John E. Raether was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on 10 December 1920, to Arnold and Valborg (nee Gresholdt) Raether. As an only child, this charming little fellow grew into a man of true character.

After serving in the United States Army, John returned to his hometown to begin his career at Manitowoc Engineering as an international serviceman for the crane division. While he enjoyed his far-reaching travels around the world – Australia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Venezuela – John delighted in returning home to his beloved parents and Uncle Harold Gresholdt and to share his time, talent, and treasure with his community including his favorite recipes from abroad.

John passed away in May 1994, yet his admiration for his Uncle Harold and his devotion to his community continues through the John E. Raether and Harold E. Gresholdt Scholarship Fund. John’s life experiences inspired him to help local students attend institutions of higher learning so that they too may have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career.

Annual distributions from the John E. Raether and Harold E. Gresholdt Scholarship Fund are issued to Lincoln, Lutheran, and Roncalli High Schools for students pursuing post-secondary education.

In John’s words, the scholarships are made
“in remembrance of my small contribution to the promotion of a college education.”