William Lewis “Bill” Rater
William Lewis “Bill” Rater, 85, of Monon, went home to be with the Lord at 12:04 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at his home in Monon.
Bill was born on April 12, 1932, in Denham, to the late John and Leila Rater and was raised by the late Wayne Wood and Mary Catherine Fitz. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1951. Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On May 22, 1955, he married the love of his life, Eileen Kay Koebcke. She survives.
Bill was a truck driver for Jones Chemical for more than 30 years. He was an avid car collector and enjoyed working with his hands.
Bill was a member of Francesville First Christian Church. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1728 in Winamac.
Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-great-grandson. Bill will be sadly missed.
He is survived by his wife Eileen Kay (Koebcke) Rater of Monon; sons: Victor [Charlotte] Rater of Monon, and Mitchell Rater of Monon; daughter Shelly Steinkamp of Monon; grandchildren: Billy, Steven, Toni and Colson; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Ann Rater Cowger, Minnie Rater Ledford and Mary Catherine (Fitz) Becker; brother Wayne [Judy] Fitz; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his biological parents John and Leila Rater; parents Wayne Wood and Mary Catherine Fitz; son Anthony Thomas Rater; sisters: Lorna DePoy, Alberta Smith and Gertrude Smirniotis; and brothers: John Rater and Bob Rater.
Visitation was 3-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Pastor James Ketchen officiated. Burial took place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The VFW and American Legion conducted military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Francesville First Christian Church.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — Nov. 22, 2017)