Robert “Bob” Ray Rawlings, 91, of Osceola, Wisconsin, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at his home in Osceola.
Bob was born on April 15, 1932, to Charles and Agnes (Schouweiler) Rawlings in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended Johnson High School and graduated Class of 1951. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Lindstrom, on June 7, 1952, and on Jan. 8, 1953, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged on Jan. 7, 1955. After the service, he and Beverly made their home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In 1971, they moved to Osceola and have been a part of the community ever since. Bob owned and operated Northern Electricians “NEI” in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and retired in 2004.
Bob was involved in the St. Croix Falls VFW, president of the Deer Lake Association, head of the Peace Lutheran building committee, and on the calling board for the church. Bob was Scout Master for the Osceola chapter of the Boy Scouts and with his leadership, seven young men achieved Eagle Scout rank in one year! This was quite an accomplishment and he talked all his life about how proud he was of those seven men, especially in his later years. When he wasn’t involved in the community, he was out enjoying his hobbies.
Bob enjoyed mowing his lawn, golfing, hunting, traveling, learning about history, taking a drive and anything to do with the military. He especially enjoyed the time spent with his children and grandchildren.
Bob’s positive attitude, giant heart and big smile will be missed by many.
Bob is survived by his wife of 71 years, Beverly; children, Todd (Rita) and Sue (Amy Luesebrink-Rawlings) Rawlings; grandchildren, Joshua and Ryan Rawlings; great-grandchildren, Leo, Freja and Mason Rawlings; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Agnes; and siblings, Charles, Neale and Helen.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15, at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser, Wisconsin, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online at grandstrandfh.com. Memorials are preferred to Peace Lutheran Church.
