Richard Racster

Richard "Rick" L. Racster, 64, of Van Wert, went to his heavenly home on March 14, after a hard-fought, 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, surrounded by his family. He was born May 10, 1951, in Evansville, Indiana, to Margaret (Nordman) Racster, and Don Racster who survive in Evansville.

He married Vicky L. Hargesheimer on Oct. 23, 1982, and she survives. Other survivors include three sons, Tim (Charlene) Racster and Steven (Erika) Racster, both of Ohio City, and David Racster of Muncie, Indiana, and two grandsons, Case Racster and Eli Racster.

Also surviving are sisters, Linda (Mike) Luecke, Dianne (Jerry) David, and brother, Denis (Marti) Racster, all of Evansville, and brother, Jim Racster of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rick was owner and operator of Van Wert Lumber, along with sons, Tim and Steven. He was a member of North Union United Methodist Church where he served on many committees. He loved nature and the outdoors. His favorite hobby was fishing and he would say "Fishing in Northern Michigan is like a little piece of Heaven."

He also had a passion for officiating sports. He especially loved to officiate younger children so he could help them to learn and appreciate the game. Volunteering to officiate for Special Olympics was also very dear to his heart.

Preferred memorials are to North Union United Methodist Church, Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, and Van Wert Youth Baseball.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at North Union United Methodist Church with Pastor Greg Wack officiating. Calling hours are from 2-6 p.m. March 20 at the church.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.