Remembering Rafael Caso

Rafael Caso, 81, of Melba, Idaho, passed away on June 22, 2025.

Born on February 5, 1944, in Spain, Raf was the child of Antonio and Dionisia. He was the youngest of 5 and, by 10 years of age, was already tending the family's livestock in the mountains. Raf later served 2 years in the Spanish military as a Military Police before joining his older brother to start a logging business.

In 1969, Raf moved to America as a sheep herder. Through sheer talent, determination, and work ethic, Raf quickly rose through the ranks, working as a truck driver, mechanic, and ranch foreman, before purchasing his own cattle ranch in Melba, Idaho, in 1987.

Shortly after arriving in the U.S., Raf met the love of his life, Michaele, in Bishop, California. They married in Bishop and shared 53 wonderful years together. Raf and Michaele had two sons, Antonio and Rafael. His boys were his pride and joy. In them, he instilled his deeply held values: hard work, integrity, honesty, reliability, courage, respectfulness, and humility.

Raf loved ranching, fishing, wood working, welding, cooking, and caring for animals, but nothing brought him more joy than being 'Abuelo'. He cherished his time with his grandkids and delighted in their visits to the ranch-always their favorite place to be.

Raf made many lifelong friends, from Spain to Bishop to Idaho. Raf and his friends supported each other through tough times, good times, and every day in between.

Raf was passionate about his cattle ranch and worked it faithfully until the day he passed. He was a hard worker and he and Michaele did everything on the ranch together. His family and friends were there to help him when he needed it, and he returned the favor many times. Each year Raf, Michaele, Antonio, Lito, grandkids and friends would spend weekends cutting and wrapping beef, lamb, or hogs on the ranch. Raf loved taking care of people this way and making sure their freezers were full.

Raf was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Melba, Idaho.

We could not have asked for a better husband, father, Abuelo and friend. Raf's memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Raf was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Antonio and his sister Carmen. He is survived by his sisters Pilar and Encarna, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews both in Spain and the U.S.; his beloved wife Michaele; his sons Antonio and his wife, Jennifer, Rafael and his wife Theresa, and his cherished grandchildren: Mateo, Diego, Adriana, Malachi, Anabella, Gabriella, Amelia, Catarina and Antonio.

A Rosary and slide show will be on Monday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the Nampa Funeral Home in Nampa, ID.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Melba, ID.

A reception will follow the Mass at the Caso ranch.