Joanne Rathke

Obituary

Joanne Marie Rathke was born on December 3, 1939, in Hector, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Mathias and Elenora (Beack) Schnichels. Joanne was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth. She received her education in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1957. She furthered her education at Mankato Community College in Mankato, Minnesota.

On April 17, 1958, Joanne was united in marriage to Orren Rathke at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector. After their marriage, the couple resided in Winthrop on the farm. Joanne was a loving mother and homemaker. Joanne and Orren were blessed with four children. She was employed at Hands, Inc. in Winthrop, J.B. Lures in Winthrop, many hours of volunteering, and did house cleaning for others for more than 20 years. Joanne and Orren shared 60 years of marriage.

Joanne was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Winthrop. She was the church custodian for 18 years. Joanne was also the head secretary, on the Altar Society and church council and the funeral chairman for many, many years.

Joanne enjoyed playing organ and piano, knitting, reading, gardening, and fishing. She knew a lot of people and couldn’t go any place without her knowing someone. Happy days were when she spent time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joanne passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park at the age of 79 years. Blessed be her memory. If you left hungry, it’s your fault!

Joanne is survived by her:
Husband,         Orren Rathke of Hutchinson, MN;
Children,         David Rathke and his wife, Lena of Eden Prairie, MN,
                        Douglas Rathke and his wife, Connie of Hutchinson, MN,
                        Dennis Rathke and his wife, Janet of Waconia, MN, and
Christine Mead and her husband, Gary of Waterville, MN;
Grandchildren, Amanda, Joshua, Kata, Taylor, Eric, Mariahna, Kia, Clara, Alexander and William;
Great Grandchildren, Kiara, Dominic, Preston, Lesa, Lucas, and Lillian;
Brother, Mathias Schnichels and his wife, Avis of New Ulm, MN
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends

Joanne was preceded in death by her Parents, Mathias and Elenora Schnichels; and Brother, Donald Schnichels; Aunts, Dorothy Stangeland and Eunice Zingler.