Raymond F. Dobbelaere

Raymond F. Dobbelaere, age 87, of Hastings, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died peacefully at his home on December 9, 2008. Raymond was born on October 4, 1921 in Ghent, MN to Harry and Johanna Dobbelaere. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a member of both the Hastings American Legion and V.F.W. Raymond married Martha R. Vandermeersch on April 28, 1948 at St. Eloi's Church in Ghent, MN. He had worked as a mill wright with King Midas, Peavey, and Con Agra prior to his retirement.Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; sister Louise; and son Donald. He is survived by his wife Martha; children Karen Dobbelaere, Richard (Brenda) Dobbelaere, Mary Balitz, Barbara Elliott, Mark (Margaret) Dobbelaere, and Joan (Don) Allery; also 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.The funeral mass, officiated by Fr. Abraham George will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 12, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035Fifteenth St. West inHastings with a visitation held 1 hour prior to the Friday service at church. Interment with military honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210 will follow in the parish cemetery. The pallbearers are Chad Dobbelaere, Luke Dobbelaere, Christopher Elliott, Garrett Balitz, Jeremy Balitz, and Nathan Balitz.