Bryan F. Rathke

Bryan F. Rathke, 71, of Milford, passed away at his home Sunday, November 23, 2014, after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born February 28, 1943 in Rochester, Minnesota to Harry C. and Gladys (Choc) Rathke. On October 25, 1985 he married Susan (Clark) Albert. She survives along with four children, Katy (Michael) Pickett of Middlebury, Bryan John (Kathryn) Rathke of Altanta, Georgia, Andrea (Daniel) McCloud of Sullivan and Jennifer (Barton) Hansen of Chino Hills, California; six grandchildren; and a half sister, Marlene of Austin, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Agler; and a half brother, Ronald Rathke. Mr. Rathke moved to the area in 1967 after graduating from the University of Evansville where he was on the dean's list and was an NCAA All-American Swimmer and served as president of the Physical Education Club. He earned his master's degree at Indiana University, Bloomington. He was a teacher at Goshen High School from 1967 until his retirement in 2003. He coached the boys swimming and diving team from 1968-1983 and 1992-1994; and the girls swimming and diving program from 1991-1997. He led the Redskin boys to a record 61 consecutive dual meet victories. He was named NLC Coach of the Year five times, had 6 undefeated seasons, 12 Goshen Relay Championships, 12 NLC Championships, 7 sectional titles and a 176-38 dual meet record. He was a member of the Goshen High School Hall of Fame; the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame; the Goshen Elks Lodge; the Moose Lodge of Venice, Florida and the Syracuse Eagles Lodge. Friends may call Wednesday beginning at 1 p.m., with a memorial at 3 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Rob Nelson of the Milford United Methodist Church will officiate. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to the Goshen High School Swimming Program.