August 31, 2020 – West Bend, WI -Jedidiah “Jeddie” Levi Rathke, 2, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020. He was born on March 11, 2018 in West Bend, WI to Jedidiah and Rebecca (nee Bratten) Rathke.
Jeddie loved everything about life in just the 2 ½ years of being on God’s earth. His beautiful and contagious personality made an impact on all who knew him. His simple love of tractors, trucks, farm pets, his big sister Lulu, being rocked to sleep, riding on the lawn mower with daddy, helping mommy in the garden and singing “Jesus loves me,” are just a few of the long list of wonderful things that our sweet boy enjoyed.
He was a precious gift to us from our Father above. He taught us more than we could have ever taught him.
Through our son, God has revealed so much to us. About not only the truth of His Word but the promise of what is to come. Like the Word of God says “Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in my name receives me.” Matthew 18: 3-5.
Jeddie’s example of pure Godliness was shown through his character. Defined as resilient, long suffering, charming, compassionate, soft, intelligent, and nonjudgmental. It was as powerful as the morning sunrise shining through a tree line. He was incredibly wise and bold. Ready to scale any mountain in his way. The warmth of his eyes was enough to melt a thousand glaciers.
To say the least, Jeddie was Daddy’s helper and Mommy’s comforter. He was undeniably a piece of heaven granted to us. He will be forever planted in our hearts and to never be removed from our minds. His unmeasurable amount of innocence was a direct reflection of who God is. We find the greatest comfort in knowing where his eternal home is. Heaven.
Jeddie knew nothing more than the purest life at his age. He never encountered the hardships of life and never will. Give God the glory!
The hole he left is not comprehendible. God is the only full cure for the matter. He is more than enough and knows the pain of losing his only Son. Our prayer is that our son’s legacy lives on as a reminder of God’s goodness. Also, as a reminder of the beautiful gift of eternity that is only achieved through the blood of Jesus Christ. And received by accepting what He did on the cross for us.
Jeddie is survived by his loving parents; Jedidiah and Rebecca Rathke, Grandparents; Robert and Lisa Bratten, and Bryan and Billie Rathke. Great Grandma; Mariann Bratten. And many loving uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Jeddie is preceded in death by his grandmother, Cheryl Rathke and Uncle Ryan Bratten.
A Funeral Service will be at 3 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Faith Journey Church (N120W21580 Freistadt Rd. Germantown, WI 53022) with Pastor John Garcia presiding.
Visitation will be at church Monday, August 31 from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. Private family Interment will take place Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Washington County Memorial Park.
A special thank you to Kohlsville, Kewaskum, West Bend Fire Rescue Departments. Washington County Sheriff’s Department. And also St. Joes ER nurses, doctors and other staff for their efforts with our son. Also, to all of our loving and supportive family, church family, and friends for all that they have done for us at this time. We love and appreciate you all.
