William D
Rathkamp
William D. Rathkamp passed away on September 7, 2024, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin at age 81.
Bill was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents William and Alice (Pat) on October 7, 1942. He attended Boys Technical and Trade High School in Milwaukee and worked as a facilities maintenance man for over three decades. He loved his sports, Packers, Brewers, Bucks and especially, Golf. He was an avid golfer and was known to enter several fantasy football leagues at once. He loved reading and exchanged books with family members, and could hold discussions of those books, like a seasoned literary critic.
Bill was preceded in death by the love of his life, Doris Jean, parents William and Alice (Pat), his brother Robert, and Sister-in-Law Marilyn, his brother Richard, and his Aunt Grace.
Bill is survived by his son Todd, his brother Dave (Becky) his grandchildren Betsy (John), Korey (Skyler), and Nathan, great grandchildren Abram, Hudson and Macie, Nephews Paul (Cindy), Tim (Gloria), Tom (Sarah), Peter (Kristine), and Brad, and many grand nieces and nephews, including all of his beloved family in Aberdeen, South Dakota, his friend Deb, and his best friend, his dog Maggie.
There will not be a Public Service for Bill, only a private gathering for immediate family members. We encourage all who knew Uncle Bill to share your thoughts and memories of him on The Funeral Home Website.
Come Good Home, Uncle Bill!
Attachment
Bill and Doris were my 2 favorite people. The most fun you could have listening to two people who argued all the time but loved each other deeply. Bill was first my employee and then both he and Doris became our friends and stayed friends. Bill was a true renaissance man, one minute discussing a great book, and the next demanding you grab him a beer. He will be deeply missed by myself and my husband Ben (his minnie me). We had many good laughs. While sad for the rest of us we know that he desperately missed Doris and now they can be together again, and yes to argue again. Bah!
Uncle Bill gave me his Harry Potter books back in the day as this was a love we shared so deeply together. We would watch the movies together when he came home to visit and always had so much to hash out over it. I think of him all the time when I look at those books & will forever cherish his humor.
I ‘’rescued’ a small dusty-green & burgundy fern plant from Bill’s backyard on Sherman when successive owners ‘weren’t into gardening “..,,His garden also held white bleeding hearts & big-leafed hostas that have proved to be much more resilient.. They continue to bloom in season…..30” white hosta blooms are finishing up now! They are always beautiful & bring smiles as we are reminded of how blessed we were to have Bill And Doris as neighbors & friends..
Although we haven’t been a part of each other’s lives for many years, we continue to be grateful for the ‘green legacy’ Bill left behind. It continues to kept both of them in our thoughts & hearts after all these years.
Our condolences to his family & friends. .