Obituary of Frederick J. Raible, Jr.
Frederick J. Raible, Jr., born in 1926 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Frederick and Minnie Raible, Sr., passed away on April 14, 2018, in Houston, Texas surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and Wilda, his wife of 60 years.
He leaves precious memories with his five daughters, Beth Riddle and husband David, Janet Alongi and husband Bill, Susan Straub and husband Jim, Darcie Knapschaefer and husband Allen and Joan Clemmensen and husband Ronny; as well as 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Fred, called Grandpa by most, lived in Houston for over 55 years and called it home. He graduated with two Degrees from the University of Rochester and proudly served in the U.S. Navy at the Pentagon during both WWII and Korea. Fred began his career with Trane Air Conditioning and moved his family to Houston. Eventually he began a successful career as a commercial realtor. In his final years, you could find Fred at Home Depot.
Fred’s life goal as a father was to raise five daughters to be both strong and independent with a heavy emphasis on higher education. With his guidance, his daughters were able to achieve that dream. Dad’s gifts of teaching and guidance were sought out by those who knew him. His most cherished counseling moments were those spent with his grandchildren.
His favorite hobbies included reading, fishing, watching Houston sports teams and card games. One of his proudest achievements was attaining the Eagle Scout Rank. As of today, one of his daughters achieved the Girl Scout Gold Award and four of his grandsons have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
The family is especially thankful for Beth and David as they opened their home to care for him for the past 4 years. Beth was steadfast in her love and attention to Dad and he appreciated all of it, listened to everything she said, and knew it was for the good. Thanks also to his roommate, Simba the cat, for providing him comfort.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Joseph J. Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street, Houston, Texas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 23, 2018 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc, Houston, Texas. Fred will join his wife at Houston National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Boy Scouts of America, the SPCA or a charity of your choice.
Matt 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
