, he married Florence Sperberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Sperberg, in the Town of Richmond, Shawano County. Florence passed away January 28, 1999, after 57 years of marriage. They spent 20 winters in Mission, Texas, after Bill's retirement. Bill was Business Manager and Agent for Laborer's Local Union 931 Appleton for 33 years, retiring on June 30, 1979. He was a 50-year member in 1997 and received his Gold Card and Gold Watch for his service from his Laborer's Local Union 931. During his 33 years of service, he also served as President of the Appleton Building Trades Council for 17 years, and the Fox River Valley District Council of Laborers as Secretary Treasurer and Chief Negotiator for the Council with the Wisconsin Building and Road Contractors Association as chairman. He started and negotiated the Wisconsin Laborers Health Insurance Plan and the Wisconsin Laborer's Pension Fund, of which he was President and Secretary Treasurer until his retirement. Bill and Florence are charter members of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Menasha. Bill was a 32-degree Mason and a past master of John A. Bryan Lodge 98F AM, Menasha and a Elks member for 45 years. Bill enjoyed traveling to Canada, fishing, deer hunting, playing cards and talking union. His survivors are four sisters-in-law, Virginia (Gordon) Siebert, Neenah Nancy (David) Strehlow, Saukville Shirley Sperberg (and her friend, John Genske), Shawano Theresa Raatz, Sheboygan. He was a special uncle to all of his 18 nieces and nephews 28 great-nieces and nephews 21 great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence his parents a brother, Melvin a sister-in-law, Irene Lamberies, and a brother-in- law, Lawrence Sperberg. A visitation will be Sunday October 8, 2000, from 1-3 p.m. at Highland Memorial Park, Star of Hope Chapel, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton. The funeral service will immediate follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. John W. Krueger officiating. Entombment will be at Star of Hope Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. WESTGOR FUNERAL HOME 1140 Appleton Rd. Menasha - 720-0314 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.