Obituary of Kenneth Edward Ratke

Kenneth "Ken" E. Ratke passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, in the comfort of his own home.  

Born February 20, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, Kenneth was the second oldest son of five siblings of John and Marion. 

Kenneth was a loving Son, Brother, Husband, Father, and Papa, as well as a dear friend to many. 

On July 5, 1974, Ken married his bride, Pamela, of Detroit, Michigan.  A few years later they moved to California to begin a new journey together. They lived there for thirty years. Ken, and Pam relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado to be near their son, and his family. 

Ken was a hard worker in his own business, as a carpenter. He was very creative with remodeling, and home improvement projects. 

Ken and his wife Pam enjoyed being very involved in their church together and were involved in various ministries. Ken loved people. He enjoyed sharing his faith with others. Some of his pastimes were golfing, fishing, cooking, going to the car races, especially with his son, Joshua.  His two most favorite things to do was riding his Suzuki with his son, Joshua, and having outings with his wife, and grandchildren. 

Ken was preceded in death by his father, John; and his mother, Marion; his brother, Danny; mother-in-law, Elanora; and father-in-law, Andrew. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Pamela; son, Joshua; his daughter-in-law, Lindsay; and his four grandchildren, Addison Mae, Madeline Rose, Brooklyn Grace, and Jaxon Kenneth; two sisters, Sandra and Teresa; two brothers, Marty and John; brothers-in-law, Keith, Duane (Sue), Brian (Carole); sisters-in-law, Beverly (Kenneth), Cynthia (Bernie), Andrea, Denise, and Kim (David); as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all their many family members and friends, that have traveled to help, and support Pam and Ken during the last month of Ken's life. The many face time connections, calls, and cards. To their son, Joshua, and daughter-in-law, Lindsay, for always being there to lend a hand, and encouragement. To their grandchildren, who brought the joy, hugs and kisses with much love. To their friends, and neighbors that loved, prayed, and supported them during the last eight months. Also, to their many Facebook friends who were always standing by to pray. To their church family CFAN that supported them with many prayers, visits, food, and even emergency repairs around the house. To the Preparing the Saints, and Grandmother prayer group ladies that Pam is a part of, for all of their prayers, text, encouragement, and of course, you can't leave out the many hugs, and tears. Appreciation goes to Ken's Doctors, and Nurses that were so kind, and caring. To Compassus Hospice that came to the home. They were so supportive and caring. To Pam's co-workers at Walmart for the extra finances, love, and support. As Pam looks over this gratitude list, she has to mention how grateful she is to her husband, Ken that he was so courageous through the battle with cancer.

 The most important of all is the gratitude and thankfulness that Pam has to her heavenly Father, God, and Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior. 

Celebration Of Life, 10:00AM, Thursday, March 9, 2023, Church For All Nations, 6540 Templeton Gap Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80923. Reception and military honors to follow. 

Graveside Service, 2:00PM, Thursday, March 9, 2023, Pikes Peak National Cemetary, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Wounded Warriors Project@woundedwarriorproject.org, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300 Jacksonville, Florida 32256.