Matthias Michael Racki, Jr., age 95, rejoined his late wife, Mary Agnes, by the fig tree in the Kingdom of God. Also awaiting him there, were his infant sons, Paul Joseph and John Robert; parents, Matthias, Sr. and Mary Racki; brothers, Tony and Pete Racki; and sisters, Tillie, Annie and Francis Racki. Born on October 30, 1914, in Kirbyville, Matt moved to Beaumont in 1925 and attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and High School, becoming an Eagle Scout during his studies. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1937 with a degree in Civil Engineering, and began working for United Gas Pipeline Co. in Louisiana.
Two years later Matt joined his father’s barrel stave making business, and while on a buying trip to France, met Mary Agnes Leitch who had been “praying for a good husband”. He got the job and they were married on July 13, 1940. After the birth of their son, Matt was called away to serve in World War II. He spent four years with the Corps of Engineers in England and France and in late 1945 returned home to meet his now 3-year old daughter, who had been born after his deployment, and get reacquainted with his 4-year old son. Eventually, he left the employ of his father and joined the staff of George Schaumburg Engineering and fathered a second daughter, born in 1948. Six-and-one-half years later Matt decided to open his own surveying business which he ran until 1990.
Throughout his career as a Registered Professional Engineer, Matt was very active in the Rotary Club of Beaumont and traveled to many of their international conventions with his wife. He was also very active in the Serra Club of Beaumont, a Catholic Men’s Club and traveled to many of their national and international conventions as well. A man of virtually no hobbies, Matt liked to watch the Cowboys and Astros, take a nap, and channel surf the TV. He endured an extensive open-heart surgery in 2000 and ate a breakfast of eggs and sausage or bacon or ham everyday thereafter to “get his money’s worth”. The chickens in Heaven will be working overtime now that he’s there.
A wonderful husband and good father, Matt is survived by his son, Matt M. Racki, III and wife Joan of Urbandale, IA; daughters, Mary Agnes Racki formerly of San Jose, CA and Paula M. Vogel of Cincinnati, OH; granddaughters, Susan P. Crane of Cincinnati, OH and husband Andrew, Jennifer M. Hill of Chicago, IL, and Julie C. Dang of Chicago, IL and husband Rob; grandsons, Byron J. Racki of Atlanta, GA and wife Tabitha, David J. Racki of Waukee, IA and wife Lindsay; great-grandsons, Tavis M. Hill of Chicago, IL., Jackson A, Samuel B and Miles B Crane of Cincinnati, OH, Jack E and Samuel J. Racki of Atlanta, GA; and great-granddaughter, Eleanor J Racki of Atlanta, GA.
In his recent years Matt was well cared for by Kristie Sonnier, Natalie Airline, Janel Zeno and Diane King. He got regular visits from the staff at Texas Total Care, most often from Sandy Sommers, Teffney Andrews and Rene Johnson who were always there when he needed them. He was kept mentally sharp by challenging conversations and thought-provoking discussions with neighbors Joy James and Owana and the late Billy Sexton. All-in-all, Matt had a long and good life and is now dining on eggs and bacon at the table of the Lord. Hopefully, he is saving us a place.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Lumberton, Texas with Reverend Andy Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 29, 2010, with a rosary recited at 7:00 p.m., at Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Serra Club of Beaumont Seminary Fund, P.O. Box 842, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
