Brig General Robert Raisch (Ret) Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert S. Raisch, 91 passed away on Feb 11th surrounded by his family. Born in Detroit to Aileen and Albert Raisch, he dreamed of flying jets and had a deep love of country. He graduated from Cranbrook High School, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 1947 and joined the Holloway V-S program, attending Duke University to receive his major in mechanical engineering. He was the student team manager of the Duke Basketball team 47’, 48’ and a member of the Duke Lacrosse Team. He was commissioned into the USMC Reserve in 1951. He served in the Korean War and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in the Marine Fighting Squadron 224. In June 1965, he entered the ready reserve and was a pilot with VMF-222 at NAS, Grosse Ile, Mich., where he remained until May of 1967. On May 1, 1967, General Raisch assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS)-4 at NAS, Grosse Ile. In April 1976, he became Assistant Wing Commander, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4thMAW) and was advanced to Brigadier General on June 6, 1976 where he assumed command of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANGB). This position at SANGB was created because and for General Raisch. In addition, General Raisch earned two Air Medals, holds the Navy Unit Commendation with one Bronze star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two battle stars, the Organized Marine Reserve Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation with one star and the Navy Occupation Medal. As a civilian, he was the owner of The Supersine Co. for more than 50 years, a sign manufacturing business that he created with his father and later ran with his daughters. As a Detroiter, he was actively involved in supporting the community from the mounting of the Spirit of Detroit with Marshall Fredricks, for which he alone can claim - he is the only man to have been inside the Spirt of Detroit. For more than a decade, he participated in the Parade Company behind the scenes and as a Distinguished Clown in The Thanksgiving Day parade, sat rink side at Olympia Stadium to watch his friends - the Red Wings. As a member of Bayview Yacht Club, he was an avid sailor and the owner of the NY32 Patriot. Additionally, he spearheaded the Detroit Marine Corp Mess Night. His love of being a clown in the Detroit parade, inspired him to participate (for 7 years) in the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City. As a champion of animals and his love of seeing the horses on Belle Isle as a child, he created Restore the Horse Foundation in Detroit. General Raisch was paramount to re-establishing the Detroit Mounted Police, the first Mounted Unit created in the Country. This non-profit foundation that was established to preserve and support Mounted Police Units across Metro Detroit. As a Michigander, he was a true wolverine and a summer resident of Mackinac Island. He had a special fondness for the island, its history, its people and was instrumental in many local activities. He found countless hours to write plays, perfect his croquette game, build model boats of the Great Lakes, and play banjo - all at which he was proficient. He was a renaissance man who braved the hostile skies of Korea and then, years later, fulfilled another dream of his by directing Broadway-level plays with the cast of characters from Detroit to Mackinac Island. His love of theater shone through, as a set designer for more than 50 years for local professional and community theaters, a director, and a champion for the Arts. He was involved in countless charity work and was a member of the AIA-MSA, Mackinac Island Associates, Music Hall Producers, Marine Corps Red Coats, Duke Alumni Association, St. Dunstan’s Theater Guild, ASPCA, Michigan Humane Society and the GABCDC. General Raisch is survived by his wife Susan of 67 years, his beloved dog Tutu, his children Robert L. Raisch (Charlie Pallone), Elizabeth R. Mitchell (James (Gil) Mitchell), Laura S. Raisch, Julie G. Raisch and his grandchildren Andrew Raisch Notter, Katherine E. Jaffke, and Matthew L. Jaffke. He is preceded in death by his grandson Robert L. Jaffke. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his name to the Marine Corp Scholarship Fund, The Restore the Horse Foundation and The Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. A memorial service will take place on Mackinac Island this summer. Date TBD

Brig General Robert Raisch (Ret)

December 8, 1929 - February 11, 2021