Donald Herman Raistakka

Donald Herman Raistakka, was born June 29, 1934 in Astoria, Oregon and passed away January 30, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. He was the son of Herman and Hilia (Kaukua-Olson) Raistakka.

Donald attended Grays River Elementary School and graduated from Naselle Grays River Valley High School. During high school, he had his first job in the dairy industry. At age 15 he worked at the Lower Columbia Dairymen's Association plant at Grays River. Many refer to this as the Creamery. Following high school graduation he attended Pacific Lutheran College.

In 1954, he was inducted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska. Following his service in the Army, he attended Washington State University. Don moved on to do some graduate work at Oregon State University.

He travelled in Finland for seven months in 1961 where he met many family members including his future wife.

Don was hired by Carnation Dairy on Oct 12 1962 (the day of the Columbus Day Storm). He worked in Quality Control at the plant and assisted farmers in maintaining quality control on their farms. The majority of his career was with Carnation until Nestlé purchased it in the mid 1980's.

Don married Anneli Väinämö on November 12, 1972 at the Naselle Lutheran Church.

Pride in his Finnish heritage and his local community were Don's hallmarks. He made numerous trips to Finland to better learn the culture and history as well as connect with family. Don served on the Appelo Archives Center board while living in Portland and continued serving after he moved back to Rosburg in 2016. Donald was also a Grays River Grange member for 71 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Barr-Johnson-Hill Post #111.

Don is survived by his wife, Anneli; two sons, Mark and Erik; a daughter in law; two granddaughters; sister, Sadie Lehr, one niece and one nephew. His parents, sister Doris, and brothers Wallace and Wesley preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Appelo Archives Center. A private family interment of Donald's cremains will be at the Seal River Cemetery. A celebration of Donald's life will be held at the Rosburg Hall on April 13, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.