Hermann Rack

Hermann Rack of Colgate, Wisconsin, ascended to ski the highest mountain peaks with God, his parents, sister, and friends in heaven on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, just two days shy of his 89th birthday.
Hermann was born on January 16, 1936, in Yugoslavia to Olga (née Staldzer) and Johan Rack. In 1956, at the age of 20, he emigrated to the United States with his family but remained deeply connected to the cherished memories of his early years in Stockendorf, Gottschee (now Planina, Slovenia). Hermann proudly served in the United States Army and the Army band.
After immigrating, Hermann found his community in Milwaukee, joining The Schwabenhof in Menomonee Falls, a German-American cultural center for the United Donauschwaben of Milwaukee (UDoM). The Schwabenhof provided a hub for preserving German traditions, recreation, and entertainment. Both Hermann and his brother, Eddie, played on the Schwabenhof soccer team (Sport Club), and Hermann later became the youth band's music teacher and conductor. It was at The Schwabenhof that Hermann met Julie Parfitt, the love of his life. They were married on June 10, 1978.
A lifelong professional musician and accomplished trumpeter, Hermann's musical journey began in church and jazz clubs in his youth. His performing days expanded from starting a jazz band with close friends called "Tunes" to playing in the Austrian Express folk band for over 25 years. Alongside some of his best friends, Hermann traveled the country performing at weddings, cultural events, Germanfests, and Oktoberfests. Later, he joined the American Legion Band of Milwaukee, where he played for many years, even into his retirement. Music was his passion and life's symphony-a blend of purpose and divine timing.
Hermann was a devoted and loving father who poured his energy into weekend adventures, coaching his children's soccer and ski teams, and creating treasured family memories. Skiing was among his greatest passions, and he dedicated 35 years to coaching the Parks Ski Team. As an Opa, Hermann doted on his granddaughter, Juniper, whom he lovingly called "Schatzi" ("treasure"), a nickname he also gave to his wife Julie and daughter Petra. For the past 12 years, Juniper was the light of his life.
Hermann's unwavering kindness, humor, and character left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His students, players, and racers admired him not just for his skills but for his positive impact on their lives beyond music, soccer, and skiing.
Hermann is survived by his loving wife, Julie; cherished children, Kyle Rack and Petra Rack; adored granddaughter, Juniper Rack; brother, Edwin Rack; mother-in-law, Kathleen Boehmke; sisters-in-law Diane (Dave) Monnot, Mary (Greg) Hackel; brother-in-law David (Sharon) Parfitt; nieces, Tina (Jerry) Wysocki, Stephanie (Justin) Keller, Amber (John) Burrow, and Kaitlyn (Chris) Stein; nephews, Christopher (Cheri) Rack, Edwin (Susan) Rack, Thomas Rack, Joseph (Terry) Fischer, Matthew (Susan) Fischer, Steven (Geryn) Bostwick, Tyler Hackel, Josh (Missy) Puls, Ryan (Justina) Puls, and Dylan Parfitt. He is further survived by great-nieces, great-nephews, many other loved relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Olga Rack; sister, Erika (Joe) Fischer; sister-in-law, Astrid Rack (nee Sieg); brother-in-law, Joe Fischer; father-in-law, Clifford Parfitt, and step-father-in-law, Ed Boehmke.
A celebration of Hermann's life will take Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at Little Switzerland Ski Area, 105 Cedar Creek Road, Slinger, WI 53086, with Visitation from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Memorial Service 3:30 p.m-4:00 p.m./4:30 p.m., with additional visitation with music and refreshments to follow until 6:00 p.m.
Hermann will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery, 9400 W. Donges Bay Rd, Mequon, WI 53092 (Burial Space 101, Tier B, inside the chapel of the Resurrection Mausoleum). A portion of his cremated remains will also be taken to Austria by his children next year to be spread across the mountains and his beloved homeland.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in Hermann's honor through Petra's 2025 Chicago Marathon donation page: 2025 Chicago Marathon - Alzheimer's Association
"Dad, you will forever be my first love, coach, driving force, and best friend. Your immense impact on my life shaped me into who I am today. Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of love and how to live life to its fullest. Until we meet again, I will hold close the constant reminders of your presence-whether in a gentle snowfall, a breathtaking mountain landscape, or a soulful trumpet solo. Für immer dein Schatz." – Petra