Kenneth William Raatz

Kenneth William Raatz, age 78, passed away in Laurel, Maryland on June 13, 2026.

Born July 14, 1947, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kenneth was the son of Charles Raatz and Agnes Patzitny Raatz. At a young age, Kenneth and his parents moved to Los Angeles, California, where he learned to surf and developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

Shortly after graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and began what would become a distinguished military career. Kenneth completed basic training at Fort Ord, California, where he trained as a radio operator. Following his training, he deployed to Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. Upon returning from deployment, he completed his enlistment and returned to Los Angeles, California, where he would meet his wife, Annette. Kenneth then joined the United States Postal Service, where he served as a letter carrier for over a decade.

Kenneth returned to military service in 1980, joining the Active Guard Reserve program — the active duty component of the Army Reserve and National Guard. He trained as a combat medic and served in several medical units, culminating his career by achieving the rank of Sergeant Major and serving as the Operations Sergeant Major at the Walter Reed Medical Center.

During his time as a combat medic, Kenneth earned several military skill badges, including Airborne, Air Assault, and the Expert Field Medical Badge. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Kenneth loved the outdoors and volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. His passion for travel and adventure led to many miles on the road, pulling his large trailer behind his beloved Chevrolet truck. In retirement, he traveled the country with his wife and pets. At home, he enjoyed watching Western movies — especially anything starring John Wayne. Never one to sit still for long, Kenneth was always looking for the next home project and was ever willing to lend a hand to neighbors and friends.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Annette Raatz; sons Brian and Nicholas Raatz; and daughters-in-law Khara and Julia Raatz.

A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.