Rev. Bernard L. Raschke
Deceased: 2010-06-30
Diocese: LA CROSSE
Seminary Graduation Year: 1959
Father Bernard L. Raschke, 77, died on June 30, 2010, at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, WI. He is buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Eau Pleine Township, WI.
Rev. Bernard L. Raschke was born on February 17, 1933, in Stratford, WI, the son of Albert W. and Barbara (Emer) Raschke. He attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School, Stratford and then received his high school education at Holy Cross Seminary, La Crosse, where he continued his college education. He then attended North American Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, and later attended Marquette University, Milwaukee, obtaining a Master of Education degree.
Mr. Raschke was ordained to priesthood on December 20, 1958, at North American College Chapel in Rome, Italy, by Bishop Martin J. O’Connor. From 1959 until 1961, he served as assistant pastor at St. Patrick’s Parish in Sparta, WI. He then served as assistant at St. Olaf’s Parish, Eau Claire, WI and also taught religion at Regis High School, Eau Claire, until 1965. He next resided at St. Patrick’s Parish in Eau Claire and became religion teacher and athletic director at Regis High School until 1970, when he was named principal of St. Patrick’s Elementary School. In 1972 he became principal of Regis High School and was also pastor of Holy Guardian Angels Parish in Brackett, WI until 1977. He was next assigned as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Mondovi, WI.
He continued his priesthood when he was named Dean of the Durand, WI Deanery in 1981, serving in that role until 1989. In 1983 Father Raschke became a member of the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of La Crosse and served that position until 1989. From 1984 to 1986, he was a member of the Central Planning Commission of the 4th Diocesan Synod. He served as pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Big River, WI from 1989 to 1995. From 1998 until 2000, Father Raschke was a member of Central Planning Commission of the 5th Diocesan Synod. In 1995 he took over as pastor of St. John’s Parish in Edgar, WI and stayed there through 2003. In February 2003, Father Raschke was granted Senior Priest status and served as Senior Priest and resided at Corpus Christi Parish in Bakerville, WI.
Father Raschke was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus John Eisen Council No. 1799, where he served as Council Chaplain. He was also a member of the KC’s 4th Degree Assembly No. 1219 in Marshfield, WI.
