Richard L. Racster

Richard L. “Rick” Racster, 64, of Van Wert, went to his heavenly home on Monday, March 14, 2016, after a hard-fought, 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully at the Van Wert Area 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 the former Vicki L. Hargesheimer on October 23, 1982, and she also survives in Van Wert.

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 two sisters, Linda (Mike) Luecke and Dianne (Jerry) David, both of Evansville; two brothers, Denis (Marti) Racster of Evansville and Jim Racster of Cincinnati.

Rick was owner and operator of Van Wert Lumber, along with his sons, Tim and Steven. He was a member of North Union United Methodist Church in rural Van Wert County, where he served on many committees.

He loved nature and he loved 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 learn and appreciate the game. Volunteering to officiate for Special Olympics was also very dear to his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted 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. Sunday at the church.

Preferred memorials: North Union United Methodist Church, Vann Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, or Van Wert Youth Baseball.

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert handled arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.