Helen Emily Rathke

Helen Emily Rathke, Born July 14, 1946, passed away August 13, 2026. She is the daughter of Gerhard and Martha Rathke.

In her own words... [SIC]

Helen Rathke Obituary -- March 11, 2026

Well, OK, I've passed on --- Death & Taxes -- knew there's no getting around either one, so here we go.... Moving on will be a good step to other adventures. I envision, I'll be with Family and Friends who have gone on before me and await those who will come later. PARTY TIME!

Just so you know I'll be golfing with my Dad, luncheons with Mom. Holding hands with my brother Roland, as we stroll down the lane. I'll also get to see my Twin Brothers, Brook & Brent for the first time, It will be fun. Can't forget my dog, Buffy, and my very old cat, Muffy.

Rich, My Bro, you protected me since I was 4 years old. Taught me how to do many things, that changed my life. Our FUN talks always made me Happy! Love You!

Eileen, best sis-in-law ever. You kept my Bro on his toes by kindness & love. I enjoyed our patio chats and your cheesecake. Thank you for all you've done to make us a Family.

I am very proud of my Birthright to be the third child of the first generation born in America from German immigrants. They left in 1929 because of Hitler so they could start a new life in the USA. 2 years later they became official citizens.

I had a few passions in my life: dancing, golf, and History. Loved to "boogie on down", hit a long drive & sink that putt --- Good stuff. Loved History so much I became a teacher to pass on my enthusiasm for 15 years. I then continued in education by becoming a Counselor for 10 years. All at Jr. High Schools. Back then it meant 7-9th Grade. (where different hormones were off the charts). Just a special note to my HEROES, i.e. KUDOS to All the Teachers, Counselors, and Staff that are the Champions of the Kids. You are tireless in your efforts to educate them, understand their drama and teach them to value themselves. You folks are amazing. To those who are in the Jr. High "trenches" - YOU ROCK!! My Words also go to All Teachers in this World.

To Rich and Eileen, after 37 years you managed to bring a blended Family together, so, as their Aunt, I Thank them for being fun-loving, crazy, and caring for me. You 'kids' have given me lots of JOY and LOVE. I'm talking about being your Aunt, to you= 6 Nephews, 5 Nieces. I am so Proud of what you all have accomplished with your lives!

To my very good friends. a.k.a. my sanity and advocate group. Wow! You were so important to me to have party with, laugh or cry. I was very lucky to have been around you all and your 'good vibrations'.

My final thoughts: I appreciate being on this Earth when there was a time which, now seems so long ago, when there was PEACE and RESPECT for other human beings. It had been said "that in a peaceful setting, you will find a peaceful heart". Please, 'let it be' again.

Thanks for the Memories