Edward Joseph Raffel

Edward Joseph "Ed" Raffel, age 95, of Saint Charles, Missouri passed away on Monday, July 13, 2020. He was born in St Louis, Missouri on March 18, 1925.

Ed passed peacefully on July 13 at his St. Charles Apartment. He was married in 1947 to the love of his life Helen. They met 77 years ago and were married 73 years. He was a proud WWII Navy Veteran and a member of The American Legion Post 422. Ed worked as a tool and die maker for 40 years for Bussmann Manufacturing in St. Louis.

Ed had many joys in life. Ed loved to travel especially with the In-Laws and the Out-Laws. He loved his hunting trips with close friends. He was a proud member of Grandpa Raffel's fishing team. Ed's affection of dogs was known by family and friends. Ed was also a talented woodworker that could build anything. He was also a founding member of the Aldermen of Monique Court.

Music moved him. The first dance was always with the love of his life, Helen at any event. Ed loved to dance especially to music of the 40's and hosted many dance get togethers. Ed was especially famous for his passion of food. His appetite was astounding, the amount of food he could consume was unmatched by anyone. The family truly believed Ed missed his real calling in life, he easily could have have been a world eating competition champion.

Ed enjoyed nothing better than going to his favorite place, Crown Candy Kitchen, every year on his birthday. Here he would have a roast beef sandwich, an order of chili mac, a fire chief sundae, and a chocolate malt., Yes, he ordered all that each time, and each time he finished it completely, and then thought about ordering more.

Ed had a number of nicknames Edju, Eddie, Junior, Dad, Paw-Paw, and "E". Ed loved to laugh and enjoyed practical jokes. He was a generous man that was always willing to help anyone in need. Ed leaves behind a family that will cherish all the memories over the years. He treasured all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Ed is survived by his wife, Helen Raffel, daughter, Becky Orzel (Joe Petrillo), son, Greg (Melanie) Raffel, daughter, Gerry Raffel (Linda Jones), two grandsons; Brad (Shannon) Orzel, and Bob (Jamie) Orzel, six great grandchildren; Piper, Karly, Carson, Davis, Owen, and Wesley, two sisters, Bernice Chierek, and Mary Ann Kline and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth Raffel, a brother, Bernie, and two brothers-in-law, Stephen Chierek, and Ken Kline.

Visitation will be held Monday, July, 27, 2020, from 9:00am ~ 10:00 am at St Joachim and Ann Catholic Church, St Charles, MO, with Mass at 10:00 am. Full Military Honors will follow Mass at the church. Private burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Legion Post 422 2601 South 11th St. St Louis, MO 63118.

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