John Racer Jr.

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John W. Racer Jr., 79, a lifelong resident of Belleville, passed away peacefully March 23, 2022, at his home.

In his final days, John was cared for lovingly by his family with whom he was able to reminisce and recall special moments in his life. He talked frequently about his wife, Donna Jeannine (Theis) Racer, who died in 2010. They wed in 1963, and he would say, “I had her in my life for 50 years,” proudly rounding off their 47 years of marriage.

John loved to barbecue and root for his St. Louis Cardinals, seldom missing a televised game. He bowled in several leagues at Bel-Air Bowl and Panorama Lanes and played shortstop for the parish softball team at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church.

Born August 2, 1942, he graduated from Belleville Township High School 1960, and spent most of his career in garment manufacturing, particularly with the Miss Elaine line of gowns and robes. When he retired, he was manager of Bridal Originals in Collinsville, Ill.

One of his special places was Moose Lodge 1221 of Swansea, where he was an unofficial recruiter.

He was the son of the late John W. Racer Sr. and Helen V. Racer, Belleville, and the son-in-law of the late Albert P. and Jeannette J. Theis of Belleville.

He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Jo Racer (fiancé Daniel Massey); and son, Scott Christopher Racer;
brothers, Jim Racer (Barb) and Rick Racer;
grandchildren, Jordan Scott Meise, Emily Louis (Meise) Baird (Josh), Paige (Racer) Batton (Dylan), McKenzie Allee Racer;
great-grandchildren, Kendyl Batton, Vanessa Batton, and Audrey Baird;
niece, Jennifer Racer; and nephew, Adam Racer.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Private services for family and friends are scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

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8 Comments on John Racer Jr.

Mike Wittlich said : Guest Report Mar 28, 2022 at 9:24 AM

I met John at Cental Jr. High in 1954. I gave him the nickname Hot Rod because of his last name. We played TAC basketball together while in high school. You were a great guy, John b

  • O’Fallon
  • Illinois
Thomas & Sandra Staub said : Guest Report Mar 27, 2022 at 1:01 PM

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Jeffrey Garcia said : Guest Report Mar 26, 2022 at 6:31 PM

💙🙏🙏To The Racer Family...My Condolences...May God Bless You With Peace In Your Hearts 💕 The Garcia Family

  • Red Bud
  • IL
Dennis & Tina Beatrice said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2022 at 12:36 PM

We are sorry to hear of your loss. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless.

  • Fort Wayne
  • IN
Trudy Vogt said : Guest Report Mar 24, 2022 at 10:25 PM

So sorry for your loss of loved one💕🙏🏼

  • Millstadt
  • Il
Daniel massey said : Guest Report Mar 24, 2022 at 5:36 PM

I am honored to have been a part of John's life he was a great man I enjoyed our trips to the moose I considered him a father I wish he could of been here when me and Vicki get married love you John until we meet again

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Tara McDonald said : Guest Report Mar 24, 2022 at 5:16 PM

My prayers for you and your family 💜

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Tara McDonald said : Guest Report Mar 24, 2022 at 5:15 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 💜. I have know Rick Racer, many years . I can only imagine the loss. From one family to another,God bless you.

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois

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