Please click on the video tribute below to view Dick's memorial and committal services.

Richard Raymond Raker, 93, Ada, MN passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, December 5, 2023 at Benedictine Care Community, Ada.

Born in Penn Yan, NY, located on Keuka Lake, at age 16 Dick found a love for sailing. Following his high school graduation at 17, Dick enrolled in medical school. He soon learned this was not his forte and enlisted in the Army. For the next 21 years he utilized his mathematical skills working for the military.

Upon retiring from the military, Dick became a CPA and branch manager for the regulatory auditor's department for customs in L.A. Which allowed more time with his three children.

Dick was an avid marksman and consequently enjoyed hunting various animals. You could often times find him with a book or a donut in his hand, always with a cup of coffee or Diet Rite in the other. Dick was known for his kind, gentile ways with children, and soft-spoken demeanor. These attributes were especially useful when he convinced Carolyn to marry him in 1992, after 10 years of dating. That and his square-dancing skills of course.

Dick and Carolyn loved spending their time traveling cross country with their truck and travel trailer visiting family and friends. During which they were able to be present for the birth of their five youngest Grandchildren. No matter where they happened to be, Dick made sure they were always there for their family in times of need. "Papa" was known for walking the Grandchildren to the local deli for a box of powdered sugar donuts.

After 11 years of traveling the country, Dick and Carolyn "retired" in Ocala, FL. For 19 years Dick enjoyed making his daily trip to McDonalds in the golf cart for crosswords and coffee with his buddies. After multiple medical issues for Dick and Carolyn both and the loss of their daughter Cindy, it was decided it was time to move back home with family. They made their new and final home at Mission Court Assisted Living in Ada, MN. Recently Dick moved to Benedictine Care Community, the nursing home attached to Mission Court. This was a wonderful set up as Carolyn and Dick were still able to be together each and every day up until the time of his death.

Dick is survived by his wife Carolyn of 31 years; son Rick (Angie) Raker; daughter Robin (Kevin) Shannon; daughter Randi Lewis; son-in-law Robert Shapiro; daughter-in-law Carole Morrison; brother-in-law Arlo Anderson; sister-in-law Gail (Dale) Zimprich, 6 grandchildren, and multiple great and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son-in-law Paul Lewis, daughter-in-law Cindy Shapiro, granddaughter Shayann, sister, parents, and grandparents.

In honor of Dicks dedication to The United States Army, the family asks that attendees wear red, white, or blue.

Memorial Service: 10:30 AM, Monday, December 11, 2023 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN.

Visitation: 9:00 AM until the time of the service on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN.

Interment with full military rites: Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.

Please view our guestbook and share condolences online for the family.