Ronald Erik Raichle, 88, Florida

Ronald Erik Raichle of St. Petersburg, Fla., passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at St. Anthony Hospital after a short illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 810 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Waseca.

Ronald was born June 21,1936 in Altoona, Pa., to Sheldon and Martha (Canole) Raichle. He attended St. Francis College and graduated from Penn State where he played football and ran track. He earned a degree in English and a Ph.D. in education.

Ronald met Jeanette Motz of Ellendale. They were married on April 27, 1963, at Holy Trinity Church in Litomysl.

Ronald taught English at Sacred Heart High School in Waseca and coached their football team for many years. He eventually taught and retired from Morristown School, Morristown, where he led his sixth grade on numerous adventures and recorded two polka albums with them.

His passions in life were raising his nine children and starting a family band. Polka music was always part of family life, and he never missed a polka dance. His legacy lives on in his children. He also enjoyed running, biking and playing his accordion for all who knew him.

Ronald is survived by Jeanette Raichle: children: Kurt (Natalie) Raichle, Brian (Pam) Raichle, Teresa Raichle Koslosky, Diana Raichle Gregory, Karlene Raichle Dent, Linda Raichle, Helen Raichle (Steve) and Kevin Raichle; his grandchildren: Lynette (Nick) Raichle Horns and Colin Raichle, Nick and Alex Raichle, Stanley, Owen, Phillip, Madeline and Anna Koslosky, Karissa, Jessica and Ryan Gregory, Connor Leite, Ava and Austin Dent; and great-grandchild, Meta Horns.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son Karl Raichle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice. For information or to leave an online condolence message, go to www.megercares.com.