Fredrick "Fred" W. Rackow

Fredrick “Fred” W. Rackow, 80, resident of Hampshire, Illinois, passed away June 18, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. Fred was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 24, 1944, son of Clifford and Esther (Erickson) Rackow. Fred married Linda Vogt on August 21, 1976, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Plato Center. Fred grew up in Bedford Park, IL, and graduated from Argo Community High School in Summit, IL. After earning his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University he accepted a position at Hampshire Middle & High School, where he began as a history teacher and went on to serve as a guidance counselor for more than 30 years. As many educators do, Fred wore many hats during his career, including coaching the school's baseball and softball teams, announcing football games, serving as cheerleading sponsor, class sponsor, National Honor Society sponsor, and his famed lunchroom supervision duty. Outside of school, Fred was equally invested in the Hampshire community. He served as president of the Hampshire Park District for many years and helped lead efforts to establish the Little People Playtime preschool and add lights to the baseball field at Bruce Ream Park, to name a few. His lasting impact led to the dedication of Rackow Park in his honor in the summer of 2022. He spent countless hours volunteering his time with the Hampshire Lions Club and could frequently be found assisting at their annual golf outing and other events around the area. Fred did not take well to retirement after leaving Hampshire High School in 2003. He took a part-time guidance position at Huntley High School, served as president of the congregation at St. Peter's Lutheran Church and as a member of the Hampshire Cemetery Board. After he was asked by his great-niece, he became ordained to serve as a wedding officiant and performed several (so far) successful marriages for family and friends. But more than anything, Fred was a devoted husband, father and friend. Despite his busy schedule, he never missed a game, concert, school play or Bears game. He found great joy in coaching one of his daughters in softball and enjoyed the other's perks from her job with the Chicago Bears. He and his wife, Linda, loved traveling with family and friends and especially spending time together at The Farm. Fred is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Kate Rackow and Kerri Rackow; his sister Carolyn (Robert) Hauser; his brother Richard (Egidia) Rackow; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12th at The Family Farm (17N860 Harmony Road) in Hampshire, IL, from 1-5 pm. Burial will be in Hampshire Center Cemetery at a later date. The family requests no flowers, memorials may be made in Fred’s name to Hampshire Park District, Hampshire Lions Club, or St. Peter's Little Saints Preschool.

Fredrick "Fred" W. Rackow

October 24, 1944 - June 18, 2025