Howard “Bud” Rathke (97) of Rochester, Minn., died peacefully January 30, 2024.
Bud was born May 25, 1926, on the Windy Ridge family farm near Preston, Minn., to Herman and Alice (Miner) Rathke. He attended Waukokee and South Windy Ridge schools through eighth grade, graduating from Preston High School in 1943. On June 18, 1950, he married LaVonne “Bonnie” O’Neil from Morton, Minn., and they had three children: Barbara, Charles and Rebecca.
After high school Bud worked as a mechanic for a garage in Preston. He then joined a construction crew, building an addition to the Preston Municipal Power Plant, which evolved into full-time employment at the plant. His five years of experience there led him to a career with Interstate Power Company in Hills, Minn., as a Service Representative/Lineman. In 1956 he transferred to Comfrey, Minn., where he serviced several communities for 33 years.
Bud was an active community member, joining the volunteer fire department and serving on the Comfrey school board. He was often seen helping neighbors and friends in need. Bud’s hobbies were fixing things in his garage workshop, fishing and playing cards. He loved to make people laugh by telling jokes and funny stories.
Bud and Bonnie retired to their cabin on Lake Osakis, where they enjoyed playing cards with friends and fishing with their grandchildren. They were snowbirds for 18 years in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Wanting a more maintenance free lifestyle, in 2006 they moved to The Senator condominiums in Alexandria, Minn., where they continued to play cards with friends. Bonnie died in 2007. In 2019, Bud moved to The Homestead assisted living in Rochester, Minn., to be close to family. He enjoyed watching women’s college sports, the Twins and Timberwolves as well as playing cards.
He is survived by his three children: Barb (Tom) Ames, Chuck, and Becky; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Allene Slaback, brother Robert Rathke, and wife Bonnie.
Bud was cremated and his ashes laid to rest next to Bonnie at the Morton City Cemetery. A graveside farewell will be held on June 17, 2024, with a lunch at noon at Jackpot Junction.
Memorial gifts may be made in the form of contributions to Renville County Historical Society and Museum, 441 N Park Dr./Morton, Minn., 56270 and Fillmore County History Center and Museum, 202 Co Hwy 8/Fountain, Minn., 55935.
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