John Anthony “Butch” Rackow, 81, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully on August 24, 2024 at the Pete and Jelaine Horton Center surrounded by his family. He was born on November 22, 1942 in Sturgeon Bay to John F. and Mathilda T. (Vogel) Rackow. On August 6, 1966, he married Karen M. Sharkey in Spalding, MI. John worked as a teacher at Southern Door Middle School, where he taught for over 30 years before proudly retiring in 1999. He loved sports, including playing basketball in the city league and the over-30 league, and spent his summers in his favorite pastime of attending as many Brewers games as possible. He was also an avid collector of many things, including stamps, coins, sports cards, and sports memorabilia. In his free time, he enjoyed watching old western movies and was a foodie, enjoying the best restaurants he could find on each vacation. Most of all, however, John adored his grandchildren and his life revolved around his love for all of family! He is survived by his daughter Melissa (Steve) Kugel, Sturgeon Bay; three grandchildren: Nicole (Dave) Paschke, Kiala Kugel, Garrett Kugel; two great-grandchildren: Brynlee and Braelyn Paschke; his sister Barbara (William) Schumacher and family, Green Bay; and his brother-in-law Dale (Nancy) Sharkey and family, Peshtigo, WI; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, his parents-in-law Ron and Mary Sharkey, and his brothers-in-law Bill Schumacher Sr. and Don Sharkey. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Viewing will be from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Tuesday. Burial will be in Spalding Township Cemetery in Michigan. Online condolences may be left at forbesfuneralhome.com. Special thanks to the staff at the Pete and Jelaine Horton Center who have been a great help to John and his family.
