Charlotte Ann Rathke, 76, Rochester, Minn., passed away peacefully on Feb. 7, 2013, at Season’s Hospice after a long, brave battle with cancer.

Charlotte was born on Sept. 19, 1936, in Nicollet County to Bertha and Matthias Meilander. She attended school in Fairfax, Minn., and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye, Minn., in 1954. After graduation, she attended a beauty college in Mankato. She worked in beauty salons in Winona, Austin and Rochester. Charlotte married the late David Rathke of Rochester on May 10, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The couple raised four children.

While living in Austin, Charlotte worked at the Civic Center as an usher. She enjoyed being active and loved bowling, golfing, playing cards and going to casinos.

She is survived by her children, James (Gayla) Rathke, Susan (Michael) Rathke, Peggy Taylor and Jon (Kristy) Rathke; four grandchildren, Tatiana, Samuel, Courtney, Logan; step-grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) Jerika (Iszic, Caitlin, Luke), Rob (Kielii), and Kurt; sisters, Beryle (Don), Jane Pautz, and Joyce (Ronald) Herzog; sister-in-law Kathy Rathke Hines; brothers-in-law Jon, Stan, Ron of Rochester and Allen Rathke; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held at St. Pius Catholic Church in Rochester at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 14, 2013. Father Paul Nelson, a longtime family friend, will officiate. The family of Charlotte wishes to thank Season’s Hospice House and Father Nelson for all the love and support.