Racine- Howard Joseph Pike, 85, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded with the love of his family, on Monday, March 12, 2007 following a brief, yet courageous, struggle with leukemia. Howard was born in Waukesha on February 23, 1922 to the late Reuben and Gertrude (nee: Stuettgen) Pike. A 1939 graduate of Waukesha High School, he went on to faithfully serve our Country with the United States Army in WWII from 1942-1945 as a Tech Sergeant. Howard has lived in Racine for the past 55 years. On August 15, 1942, he was united in marriage with Doris R. Trakel, who preceded him in death on October 15, 1980. On May 8, 1982 in St. Lucy Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with Muriel “Mickey” Betz, who preceded him in death on September 26, 2005. In his more experienced years, Howard graduated from Gateway Technical College as a mechanical designer. He retired from Racine Railroad Products on August 8, 1986. A man of devote faith, Howard was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church where he enjoyed socializing with his fellow Lucyniors. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus – Council 697; Fifth Street Yacht Club, serving as an officer for several years; American Legion Post 0546; and the Holiday Ramblers Camping Club. A kindhearted gentleman, Howard was a phenomenal husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed immeasurably by his family! Surviving are his daughter, Jacqueline Koleske; grandchildren, Britney and Adam Koleske, all of Racine; sister, Marjorie Diestler of Waukesha; brothers, John (Susan) Pike of Menomonee Falls and Donald (Jenny) Pike of Waukesha; and by many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 16, 2007 in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, at 11 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the mausoleum of Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Thursday from 5-8 pm and in the church on Friday from 10-11 am. In memory of Howard, memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society – Leukemia Research have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane and staff; and to Hospice Alliance especially the crisis care nurses for the support and compassionate end-of-life care that was so warmly extended to Howard. You all truly made a difference.
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