Cleo Fredrick Rackow, devoted husband, father and grandfather ,of Copemish, age 79, died, June 4, 2012 at his home. Born in Cleon Twp, on October 20, 1932 the son of William and Pauline Rackow. On January 13, 1954, Cleo married Linda R. Worthington. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Cleo worked very hard to provide for, to teach important life lessons to and supported each of his children. He was a proud, and doting grandfather, nothing else mattered when the grandchildren were around. He built a play house on the farm for the grandchildren to play in.
Cleo also shared his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren, experiencing everything from farming, canning fruits and veggies, gardening, producing maple syrup, cutting wood, hunting, snowmobiling and traveling to the Upper Peninsula, where he built a cabin.
"He was not a Cadillac Man."
He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Cheryl (Randy) Newland of Copemish, Elizabeth Rackow of Kaleva, and John (Carol) Rackow of Onekama; grandchildren, Terri Davis, Olivia Rackow, Kevin Newland, Kristy Davis and Kelly (James) Horricks; great grandchildren, Angeles Napier, Terriah and Michael Davis, Makenna and Megan Horricks, D.J. and Andre Whittaker; brother, William (Margaret) Rackow of Buckley; sister, Marilyn Wareham of Interlochen; sisters-in-law, Lois Rackow and Beverly Walton; numerous adopted grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Cleo was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence, Charles and, Albert; sister, Rosemary; daughter, Lauretta Rackow and grandson, Chad.
A celebration of Cleo's life will be held at 11AM Friday, June 8, at 22516 Cadillac Hwy, Copemish, with Rev. William Hirschfeld officiating. Burial of his ashes will take place at the family farm, with military rites under the auspices of VFW Post #221 honor guard. Contributions may be directed to the First Congregational Church in Thompsonville. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Homes, Benzonia & Frankfort.