Anita Rathke

Anita Lena Boecker Rathke, 94, of Bleiblerville, widow of Walter Rathke, died September 29, 2009 in Trinity Medical Center. Born November 16, 1914 in the Vogelsang Community near Ben Arnold in Milam County, Texas to August and Otillie Hill Boecker, she was baptized on March 21, 1915 and confirmed on May 27, 1929 in St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ben Arnold by Rev. R. Kalkbrenner. She attended school in Ben Arnold. On October 18, 1939, she was married to Walter Rathke by Rev. Kalkbrenner and then moved to the Bleiblerville community, where she lived all of her life. Anita worked side by side with Walter on the farm until their retirement. An excellent cook, her pies were the best, and she continued baking until well into her 90''s. She was also an excellent seamstress and helped with quilting projects in the community. She and Walter enjoyed children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren coming over for special occasions, such as birthdays, Father''s Day, and Mother''s Day. An active member of Welcome Salem Lutheran Church, as well as the Mary Martha Circle and Altar Guild, she was also a member of the local Farm Bureau. Playing 42 and pitch with her neighbors and friends were favorite pastimes. As recently as two weeks ago, she was able to visit with her one great-great grandchild, Abigail Grace Poncik. Surviving are her daughters: Verna and husband Alvin Coufal of Fayetteville, and Joyce and husband Billie Warmke of Bleiblerville; grandchildren: Ruth Poncik and husband Richard, Bradley Warmke and wife Deanna, Cindy Pustka and husband John, and Ray Coufal and wife Cynthia; great-grandchildren: Garrett Poncik and wife April; Jessica Bilski, Landon and Brooke Coufal; Skylar and Kaylee Pustka, and Daelyn and Branson Warmke; great-great grandchild Abigail Grace Poncik. Also surviving is her former roommate, Lydia Schroeder, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Walter, her parents, and brothers, Willie and Eddie Boecker, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and her former roommate, Lydia Gaskamp. Funeral services for Anita Lena Rathke will be held Friday, October 2, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Salem Lutheran Church of Welcome, with Pastor David M. Klak officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Serving as pallbearers are John Pustka, Richard Poncik, Bradley Warmke, Ray Coufal, Garrett Poncik, and Landon Coufal. Honorary pallbearers are Jessica Bilski, Brooke Coufal, Daelyn Warmke, Branson Warmke, Skylar Pustka, Kaylee Pustka, April Poncik, and Abigail Poncik. Memorials may be directed to Welcome Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To view the obituary or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.