Since the fire that destroyed their house on Oct. 15, Mike and Lisa Raschke have secured a furnished rental and have started the process of rebuilding with a local contractor.
"The guys with Sandrini Construction and Restoration have been great.” Mike Raschke told The Chronicle. “We went in and sat down with Ron (Sandrini) yesterday and drew up some basic plans for the new house … that was a big turning point."
Raschke told The Chronicle that the new structure will not be a replica of the original farm house, but the new foundation will have roughly the same footprint as the former home. Sandrini, contractor for the Raschke family, estimates that it will take about six months to rebuild.
Many members of the Adna and surrounding communities have come together to provide support, resources and financial support. The GoFundMe page set up for the Raschke family the same evening as the fire by family friends has raised more than $19,300.
Raschke's voice becomes shaky with emotion when he lists all the contributions that have benefitted them during this time of tragedy, healing and transition.
The day following the fire, a large number of community volunteers descended upon the Raschke property, willing to lend a hand with a shovel, or to sort through the rubble and ash.
The family was able to rescue and salvage some photos and albums from the fire, but lost many of the original historical documents they had collected on the family through the years.
"My wife Lisa and I and are just totally overwhelmed by support. Friends, family, you guys (The Chronicle)," his voice trailing off. "It makes things easier," he continued. "We lost so much, but I've lived here 56 years and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
