Curtis Rath

Curtis Rath, 74, Mandan, passed away April 18, 2018, at his home after a short battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian burial was held April 23 at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, with the Rev. Chris Kadrmas as celebrant and the Rev. David Michael as concelebrant. Burial was in Mandan Union Cemetery.

Curtis was born Sept. 4, 1943, to Edward and Clara (Berg) Rath. He was raised and educated in Turtle Lake. After graduating in 1961, he attended Valley City State College, where he earned a degree in teaching and was an outstanding shortstop for the VCSC baseball team. After college, he taught high school English in Maxbass for a year and at Mandan High School 1967-78. He managed Jerry's Educated Minnows, later known as Southside Amoco, for many years before retiring.

Curt met his wife, Debbie, while they were teaching at Mandan High School. They were married June 5, 1973, and were blessed with two sons, Toby and Jamie. Curt's love for baseball continued as he coached Little League in Turtle Lake, played recreational softball and attended his sons' softball games. He taught his sons and grandsons a deep love for fishing, hunting and gardening. Curt took pride in his large garden at his cabin at Crooked Lake and supplied vegetables for his entire family. He was the mastermind behind the family campfires, carefully monitoring the structure and ignition! Curt also enjoyed making lead sinkers, working crossword puzzles and watching "Seinfeld" and old westerns. His homemade ice cream was the joy of every family gathering and his deer sausage was the best.

Curt will be deeply missed by his wife of 44 years, Debbie, Mandan; sons, Toby Rath, Bismarck, and Jamie (Lynn) Rath, Mandan; three grandchildren, Zachary, Alex and Tyler; two sisters, Doris Just, Mission, Texas, and Debbie (Robert) Boe, Turtle Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Elton Just; and several aunts and uncles.

Go to www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guest book and view tribute photos.