Bonnie L. Rathke

March 20, 1933 - January 28, 2020

Bonnie L. Rathke, age 86, of Fremont
Died Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Dunklau Gardens

Bonnie Lee (Allen) Rathke, 86, was born March 20, 1933 on a farm northwest of Fremont to Myron and Grace (Bader) Allen. Growing up she was a member of Bethel Methodist Church. She graduated from Fremont High School in 1950. She held jobs at Northwestern Bell Telephone Co., Hormel office, and the Mead ordinance plant. In 1952 she married John Kupfer and they had 3 sons, Jeff, Gregg & Doug (Pud).

Bonnie was a lifetime member of Salem Lutheran Church where she was active in circle, Sunday school and choir. Bonnie operated Toddle Inn pre-school in her home for 8 years. She then worked at Fremont Public Schools in food service for 32 years while also providing home health care before retiring in 2008. In 1987 Bonnie married Ron Rathke. Throughout her life, Bonnie loved music, cooking and being around youth of all ages.

She is survived by sons Jeff Kupfer (Lori) of LaVista, Gregg Kupfer (Cheryl) of Omaha; 5 grandchildren Ryan Kupfer (Chris), Michael Kupfer (Hannah), Taylor Thielen (Andrew), Ian Kupfer (Casey), Seth Kupfer; 2 great-grandsons, Nolan and Thomas; stepchildren Shelley (Mark) Hetzler of Colorado Springs, CO, Neal (Laura) Rathke of Colorado Springs, Co, Ronna (Bob) Sanny, of Steamboat Springs, CO, Sharon (Brian) Whisler of Fremont; step-grandchildren Joel, Garrett, Breanna, Ryan, Rick, Abby, Alan, Jennifer, Heidi, Jill, many step-great-grandchildren; and her two special childhood friends for over 70 years, Gretchen Johannesen and Janice Moss.

Bonnie was preceded in death by husband Ron Rathke, son Douglas Kupfer, step granddaughter, Marla Rathke, two sisters and four brothers.

The memorial service will be 10:30am, February 13 at Salem Lutheran Church. The Rev. Shari Schwedhelm will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials to Salem Lutheran church, Salvation Army, and Lutheran Family Services.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

Obituary Provided By:
Freeman Funeral Home
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
www.ludvigsenmortuary.com