LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of Mein-
hardt Raabe, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the memory of
cherished citizens who distinguished themselves in their profession and
whose talent, wit, charm, intellect and unique personality permeated all
they did; and
WHEREAS, Born on September 2, 1915, in Watertown, Wisconsin, Meinhardt
Raabe, died on April 9, 2010, in Orange Park, Florida; he was 94 years
old; and
WHEREAS, Though he never surpassed 4 feet 7 inches at his tallest,
Meinhardt Raabe was an internationally recognized pop-cultural figure
based primarily on his film role as the Munchkin coroner in the "Wizard
of Oz"; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Meinhardt Raabe was the first Little Oscar, the
World's Smallest Chef, the mascot of the Oscar Mayer meat company; he
spent nearly 30 years touring the United States in the Oscar Mayer Wier-
nermobile, promoting the company; and
WHEREAS, Meinhardt Raabe received a Bachelor's degree in accounting
from the University of Wisconsin in 1937, and an M.B.A. from Drexel
University in Philadelphia in 1970; and
WHEREAS, A skilled aviator, Meinhardt Raabe served stateside in the
Civil Air Patrol during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Meinhardt Raabe was symbolically of particular importance to
Central New York; he was the first actor to appear at the Chittenango
festival and was a favorite and frequent attendee at the festival, sign-
ing autographs and riding in the annual Oz parade through the village;
he also was responsible for recruiting to the festival other actors who
played Munchkins in the "Wizard of Oz"; and
WHEREAS, Meinhardt Raabe and his late wife, the former Marie Hartline,
were inseparable throughout their many years of marriage; he is survived
by his sister, Marion Ziegelmann of Watertown, Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, Meinhardt Raabe's spirit of humanity and devotion was carried
over to his myriad and artistic achievements, leaving a lasting legacy
of inspiration to all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Meinhardt Raabe, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Meinhardt Raabe.