Leo Arnold Racus

Leo Arnold Racus, 89, of East Wenatchee and a lifelong Wenatchee Valley resident, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, from complications of Leukemia. He was born on August 3, 1923, in Wenatchee to the late Elmer Sr. and Gertrude (Barnett) Racus. He was raised and received his early education in East Wenatchee before joining the "Bridge Walkers" and attending Wenatchee High School. He graduated with the class of 1942. During W.W.II, Leo joined some of his siblings and they moved to Bremerton, where they worked in the shipyards. He returned to Wenatchee following the War and went into business with his brother-in-law at "Eastside Garage", in East Wenatchee. He met Helen M. Cavanaugh when she brought her car in for a repair and they were later married on November 28, 1947 in Wenatchee. They have continued to make their home together in East Wenatchee. He later went to work as a Mechanic for the Douglas County Road Department, then Cascade Cable Construction Company before Washington State Department of Transportation. He retired from WSDOT in 1982. They had also owned and operated orchards throughout this time and continued until slowly removing the trees into the early 2000's. Leo was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in East Wenatchee. He enjoyed his "Work", he liked tractors and collected tools for his trade. He was known as Mr. Fix It, he was a mechanic with the motto, "Fix it, Fix it, Fix it", not only with automobiles but with everything. If he did not fix it, it wasn't worth fixing. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen M. Racus, East Wenatchee; one son and daughter-in-law, Ken & Kathi Racus, Woodinville, WA; two grandsons, John Racus, Everett, WA and Christopher Racus, Seattle. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Randall and Bruce Racus; three brothers, Carl, Emmett and Elmer Jr. and three sisters, Frances Armstrong, Bonnie Lannoye and Blanche Racus. A Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4th at Evergreen Memorial Park, East Wenatchee, followed by a Commemoration service at Bethel Baptist Church, 1354 Eastmont Ave, East Wenatchee at 11:00 a.m., with Pastors John Sterk and Walt Goehner co-officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, June 3rd from noon to 8:00 p.m. Friends who wish may make memorial donations in his name to Bethel Baptist Church or the charity of the donor's choice. You are invited to visit his online tribute at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Leo Arnold Racus

August 3, 1923 - May 29, 2013