Stanley James Rathke, 86, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 31, 2026.

A longtime member of the Rochester community, Stan was born on July 14, 1939, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Conrad and Evelyn (Lawrence) Rathke. He attended St. John’s Catholic Grade School, Heffron Middle School, and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1957.

Stan served in the United States Army from roughly 1961-1963, serving in Germany and traveling throughout much of Europe.

While at Lourdes, Stan served as Student Council President and proudly participated in basketball, track, and Legion baseball. He also played center and linebacker in football. His high school football team was inducted into the Lourdes Hall of Fame for their undefeated season. He was especially proud of his role as bat boy for Rochester’s semi-professional baseball team during the 1950s. Stan also played local softball for many years.

Stan was a devoted supporter of Lourdes sports and was named 2025 Alumnus of the Year. Stan attended nearly every Lourdes home football game and every boys’ and girls’ home basketball game. It simply will not be the same without seeing Stan, standing at the railing at the top of the Lourdes gym, cheering on the Eagles.

“Stanley Steamer” never took for granted the many lifelong friendships he developed throughout his years in Rochester, starting when Rochester was still a small town. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, offering support, encouragement, and a friendly conversation to anyone he met.

Stan worked out for 2 hours nearly every day ever since he left the military, spending many decades at the YMCA as a Charter Member, and more recently at 125 Live. He enjoyed golfing with friends and spending time with family, especially hosting his annual New Year’s Day homemade chili dinner.

Stan was a devoted uncle. During many Christmas breaks, Stan took his nieces and nephews out for lunch at the old Dooley’s, providing endless tokens for the pinball machine. In the summer, he treated them to Bridgeman’s for tulip sundaes.

He was known for offering honest critiques of his nieces’ and nephews’ athletic skills as he attended many of their sporting events, never holding back his opinions, but always giving encouragement. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.

Stan worked in logistics at International Transport (later Schneider National) and Midwest Transport, and was known for his dedication to both his work and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Stan is survived by his siblings, John of Rochester; Allyn (Connie) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Janyce (Fred) Meyers of Atlanta, Georgia; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his longtime partner, Bonnie Hanson; his siblings, David, Kathleen Rathke Hines, and Ronnie; his sisters-in-law, Charlotte and Carmen; and his nephew, Michael.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.

The funeral service for Stan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

After the funeral service, a luncheon will be held at Macken Funeral Home, followed by an interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rochester.

Please join Stan’s family at the Eagles Club, 917 15th Ave SE, Rochester, following the interment.

Memorials are preferred to the Rathke Family Scholarship Fund, which Stan began in 2025, at Lourdes High School.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.