Ralph Edward Rabke

Ralph Rabke, 70, of Weesatche, passed away Wednesday Feb. 3, 2016.  He was born Sept. 2, 1945 in Cuero, to the late Raymond and Christina Heil Rabke.  He was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Weesatche.

Ralph grew up in the country outside of Yorktown, TX.  In high school he was very active in the FFA, and he won numerous ribbons for the hogs that he raised.  He graduated in 1964 and joined the service shortly afterward.  He served proudly in the Marine Corps Air Wing in Cherry Point, NC.  Ralph and Linda were married in Weesatche, TX in October 1966.  Their daughter Andra was born in November 1968.  Ralph was discharged in January 1970 and they moved back to Texas.  Ralph went to work for the Permian Corporation out of Sinton in May 1970.  At this time they moved to Taft right before Hurricane Celia.  They joined Faith Lutheran Church in Taft and were members there for over 40 years.  Their son Russell was born in July 1971.  Ralph worked for Permian for 21 years.  Then the company was bought out and he was laid off.  After three months he went to work for Flint Hill Resources in Corpus Christi.  During Ralph’s time at Flint Hills, both of his children got married and his only grandchild was born in 2005.  Ralph retired in September 2011 after working almost 20 years at Flint Hills.  Ralph and Linda sold the house in Taft and moved back to the family land.  They joined St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Weesatche and were active members.  They were enjoying retirement very much.

An avid outdoorsman, Ralph was happiest when he was on the tractor or lawnmower or up a tree with a chainsaw.  He took pride in taking care of his land and making improvements.  He enjoyed deer hunting, but in recent years he was more interested in watching the deer than harvesting them.

Ralph loved traditional country music, especially artists such as Johnny Cash and the Statler Brothers.  He also loved to sing in church.  He was often the loudest, most enthusiastic voice in the crowd.

Ralph believed that family was very important.  In 2004 he revived the traditional Easter Barbeque originally started by his mother and continued by his sister until her death in 1998.  Family and friends came every year, enjoying excellent food and great company.  It was considered a badge of honor to be included in the group of people who got up at 2am to get the wood fire going to make the coals for the pit.  The family is planning to continue the tradition even though it will be very different without him.  Ralph turned 70 in September 2015 and threw himself a birthday party.  He had a blast and ate cake for a week afterwards.

Ralph’s passing came out of the blue and was a shock to everyone.  He had complained of a bad headache and by the time he got to the hospital they determined it was a massive brain hemorrhage.  He fought for almost three weeks, but the damage was too great to overcome.

His family appreciates all of the love and prayers from everyone during this difficult time.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Linda Oehlke Rabke of Weesatche, daughter Andra Clark and husband Duane of Cedar Park, son Russell Rabke and wife Tiffany, granddaughter Clara Rabke of Corpus Christi, brother Thomas Rabke, step-sisters Verlene Weise, Beverly Feller and Athalee Koehler.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Wilfred Jacob, brother O’dell Rabke and sister Delores Wishert.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Saturday Feb. 13, 2016 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Weesatche.

Memorials can be given to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.

You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.masseyfh.com

Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown 361-564-2900 

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