Michelle Raasch

Michelle Ann (Braun) Raasch, age 58, Sioux Falls, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, October 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Rosholt with Father Ken Lulf officiating.  Music will be provided by Austin Eggers.

Burial will be in the St. Nicholas Cemetery, rural Rosholt.  Honorary urn bearers will be Michelle's nieces, nephews, and godchildren.  Active urn bearers will be Rae Anna Koeck, Manda O'Bryant, and Megan Schwander.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Michelle was born July 21, 1966, to Harold and Patricia (Wojciechowski) Braun in Wheaton, MN.  She grew up in rural Rosholt, attending Rosholt Schools. She was known for her ready smile, infectious laugh, and generous, joyful spirit. She was active in many activities, from being a manager for the basketball team, to 4-H, FHA/HERO and others. She was a natural leader, and served as state president for FHA/HERO, attending the National convention while in high school.

She also was active in youth retreats, which would prove life-changing for her, as she met her future husband, Kevin Raasch, from Castlewood at one such retreat. Kevin was smitten with her from the moment he saw her. Neither of them knew the adventures that awaited, but they knew early on that they wanted to experience everything together.

She attended Minnesota State, Moorhead for two years, gaining an associate degree. She would later complete her Bachelor's degree, attending classes at night while working, and as she and Kevin fostered a sibling group of four children.

December 27, 1987, Michelle and Kevin were united in Holy Matrimony at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Rosholt. Through the years, they lived in many locations, either while Kevin was serving our country in the Army, or wherever the next adventure awaited. They lived in El Paso, Texas; Fargo, North Dakota; White Sands, New Mexico; Albertville, Minnesota; and finally settled in Sioux Falls.   Michelle worked in medical billing, loan underwriting, and other detail-oriented positions. Excellence was a hallmark of her work ethic.

Michelle always had a heart for volunteering, and wherever they went, it was part of her life. From mentoring young people and students, to assisting shut-ins with shopping, or assisting senior citizens in many ways, she truly lived her dad's saying to "always leave it better than you found it."  She especially loved helping her friend Sheila Trusty at her flourless bakery… the annual Donut Day was her most anticipated day.

Michelle and Kevin were godparents to many nieces, nephews and others. She doted on them all and was truly an example of God's love to them.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin Raasch of Sioux Falls; Grandpa in Love Clifford D'Heilly of Grand Forks; Mother, Patricia Braun of Grand Forks; Siblings, Colette (Ken) Eaglehouse of Cibolo, TX, Rodney Braun of Cando, ND, and Erin Braun of Rosholt; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Braun; grandparents, Andrew and Mathilda (Wieser) Braun; Antoinette (Gagnon) D'Heilly; and Ben Wojciechowski.

May she rest in peace.