Willard Gordon Raaflaub

Willard Gordon Raaflaub, with daughters by his side, journeyed home to be with his Lord on June 26, in his 93rd year. 

Sincere thanks to the staff of Muskoka Shores, family and friends who helped along the journey.

Willard was the oldest of five boys born to Gladys & Gordon Raaflaub on July 18, 1931, in Magnetawan. He deeply loved his brothers, and their families. Ken (Sharon), Phil (Christine), Pat (sister-in-law) and was welcomed home by Robert, Howard, and Marilyn.

Willard met the love of his life Joyce (Kerr) at a church gathering in her hometown of North Bay. He worked diligently to save money to be able to rent a car to visit during their courtship. That dedication remained evident throughout their 66 years of marriage. They had three daughters, Susan, Nancy, and Karen. 

In addition to being a dedicated spouse and loving father, he was passionate about nature, boating, fishing, hunting, family and God. He loved his hometown and served it with dedication. Willard was an active founding member of the Magnetawan Lions Club and was deeply involved in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. 

He was a leader and a respected businessman and proudly owned and operated ‘Marine Service Garage’. Along with fixing motors, he was skilled at refinishing antique wooden boats. He valued the relationships formed through the marina. His employees and many cottagers became valued lifelong friends. 

Left to live his legacy are family members which include seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, with a seventh due any day. He enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with them and loved them all deeply.

Susan: Craig (Jessica/Lauren/Ethan) and Darryl

Nancy (Bill): Stacey (Abe/Luke/Theo), Nathan, Wesley (Brittany/Owen)

Karen: Jesse (Megan), Jacob (Madison/Jackson/Baby) 

He was loved and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Throughout life, Willard held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared openly. His favourite bible verse was Ephesians 2:8: ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; it is a gift of God…’

Family will receive friends at the Opatovsky Funeral Home- Dempster Chapel on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 7-9 p.m. 

A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Magnetawan on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 1 p.m., followed by the burial at Spence Cemetery. 

(We appreciate your help in making this a scent-free environment.)

Donations to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief www.clwr.org; Hospice Huntsville www.hospicehuntsville.com or a charity of your choice would be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy.