Harvey Gene Raaf, age 90, passed away March 22, 2024 at Yates Center Health and Rehab.  He was born September 10, 1933, the second child of John and Freida Knapp Raaf on the farm 2 ½ miles south of Gridley where Harv has lived the past 58 years.  He attended Bangor school until it closed and graduated from Gridley Rural High School in 1951.  He joined his dad in farming and feeding cattle under the name, John Raaf and Son.

September 26, 1954, he married Jo Ann Ingwersen of rural Burlington.  The first two years of their marriage were very eventful.  Their first child, Jacqueline Jean was born November 1, 1955 and died 2 days later.  On April 2, 1956 a tornado destroyed the farm buildings and damaged the house.  Neighbors tore it down and a new one was built.  Lynne was born October 3, 1956.

Son, John Mark was born November 24, 1960.  After graduating from KSU he joined the ranching operation and it was renamed South Big Creek Ranch.  Harv was always happiest when he was buying and feeding cattle.  He enjoyed helping Lynne and Mark with their 4-H projects and playing games with them, attending the kids and grandkids ballgames, and family gatherings.  He liked to vacation in Branson, camp with relatives and friends, and make daily trips to Rodgers Station with his dog for coffee and the news.

Through the years Harv served as chairman of the Coffey County Fairboard, Gridley United Methodist Church Adm Board, Coffey County Extension Board, a 70-year member of Kansas Livestock Assn and a Coffey County director, 30 years on the Lyon-Coffey Rural Electric Board.  He was a 75-year member of both the Masons and Grange and served as of Master of both.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Julia Mae Birk, and baby daughter.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, daughter Lynne (Gery)Matile, son Mark (Cindy)Raaf, granddaughters, Libby (Jon)Milkovich, Morgan (Nick)Wilcox, Kayla (Cody)Taylor and Caitlin Ralstin, great grandchildren, Harris and James Milkovich, Lincoln and Shepherd Harvey Wilcox, Carly and Aiden Taylor.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 6 at 11 AM at the Gridley United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be at Jones Funeral Home from 7 to 8 PM on Friday evening, April 5.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gridley United Methodist Church in care of Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.