Raeter Smith

Funeral Service for Raeter Smith, age 82, of Wheaton, Minnesota will be held Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Pastor Mickey Olson officiating. Organist will be Nancy Krenz with special music provided by Melissa Persing. Military Rites will be provided by the Wheaton American Legion. Interment will be held at West Lakeside Cemetery a later date. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 4th from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Ranney-Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton. Raeter James Smith was born on January 3, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was baptized by Rev. Paul Waite on April 4, 1948 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mora, Minnesota. He was confirmed by Pastor William Buege on December 15, 1957 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Mora High School in 1948 and furthered his education at Traffic Management School graduating in 1950. Raeter entered the United States Army on January 6, 1949 where he served until his honorable discharge on January 5, 1950. He was united in Marriage to Maxine Reckin in New Richmond, Wisconsin on September 15, 1956. The couple made their home in Minneapolis and Bloomington, Minnesota where Raeter worked for Advanced United Truck Line and Toro Manufacturing. The couple moved to Wheaton, Minnesota in 1970 where they owned the OK Cafe and the Sears Catalog Store. Raeter enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, golfing, softball and bowling. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and football. Raeter was well known for his painting of many houses in the Wheaton community. Raeter passed away on March 31, 2012 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton. Raeter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maxine Smith, one son, Jeff (Julie) Smith and four grandchildren, Logan Smith, Morgan Smith, Adam Smith and Justice Johnson all of Wheaton, Minnesota. Raeter was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Doris Smith and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.