Carl Marinac Racine – Carl Marinac, 83, passed away at home on Saturday, March 20, 2010. Carl was born in Racine on May 4, 1926 to Matthew and Mary Marinac, who emigrated from Croatia in 1922. He was united in marriage to the former Joy C. Lampman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on February 26, 1949. They recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. Carl graduated from Wm Horlick High School in 1944. He served with the United States Army, 3rd Platoon, Battery A of the 30th Battalion and was stationed in Europe at the end of WWII.Carl was employed by Rainfair for 22 years. He retired from Domanik Sales in 1981 where he had worked as a salesperson for 15 years. In his retirement, Carl enjoyed working at the Racine Country Club driving range. In his early years, a strong kinship developed between Carl and neighbors on Blake Avenue in Racine. These friendships helped make him who he was and lasted throughout his life. Perhaps because of the shared culture, he was a force to be reckoned with in family bocci games. Carl shared his love of the outdoors with his family during camping and fishing trips. The never-reliable Evinrude motor remains a vivid memory for all.Carl was a founding father of the Schoolhouse Gang, known far and wide for their hunting prowess. He harvested many whitetails over the years, with his greatest trophy coming during a hunt in Orr, MN. The adventures he shared with hunting buddies were cherished times. Carl served the Kiltie Organization for many years as chaperone, bus driver, and favorite fan. He was a life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs – in the good years…and the bad; and was an avid golfer, as evidenced by his choice of retirement activities. Carl was raised a gardener and would eat only home grown tomatoes. He preferred his asparagus wild and raspberries straight from the bush. Friends and grandchildren alike knew Carl as an honorable adversary in cribbage, sheepshead and checkers. He was also an avid 'gamer,' Las Vegas style. Carl will be dearly missed by family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Joy C. Marinac; children, Thomas (Karen) Marinac, Patricia (Sterling Strathe) Marinac, Nancy (Robert) Crossett and Laura (Charles) Thielen; grandchildren, Brian (Kristi) Crossett, Scott Crossett, Matthew Marinac, Kyle Marinac, Peter (Jade Raymond) Thielen and Carly Thielen; and sister, Veronica Fodor. Carl is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Marinac; and his best friend, Alex Modesti. In accordance with his wishes, private family services were held for Carl. Inurnment has taken place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Howard Short and his staff for their many years of caring for Carl.