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Joel Rathke Obituary
JOEL BRADEN RATHKE
February 26, 1991 March 24, 2021
With deepest sorrow we announce that Joel Braden Rathke, age 30, our most beloved dad, son, brother, family member and friend passed suddenly as a result of the diabetes he had fought most of his life on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
Those who knew Joel, even a little, lost a shining light in their lives.
Joel was a Colorado Springs native; he graduated from Coronado High School, Pima Medical Institute and was working for King Soopers. Joel loved his Colorado mountains, skiing, fishing, camping, some good rock 'n roll, and don't forget noses and snouts!
He was fiercely loved and will be missed everyday by his children, Alyssa and Scott, their mom Athenna Cameron, his parents, Neal and Laura Rathke, sister Breanna Robb (husband Ben), brother Garrett Rathke (wife Taehi), grandmothers Donita Rathke and Mary Wise, his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his great friends.
We know Joel is now in Jesus' arms with his Grandpapa Bob Wise, Grandpa Ron Rathke and his sister Marla, and is loved here on earth as well as in heaven.
We LOVE and MISS you so much Joel.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church, 4285 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs on Sunday April 18th at 3:00 pm, with a reception there afterwards. (Or you may join live at https://livestream.com/rmclive/specialevents).
Memorial donations may be made directly to his children's Ent Federal Credit Union accounts citing their birth dates. (Please contact the family if you want and do not have that information.)
To leave condolences and memories of Joel, please go to Legacy.com or visit his Facebook page.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Rathke
6 Entries
Terry Alan Barcus
April 12, 2021
Joel you had a kind and beautiful soul that will certainly be missed by those who knew you. Terry, Allison, Leah and Troy Barcus send their condolences and loving memories to the Rathke family. We feel your loss all the way from Virginia. May the peace of God that transcends all understanding keep your hearts in mind, through the living power of Christ Jesus.
Erin Stegman
April 12, 2021
I worked in a King Soopers with Joel. He always made me smile, his bright happy light will be missed.
Steve Manzo
April 12, 2021
It was a shock to hear of Joel's death. I'm saddened and send my condolences and love to his beautiful family.
We went to middle school together and were skateboarding buddies. As the years went by, our paths separated but every once in a while they'd cross randomly. Eeeevery time that happened, Joel always came in with the warmest most explosive greetings and always uplifted my spirits. His handshake is unforgettable. You will be missed old friend. Your legacy will live on thru your children and our memories. Rest in paradise!!
Rick Lopez
April 11, 2021
To the family my condolences and God s Grace be with you Amen
Leigh MacHaffie
April 11, 2021
I remember when Joel was diagnosed with diabetes as I was one of his caregivers. I am very saddened to learn of his death and my heart goes out to his family, esp Mom, Laura and Dad, Neal. It can be difficult raising a child with diabetes and I applaud all of your efforts.
Joel will be missed by all who knew him even long ago.
What a comfort to know Joel is now in the arms of Jesus!
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