HAROLD LEO RACKERS

Harold Leo Rackers, 85, of Wardsville, died Monday, November 9, 2009, at St. Marys Health Center surrounded by his wife and family.
He was born on April 29, 1924, in Osage Bend, the son of the late Emil and Josephine Koetting Rackers. Harold was a United States Army veteran serving during World War II in Okinawa, Japan. He was united in marriage to his loving wife for 58 years on September 29, 1951, in Wardsville, to Margaret Margie Schnieders, who survives at the home. Mr. Rackers worked as an electrician with Stokes Electric, Howerton Electric Co., Meyer Electric Co., and co-owner of G & H Electric Co. After retirement Harold donated his time and talents to St. Stanislaus Church and the Wardsville community. He was member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Wardsville, Over 50 Club-Wardsville, Knights of Columbus Wardsville-Osage Bend where he recently received a Honorary Life-Time Mebership, charter member of Wardsville Lions Club where he served as a 2-time past President , American Legion, IBEW Electrical Union 257 for 55 years, and IBEW Retirees where he served as the first President. Harold enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting, farming, baseball, and being with all his loving family.
Other survivors include: seven children, Dale (Roberta) Rackers, Henley; Mary (Joe) Besche, St. Martins; Emilie (Dale) Verslues, Taos; Judy Eiken, Wardsville; Janet (Jim) Booth, New Bloomfield; Darlene (Alfred) Savage, Wardsville; Ron (Rhonda) Rackers, Taos; twenty-five grandchildren, Jacque, Josh, Ben, Nicole, Jessie, Jason, Mark, Matt, Derek, Gina, Jared, Beth, Erin, Justin, Kristin, Luke, Emma, Logan, Kati, Cole, Maggie, Kira, Kailee, Paige, Dru; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Edna Lindenbusch, Jefferson City; and two brothers, Wilbert Rackers, Osage Bend; and Ralph Rackers, California. He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter; one infant sister, Marie Rackers; and three brothers, Lawrence, Henry, and Andrew Rackers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, November 12, 2009, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Wardsville, with the Rev. Gregory C. Meystrik officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in St Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:30-8 p.m. Wednesday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Additional visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 6418 Route W., Jefferson City, Mo 65101; or to the Discalced Carmelite Monastery, 2201 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com.