For the City Times
Submitted by Deb Cleworth

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The community is encouraged to attend a remembrance event for Christopher Race, the victim of a March 24 homicide in Wisconsin Rapids.

The memorial event will be re-scheduled due to inclement weather, and will be held at First Congregational-United Church of Christ Church, 311 Second St. S., Wisconsin Rapids. A new date has yet to be announced. 

Weather permitting, the event will take place outside of the church; in the case of inclement weather, the gathering will be inside.

Race, 39, died March 24 when he was shot by his wife’s ex-husband. Race leaves behind his wife, Jacalyn, and five sons. Race and his wife owned and operated Higher Grounds Bakery & Café on Eighth Street South. Survivors also include his parents, and his mother-in-law.

Funeral services for Race took place March 31, with memorials designated to go to the couple’s young children.

“This tragedy has touched many in the community,” said Sue Sippel, Executive Director of The Family Center. “In addition to the financial efforts to help Jacalyn and her family, this event will focus on remembering Christopher and offer emotional support for his family.”

“Our hearts are heavy for Jacalyn and her boys,” Sippel said. “We hope this event will show that the community supports them in their time of grief.”

The event will include guest speakers, music, and will last about one hour.

A Go-Fund-Me account has been set up for the family at www.gofundme.com/racefamilymemorial. Donations also can be directed to the “Race Family Memorial” at Bull’s Eye Credit Union.

Call The Family Center at 715-421-1559 for more information.