James A. Raecker,74, of Waterloo, entered into eternal rest Sunday, November 29, 2009, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home of melanoma cancer.
He was born December 3, 1934 in Waterloo, the son of Arlyss and Esther Schmidt Raecker. He married Thieleane Brink Stevens June 12, 1958 in Waterloo.
Jim graduated from West High School in 1952, University of Iowa undergraduate degree in 1955, and the College of Dentistry in 1959. He began dental practice with his father in 1959, a founding member of Waterloo Dental Associates, retiring in 2004.
He was past member and vice chairman of the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners, American Association of Dental Examiners, member and board of directors of the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), American Dental Association. He was a member Iowa Dental Association (IDA) and past member House of Delegates, past Chairman of the Ethics, Intraprofessional & Public Relations Committee, and past Chairman Insurance Council of the IDA. A member and officer of the Waterloo District Dental Association, Black Hawk Dental Study Club. A member of Waterloo Rotary Club, Elks Club of Waterloo, and past board member of American Cancer Society and American Heart Association. Jim received the University of Iowa College of Dentistry Distinguished Dental Service Award in 2009.
Jim’s interests focused on activities with his family - including Row 79 at Kinnick Stadium and trips to Disney World. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, feeding birds, and planting trees and flowers - especially tulips and hosta. Jim also loved working with his hands including woodwork, stained glass, making napkins, photography, and making cards. Jim also enjoyed fishing and travel.
Jim is survived by his wife: Thieleane Raecker, Waterloo, IA; son: Steven (Marijo) Raecker, Waterloo, IA; son: J. Scott (Martha) Raecker, Urbandale, IA; daughter: Jennie (Mike) Murphy, Decorah, IA; grandchildren: Jake Raecker (Waterloo), Emily and Max Raecker (Urbandale) and Patrick, Mary, Andy and Jane Murphy (Decorah); sister: Sue Schrader, Waterloo; sister in law: Maryann (John) Locke, Waterloo; and brother in law: Scott (Pat) Stevens of Woodbury, MN; and many great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded by his parents and grandson Thomas Murphy.
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