Ralph Rackers

Ralph T. Rackers, 89, of California, Mo., formerly of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2010, at St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City. He was born on August 13, 1921, in Osage Bend, Mo., the son of Emil and Josephine (Koetting) Rackers, both of whom preceded him in death. He was married on July 26, 1947, to Juanita P. Jones, who preceded him in death on April 29, 2009. He was married on April 15, 1967, to Margaret Marie Siebeneck, whom also preceded him in death on May 9, 2006. He worked on the family farm until age 25, then worked for International Shoe Company in Jefferson City. He lived in Kansas City for 22 years, working for Harris Guttering, Sears, Roebuck, and Co., and as a self-employed roofing and guttering contractor. Upon returning to Jefferson City, he was a water hauler/backhoe operator, delivered the mail and was a lab courier in Jefferson City. He was a member of St. Peter's and Immaculate Conception Catholic Churches. Mr. Rackers is survived by two daughters, Pamela K. Zimmerman and husband Richard of California, Mo., and Cindy D. Williams of Harrisonville, Mo.; one brother, Wilbert Rackers of Osage Bend, Mo.; one sister, Edna Lindenbush of Jefferson City, Mo.; five grandchildren, Kimberly Rimel of California, Mo., Kevin Albin of Springfield, Mo., Chad Williams, Stacey Kerns, and Jay Williams, all of Kansas City, Mo.; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Rackers; and four brothers, Andrew Rackers, Lawrence Rackers, Harold Rackers, and Henry Rackers. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 19, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret of Antioch Catholic Church in Osage Bend, Mo. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Jefferson City, Mo. Officiating will be Father Greg Meystrik. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. at Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services in California, Mo. Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society, c/o Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak, California, MO 65018. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.