1934
Ronald
2021
Ronald J. Rathke
September 5, 1934 — January 19, 2021
Ronald J. Rathke (86) passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021, after a gradual decline brought on by recurring strokes.
Ron was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Hilbert and Viola Rathke. He attended St. Lucas Lutheran Grade School and Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. Ron and his wife Judy (Lapp) Rathke both graduated from Valparaiso University. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. They began their 63 year marriage in Milwaukee where Ron was working for AC/Delco Electronics.
In 1973 the company transferred Ron to their Detroit Diesel Allison Division of GM and the family, which now included three children, moved to Indianapolis. His Wisconsin roots were maintained with annual vacations to “Up Nort’ ’Sconsin”. Ron and Judy eventually retired to the Northwoods, where friends and family were welcomed to their log home on High Lake. They recently returned to Indiana to be closer to family.
In a joyful response to God’s Grace, Ron was actively involved in the Church. Often the one to ‘turn out the lights and lock the doors’, he sang in Choirs and sat on numerous Church Counsels and Building Committees at St. Lucas in Milwaukee, Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Indianapolis and Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua, Wisconsin. He served on the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Missions Board and as a delegate to the Synodical Conference
Ron is survived by his wife; son Mike (Tracey) Rathke and daughter Laurel (Bill) Slade; grandchildren Josh (Cara) Rathke, Taylor Rathke, Leah Christy, Madeline Christy, Chris (Brianna) Slade, Cory (Melissa) Slade, Collin Slade; and 8 great-grandchildren whose antics brought a bright smile to his face. His daughter, Sarah L. Christy preceded him in death.
Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1484 W. Main Street Carmel IN, on February 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time. A live-stream of the service will be available on Bethlehem’s website bethlehem-luth.org.
Should you desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carmel IN; Trinity Lutheran Church, Minocqua WI; or the charity of your choice.
Ron was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Hilbert and Viola Rathke. He attended St. Lucas Lutheran Grade School and Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. Ron and his wife Judy (Lapp) Rathke both graduated from Valparaiso University. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. They began their 63 year marriage in Milwaukee where Ron was working for AC/Delco Electronics.
In 1973 the company transferred Ron to their Detroit Diesel Allison Division of GM and the family, which now included three children, moved to Indianapolis. His Wisconsin roots were maintained with annual vacations to “Up Nort’ ’Sconsin”. Ron and Judy eventually retired to the Northwoods, where friends and family were welcomed to their log home on High Lake. They recently returned to Indiana to be closer to family.
In a joyful response to God’s Grace, Ron was actively involved in the Church. Often the one to ‘turn out the lights and lock the doors’, he sang in Choirs and sat on numerous Church Counsels and Building Committees at St. Lucas in Milwaukee, Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Indianapolis and Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua, Wisconsin. He served on the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Missions Board and as a delegate to the Synodical Conference
Ron is survived by his wife; son Mike (Tracey) Rathke and daughter Laurel (Bill) Slade; grandchildren Josh (Cara) Rathke, Taylor Rathke, Leah Christy, Madeline Christy, Chris (Brianna) Slade, Cory (Melissa) Slade, Collin Slade; and 8 great-grandchildren whose antics brought a bright smile to his face. His daughter, Sarah L. Christy preceded him in death.
Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1484 W. Main Street Carmel IN, on February 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time. A live-stream of the service will be available on Bethlehem’s website bethlehem-luth.org.
Should you desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carmel IN; Trinity Lutheran Church, Minocqua WI; or the charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald J. Rathke, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Funeral Service
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
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