Reverend Dr. Vernon Raschke

A memorial service for Reverend Vernon Joseph Raschke, Ph.D., 87, will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Brookdale Retirement Community, 2540 Beene Blvd, Bossier City, LA.

Reverend Dr. Raschke was born on March 30, 1936, in Winner, South Dakota to Herman and Rose Raschke and passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Dr.Vern was a well-educated man who had a passion for Christ and serving others. He held many titles in his life such as husband, father, professor, therapist, linguist, artist, Priest, Reverend, Hospice Chaplain, and friend. He graduated from; St John’s University with a B.A. in Philosophy, Classical Languages, and Education in 1958, St. John’s Seminary in Theology, Scripture, and Pastoral Care, and became ordained in 1962, and then received his Ph.D. in 1972 from The University of Minnesota, in Sociology, Supporting Fields, Political Science and Statistics. With these degrees, he was able to accomplish great things and help countless people and their families. He was the associate Pastor at Perpetual Help Cathedral in Rapid City, South Dakota from 1962 to 1968. From 1968 to 1972, He was an associate Pastor at St. Joseph Church in Plymouth Minnesota, Chaplin to the Christian Brothers, and an Instructor at St. Mary’s College all while attending graduate school. During this time while in school, he met the love of his life, Helen, and left his role in the catholic church to marry her in 1971. This was a really big deal during that time, and he even had an article written about him in the newspaper. He had a dedication and love for her that was unmatched, and he cared for her and stayed by her side until she completed her journey to heaven. Together they served the lord and others by giving their time, money, and possessions. They had two sons they raised together and no matter how challenging times were they never wavered and gave them their unconditional love. He was an amazing man and role model for his boys. He spoke seven languages Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin, Koine Greek, German, Russian, and Lakota. He had a love for art and painting. He was a Catholic/Episcopal Priest for over 50 years, helping to guide his flock in their walk with God. He baptized hundreds of parishioners and cared for everyone he had the pleasure of speaking and connecting to. He knew his true calling was to share the word of God with as many people as he could and so he did in every facet of his life. He used this special calling and gift to assist those on their way home to the lord as a Hospice Chaplain. He provided spiritual healing through music, prayer, devotion, and love for over 10 years. He had as many as 60 patients at one time and gave them all equal time, love, and care. He was a man of many talents and titles, who made a great impact not only in his family but in lives and hearts of many.

Reverend Raschke is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his brother, Donald Raschke; sons, Richard Raschke and John Raschke; grandchildren, Leighton McClung, Joshua Raschke and Amanda Parker, and nephews, Michael Raschke and Paul Raschke.

The family would like to express special thanks to the Doctors, staff, and patients at Brookdale Retirement Community for the kindness and compassion they showed for Dr. Vern on his final journey home.