Arda R. Raatz

Arda Rae Raatz, age 58, entered her Eternal Home in Heaven on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Arda was born on July 31, 1964 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Arden and Donna Raatz.

Arda enjoyed a very long and fulfilling career as a Paralegal with the Walter Bush Law Office and, in her latter years before retirement, with David K. Sparr and Associates.

Arda loved to create beautiful, beaded jewelry, knit scarves and washcloths for her family/friends and was an amazing cook. She loved to sing and collect funny t-shirts, jewelry and high-heeled shoes. She cherished her beloved family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them eating out, shopping or around backyard bonfires. She was an extremely giving person and had a beautiful, unique way of looking at the world. It is in this spirit that Arda donated her corneas. The prayer is that others will now be able to see all the love and light this world has to offer through the eyes of one who cherished these gifts all the days of her life.

Arda is survived by her beloved husband of 22 years, Douglas Yoder; their children, Alexyse Jillian Rae Raatz, Jackson Nathianyle James Raatz-Yoder, Eric (Anna) Yoder, and Erin Yoder. Grandchildren: Caleb, Finn, Liam, Cullen, Harlee and Reilly. Sisters: Mary Krumenauer, Le Ann (William) Santiago, Jo Ann (Bob) Helm, Paula (Glenn) Hunter, Sara Raatz. Lifelong friends, the kindergarten girls, Jill, Penny and Tamara, and dear friend Kelly Cantú. Surrogate family: Jon, and the late Margaret Ahrens, Ron (Aimee) Ahrens, Craig (Lori) Ahrens, Kimberly (Daniel) Long, and Rachel (Lew) Ahrens. Numerous nieces and nephews. Pups: Robert and Bruce. And, of course, Arda’s long-time “boyfriends”: William Shatner, Robert Downey Jr. and Troy Aikman.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Arda’s life scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Arda’s favorite charity, will be established.