Bonnie Rathke

LaVonne "Bonnie" Rathke, age 79 of Alexandria, formerly of Osakis passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at the Knute-Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, MN.
LaVonne "Bonnie" was born on Feb. 23, 1928 in Mpls, MN to Henry & Rose (Lussenhop) O'Neil. She lived 8 years in the "Stone House" (Lower Sioux Agency) which is now owned by the MN Historical Society. Her family then moved into town, where she graduated from Morton High School. After graduation, Bonnie moved to Minneapolis and took a job working for an accountant. On June 18, 1950, Bonnie was united in marriage to Howard "Bud" Rathke in Preston, MN where they started their family. When the Rathke's moved to Comfrey, Bonnie worked as a bookkeeper and had an income tax business. She continued to serve the people of Comfrey in the accounting field for over 20 years. Upon retirement and a move to the Osakis area, Bonnie continued to be active. She was a member of the Osakis Lutheran Church, the Alexandria Elks and Eagles clubs and also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary. She and Bud enjoyed spending 18 of their winters in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Bonnie firmly believed in lifelong education and enjoyed taking classes to learn new things. She liked to travel, work on craft projects and gather with family and friends to play a game of cards. She also enjoyed music, especially playing the organ.
She is survived by her husband of 57 yrs, Bud Rathke of Alexandria; a son, Charles Rathke of San Antonio, TX and two daughters, Barbara (Tom) Ames of St. Charles and Rebecca Rathke (Michele Meyer) of Washburn, WI; 5 grandchildren, Whitney & Gretchen Rathke, Michael, Sarah & Karly Ames; 2 brothers, Henry (Judy) O'Neil of Roseville, John (Betty) O'Neil of Norwood-Young America; 2 sisters, Virginia (Merle) Crowe of Rochester and Rosemary (Charles) March of Redwood Falls; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Marvin O'Neil.
Preceding her in death are her parents and a brother, Marvin O'Neil.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Osakis Lutheran Church with Rev. Ron Calvert officiating. Musicians are organist, Pat Converse and soloists, Darlene Hendricks and Dana Hetland. Lunch is in the fellowship hall and is served by the church women. Inurnment will be at the Morton City Cemetery in Morton, MN.
Memorials are prefered to the Douglas County Hospice.
Arrangements are being handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.