Alan Raitor

From the farmlands of Sczedrzik, Poland to the farmlands of Waverly, Minnesota, Alan Raitor traced his family roots and memorialized them in his 2021 Genealogy & History of the Raitor Family. Alan approached this lifelong hobby with the same enthusiasm, commitment, and personal connection that guided him in his family life, career, and community.

Alan passed away peacefully at home, devoted family at his side, on June 14, 2026.

Alan was born to Tofel and Ruth Raitor in Waverly, Minnesota on January 14, 1930. He grew up on the family farm where he developed a strong work ethic and learned solid family values. When chores were not calling, Alan enjoyed playing high school baseball and basketball. Alan credits his music teachers with his musical foundation in band and choral music. After graduating from St. Cloud State University, Alan began his music educator career in Fairfax, Minnesota, where he met and married Jeanette Cavelle LaFontaine (Jeanie).

Alan next taught music in Baldwin, Wisconsin, a memorable “slice of life” time of friendships, marching band at football games, and starting a family. Alan earned his M.A Degree in music from the University of Northern Colorado at Greely and post-graduate studies at Western Colorado University in Gunnison. Summers spent in graduate school, living in a small trailer house with Jeanie and 2 toddlers, live on in family lore as a happy, adventurous, and fulfilling time.

Alan taught high school music in Sauk Centre for 30 years, retiring in 1987. During these years, Alan built strong band and choir programs. Under Alan’s leadership, his students earned awards for outstanding performances at regional and state level contests. Alan personally cared about, respected, and inspired his students. His students, in turn, respected him and gave their absolute best. Alan kept up with countless students, remaining interested in their life paths. He taught the children of many of his early students, growing the circle of life. Alan spoke fondly of his students, recalling stories and treasuring memories of their friendship.

Alan’s career included many noteworthy performances and awards. In 1979, the Sauk Centre High School band and choir performed at the ASBDA (American School Band Directors Association) national convention. Alan served on the board of directors for the Minnesota State High School League and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. Additionally, he served on the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) board of directors. During Alan’s MMEA tenure, including his state presidency, the MMEA launched innovative programs and advanced existing ones, enhancing the MMEA’s purpose and efficacy in Minnesota music education. Alan also wrote for “The School Musician” and “The Gopher Music Notes,” Alan was inducted into the MMEA Hall of Fame in 1991.

Alan was a tireless community volunteer. He’ll be fondly remembered for conducting Sauk Centre’s annual Festival of Lessons and Carols choir, the Sauk Centre Men’s Chorus, “Sons of Pitches,” and the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra and Community choir in the sing-along “Messiah.” Alan was a founding member of the Centre Area Concert Association. At age 95, Alan was still actively fundraising for this organization which contributing to the quality of life in Sauk Centre and the surrounding areas. Alan’s lasting impression lives on in Roger Reinardy’s inspirational mural in the Sinclair Lewis Park band shell.

As dedicated as Alan was to his students and bringing out the best in each of them, his dedication to his family was his top priority. Alan was devoted to his beautiful wife, Jeanie and made countless sacrifices to assure the absolute best upbringing for his children, from quality education, travel, and cultural opportunities, to instilling Catholic values that created a solid foundation for their lives.

Alan is survived by Jeanie, his loving wife of 74 years, and their five children, Nancy (Mark) Emmel of Fargo, ND, Gwen (Tony) Neal of Homer, AK, Mark (Peggy) Raitor of Sauk Centre, Paula (Ernie) Viens of Eagle River, AK, and John (Carleen) Raitor of Buffalo, MN. He will be lovingly remembered by 15 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Alan was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Alice Bates.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre on June 18 at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at St. Paul’s Cemetery and a celebratory luncheon at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 17, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and on Thursday, June 18, 10:00-10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be given to Holy Family School or Centre Area Concert Association, a cause that was dear to Alan’s heart.