THE REVEREND WILFRED KARL RATHS

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THE REVEREND WILFRED KARL RATHS The family wishes to announce the death of the Reverend Wilfred Karl Raths on October 29, anno domini 2002. Pastor Raths is survived by his wife of 60 years, Edith Catherine nee Florstedt and children, David with children, Dieter, Mary, William, Anna; Edith (John Biberdorf) with children, Rebecca, Sarah; Wilfred Jr. with children, Aaron, Rachel; Catherine; Ruth (Herie) with children, Danielle, Kirsten, Joshua; Paul (Wendy) with children, Kristjan, Eric, Andrea, Julia; Deborah (Patrick Riley) with children, Johanna, Allison, Patricia; Taylor (Tim Jones) and great-grandchildren, Emily, Eric, Avery and Robert John. He is also survived by his sister Lona Appel. Pastor Raths was predeceased by his parents, infant daughter Irene Theresa and son-in-law Denis. Pastor Raths was born in Lemberg, SK on January 19, 1915 to William and Theresa Raths. He received his education at Luther College, Regina, Capital University and Evangelical Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. He was married and ordained in June, 1942. He served as senior pastor at Lutheran Church of the Cross for over 31 years. This ministry was richly blessed with dramatic growth of the congregation, building of a new house of worship, and a seniors apartment complex, Arms of the Cross. For 24 years he served on the Board of Regents for Luther College, for nine years he held the office of Secretary of the Canadian District ALC, he served for 25 years on Canadian Missions (22 of them as Chair), 20 years on the Board of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Bible Society, six years on the Lutheran Council-Division of Public Relations (during this time the 450th anniversary of the reformation commemorative medal was designed), he was the Lutheran Volunteer Ministries Coordinator for 11 years, he was Chair of the District Planning Committee and Chair of the Constituting Convention (ALC) from 1958 to 1960. For eight years he served as editor for the MNO Synod News. Besides his deep commitment to church and family, his three passions were curling, gardening and travel. He was a life member of the Chaplains Curling Club and skipped for 51 years. He and his wife led numerous tours to Europe and the Holy Land. His deep commitment and faithful service will be treasured by countless people. His life will be celebrated Saturday, November 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington St., Winnipeg, MB. Viewing will be Friday, November 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Luther College, Regina, SK, St. Boniface Dialysis Unit (Hemodialysis), Lutheran Church of the Cross (Cross fund), Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Canadian Bible Society. SOLI DEO GLORIA NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2002