Twilah M. Raes

Twilah M. Raes, 84, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, at Fieldstone of DeWitt.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in East Moline, with a private family committal service.

Twilah Marie Wittevrongel was born March 10, 1942, in Moline, Illinois, to Sylvian "Slim" and Clara Emily (Van Acker) Wittevrongel. She graduated from Alleman Catholic High School in Rock Island, Illinois.

On November 19, 1960, she married George Albert Raes. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Throughout the years, they made their homes in Moline and East Moline, Illinois, and in Welton, Delmar, and DeWitt, Iowa.

Twilah worked for 14 years with the Central Community School District in DeWitt as both a custodian and cook. She was a dedicated member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Welton until its closing and later became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt.

Twilah enjoyed fishing, painting, camping, reading, and helping others whenever she could. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, willingness to serve, and lifelong commitment to her community. For 35 years, she taught hunter safety, helping generations of young people learn safe and responsible outdoor practices. She was also active with the Boy Scouts of America, receiving both the Order of the Arrow and Silver Beaver awards in recognition of her service. In addition, she was a devoted member of the DeWitt American Legion Auxiliary and was always willing to lend a helping hand where it was needed.

More than any accomplishment, Twilah treasured time spent with her family and friends. Her kindness, compassion, and servant's heart touched many lives and will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, George; her children, Julie Raes (Matt Davies) of Lodi, Wisconsin, Ronald "Ron" (Suzette) Raes of Deforest, Wisconsin, Patricia "Pat" Raes (Steve Clemons) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Lori (Dennis) Wedig of Cuba City, Wisconsin, Mary (David) Wells of Blue Grass, Iowa, and Connie (Bill) Harris of LeClaire, Iowa; grandchildren, Joel (Kate) Hasenmiller, Daniel (Carrie) Hasenmiller, Jacob (Allie) Niemeyer, Cody (Reggie) Davies, Matthew (Sasha) Raes, Justin (Amanda) Thompson, Amy (Eric) Roling, Kelly (Aaron) Bochniak, Dylan (Ciera) Clemons, Amber (Chris) Herrin, and Valerie (Drake) Denger; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Thomas, Nic, Nolan, Emme, and Isla Hasenmiller, Bella and Gracie Raes, Clara, Aiden, and Grady Thompson, Jackson, Leo, and Mae Roling, Arlo and Kash Bochniak, Juno Clemons, Paige and Olivia Herrin, and Genevieve Denger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvian "Slim" and Clara Wittevrongel; her in-laws, Joseph and Eunice Raes; her stepfather, Ed Nicholson; her brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Hideko Wittevrongel; her niece, Diana Lynne; and her special companion, Oakley.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Fieldstone of DeWitt, whom they came to regard as family; and to the compassionate team of MercyOne Genesis Hospice for the care and support they provided to Twilah and her family.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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