Kenneth Ray Rathke

Kenneth Rathke, age 74, of Prairie Village Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025.

Kenneth Ray Rathke, born on August 22, 1951, was the third child of six. Kenneth was well loved by all who knew him. Within the Meadowbrook Community where he happily spent the last years of his life, many people would say that he was the first friend they made. This was a sentiment that had been echoed over and over again throughout his life. He had a way of building community wherever he went.

Kenneth was a Vietnam Veteran who was proud of the time he served in the Marines. He had a successful career at ServiceMark Communications where he oversaw business operations. He loved NASCAR and fishing and was always up for singing loudly.

Consistently a jokester, he would try to coax a laugh or a smile from anyone who seemed down. He was always ready to lift a person up when they were doubting themselves or needed encouragement. He knew how to make a party more fun – he was appointed the leader of the Christmas carols – a role he took very seriously. He was the foreman of many family projects where his nephews were the grunts.

Family was most important in Kenneth's life. He was a proud father who loved his children fiercely. He leaves behind a daughter and son and their families.

Kenneth was preceded in death by son Dennis Keith Rathke; sister Sandra Glass; and parents Ruby and Alfred Rathke. He is survived by daughter Rhonda Gassen and husband Bill; granddaughters Elise and Claire; grandson Will; son Brandon Rathke and wife Paige; sisters Sharon Bridges and Kim Wilson; brothers Tim Rathke and Tom Rathke; and many special nephews, nieces and friends that he loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30pm, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Meadowbrook Senior Living, 9300 Parkside Drive, Prairie Village Prairie Village, Kansas, 66207.