Obituary of Daniel A. Rathke

Daniel Alan Rathke was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 8, 1965. He was one of six children born from the union of Richard A. and Mary (Bonk) Rathke. Daniel obtained his GED in Baldwin, Michigan. On July 25, 1987, he married the love of his life, the former Annette Burns. Together, the happy couple was blessed with the birth of three children.

Daniel truly enjoyed being outside breathing fresh air and was most pleased to be planting a garden. Each year, he labored in his yard to prepare the soil for planting. His work was always rewarded as he cultivated the most beautiful flower garden in the neighborhood. In addition, his vegetables proved to be bountiful, as his love of asparagus was quite evident since he always had plenty. 

Daniel had a passion for antique shopping. He lived for the thrill of the hunt, spending many weekends attending vintage markets in search of a big score. He had a special attraction to headgear, from Military to Fez type hats. As his passion for antiquing seemed to take over the home, his loved ones jokingly said he was a borderline hoarder.

Daniel enjoyed tinkering in the garage.  Although he mainly kept the space neat and clean, he had however created space so that he could wrench away. In fact, he was particularly fond of his Blue 1946 Plymouth, complete with flames on the doors, a labor of love that he spent countless hours restoring.

Daniel A. Rathke, age 57 of LaSalle, passed away unexpectedly at 7:30pm on Friday; April 28, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents; a sister: Mary; and his stepmother: Dorothea Rathke.

To cherish his memory, he leaves a wife of thirty-six years: Annette; three children: Kerrin (Melissa) Rakes, Samantha (Aaron) Keller, and Paige Rathke (Noah Theisen); two sisters: Diane (Mark) Gayer of Petersburg, Michigan and Vickie Hobb; two brothers: Richard B. (Janet) Rathke of Sault St. Marie, Michigan; Joseph (Leslie) Rathke of Deerfield, Michigan; three grandchildren: Jacklynn Carpenter, Thomas Carpenter, and Parker Rakes; and one feline “baby”: Harley aka “Squints”.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life led by Pastor Roy Southerland will follow at 7:00pm. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.