Memorial services for Charles Raap, 87, of Groton will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29th at Paetznick‑Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton. Rev. Bill Duncan will officiate. Inurnment will follow in Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the chapel on Friday from 5-7 p.m.

Chuck passed away August 23, 2020 at Avantara Groton.

Charles Henry Raap was born on April 16,1933 to Harry and Lucy (Mielke) Raap at his grandparents' home in Groton on Easter Sunday. He grew up near Andover and graduated in 1951 from Andover High School. He enjoyed playing basketball with the Andover Gorillas and was a member of the State Independent team that won back‑to‑back championships. Following graduation, he farmed with his dad. On November 7, 1954 he married LaVonne Kirschman in Pierpont and together they were blessed with four children. Chuck and LaVonne moved to Aberdeen in 1960 where he was a route salesman for Coca-Cola for several years. In 1967 they moved to Groton and managed the Circle Pines Motel. Chuck also managed the Anchor Lounge prior to beginning a 40‑year career selling cars and trucks for Trail Chevrolet in Groton.

Chuck was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and served on the church council. He was community minded, serving in Jaycees, Kiwanis, the Groton City Council and was Mayor. He was a volunteer fireman and an early member of the Olive Grove Golf Course board. Chuck enjoyed bowling, golfing, snowmobiling, hunting, and spending time with family.

Grateful for sharing his life is his wife of 65 years, LaVonne; children Kim (DeeDee) Raap, Sioux Falls, Kris (Bob) Schneider, Pierre, Kevin (Marcia Hiles), Andover, and Koni (Seth) Sims, Sioux Falls; grandchildren Jess (Aaron) Johnson, Kelsey (Dave) Halpern, Sara (Matt) Odden, Kacie Olson, Brittany (Ryan) Tennant, Melissa (Brandon) Spanier, Misty (Brandon) Heck, Chelsea (Bubba) Hildebrandt, and Taylor (Tracy) Johnson and 18 great-grandchildren. Chuck is also survived by siblings Joan Van Dyke, Sioux Falls, Kay (Lyle) Kranzler, Sioux Falls, Laurel (Bob) Kost, Ft. Collins, CO, Jerry (Carol) Raap, Andover, Tom Raap, Sioux Falls, and Allana (Frank) Novotny, Wisner, NE; sisters-in-law Karleen Holler, Aberdeen, Ruth Rademacher, Amherst, and Judy (Gary) McKiver, Shakopee, MN; and  numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; siblings Patricia Jeter Lackey, Bert Raap and Steven Raap; brothers‑in‑law John Van Dyke, Ray Lackey, Wayne Holler and Burton Rademacher; sister‑in‑law Darlene Raap and grandson-in‑law Dale Olson.

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