William Willard Rathe

William (Bill) Willard Rathe, age 66 of Deer Park, IL, was born on November 20, 1956 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.  Bill passed away after a brief battle with cancer in Barrington, IL on September 5, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife and six children.  He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl (nee Bittner); children, Christina (Todd) Moser, Bradford (Kendal) Rathe, Alexander (Jennifer) Rathe, Jackson (Kayla) Rathe, Colin (Jillian) Rathe, and Nathan Rathe; grandchildren, Taylor Moser, Claire Moser, Catelyn Moser, Thomas Moser, Harrison Rathe, George Rathe and Arthur Rathe; his sisters, Marlie (Jim) Nazarko, Kathy (Mark) Reither, Linda (Dan) Ramthun, and Lori (Paul) Looker.  William was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Ruth Rathe; sister, Donna and her husband Thomas Hay; brothers, Jonathan and David Rathe.

Bill was a graduate of the University of Olivet, who worked in Human Resources for Allstate for 30 years.  He then went on to work in education for the College of DuPage.  Finally, he worked as part of the staff for Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, where he passionately served the Lord and community.  Not only did he work for the Church, but he was also a prominent member who dedicated his time to coaching and making Immanuel a better place.  

Bill was a family man first and foremost. A majority of his life was dedicated to his six children.  Anyone who came across him was always taken aback by his love for his family.  He loved working and living for others.  He was always the first to pick up his grandkids or attend a family sporting event.  

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, September 10, from 4:30pm until 8:30pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.   A memorial service will be on Monday, September 11, at 11am with a visitation to start at 10am, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N Plum Grove Rd., Palatine.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran School Education Foundation.  Choose the Fund option “ILSEF-Immanuel Lutheran School”. https://pushpay.com/g/immanuelpalatine 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.