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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Horlick High School

FUNERAL HOME

Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory

3915 Douglas Avenue

Racine, Wisconsin

John Barootian Obituary

John Barootian
RACINE – John Barootian, 87, passed away on January 24, 2017 at Racine Commons. He was born on October 28, 1929 in Racine, Wisconsin to the late Haroutiun and Anna (Ovigian) Barootian. John graduated from Horlick High School in 1948. He Married his first wife, Donna Jean Pfeiffer in 1952 and together raised a family of four children. Before he enlisted in the Air Force he had a shoe repair shop in Racine. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War as a Staff Sargent from 1951-1955. He returned to Racine to work at Belle City Foundry from 1955-1958. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and graduated in 1962 with a BS in Education, Major in English and Minors in History and Journalism. In 1968 he earned an MS in Administration and Supervision. He taught English at Horlick High School from 1962-1988 and was head of the English Department from 1968-1988. He was instrumental in implementing Flexible Modular Scheduling from 1969-1984. A highly-respected educator, John inspired hundreds of students to fulfill their dreams through higher education. He retired from Horlick High School in 1988. In 1985 he married Eileen Larson. They spent many loving, happy years traveling together and spending winters in Mesa, Arizona. John enjoyed reading, golf, traveling, casino gambling and writing. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Eileen, his son Stephen of Racine, daughters, Janet of Bristol, WI and Karen of Madison, WI., grandson, Nicholas (Sarah) of Racine, granddaughter Maren, Duluth, MN, sister Mary Rzepecky, brothers Adam (Marion) and Arthur (Jennifer) and many nieces and nephews. Also, his very caring step-children Shelley (Ernie) Towery, and Denise Olson, her children, Jessica (Frank) DeRango and Samantha Olson and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna, his son, John Harry, his daughter-in-law, Dawn and brother-in-law Mike Rzepecky. John will be greatly missed by all the many lives he touched as husband, father, teacher, and writer. Funeral services for John will be held at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie Street, on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Avedis Kalayjian officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Horlick Scholarship Fund, St. Mesrob Armenian Church or Seasons Hospice of West Allis, WI. Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory 3915 Douglas Avenue Racine, WI 53402 (262) 639-8000 www.purath-strand.com

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Published by Racine Journal Times from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Barootian

21 Entries

James Hathaway

November 28, 2021

Mr. Barootian was a gifted educator and one of the few teachers who I actually remember much about. I remember him as a person who actively challenged students to use their brains. He'll always stand out because his was the first class I had minutes after we heard the news about JFK's assassination. Once everyone was seated, it was clear that it was not business as usual and that he was dealing with his own emotions while being the only adult in the room. He requested that we just sit quietly and reflect in a way that made me realize that he was in the same boat as the rest of us. I've always appreciated that he was the one in that role at that moment.

Marija Webers

February 4, 2017

Mr. Barootian was my English teacher in the late 70's. I loved his class and always looked forward to it. I have thought of him often through the years. He was a wonderful teacher!! Rest in Peace!

Charles (Chip) Perce

February 3, 2017

What can I say about Mr. Barootian that hasn't been said? Really nothing. He was truly my favorite English teacher that I had. Three Modern Writers... Because of him, I learned to love their writings.
Mr. Barootian, God Speed to you until we meet again in the glory of God in Heaven.

Jerry Nehring

February 1, 2017

In 1948 John was the #1 track Mile runner at Horlick. I was the #1 tennis player. I knew John all thru High School. Sorry to see you go John.

Betty Henry

January 31, 2017

I knew John as my neighbor in Mesa, AZ and what a wonderful neighbor him & Eileen were!!We all golfed together & once in awhile John's language got a little hot, also when Greenbay played the Vikings. I still miss you two as my AZ neighbors. My love and sympathy for you, Eileen.
Your OLD neighbor Betty

Fr. Matthew Phelan

January 31, 2017

The memory of Mr. Barootian puts a smile on my face. I have said for years that the "C" that I received in E52 was worth more than all my "A"s combined. (Mr. B, be merciful if I included unnecessary punctuation.) I was so blessed to have him as a teacher (1986-87 school year). John Barootian, you will be missed, until we meet again in the house of our heavenly Father.

Nathan Silver

January 30, 2017

I was Mr. Barootian's tenth-grade student in 1966, my last year at Horlick before our family moved from Racine. Our first day, he introduced to us and defined the word "delineate," because, he said, it would reverberate in the classroom throughout the year. He shared his background: he'd worked in a factory but found it deadening; it impelled him to return to school--even though married with children--to become a teacher of English. Dense, impenetrable works he occasionally assigned, like Faulkner's story "The Bear"; befitting its name, it finished you, you didn't finish it. Yet amusingly, one day in class he played 45 rpm singles of the popular protest song "Eve of Destruction" and its antithesis, recorded in response, "Dawn of Correction," to show how different writers approached the same subject in divergent ways. By his example, dedication, and method, Mr. Barootian conveyed and, in some, instilled that most critical element of education: the supreme importance of learning.

January 29, 2017

After 37 years, I still use what Mr. Barootian taught me. My sincere thanks to him and sympathy to his family.

Lisa (Monahan) Hammock

January 29, 2017

Mr. Barootian is the only teacher I can remember by name and have talked about him fondly over the years. Remember The Student Prints The Student Print and the assembly line we had putting it together? About 1977 I had a brief visit with him as he managed a garden stand on Douglas Avenue. I introduced him to my young son as my old English teacher. Mr. Barootian did not miss a beat saying "Watch your modifiers, Jo." So I quickly corrected and re-introduced him as my "former" English teacher. With deep gratitude for his favorable imprint on my life, and sincere condolences to the family for your significant loss. Jo class of '67.

Deb Selky

January 28, 2017

Mr Barootian has always been the reason I love to read. Shakespeare and Three Modern Writers are classes that will forever be embedded in my memory. He was an outstanding teacher and mentor. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

David & Marilyn Lauer

January 28, 2017

Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of John's family from the Lauer family of Racine. Mr. Barootian was a great teacher and a great human being, and his family all reflect his influence.

Betsy Buhler

January 28, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the Barootian Family. Mr. Barootian was a special person, as we all know. He was an excellent teacher, creative and inspiring, yet he kept order and required personal discipline. He gave invaluable advice on all aspects of life. I read in his obituary that he did not have things easy. He worked at hard jobs and he pursued his education. Mr. Barootian was the real deal, a great role model.
We will miss him in this world.
God bless him.

Carolyn Chobanian Gissel Horlick 65

January 28, 2017

Mr. Barootian was one of the best and most influential teachers I have ever had. I had him both as a sophomore and a junior school years 1962-63 and 1963 - 64. I never would have guessed I was one of his earliest students. He was earnest, dedicated and committed. I have thought of him and the impact he had on me many times over all the intervening years. His passing is a great loss.

Dawn Price

January 28, 2017

Mr. Barootian was a wonderful, empowering and inspiring educator. Rest in love and peace. Thank you for your ongoing influence on my.

Debra Attoe

January 28, 2017

One of the best English teachers I had at Horlick and he ran a great department because they were all very good at motivating their students to love reading and writing. Three Modern Writers was my favorite class. He inspired so many young people to write and understand what other writers were trying to convey. He will live on in all of us for generations and that is the definition of a great teacher! My condolences to all his family and friends. - Debra Buckett, Horlick Class of 1980

January 28, 2017

He was an inspirational teacher and always a joy to talk to when class or the school day was over.
John Morgan Class of '65

Ron Sklansky

January 27, 2017

I was a student in Mr. Barootian's 10th and 11th grade English classes in the school years ending in 1966 and 1967. Did I ever learn how to write a term paper!! He cared deeply about his students and was innovative in his approach to teaching. And what a character, too. My condolences to the family of a man who will be remembered fondly.

Glenn Gordon

January 27, 2017

Maybe the best teacher I ever had. Horlick '68

tammy Cochran

January 27, 2017

I only knew John a short time but it seemed longer. I will miss him dearly. He was such a, great person to care for. Prayers to you all.

January 27, 2017

My condolences to you. Steve, Nick, Maren, and Eileen I know you will miss him dearly.
Gail Hoss

Craig Aude

January 27, 2017

Without a doubt, the finest teacher I ever had. He made Shakespeare and Steinbeck so easy to understand. I owe him much. RIP, John.

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