Obituaries

April 12, 1932 to November 16, 201

FRANCESVILLE - William Lewis "Bill" Rater, 85, of Monon, passed away at 12:04 p.m., Thursday, Nov.16, at his home.

He was born 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, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On May 22, 1955, he married Eileen Kay Koebcke. She survives.

He is survived by: 
Victor (Charlotte) Rater, Monon, Son 
Mitchell Rater, Monon, Son 
Shelly Steinkamp, Monon, Daughter 
4 Grandchildren: Billy, Steven, Toni and Colson 
11 Great-Grandchildren 
3 Great-Great-Grandchildren 
Ann Rater Cowger, Sister 
Minnie Rater Ledford, Sister 
Mary Catherine Fitz Becker, Sister 
Wayne (Judy) Fitz, Brother 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Anthony Thomas Rater, Son 
Lorna DePoy, Sister 
Alberta Smith, Sister 
Gertrude Smirniotis, Sister 
John Rater, Brother 
Bob Rater, Brother

Mr. Rater was a truck driver for Jones Chemical for over 30 years. He was an avid car collector and enjoyed working with his hands. He was a member of Francesville First Christian Church. He was also a member of the VFW Post #1728 in Winamac. He 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. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville.  The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the funeral home with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Francesville First Christian Church.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.