Obituary of Ralph Raabe

Ralph Raabe Dundee/Horseheads: Ralph Raabe, age 93, of Dundee, previously of Horseheads, NY was united with his precious Savior on Tuesday morning November 9, 2021 in the comfort of his daughters home with her and his dearest friends at his side. The family will receive friends during the viewing hour from 3-4 p.m. Sunday Nov. 14, at Faith Baptist Church 13 Harpending Ave. Dundee, NY; where his funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor David and Pastor Larry Semans officiating. Serving as pallbearers Zachary Mapes, Phillip A. Hubbard, Wally Westfall, Isaac Semans, Davie Semans, Dennis Hyde Jr., and Noah Price Honorary. Burial with Military Honors will be in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Baptist Church, 13 Harpending Ave., Dundee, NY 14837. Ralph was born Aug. 10, 1928 in Long Island City, NY, the son of the late Rudolph and Katherine (During) Raabe. Obtaining his driver's license while still in school, he has been behind a steering wheel, all of his life. He started his working career with Allied moving company; before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1948, and being Honorably Discharged in 1952. His trucking knowledge and expertise expanded to moving Mobile Homes, and eventually owning Pioneer Trailer Moving in Horseheads, and driving Semi's for Clark Trucking. On Dec. 4, 1955 in New York City, NY he married the former Betty Ann Bogart who worked alongside of him as his partner and co-owner of Pioneer. Having summered on Seneca Lake at Starkey Point since 1972; they moved to Dundee permanently in 1994. He soon began driving truck for Washburn Excavating, Scotts Construction, Friendly Dodge Jeep in Penn Yan, and lastly Cardinal Disposal, enjoying being supervisor of the village recycling drop site in Dundee. Mr. & Mrs. Raabe were devoted former members of the Horseheads First Baptist Church for many years, Ralph held many positions including driving the Sunday School Bus. Their love of God and the Church carried on as devoted members of Faith Baptist Church in Dundee where they loved and cherished the church and all of its members. Ralph was a "True Nature Lover" who loved all animals and pets, and enjoyed feeding the local wildlife. He believed and lived by "Working Hard", and never tired of it. He was a natural handy man, who enjoyed woodworking and fixing anything that needed repair, especially at the church; he even built his own Cabin Cruiser. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, model trains, fishing, and enjoying his eldest daughters' baking & cooking. He is loved and will be dearly missed by his 2 daughters Robin Ann (Phillip) Hubbard of Horseheads, NY; and Roxann (Mark) Clute of Raleigh, N.C.; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and a brother Robert Raabe of New South Wales, Australia; and special family members Wally & Sue Westfall of Dundee. He was predeceased by his 5 year old son Ralph "Butch" Raabe Jr. in 1961, and his wife of 58 years Betty Ann Raabe on February 12, 2014. Arrangements are entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee, NY; to leave online condolences and memories to the family visit www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.