Conrad Kruger “Connie” McRacken, 98 of Russell died Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the Russell Regional Hospital.  Connie was born on the family farm near Pfeifer, Kansas on November 13, 1910, the son of James and Ida (Kruger) McRacken.  He grew up near Pheifer until high school, when he moved to live with a relative in Russell so he could graduate from Russell High School.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Alice Wallace on November 12, 1937 in Russell.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Linda and Lois.  Dorothy preceded him in death on December 1, 1994.

Connie was a farmer south of Gorham until 1948 when he and his family moved to Johnson, Kansas to help a relative farm.  They returned to Gorham in 1949 and he was the owner and operator of the Standard Gas Station.  Then in 1978 he started working as a custodian for the Russell High School.  He worked there until 1983 when he then worked as the custodian for the Trinity United Methodist Church, retiring in 1992.  He was a farmer by heart his whole life.

Connie was a charter member of the Gorham Community Church.  He also was a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge.  He was raised to be a Master Mason on April 23, 1947, was secretary from 1989 to 2003 and was a loyal member for over 62 years.  Connie loved spending time in his flower garden or making wood crafts.

Surviving family include his two daughters, Linda Murray of Lebanon, Kansas and Lois Reynolds of Littleton, Colorado; six grandchildren, Jeffrey Dinkel, Cara Hecker, Jon Dinkel, Jason Dinkel, Monty Austin and Marty Austin; and six great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held at 10:00AM Monday, October 5, 2009 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Interment will follow at Winterset Cemetery south of Gorham.  Visitation will be from Noon to 8 PM Sunday, October 4 at the Mortuary.  A memorial has been established with Vintage Place of Russell.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of the mortuary.  Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.