John Raftery

John Edmond Raftery, age 72, entered into Eternal Life on Thursday, December 7, 2017. He was born on April 28, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to the late John Howard Raftery and Margaret Pope (Montgomery) Raftery. On October 15, 1966, John married his kindergarten sweetheart and lifelong love, Mary Myrtle Hallberg in Geneva, IL.
John is survived by his wife, Mary; 3 children: Kate (Ken) Muth of Whitefish Bay; John (Amy) Raftery of Chapin, SC; Betsy (Joe) Turek of Durham, NC. John was known as loving "Buppa" to 8 grandchildren: Michael Muth, Libby Muth, Patrick Muth, Violet Raftery, Lulu Raftery, Ava Rose Turek, Joey Turek, and Jack Turek. His grandchildren couldn't pass by him without being captured in a Buppa Bear Hug or given a few words of encouragement.
John spent his high school years at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, WI. He later graduated from U.W. Whitewater, Summa Cum Laude with a BBA in Business, Pre-Law. He worked for the Dane County District Attorney while attending law school at the University of Wisconsin where he graduated with a JD in 1977. He moved his young family to Sheboygan that year and started practicing law with John Holden. He later joined the firm Hopp, Hodson, Powell and Raftery where he spent most of his legal career. John was a past president of Sheboygan Rotary West and served on numerous boards and councils throughout his life, including the Lutheran School of Theology, Memorial Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Sheboygan County YMCA and First United Lutheran Church. He found his greatest satisfaction in helping others. After his retirement, he worked for the adult homes service, New Beginnings. He was cherished by all that had the opportunity to meet him.

John was a voracious reader, especially of historical novels, biographies, mysteries and newspapers. He enjoyed games, puzzles and riddles. His friends and family were the very lucky audiences for his endless jokes and pranks. His favorite company included his Irish Setter dogs who he loved to spoil. He was a self-taught handyman, enjoyed many years camping and traveling with his family, and time spent in Eagle River, WI.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, Amen. We will miss you John/Dad/Buppa more than you can imagine.

Family and friends are invited to visit at First United Lutheran Church, 2401 Kohler Memorial Drive, Sheboygan on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Todd Smith officiating. Reception details follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Lutheran Church or Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134. A memorial fund has also been established in his name.