Grace Raess

Grace L. Raess, age 92 of Darlington, WI passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at her home in Darlington surrounded by her family. She was born August 2, 1930, in Rockford, IL the daughter of David and Anna (Bergman) Cornwell. Grace graduated from Muscoda High School in 1948. She was united in marriage to John C. Raess on April 21, 1949 in Dodgeville, WI. Following her marriage to John, they farmed for 25 years between Lamont and Shullsburg Townships before moving to Darlington in 1977. She worked at MicroSwitch in Warren, IL for 30 years before retiring in 1995. Grace is survived by four children: Gail Raess of Madison, WI, Robert Raess of Darlington, WI, Karen Thome of Platteville, WI, and Karla (Dennis) Wall of Darlington, WI; 5 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John in 2002; one sister: Mary Ann Foley; and one brother: David Richard Cornwell in infancy. Grace was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church a branch of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Darlington and its CCW. She was also a proud lifelong member of Bates-O'Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Auxiliary. Grace was a very active blood donor to the American Red Cross where she donated 13 gallons. She was also a volunteer for Lafayette County Hospice for two years. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren creating memories they will all remember forever. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Father Luke Syse officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:45 on Thursday, May 4, 2023 Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Grace's name.