Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Ralph A. Racette, age 59, of Winneconne, died Friday, November 14, 2014. He was born in West Bend, Wisconsin to Ralph J. and Arlene (Gundrum) Racette.
Ralph truly loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, a great father, and loving son. Ralph enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, snowmobiling, and most of all boating. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 32 years, Helen Racette; four children and their families, Ralph W. Racette (Alicia), and Andralyn; Katherine Rawe, and Molly and Madeline; Ryan Racette; Rachelle Racette; his mother, Arlene Heller Zima; one sister, Cindy (Steve) Krantz; one brother, Brett Racette (Kim); Uncle Andy (Karen) Gundrum; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Preceding Ralph in death were his grandparents, Andrew and Othilda Gundrum; and his step-father, Richard Zima.
Ralph started his business career with Gordie Boucher in Milwaukee and Madison. He became partners with him in a Janesville Ford store in 1992. In 1998 Ralph took over the Ford dealership in Oshkosh and ran Racette Ford until 2010. During that time he also ran dealerships in Appleton, Green Bay, and Waupaca.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, November 20, 2014, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St. Winneconne, where a funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. with Fr. Michael Warden officiating.
Ralph's family wishes to thank the Winneconne/Poygan First Responders, especially Cathy; the Oshkosh Fire Dept., the Aurora Medical Center E.R. staff; and Winneconne Police Officer Justin Schmick, for all of the care and concern shown.
If you wish, please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
Kevin Minley wrote on November 18, 2014
Hey Ralph buddy thanks for all your help and wisdom. You will be truly missed. God Bless you and your family.
Jon Pupeter wrote on November 18, 2014
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire family. As a long time employee of Ralph's I was always treated very well and fair by him. He will be missed.
Kathy Babbitz wrote on November 18, 2014
Ron and I always valued Ralph's friendship. We enjoyed boating and snowmobiling with Ralph, Helen and the kids. Now Ralph and Ron are together in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Helen and your family. You have my deepest sympathy.
Tracy Wakeman wrote on November 18, 2014
To the Racette family and our Katie Rawe- My deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know my prayers are with you all. His memory will be with you forever.
Bob and Mary Wiedenhaft wrote on November 18, 2014
We were so sorry to hear about Ralph. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Blanca and Tom Bump wrote on November 17, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I'm so sorry Helen for your loss.
Michael Weix wrote on November 17, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss Helen and family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I really enjoyed Ralph and will miss him.
Woody and Mary Garrow wrote on November 17, 2014
Helen, our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Cindy Krantz wrote on November 17, 2014
My brother Ralph left us way too early. He will be missed by so many. His work ethic, family love and commitment truly defined him. He is physically gone but will never be forgotten!
Darlene Traaholt wrote on November 16, 2014
Helen, I am so sorry for your lost,I lost my best friend and husband 4 years ago. It is not easy and you are not going to remember much of this time
. But with friends and family it will help. Know we are thinking of you and your family.
Al Lucchi wrote on November 16, 2014
Helen you have our deepest sympathy. We were so sorry to here of Ralph's passing. We have missed you two the last few years in Sturgeon Bay. Our thoughts and prayers go with you. AL
Sara Escher (Curran) wrote on November 16, 2014
my deepest heartfelt condolences to you all. Ralph was a wonderful man who touched the hearts of so many.
Edith Clark wrote on November 16, 2014
Helen, so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you and your family.