Obituaries

Dirk John Racine

February 07, 1961 - December 16, 2023

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Obituary For Dirk John Racine

Verona - Dirk Racine, age 62, quietly passed away at his home on Saturday, December 16 surrounded by his wife of nearly 40 years Sue (Batt) Racine and their two cats. The day before he had enjoyed a bike ride with buddies and a holiday party with friends complete with steak dinner and a Jack & Coke.

Dirk had beat back cancer and dire warnings for nine years while living large and loving life. He and Sue adventured across the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Dirk and his ski buddies tackled the slopes of Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Calgary. He completed 65 ski days last year alone and skied Tyrol Basin in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin almost daily. He and his brother David Racine and nephew Brent Racine enjoyed a backroads motorcycle adventure in Vietnam. Dirk and Sue checked off her bucket list item of a polo camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

His list of activities and accomplishments was lengthy and ever-expanding. Along with his passion for downhill skiing, he enjoyed motorcycling, water skiing, cross-country skiing, golf, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking the rivers of southern Wisconsin. Dirk completed 11 “fourteeners” (mountain peaks at or above 14,000 feet), three Boston marathons, the Chicago Marathon, the Madison Marathon and three Ironman triathlons. Dirk refused to learn yoga. He was a regular at the Middleton Sport Bowl poker tournaments and an avid Green Bay Packers fan and Sheepshead player.

Dirk enjoyed a 30+ year career at Telephone & Data Systems serving as their Director of Treasury Systems before retiring in 2019. During that time, he built treasured friendships that he maintained long after retirement.

Dirk is survived by his loving wife and life adventure partner Sue (Batt) Racine, his brother David Racine, sister-in-law Linda Racine, niece Heather Racine Kessler and nephew Brent Racine and Brent’s wife Tracy Racine. He will be missed and celebrated by his hundreds of friends and fans. There will be a celebration of all things Dirk at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider skiing a run for Dirk at Tyrol Basin and donating to the Nature Conservancy and/or Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

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Condolences

  • February 03, 2024

    Dirk taught me how to dig deep and toughen up and basically how to mountain bike. Every time that we got together was Epic.

  • January 20, 2024

    Dirk was such a great guy. Everybody enjoyed his company. He will be sorely missed.

  • January 05, 2024

    Sue I am so sorry for your loss. Sending peace and love to you ❤️🙏❤️

  • January 04, 2024

    Sue , I am truly sorry for your loss of your husband Dirk, I know how much you both enjoyed your time together. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Geriann Smith

  • January 04, 2024

    Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you strength to see you through this difficult time and my hope that the beautiful memories you've created over time bring you much joy in recalling them. My condolences.

  • December 29, 2023

    Sue, So very sorry to hear the news about Dirk. What a life of love and adventure you two shared. Hugs and love to you and your dear family.

  • December 28, 2023

    Dear Sue: I want to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. He was a mountain of a man. Sending love and a hug. Elly Robinson.

  • December 24, 2023

    Sue, my heart goes out to you for the love and laughs we had from the start of our friendship a the Johnson Street estates and both of travel knowledge! A lot of fun memories that keep the heart strong, for one: You, the Johnson Street Estate gals and I walking the streets during winter over to where Dirk lived. I think it was with his college buddies and they were having a party 🙂 Another one is all the times you guys came to California and the fun that we had. Posted a photo us back in the 90s in front of my place "Wilson Apts" where Dirk was asking so many questions, "Who's Wilson", "What is the square footage of this place", "How many other tenants live here" The list goes on 🙂 But after a few yard-long beers in Old Town, I think I had the answers. 🙂 I learned a lot from Dirk about having a statistical mind. Love Scott

  • December 24, 2023

    We will miss the ol' IronMan zipping past us while training and on event day. And the noon hour football at Garner was great fun. That's Dirk -- a great guy and fun to be around. Hugs to you, Sue... Tom&Darcy Kobinsky

  • December 22, 2023

    Dear Sue, I'm so very sorry about the passing of your husband, Dirk. What a wonderful, full life the two of you shared. May those countless memories and your horse companions be of greatest comfort to you now. With deepest sympathy, Annette Hartung

  • December 21, 2023

    On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff at Three Gaits, we extend our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. It is evident from the collective sorrow that he was an amazing person. May you find strength in the cherished memories you shared and the support of those around you. Please know that the entire Three Gait's community is here to support you in any way possible. With heartfelt sympathy, Vicki C. Russell, chair Three Gaits Board of Directors

  • December 21, 2023

    Scott and I are deeply saddened by your loss. What a wonderful man you had. He will remain forever in our hearts and thoughts. Prayers for you and your family. Scott and Wendy Anderson

  • December 20, 2023

    I'm so sorry to hear this Sue. I LOVED playing noon touch football at Garner Park with Dirk! He was such a great guy. Glad he was able to continue to enjoy adventures with you. Take care.

  • December 20, 2023

    Sue, I am very sorry to hear of Dirk's passing. He fought a great battle. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim Gowan

  • December 20, 2023

    I will always remember Dirk for his zest for life. I loved seeing all Sue and Dirk's travel adventures on Facebook. What an incredible life they had. Two peas in a pod.

  • December 20, 2023

    Dirk was an amazing man, and so happy to have known him way back in our college years and to reconnect later. He truly left an impact on this world and found a connection to people on a level that is hard to describe whether it was to support us all as friends with a lot of fun adventures during college at UW, later through our triathon journeys where he believed in the potential of others more than they believed in themselves, or just good conversation. Rest in peace, and hope your adventures continue in a different place. Jean Wangard

  • December 19, 2023

    Sending my love to you and your family and Dirk up above. Grateful your life was so full, so long with his love. From music at the park to cottage summer days and restaurant celebrations, my family and I will cherish memories of his wit and generous spirit. Just like you - forever more.

  • December 19, 2023

    Sue - I was shocked and so sadden to here the news of Dirk's passing. The last conversation I had with him a year ago was when he told me how many days of skiing he already had in - I was so jealous and thought I was a slacker. Although we drifted apart after my first few years working with him right out of college I will always cherish and never will forget the impact of his friendship, with me and many others. Once a friend always a friend. Go high on that mountain " Air Dirk". John. Freimuth.

  • December 19, 2023

    Sue and Dave- My deepest condolences to you. Dirk was a special human that brought people together, he had a passion for new adventures and loved life. I was so sorry to hear on his passing.

  • December 19, 2023

    You were truly an inspiration to all of us! You will be missed my friend!❤️

  • December 19, 2023

    Sue, I was saddened to learn of Dirk's passing. He was always so full of life and jovial. Though I didn't see you guys often it was always such a pleasure to connect and get hugs from the both of you. He certainly left his mark on this world. I'm certain he will find adventure in the other side. Sending hugs and love. Amanda Lock

  • December 19, 2023

    Dirk was special. I miss his smile already.

  • December 19, 2023

    Can't think of anyone like him. So very positive and welcoming. The best of hearts. Very sorry Sue and the Racines.

  • December 19, 2023

    Dirk, who in the world will review my dates and give me honest feedback? Who will laugh at my foibles in a way that showed true understanding and friendship? Who will instigate others into iffy situations? And who will run the numbers on our derby bets and Euchre tournaments? I'm being selfish now because I'm sure you are slaying on this new adventure. We'll stand by Sue and keep her safe. And we'll try to keep her from buying 20 horses. We love you.

  • December 19, 2023

    Sue and family- I am so sorry for your loss. What an incredible life Dirk had, I have many fond memories playing all kinds of sports with Dirk. He was inspiring to be around and I know will be missed. Peace to the family.

Tributes

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Serene Lily Basket was sent for Dirk John Racine - December 19, 2023

  • 5 TREES

    JOSEPH huselton planted 5 trees in memory of Dirk John Racine . - December 19, 2023

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