Dr. Richard James Raecke, 86, of Lincoln, died August 22, 2015. Born Central City, NE, on April 21, 1929 to Walter R. and Orral J. Raecke. In 1952 married Georgia Lee Baker at Second Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. Graduated Central City High School 1947; B.S. at University of Nebraska-Lincoln 1954; M.A. Colorado State College 1959; Ed.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln 1970.
Served in U.S. Navy 1947-1950. Retired lifelong Nebraska educator having served schools in Albion, Wahoo, Kearney, Minden, Nebraska ETV Commission, and Nebraska Department of Education. Dr. Raecke retired in 1992 as Superintendent of Schools in Minden.
Member of LARSP, NEA/NSEA, NCSA, Phi Delta Kappa, Elks, Friendship Force International, and Nebraska Schoolmasters Club. Past president of Lincoln Area Retired Teachers Association, and past president of Nebraska Schoolmasters Club. Enjoyed spending time with family, holding a private pilot’s license, and working as an usher at UNL’s LIED Center. In 1963 he helped write the initial grant and served as director of Kearney’s first Head Start Program. After retirement Richard and Georgia became active as Volunteers in Mission.
Survived by his wife of 63 years Georgia Lee (Baker) Raecke, daughter and son-in-law Susan and Rev. David Smith of Lincoln, daughter and son-in-law Dyan and Jay Carlson of Talala, OK, and son Joe Raecke of Kremmling, CO. 3 grandsons, 4 granddaughters, 3 great-granddaughters, and 1 great-grandson. Also survived by sister Marjorie Jean Prince, brother William R. (Pam) Raecke, both of Lincoln, and 3 brothers-in-law and wives William and Jean Baker, Tom and Barbara Baker, and Jon and Ann Baker and their families, all of Lincoln.
Ordained as an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church and was currently a member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
Services 11:00 Wednesday, August 26, 2015, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 East Pointe Road, Lincoln.
Memorials may be given to the church or to the family for future designation.
No visitation/cremation.