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Edward Racek

1912 Ex-Mayor Edward Racek Dies Suddenly

Watertown Gazette, 01 25 1912

The people of Watertown were terribly shocked on Tuesday afternoon, January 23, 1912, when the news spread throughout the city that Ex-Mayor Edward Racek had died suddenly at his home in Washington Street, the cause of his death being apoplexy. Mr. Racek was seated at the family table partaking of the noon-day meal shortly after 1 o'clock, and his wife was called from the table for a few moments and on returning found him lifeless in his chair. She called a physician and some of the neighbors at once, but death had claimed him before their arrival.

Mr. Racek was one of Watertown's most enterprising and best known business men and always took great interest in public affairs, having filled many offices of public trust with ability, honesty and credit to himself and his constituents. He served his ward as alderman for many years, and the city as mayor in 1896-97. He was also a member of the state legislature one term, declining a re-election.

He was a native of Polna, Bohemia, where he was born October 11, 1847, and in 1853 he located with his parents in this city, where he has ever since resided. When a young lad he served an apprenticeship for the dry goods store of the late Robert and Henry S. Howell, and when 19 years of age served as teller in the Wisconsin National Bank, filling the position three years. Retiring from that position, he and his brother Theodore conducted a commission store two years. In 1871 he bought a half interest in the dry goods store of the late Jesse Moulton, and in 1872 bought Mr. Moulton's interest and too as his partner [and selected as his business associate?] one year later the late Robert Jones, the firm for many years being known as Racek & Jones, which retired from business several years ago.

Mr. Racek then engaged in the quarry business at Richwood in company with A. Maldaner, the firm name being Racek & Maldaner. He also was engaged in the street building and cement work for several years.

Every one who knew Mr. Racek was his friend, and although he was very set in his opinions, all respected his honest, frank way of doing business, and no one had a better reputation in the city for honesty of purpose than Mr. Racek.

He was twice married, his second wife and four children survive him, the children being Miss Helen and Ned Racek of California, Harold Racek of Cleveland and Jack Racek of this city. One sister, Mrs. Mary Maldaner of this city, survives him.

His funeral will be held from his late borne Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.