Richard Rathsack

Richard Rathsack, 80, of Midland, died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017 at his home. Born in Manitowoc, Wis., the son of Florence and Daniel R. Rathsack, Richard moved to Ludington at a young age and lived there until his graduation from Saint Simon's High School in 1955. After graduating from the University of Dayton, he was hired by The Dow Chemical Co. and moved to Midland. It was in Midland where he met his wife of almost 56 years, Patricia Apostle. The two shared many laughs as Richard was quick-witted and had a wonderful sense of humor. They also shared their love of sports, particularly skiing, honeymooning in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. Richard and Patricia instilled their love of sports in their children and Richard was a formidable opponent for his sons through the years. Richard enjoyed watching his children participate in both youth and college sports and spent time as a coach, as the president of the Midland High Boosters, president of the Adray Hockey Association, and Northeast Little league. While leading a life of service to his community, he was also very social and spent many weekends at his cottage in Higgins Lake. As a lifelong learner and seeker of intelligent conversation, Richard cherished his participation in the Midland Metaphysical Society and his work as a patent chemist.

In 2002, following his retirement from Dow after 41 years, he and Patricia moved back to Richard's cherished Ludington. Never one to sit idle and always a hard worker, he spent his time in retirement picking berries, planting trees, working in the yard, reading, watching the car ferry, golfing with his friends at Lincoln Hills, planning reunions with his high school classmates, and co-authoring a book. Continuously service-minded and an ardent advocate for preserving the history of Ludington, Richard was at one time a board member of the White Pine Village and later served on the Ludington City Council. His favorite retirement activity was taking long walks with his wife Patricia.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Florence (Schuber) and Daniel R. Rathsack; and sister-in-law, Agnes Rathsack. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Apostle); sons, Matthew (Theresa) Rathsack of Marysville, Peter (Carolyn) Rathsack of Tecumseh and Christopher (Stephanie) Rathsack of Hudsonville; grandchildren, Zachary, Jessica, Maria, Angella, Elizabeth, Bridget, Peter, John, Nicholas, R. J.; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Tom Rathsack of Grand Blanc and Jerry (Pat) Rathsack of Greendale, Wis.; brother-in-law Ron (Linda) Apostle of Orient, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Sharyn (Doug) Bean of Boyne City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at St. Simon Catholic Church, 702 E. Bryant Road, Ludington. Father Wayne Wheeler will officiate with burial to take place later at Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery, Ludington. Friends may call at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St. on Thursday from 12-2 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of Liturgy. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Lakeshore Resource Network, 920 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington MI 49431.