Article about Meinhardt Raabe....and extra thoughts.

[Guest guest]

Meinhardt Raabe, Known for His Role in 'The Wizard of Oz', Dies

Dave Wax

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The man best known for pronouncing a wicked witch dead has

died.

Meinhardt Raabe, the Munchkin coroner in " The Wizard of Oz, " died this morning

at the age of 94.

Raabe had lived for years at a retirement home in Penney Farms.

Bob Riegel, president of Penney Retirement Community, said Raabe started today

as usual, enjoying breakfast and being as talkative as ever. He fell ill after

breakfast and called for a nurse.

Riegel said doctors believe, but have not confirmed, Raabe suffered a heart

attack. He maintained his giving nature all the way to the end, said Riegel.

" Everybody knows that he was in 'The Wizard of Oz,' but as he got older and

older...he still had a very high degree of interest in going to classrooms and

children's get-togethers, " Riegel said. " He enjoyed doing his thing and keeping

the memory of the wizard going with those newer generations of people. "

A little more than two years ago, Raabe traveled to a place far beyond Kansas to

see his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiled.

In 2006, Raabe took part in Orange Park's " Wizard of Oz Day, " and is the author

of the book " Memories of a Munchkin. "

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I wanted to say my condolences to anybody who knew this man..he looked like a

sweetie to me! I loved his face!! He also sounded like such a sweet man!! He

would visit kids and share about his acting...good for him!!!

Peace to this wonderful actor...I am glad that so many of us enjoyed his work

and that he lived a long life..and had fun while doing so!!!

What a wonderful human soul!!

K.