Richard Racht Jr., 62 / Oct. 15, 1947 — July 21, 2010

Published 10:50 pm Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Richard Albert Racht Jr., 62, of South Fourth Street, Niles died at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at his mother’s home following an extended illness.

He was born Oct. 15, 1947 in Bryan, Ohio to Richard Albert Racht Sr. and Gloria Jean (Sprunger) Racht. He was a lifetime resident of Niles.

Richard retired in 2009 from National Copper in Dowagiac. He was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era, having served in the United States Army. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time in his garden, nurturing his tomato plants to grow.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard Albert Racht III, of Niles; daughter, Brienne K. Racht, of Niles; grandchildren, Kali and Zane Adams; mother, Gloria Jean Racht, of Niles; brother, Steve (Jan) Racht, of Buchanan; and sisters, Babbette Racht, of Niles and Dianne (Jon) Boller, of South Bend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Albert Racht Sr., who died Jan. 4, 2005.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2010 at the graveside in Niles with the Rev. David Otto of Saint Mary Catholic Church officiating.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

There will be no visitation.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.