Ronald Rathke

Ronald Paul "Ron" Rathke, 77, passed away August 12, 2023, while camping in the great outdoors of Wyoming.

Ron was born June 28, 1946, to Paul and Ruth Rathke in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. After graduating from Cedarburg High School, he studied biology at The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. It was there Ron fell in love with Shon Apfel, and they were married. Ron and Shon had three children: Kristen, Erin, and Michael. Ron was an avid bird watcher, camping expert, lover of good food and friends, and a beautiful person inside and out. He loved the outdoors and spoke often of how connected he felt when he was in nature.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Ruth and his wife Shon. He is survived by his partner Barbara Beckmann, his sister Betty Rathke, his children Kristen (Jim) Caldwell, Erin (Jared) Curless, and Michael (Francesca) Rathke, and his grandchildren Abigail, Isabelle, and Audrey Caldwell, Carter and Lauren Hare, Evie, Asher, and Jacob Curless and Zooey Rathke.

A service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Covered Bridge Park, 1700 Covered Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, WI 53012.  In lieu of flowers, plant a tree in Ron's memory would be appreciated.