Elmer V. Racek

FITCHBURG - Elmer V. Racek, age 91, of Fitchburg, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at The Waterford at Fitchburg, surrounded by loving family.

Elmer was born on Feb. 25, 1932, on a farm near Witwen, Wis. (Sauk County), to father, Frank Racek Sr. and mother, Esther W. (Giese) Racek. He grew up on the farm and attended school in the Mazomanie area. He graduated from Mazomanie High School with the class of 1950. Following high school, Elmer served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army and drove a tank during the Korean War.  Upon his return home he became a journeyman electrician with Havey Electric, moved to Blackhawk Electric, and then Academy Electric where he retired. A proud member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), he was honored to be able to work on many Madison-area businesses and buildings.

Elmer married Sharon Bartness, of Wisconsin Dells, on May 25, 1957. They spent their married life living in Madison, where they raised their two daughters.

Elmer was an active member of the American Legion. He had also been a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and the Mazomanie Area Honor Guard Firing Detail. He absolutely LOVED watching sports - especially, the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed league bowling with friends and was an avid listener of classic country and big band swing music.

Elmer is survived by his daughters, Karen (Larry) Janisewski and Shelly Berg; granddaughter, Sarah (Shane) Paulson; great-granddaughter, Freya Paulson; and brother, Frank (Karen) Racek Jr.; nephew Steve Racek; nieces Teri Lyn, Sherri (Keith Saylor) Laier and Sheila (Damian) Kraemer; many extended family members; and a wealth of wonderful friends who have supported and loved him through the years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; son-in-law, Jim Berg; parents, Frank and Esther; sister, Joanna Mickelson; brother, Bobby Racek; niece Victoria (Tony) Cornelius; and grandniece, Anna Jo Mickelson.

A memorial service honoring the lives of Elmer and Sharon Racek will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will immediately follow the service at Sauk City Cemetery, Lueders Road, Sauk City.

The family would like to thank Promedica (formerly Heartland) Hospice team for their excellent support and loving care; The Waterford at Fitchburg for their constant and attentive assistance; and the Gunderson Funeral Home for their professional and compassionate service.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Gilda's Club.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002