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Mark T. Rath Obituary – 6/21/2014


Mark Todd Rath, age 48, of Lester Prairie, died Saturday, June 21, 2014, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted.

He was born Aug. 14, 1965, in Hutchinson, the son of Lloyd and Delores (Lade) Rath. Mark was baptized as an infant Sept. 5, 1965, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth April 12, 1981, both at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Mark received his education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School class of 1984.

Mark was united in marriage to Tammy Rotzien Sept. 21, 1984, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with one son, Joseph. Mark and Tammy resided in Hutchinson. They shared 3 years of marriage, until they divorced in 1987.

In 1991, Mark met Christine Herrmann of Lester Prairie; she was the love of his life. They resided in Lester Prairie.

Mark was employed at Polyfoam, Inc. in Lester Prairie. He was also a cement and brick layer, auto mechanic, bartender, and worked at a convenience store. Mark also helped his dad, Lloyd, with snow removal and lawn mowing.

He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, and a former member of Christ The King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Mark enjoyed racing cars, fishing, snowmobiling, and tinkering. He enjoyed watching birds, squirrels, and nature outside his window. Mark especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandson, and friends.

Mark was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1993, and later developed brain cancer. When Mark needed assistance with his daily care, he became a resident of St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted, Oct. 25, 2013, where he resided until his death.

Mark is survived by his significant other, Christine Herrmann of Lester Prairie; son Joseph Rath and his wife, Kelly, of Hutchinson; mother, Delores Rath of Hutchinson; grandson Aiden Rath; sisters, Renee Precht and her husband, Eugene, of Hector, Nita Totushek and her husband, Dean, of Hutchinson, and Wanda Rath-Jaster of Hutchinson, and her special friend, Richard Holtz of Litchfield; and a brother, Brent Rath of Hutchinson.

He is further survived by Christine’s parents, Lowell Herrmann and his wife, Elizabeth, of Norwood Young America; Christine’s sisters, Cathy Campbell and her husband, Kirk, of McCallsburg, IA, and Carrie Herrmann and her fiancé, Ron Larson of Glencoe; Christine’s brother, Steve Herrmann and his wife, Sulee, of Annandale; nieces and nephews, Shay Guetter, Kelli Totushek, Teri Totushek, and Quint Precht; Christine’s nieces and nephews, Jaylee Herrmann, Isaac Herrmann, Imari Herrmann, and Audrey Campbell; grand nieces and nephews, Kyle Totushek-Guetter, Korbin Guetter, Nash Guetter, Larisa Guetter, Victoria Precht, Riley Precht, and Savanah Precht; and many other relatives and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, August and Mabel Lade, and Carl and Martha Rath; father, Lloyd Rath; and infant sister, Jill Rath.

The funeral service took place Friday, June 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, followed by interment at Bohemian National Cemetery in Rich Valley Township. The Rev. Jon Lindekugel officiated at the service, and Bev Wangerin was the organist. The eulogy was read by Teri Totushek. Soloist Paige Nordquist sang “On Eagle’s Wings,” and “Borning Cry.” Special music was also provided by accordionist Alice Nowak, who performed “Blue Skirt Waltz,” and “Let The Sunshine In Polka.”

Casket bearers were Shay Guetter, Kelli Totushek, Teri Totushek, Kyle Totushek-Guetter, Quint Precht, and Steve Herrmann.

Visitation was Thursday, June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dobratz-Hantge Chapel in Hutchinson, and continued Friday at the church, one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements were by Dobratz-Hantge Chapel in Hutchinson.

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