MR. JOHN RACZ, beloved husband of Julia Racz, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 87 years on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, with his family by his side.

He will be loved and remembered by his wife of 57 years, Julia, his children John (Vicki) and Debbie (Rick), and his grandchildren Michael and Allyson. Besides his immediate family, he is survived by brothers Joseph Racz Jr. and Jim Racz, sisters Mary Hass and Leona Kvello, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Julia Racz, brothers Louie, Paul, and Steve (in infancy), sister Anne Matisz, and special niece, Margie Racz.

John was born on December 9, 1921 in Borsodszirak, Hungary. He immigrated to Canada in November 1937, and settled and farmed in the 1-17 area near Milk River. He married the love of his life, Julia Lukacs, on November 15, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lethbridge. Although he retired in 1988, farming was John’s lifelong passion. He enjoyed his retirement in Milk River, and loved to tend to his yard and garden (he grew his own private forest of evergreens in his backyard). He was always ready to help his neighbours with yard work, clearing snow from driveways, or convincing a piece of equipment to run again. John dearly loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren, and would do absolutely anything for them.

John will be deeply missed, and forever loved by his family and friends.

A Prayer Service will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street, Milk River, AB., on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. with Reverend Joseph T. Kalathilparambil officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Joseph T. Kalathilparambil celebrant. A private family interment will follow at MILK RIVER CEMETERY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Milk River E.M.S., c/o The Town of Milk River, Box 270, Milk River, AB. T0K 1M0.