HERBERT RACKE
HERBERT RACKE
Herbert Edward Racke, 83, son of the late Edward and Mary Racke, was called home on Feb. 18, 2013.
Herbert was raised in Claryville, Ky. and is survived by Edna May Thulin (sister), Ruth Combs (sister) and Freddie Racke (brother).
Herbert joined the United States Coast Guard and, while stationed in New York, met "the love of his life," Joan Ann Giorgio. Joan will greatly miss her companion and sweetheart of 62 years.
Herbert's life was accented by God's goodness and unfailing grace. Herbert served alongside his wife as a missionary with Child Evangelism Fellowship, establishing the ministry in the Dominican Republic. By God's grace, this work continues reaching thousands of children with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For 11 years Herbert served as CEF's regional director for all Latin America and their legacy lives on today.
After 36 years of service, Herbert and Joan retired in Avon Park and continued to be used by God serving their church and ministering to children. He was a prayer warrior who rose early each day to pray for his four children, 19 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.
His surviving children are David Racke (married to Heidi), missionaries to Bolivia; Beth Vogel (married to Bill), missionaries with CEF Maryland; Susan Pineda (married to Abner), the CEF regional director for Latin America; and Dwight (married to Ruth) who serves God in Salem, Ore.
Herbert was a powerful testimony of how a humble life can be used by God's might and goodness.
A celebration of Herbert's life will be held at 11 a.m. on March 30 at Bethany Baptist Church (798 C-17a South Avon Park). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CEF of Florida's Heartland, 2110 Sylvester Road, Ste. 2, Lakeland, FL 33803.
Sunday, February 24, 2013 - www.newssun.com/022413-Racke