Harold "Sonny" H. Rackow

We are sad to say our big fat angel moved on to be with our other family angels.

Harold was born to Howard Rackow and Rose (Modjeski) Werra on November 2, 1936. On May 26, 1956, he married Judy Schulz. During their 64 years of marriage, they had five daughters and one son.

On July 8, 2020, Judy passed away. While out dancing to his polkas and waltzes, he met Karen Guggenbuehl and was proud and delighted to have his grandson, Tony, marry them on December 20, 2023. Through this marriage he gained another daughter.

Harold grew up on the river boating, trapping, fishing, and doing sain-lines, in which he would smoke his famous fish. He was very proud of being one of the oldest cement finishers in Winona until the tender age of 86. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge with family and friends and was never afraid of hard work.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters: Vicky Rackow, Lois (Shawn) Becker, Tammy (Steve) Stampka, Kathy (John) Pelowski, Kim Rackow and Angie (John) Richter; brothers: Gene, Don (Helen) and Mike (Ruth); 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Rose; step-mother, Sophie; first wife, Judy; son, Henry; granddaughters, Laura and Sarah Wantoch; two great-granddaughters; sisters, Bernadine (Bubbles) Budnick and Louise (Mary Lou) Ehlers; brother, Chuck; nephews: Gene Rackow, Jr., Thomas Ehlers and Jeff Wooden; and three brothers-in-law.

Harold’s family sincerely thanks the Hospice Care Team (especially Heather) for their great care and support in taking such good quality care of our dad.

A celebration of Harold's life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Elks Club in Goodview.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Harold’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.