Robert C. Raisbeck

Robert "Bob" C. Raisbeck, age 87, of Lancaster passed away into eternal rest on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster. Bob was born on April 20, 1924, in Beetown, the son of Wilbert and Lennice (Griswold) Raisbeck. Bob worked at his father's gas station with his brother, Bill and on nearby farms in his youth. He attended Bloomington High School. At age 17, he enlisted into the United States Army and served his country in an anti-aircraft battery unit in the South Pacific. He was an avid sports fan and he even tried out for the position of catcher with the Chicago Cubs. His baseball career was not to be. At a Rockville dance he met the love of his life, Shirley Mae Vesperman. They were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, August 1, 1947, where they remained members and Bob served as an elder. The newlyweds lived in Madison for a short time while Bob attended a cheese maker short course at the University of Wisconsin. Bob then worked as a cheese maker in Cassville before moving to Lancaster to start his farming career, naming their business, "Hi-View Farm." He also sold seed corn with his neighbor, and lifelong friend, Donald "Mac" McKelvey. One of Bob's passions in life was Shorthorn cattle. They purchased their first Shorthorn cow, Lady Augusta and her calf in 1952 in Sibley, IA. She was soon joined by the new herd bull, Wernacres Chief Adonis. In 1959, Bob showed his own bull at the WI Beef Futurity Show and was awarded reserve champion bull. After that, it was in his blood and there was no stopping him. Bob also showed other award winning Shorthorn cattle at various sales and shows. In 1977, he was named Builder of the Breed by the National Shorthorn Association. Bob was a member of the WI Shorthorn Association and served as state director and vice president. He also served as the WI state delegate to the national meeting. Bob additionally served as an officer of other agricultural commodity organizations. In 1998, at the WI State Fair, The Raisbeck Family was honored at the P.A.C.E. Show for their dedication to the Shorthorn breed. One of his last herd bulls, CF Ringo, went on to be a national Shorthorn champion bull. Bob was also a 4-H leader and all of his children and several grandchildren showed shorthorn cattle at the fairs. This tradition will be continued this year witha fourth generation, Robbie Knorr. Bob was a great storyteller, had a great memory for detail, and a good sense of humor.

Survivors include his children: Douglas (Bev) Raisbeck, Lancaster; Diane(Patrick) Kallas, Hartland; Phillip (Rita),Lancaster; Suzette (John) Katchko, Rhinelander; Michael Raisbeck, Beetown; ten grandchildren: Shelly (Scott) Knorr, Nicole Raisbeck, Kimberly (Ben) Searls, Jessica Kallas, Jarett Kallas, Bridget (Kyle) Krueger, Thomas Raisbeck, Karina Katchko, Daria Katchko and Kristina Larson; one step-great-grandchild, Abbi (Brock) Linde; five great-grandchildren: Robbie Knorr, Andy Knorr, Makena Vesperman, Ava Vesperman, Brynlee Mae Krueger; a brother, William (Emma Jean) Raisbeck, Cobb; a sister-in-law, Margaret Vesperman, Lancaster; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley, and a brother-in-law, Donald Vesperman

Funeral services with military honors were held on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Family and friends called on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be offered to the First Presbyterian Church.