Ruben R. Bathke

Ruben (Sonny) R. Bathke, Jr. was welcomed into his Fathers loving arms on July 1, 2011. He passed away at the age of 84 while residing at Park View Health Center in Oshkosh, WI. He was born the first of two children to Esther H. and Ruben R. Bathke, Sr. on January 28, 1927, in Oshkosh, WI. He graduated from Oshkosh High School and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. He served in the United States Naval Service from 1944 - 1945. On May 16, 1947, Ruben married his high school sweetheart, Joyce M. Meitzen, who remained his dedicated and loving life-long partner for over 64 years. They had the pleasure of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on a Caribbean cruise and their 50th wedding anniversary at the Hilton Garden Inn in Oshkosh with intimate family and friends. Ruben worked for several years at Oshkosh Motor Truck, Inc., but his remaining years of employment were secured as a maintenance mechanic with Winnebago Mental Health Institute. He retired after 33 years of service at the age of 59 in 1986. While he had many interests and hobbies, Rubens passion was for his music. He possessed a God-given talent and by the age of 5, was studying and playing his accordion, to the delight of his parents. He performed for over 30 years playing throughout Wisconsin, predominately with the Modernnaires. He was a sportsman and enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting with his dogs but especially looked forward to deer hunting. He loved to garden and can or freeze the produce with his wife, Joyce. Making homemade sauerkraut, and even distilling wine using grapes grown in his own garden was a specialty. He greatly enjoyed summer vacations at the family cabin in Conover, WI. where he would fish, swim and go exploring in the woods with his children. After retiring, Ruben and Joyce loved to travel. Their trips took them to California with friends, Kentucky to visit family, bus trips to various parts of the country for the scenery, and most often to Branson, Mo., where they thoroughly enjoyed some of the countrys finest musical entertainment. Ruben eventually moved to Park View Health Center in 2003, 4 years after brain surgery left him blind. While there, he received exceptional dedicated care from special staff members as well as his family. Though challenged late in life, he never lost his love for laughing. Many family and friends contributed to keeping his humor alive; especially his dear friends, Jerry and Jane Panske, and Mel and Dennis Rhymer. Most family celebrations applauded his love for music and up until recently, Ruben amused staff, residents, guests and his family alike by continuing to play his accordion. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Joyce M. Bathke; four children: Gail (Peter) Schabloski of Oshkosh, Wendy (Jim) Burns of Louisville, KY., LeAnne (Ron) Burns of Oshkosh, and Christopher Bathke of Oshkosh; 8 grandchildren: Alyssa Schabloski, Santa Monica, Ca., and Malori Schabloski, Oshkosh, Lindsay Burns , Chattanooga, TN., Scott Burns, Appleton, WI., Kristin (Jeremiah) Webb, Menasha, WI., Lydia Burns, Oshkosh and Bethany and Ben Bathke, Oshkosh. He is further survived by one sister: Beverly Burlage of Lombard, IL; one brother-in-law: Earl (Alice) Meitzen of Oshkosh; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and various other dear family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Gustuv and Clara Meitzen, six sister-in-laws, three brother-in-laws, and one granddaughter, Andrea Schabloski. A memorial service will be held on Tues., July 5, 2011,at noon at the Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (Westside) with the Rev. Nancy Krueger officiating. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow. Rubens family would like to thank the Park View Health Center staff, especially Ann Nelson, LPN and Sue Bushman, RN for all their years of dedicated service , personal care, and friendship not only for Ruben but his immediate family. Also, a special thank you to those family and friends who visited Ruben during his most trying times. You will be remembered in our hearts and prayers.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Tuesday, July 05, 2011
9:30 a.m. - Service



Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Noon



Peace Lutheran Cemetery



100 Waukau Ave
Oshkosh
WI
54902