Sylvia Maxine (Quandt) RAECKER

RAECKER, QUANDT, WESSELS, HUNGERFORD

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/9/2015 at 12:18:25

September 14, 1920 --- June 5, 2015

MESERVEY, IA -- Sylvia Raecker, 94, of Meservey, passed away Friday, June 5, 2015, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at Salem United Methodist Church, Meservey, with Pastor Crystal Oberheu presiding. Interment will be at the Meservey Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until the service at the church.

Sylvia Maxine Raecker was born Sept. 14, 1920, at home, 1/4 mile southwest of the town of Meservey. She was the only child of Moody E. and Johanna Wessels Quandt. Sylvia received her education in Meservey and graduated in 1937. She attended Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls, receiving a special rural teaching certificate. Sylvia taught in rural areas of Bremer, Wright, and Cerro Gordo counties for 12 years.

Sylvia married Robert Raecker on July 29, 1945, in the Meservey Salem Evangelical Church. The couple spent their lifetime in Meservey, where for many years Robert operated the Raecker Chevrolet Dealership and a Standard Oil Garage. One son, Greg Evan, was born March 1, 1952.

Sylvia was an active member of the Meservey Salem Methodist Church, where she served as Lay Leader, a member of church council, United Methodist Women, and Mary Circle. She was also an active longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Women's Club, and the Meservey Library Board.

Sylvia served her community as Postmaster for 35 years, a position she truly enjoyed. She served as State Secretary of the National League of Postmasters for many years and during her tenure was recognized as National Postmaster of the Year by the League. Sylvia and Bob enjoyed many trips to the annual League of Postmasters National conventions throughout the United States. She retired in 1984, but continued serving for many years as secretary/treasurer of the Retired Postmasters of Iowa, receiving recent special recognition for her ongoing service from the Iowa League of Postmasters Auxiliary.

Sylvia is survived by her son Greg (Rena') of Cedar Falls, grandson Matthew (Beth) of Iowa City, granddaughter Anne of Cedar Falls, great-grandson Luke of Iowa City, sister-in-law Kathryn Hungerford of Osage, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert and granddaughter Grace Elizabeth.

Sylvia had a strong faith and appreciation for nature that she shared with her family. Her love, support and concern for us never wavered, and we were blessed by her presence.

Memorials may be directed to Salem Methodist Church of Meservey, the Meservey Library, Belle Haven Assisted Living in Belmond, or Wright County Hospice. Sylvia’s family extends sincere thanks to the fine staff of Iowa Specialty Hospital and Wright County Hospice for their special care. Retz Funeral Home