Frank
Frank W. Rathke
d. December 4, 2008
Frank W. Rathke, 90, of Humboldt, passed away December 4, 2008 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Humboldt. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt with a parish scripture service at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Rathke is survived by his children, Connie (Gerry) Klecker of Hudson, WI, Frank (Annie) Rathke of Humboldt, and Eugene (Donna) Rathke of Appleton, WI; grandchildren, Joanie (David) Davenport, Linda Klecker, Teresa (Robert) Olson, Cynthia (Doyle) Miller, Melissa (Gary) Caquelin, Melinda (John) Skow, Maxwell Rathke, Loretta (Joe) Fendrick, Merle (Heidi) Rathke, and Elizabeth (Mike) Navin; and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth; sister, Dorothy Malkmus; daughter-in-law, Judy Rathke; and granddaughter, Tatyana Cirksena.
Frank William Rathke, the son of Frank A. and Jessie Pearl (Parsons) Rathke, was born March 5, 1918 at Gilmore City, Iowa. As a child he made his home with his family on various farms around Humboldt County. He graduated from Humboldt High School and following his education enlisted into the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Zeimet on January 25, 1942 at Oakland, CA. After two weeks of marriage, Frank was shipped to the Solomon Islands where he served as a radio Tech 1st class for the Navy during World War II. He was attached to the 1st Marine Division’s Carlson’s Raiders when they retook Henderson Field. Following his discharge from Great Lakes Naval Base, Frank returned home to Elizabeth and the couple made their home in Humboldt. Frank was employed by Prime Refrigeration until establishing Rathke Electric. In 1970-71 his sons joined the business and they moved their operations to Dakota City. Frank retired in the early 1980’s and for 15years, he and Elizabeth enjoyed wintering in New Mexico. Mrs. Rathke passed away in 1995 and Frank continued to maintain his home until his death.
Mr. Rathke was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a longtime pilot having achieved his commercial pilots license and instrument rating. He had served as the president of the Humboldt Flying Club for 6 years and as Surgeon General, Officer of the Day, and Guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5240. Above all he loved his grandchildren whom will miss his dearly.
Mr. Rathke is survived by his children, Connie (Gerry) Klecker of Hudson, WI, Frank (Annie) Rathke of Humboldt, and Eugene (Donna) Rathke of Appleton, WI; grandchildren, Joanie (David) Davenport, Linda Klecker, Teresa (Robert) Olson, Cynthia (Doyle) Miller, Melissa (Gary) Caquelin, Melinda (John) Skow, Maxwell Rathke, Loretta (Joe) Fendrick, Merle (Heidi) Rathke, and Elizabeth (Mike) Navin; and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth; sister, Dorothy Malkmus; daughter-in-law, Judy Rathke; and granddaughter, Tatyana Cirksena.
Frank William Rathke, the son of Frank A. and Jessie Pearl (Parsons) Rathke, was born March 5, 1918 at Gilmore City, Iowa. As a child he made his home with his family on various farms around Humboldt County. He graduated from Humboldt High School and following his education enlisted into the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Zeimet on January 25, 1942 at Oakland, CA. After two weeks of marriage, Frank was shipped to the Solomon Islands where he served as a radio Tech 1st class for the Navy during World War II. He was attached to the 1st Marine Division’s Carlson’s Raiders when they retook Henderson Field. Following his discharge from Great Lakes Naval Base, Frank returned home to Elizabeth and the couple made their home in Humboldt. Frank was employed by Prime Refrigeration until establishing Rathke Electric. In 1970-71 his sons joined the business and they moved their operations to Dakota City. Frank retired in the early 1980’s and for 15years, he and Elizabeth enjoyed wintering in New Mexico. Mrs. Rathke passed away in 1995 and Frank continued to maintain his home until his death.
Mr. Rathke was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a longtime pilot having achieved his commercial pilots license and instrument rating. He had served as the president of the Humboldt Flying Club for 6 years and as Surgeon General, Officer of the Day, and Guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5240. Above all he loved his grandchildren whom will miss his dearly.
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