Barbara J. Raasch

Barbara J. Raasch (Miller), age 94, of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with family at her side on December 24, 2025, in Ladysmith.

Barbara was born on August 3, 1931, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to Clifford and Irene Miller. On November 4, 1950, she was united in marriage to Donovan C. Raasch. They shared more than 40 years of marriage until his passing in 1991.

Barbara was devoted to her family and to service. She served the community through her work as a fire dispatcher with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. She began her 33 years of service with the WI DNR in 1958, enjoying the challenge and responsibility of the work, as well as the feeling that she was contributing to the country she lived in. Through her dedication and hard work, in 1976 she was promoted and became the first woman Fire Control Dispatcher in the State of Wisconsin. She also assisted the US Forest Service on fires in Idaho, Wyoming, and New Mexico. She received the Governor’s Award and a commendation from the Secretary of the DNR for her exemplary performance and dedication.

An active member of Ladysmith Christian Church, Barbara participated in the Harvest of Talents in past years and lived her faith through service to others. She was a talented knitter and crocheter, a gifted gardener, canner, cook and baker, and generously shared her skills with family and friends. Barbara enjoyed researching her family tree, preserving family history for future generations. She also treasured time spent canoeing with her husband and volunteered in the community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donovan C. Raasch; her parents, Clifford and Irene Miller; her daughter, Donna Kolehouse; her son, Donovan Raasch Jr.; her sister, Helen Recore; and other family members.

Barbara is survived by her children, Linda Salem and Michael Raasch (Julie); her grandchildren, Dianne, Joe, Mac, Stephanie, Amber, Chris, Amanda, Laura, Donnie, Angeline, Jessica, Hannah, and Nathanial; 29 great-grandchildren, Siobhan, Niamh, William, Daniel, Katarina, McKenzie, Morgan, Lexi, Bailey, Brycen, Mark, Ashley, Kyllie, Katy, Joseph, Paul, Nora, Jason, Joshua, Julia, Jonathan, Erik, Shelby, Wilamina, Sawyer, Autumn, Kinsley, Hadley, and Eleanor; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Emberly and Taylee. She is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Ladysmith Christian Church, Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. with Brian Chitwood officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Ladysmith, immediately following the service.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.