Ellaner (Bohlsen) Raske

Ellaner Raske, 97, of Willmar, died Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Bethesda Sunrise Village in Willmar. Her memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 10th at Roseland Reformed Church. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Friday, January 9th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to her service at the church. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

Ellaner Raske was born on October 21, 1928, to George and Grace (Petersen) Bohlsen on the family farm in Chippewa County. She grew up in Clara City and graduated from high school in 1946. Ellaner began her working years at Variety Supply in Clara City, but when her father was injured in a farm accident, she stepped in without hesitation to help run the family farm.

On September 22, 1949, Ellaner married the love of her life, Vernon Raske, at Bunde Reformed Church. Together they made their home on a farm north of Roseland, where they raised their sons and built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family.

In 1965, Ellaner began working as a cook at Sunnyside School, later moving into retail and jewelry sales in Willmar. With her natural sense of style and warm personality, she loved helping others look and feel their best. Dedicated and energetic, she continued working until the age of 81.

She was an active member of the Roseland Reformed Church where Ellaner was involved in bible study and as a Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of the Red Hats Club in Willmar.

Ellaner found joy in many hobbies—cooking, baking delicious desserts, tending to her garden, reading, and faithfully cheering for the Minnesota Twins. She lived her life with strength, grace, and a generous heart, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew her.

Ellaner is survived by her sons: Craig (and Bonnie) Raske of St. Cloud; Mark Raske of Otsego; three grandchildren: Kimberly (and Dave) Forsythe, Jeffrey (and Lynn) Ahlquist and Melissa (and Mike) Nix; seven great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Muriel Meyer, Carol Bohlsen, and Beverly Raske.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings: Donald Bohlsen, Leonard Bohlsen and Mabel Kluver.

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