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1926 - 2009
Age: 82
RACETTE, Felix A.
Lawton
Formerly of Paw Paw
Fil passed away Friday afternoon January 2, 2009 at White Oaks in Lawton. He was born May 30, 1926in Paw Paw, the son of Felix A. and Kathryn (More) Racette. Fil was class President and a graduate of Paw Paw High School of 1944. He enlisted in the U.S Army Air Corps, where he served as the youngest Sergeant-Major in the European Theater. After graduation from Michigan State University in1949, with a degree in journalism, he went to work for both the Hartford Day Spring and the Battle Creek Enquirer before becoming State Editor for the Kalamazoo Gazette. In 1957, he purchased The Courier-Northerner, since incorporated as the Vineyard Press. He had been editor of The Courier-Leader until his retirement in 2006. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, honorary member of the Paw Paw Fire Department, named best columnist in Michigan in 1974 by the Michigan Press Association for which he served as President in 1978; served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Press Foundation, served on the Van Buren Intermediate School Board for six years and was chairman of the Building Study Committee for former Paw Paw High School and Black River Schools. In 1999, Fil was inducted into the Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame. On June 19, 1949, Fil was united in marriage to Louise Woodman, who preceded him in death on October 27, 1981. He was also preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Albert, brother-in-law, Warren Sundstrand, and a son-in-law, Tony Griffin. Surviving are 4 children, Kathryn Racette (Thomas McLewee) of Chester Springs, PA, Robin Griffin of Mattawan, Steven (Karen) Racette of Lawton and Mindy (Patrick) Brennan of Paw Paw; grandchildren, Chloe McLewee, Kallie Griffin, Ashley (Bob) Moore, Melissa (Alex) Stull, Sean, Phelan, Trey, Ryan and Truman Brennan; sister, Patsy Sundstrand of Kalamazoo, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends Wednesday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Funeral services will be held Thursday, 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw with Rev. Tom Abbott officiating. Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Paw Paw with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Paw Paw Educational Fund for a scholarship or Hospice of Southwest Michigan. |
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There are currently 14 condolences.
John "Jack" Brantingham
oldharleydude@att.net
Tuesday January 13, 2009 at
7:45 PM
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To Kathy and family; our deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours. I always got a smile and a handshake whenever we would meet. We lost Dad (Les) a few years ago as well. The Greatest Generation is indeed departing, but they are leaving us memories that will be passed on forever. God Bless You and Yours
The Brantingham Family
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Bob Bastian & Maxine Watts
Tuesday January 13, 2009 at
11:46 AM
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Our sincerest sympathies and condolences to the Racette Family.
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Kimberly A Stiglich-Myers
Thursday January 8, 2009 at
4:52 PM
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Sorry for your loss.
Gordy always has had memories of him at the basketball games when he played for Paw Paw High School. 1978-79, there were always great pictures and informative write ups of the games played.
He will be missed in our community.
Kimberly and Gordy Stiglich-Myers
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Paul Blake
pcblake@hotmail.com
Wednesday January 7, 2009 at
1:38 PM
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Condolences to the Racette Family on behave of the Blake Family. Knowing how the lost of a parent can change ones life, just remember and cherish the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and Fil's friends during this time. [PPHS 1970]
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JoAnn Sibley
Tuesday January 6, 2009 at
11:14 PM
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Dear Racette Family:
My sincere condolences for the loss of Fil. He will be missed by many but I am sure he left you with many wonderful memories. Losing my mother 3 years ago I know how difficult this can be. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
JoAnn
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Trish Carpenter
rwnpkcar@comcast.net
Tuesday January 6, 2009 at
3:40 PM
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Dear Robin, Steve and Karen, and all of the Racette Family, my deepest sorrow over the death of your father, Fil Racette. So much of the wonderful history and good growth of our hometown, Paw Paw, can be proudly attributed to your dad's dynamic leadership and steadfast community support. What an honorable human being, who'll never be forgotten. May you be comforted through the memories of his goodness. God's gentleness surround you and cradle your hearts. In sympathy, Trish (Patti Bonarski) Carpenter (PPHS, 1972)
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Cynthia (Wells) Giuffria
cgiuffria@cableone.net
Monday January 5, 2009 at
7:32 PM
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Mindy, Patrick and family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was a true gentleman and I have such fond memories of the times I spent with your family. May it give you comfort to know that he has been reunited with his "Sweet Louise" once again. My prayers are with you.
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Ritch Richardson
Monday January 5, 2009 at
3:08 PM
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Robin and family,
Your father blessed countless people with his wonderful spirit, passion for the community and his love of journalism. My mom would repeatedly send me or show me clippings of his articles that meant so much to her.
He will leave a legacy in Paw Paw that cannot be filled.
May God grant all of you His peace and grace...Ritch Richardson
PPHS '72
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Ann and Terry Blakely
Monday January 5, 2009 at
12:15 AM
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To the Racette Family: Fil was a fixture in Paw Paw for sure! My Dad - Harry Bush - was his scout master and He told some stories of their camping trips that involved a very active scout named Fil Racette! Our thoughts are with you.
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Bill Keselowski
kesel1@verizon.net
Sunday January 4, 2009 at
9:45 PM
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Robin, Steve, & the Racette Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Regardless of a parent's age,it is always hard. Remember the good times & cherished memories.
My thoughts & prayers are with you,
Bill Kesel (PPHS '72)
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Alice (Pratt) Herber
aherber123@aol.com
Sunday January 4, 2009 at
6:40 PM
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I was 5 years old when our family rented a house across the street from the Racette family. I was always watching for Phil to come home from school, since he was so handsome, and he was friendly to all members of our family. In later years I stopped at the Courier Leader office, hoping to see him, once again, but always was there at the wrong time. I've had a subscription to the paper during our years in Savannah and now in Punta Gorda, FL. He was a special person and will be greatly missed.
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JOHN mORRISON
Johnmorsun@gmail.,com
Sunday January 4, 2009 at
8:29 AM
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we HAVE LOST ONE OF THE GRAND OLD GENTS OF THE EAST END!!
SO SORRY
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Toni A. Bonnema
bonnemt@schoolcraftschools.org
Sunday January 4, 2009 at
6:01 AM
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Fil was a very kind and generous man. There couldn't have been a finer grandfather, father-in-law. He will be missed. I appreciate all he did for my children as well as myself. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
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Billie Brooks
Bjaynebrooks@aol.com
Saturday January 3, 2009 at
7:06 PM
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With deepest sympathy to the entire Racette family. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Racette during the short time I was with the Flashes and he was just a wonderful man with a fantastic sense of humor. He was a huge part of this community and will be greatly missed by everyone.
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