Karen Raatz Obituary

Karen Joyce Housley Raatz went into the loving arms of Jesus on January 16, 2026. Karen was born July 1, 1944, to Mr. William H. Housley, Sr. and Marilyn L. (Orne) Housley in Geneva Township, Wisconsin. Growing up in the farming community and being the oldest of nine children in the family, Karen gained versatile skills that would benefit her later in life. Karen graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1963. She married the father of her children, Richard B. Snodie, Sr., on September 28, 1963, and later divorced.

Karen married her best friend and the love of her life, Reinhart (Butch) Delbert Raatz, on February 13, 1993. Prior to his passing on October 6, 2011, she and Butch enjoyed many adventures together, including participation in bowling leagues at Walworth Lanes and Delavan Lanes, the Sharon Skip Drifters Snowmobile Club, and the Walco Camper Club. Karen was also an active member of the Walworth County Senior Travel Club in her later years.

Karen was a cook and babysitter for many years. She owned and operated Kid's World Day Care in Walworth, Wisconsin, for 25 years, and most recently worked as a cook for Rock Walworth Head Start and Vintage on the Ponds. Karen loved cooking and baking, entering many of her special treats at the Walworth County Fair, where she was awarded Champion for her delicious cheesecake.

Karen enjoyed volunteering in the community and performed a variety of duties in her local church for many years. Karen was also involved in local 4-H clubs while her children were growing up and most recently was a volunteer usher at the Belfry Music Theatre. She loved Elvis and country music.

She is survived by siblings Ronald Housley; William (Mary) Housley, Jr.; Candace Wiedenhoeft; James (Donna) Hann; Ellen Hann; Marilyn (Robert) Krenkel; and Lyle "Fred" (Raelene) Hann.

Children: Richard (Sarah) Snodie, Jr.; Ronald (Trever) Snodie; Robert (Johny) Snodie; Kathleen (William) Haury; Rodney (Tammy) Snodie; Holly Raatz; Duane (Melinda) Raatz; Amy (Eric) Pagels; and bonus daughter Jessica (Ted) Peters; 23 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband, Reinhart D. Raatz; parents, William H. Housley, Sr. and Marilyn L. Hann; sister, Wilma Housley; children, Valerie and Roger Snodie; sister-in-law, Judy Housley; and her grandparents.

Visitation to be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Additional Visitation to be held the next day, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Calvary Community, N2620 Harris Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a Funeral Service to follow immediately.

She will be laid to rest with her dear husband at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.

In honor of Karen's favorite color blue, the family is requesting guests to wear any blue you may have.

"But they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint."

- Isaiah 40:31

Nitardy Funeral Home - Proudly serving the family.