Georgia Raasch, 86, Dickinson died Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Georgia’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the United Methodist Church, Dickinson with Rev, Scott McKirdy officiating. Interment will take place in the Dickinson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Georgia Lucille Thompson was born November 4, 1922 in Claypool, Ind. She spent her childhood years in both Warsaw, Ind. and Phoenix, Ariz. Georgia studied nursing, and served as a nurse in the United States Army during World War II. While stationed in Japan, Georgia met Richard Raasch, an Army doctor.

Georgia married Richard at the end of the war. They lived in Broken Bow, Neb. until 1955, when Dr. Raasch accepted a position at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson as radiologist.

Georgia and Richard raised six children in Dickinson. Dr. Raasch became ill and died in 1971. Georgia took a job as an instructor of nursing at Dickinson State College in 1973. She taught nursing for 20 years, enjoying her students, the colleagues she treasured, and the lifelong friendships she made.

Georgia was an active member of the United Methodist Church. She was also active in St. Cecilia’s, P.E.O., the Medical Auxiliary, and other organizations. She served in several cabinet positions for the North Dakota State Nurses’ Association. During her teaching years, Georgia was a member of the faculty senate for four years, and served on the salary commission.

Georgia is survived by her children Rodney (Lynn) Raasch, Rick (Beth) Raasch, Renee (Eric) Wicklund of Minnesota; Randy (Vivian) Raasch of Hettinger; and Shelly Raasch and Robbin Kolodejchuk of Dickinson. Georgia is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Tori, Brandon, Kayla, Zachary, Jessica, Brittani, Jennifer, Dustin and Shannon. She is also survived by her two brothers, James (Jo) and Robert (Margaret) Black; and one sister-in-law, Joan Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Georgia Raasch Nursing Scholarship Fund at Dickinson State University.