Charles Francis Rath, Sr., 79, Kasson
Our loving father, Charles (Chuck) Francis Rath, 79, died in the early morning hours on Oct. 30, 2016, peacefully with his hands folded in prayerful meditation after a long illness.
Chuck was born Nov. 29th, 1936, in Easton. His childhood revolved around the workings of the family farm where he spent an additional two years post-high school helping his dad until he enlisted in the Army. He graduated in 1954 from Bethlehem Academy High School, Faribault. While in the service, he kept in touch with the love of his life, Barbara Kroneberger. He proposed to Barbara over the phone, and she made all the necessary arrangements to make that happen when Chuck came home on leave. After their marriage, they lived in Germany until Chuck was honorably discharged and started a family upon returning to the states.
The majority of Chuck’s working years were spent as a salesman, selling everything from Kirby vacuum cleaners and home improvement products to Craftmatic beds. Chuck, a natural salesman, sincerely enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their lives. Wherever he would go, you would find him “holding court” surrounded by friends or family, discussing the meaning of life and telling stories. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed cards at the senior center, reading, assembling puzzles, buttered popcorn on the stove, bible study and church. Chuck was an avid reader of military accounts and was somewhat of an armchair expert on history and politics. He will be dearly missed and remembered.
They raised nine children; John, Beada, Chuck Jr., Todd, Chris, Jim, Doug, Angela and Anthony. Chuck is also survived by his sister Rita and brothers; Terry, Pat, Mike, Quentin, Mitchell and Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Bunnie, and his wife Barbara.
Visitation was held on Nov. 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dibble Funeral Home, Kasson. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m on Nov. 3 (today), at Holy Family Catholic Church, Kasson, with Fr. Paul Surprenant officiating. Burial will be at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery.
Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Kasson, 507-634-2331, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.