Orren A. Rathke

Obituary

Orren Allen Rathke was born on November 2, 1936, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was the son of Aaron and Minnie (Woller) Rathke. Orren was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith. He received his education in Winthrop and was a graduate of the Winthrop High School Class of 1954. He furthered his education for small engine repair and welding.

On November 23, 1954, Orren entered military service and served his country in the United States Army Reserves. He was Honorably Discharged on April 2, 1961.

On April 17, 1958, Orren was united in marriage to Joanne Schnichels at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector. After their marriage, the couple farmed in rural Winthrop, retiring in 1975. They were blessed with four children, David, Douglas, Dennis and Christine. Orren and Joanne shared 60 years of marriage when Joanne passed away on January 24, 2019.

Orren was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Winthrop, and the Midstate Riders Motorcycle Club.

Orren enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycling, and was a mechanic for motorcycles, snowmobiles and autos. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Orren passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park at the age of 84 years. Blessed be his memory.

Orren is survived by his:
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, Lucas, and Lillian;
Brother-in-law, James Burmeister of Stewart, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Orren was preceded in death by his Parents, Aaron and Minnie Rathke; Wife, Joanne Rathke; Sister, Joanne Burmeister; Brother, Armin Rathke.