Willard “Bill” Ratike

Obituary

Willard James Ratike was born on May 5, 1935, in Fairmont, Minnesota. He was the son of Harry and Edna (Rasche) Ratike. Bill was baptized as an infant and was confirmed in his faith as a youth. He was a graduate of Litchfield High School Class of 1953.

On May 26, 1956, Bill was united in marriage to Lillian Kruger at Grace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Sarah. Bill and Lillian resided in Hutchinson. They shared 55 years of marriage until Lillian passed on June 20, 2011.  

Bill was employed as a Bricklayer at Bernhagen Brick in Shakopee, Minnesota, for 36 years. He also was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Bill enjoyed watching football and baseball, golfing, fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and grandchildren.

Bill passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield, Minnesota, at the age of 83 years.

He will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived by his:
Daughter, Sarah McGraw and her husband, Patrick, of Brownton, MN;
Son, Jeffrey Ratike and his wife, Linda, of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Andrew Ratike and his wife, Danielle, Scott Ratike, Amy Fauri and her husband, Kirk, Adam Froemming and his wife, Jeni, Carrie Froemming, Joy Froemming and her fiancée, Jason Berland;
Great-Grandchildren, Ashlyn Ratike, Jackson Ratike; Beckett Ratike, Joseph Fauri, Andy Fauri, Will Fauri, Henry Froemming, Charles Froemming, Makynna Berland;
Sisters-In-Laws, Marlene Ratike, of Truman, MN,
                               Rosie Ratike of Litchfield, MN;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by Wife, Lillian Ratike; Parents, Harry and Edna Ratike; Siblings, Ethel Peterson, Ardis Rasche, Marvin Ratike, Harland Ratike.