Raymond William Pettinger, 98, of Burchard, Nebraska was born on October 2, 1922 to Joseph and Anna (Fitz) Pettinger in Pawnee County, Nebraska.  Raymond was the sixth of nine children.  Raymond grew up helping his family on their farm.  He graduated from Burchard High School  in 1941.  Raymond continued working on the farm until he was called to serve his country as an Army MP in WWII from 4/2/1945 to 12/13/1946.  Following the war, Raymond returned to the farm.

He was introduced to Anna Kathleen “Katie” Bruce by a mutual friend and they wed in Red Oak, IA on August 1, 1953.  Raymond and Katie started their married life on a farm near Burchard, Nebraska.  Raymond was then selected to serve as Postmaster of Burchard by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a position he held for 28 years.

In their early years of marriage, Raymond and Katie welcomed several foster children and their nieces into their home.  They were later blessed (as were their children) to raise a daughter, Denise and a son, Douglas.  Raymond was a father figure to his grand-daughter, Erin, and they enjoyed a special relationship.  

In his younger years, Raymond enjoyed raising a large garden, hunting and stamp/coin collecting.  He was a member of American Legion Post 156, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was publisher of the BEN (Burchard Eagle News) Alumni newsletter.  During his retirement, Raymond enjoyed restoring antique tractors, shelling and sharing black walnuts, having coffee with his friends and traveling.

Raymond left this earth on August 29, 2021, following a brief illness. He is dearly missed by those who remain including his wife of 68 years, Katie, daughter Denise Pettinger of Beatrice, NE, son, Doug Pettinger and wife Ava of Hillsboro, TX, granddaughter, Erin of Arlington, VA, his sister-in-law, Evelyn Pettinger of Pawnee City, NE, brother-in-law, Bernard Bruce of Loveland, CO, step-grandchildren, Christopher Devlin and wife Alexi of Olympia, WA, Josh Devlin and wife Leticia of Hillsboro, TX and Sean MacMillian of Medford, OR, and  many nieces and nephews and their families. 

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and other family and friends.

Graveside service 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Burchard, Nebraska. Officiating Father Michael Christensen. Masks are required at the graveside and visitation.   A radio transmitter will be available at the graveside service for those choosing to stay in their vehicles. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Memorial masses can be offered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Burchard, Nebraska. 

Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Burchard, Nebraska. 

Memorials may go to the family's choice.

Military Honors provided by the Nebraska Army National Guard Honor Guard, the American Legion Post 289 Table Rock, VFW Post 5289 of Pawnee City, American Legion Post 156 of Burchard.

Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.