Frederick Charles Rathert passed away peacefully on September 8th at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, Montana, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Fred was born in Wolf Point in 1940, the son of Francis and Charles Rathert. He attended St. Olaf College, where he met and married his best friend and the love of his life, Kathy Jorgenson. After graduating, the couple moved to Missoula, and he attended the University of Montana School of Law. While in Missoula, Fred and Kathy celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Kristin.
The family moved to Williston, and Fred began law practice at the Bjella and Neff firm—later Bjella, Neff, Rathert, Wahl, and Eiken. They had two more daughters, Karin and Gretchen, and a plethora of pets, including Fred’s loyal dog Red and 100 pheasants.
Fred enjoyed hauling the family to horse shows and rodeos. He loved fishing. He and Kathy spent much of their free time trolling for walleye, and he was a member of the Whopper Club. And he was a passionate hunter. In his later years, Fred hauled his larger-than life goose decoys to the Montana ranch so he could snuggle inside the vinyl with his dog Red, and they would snooze between shooting at the gaggles of geese flying overhead.
Fred was an active member of the community and church. He was ombudsman for Bethel Lutheran Home, and he volunteered for the Rural Water Association and for the Medora Foundation, cleaning and repairing housing and facility grounds and delivering catalogues. He was a member of Gideons. Along with Kathy, Fred led Bible studies in prisons through the Kogudus Renewal Ministry and at the Black Gold camp near Williston.
Fred enjoyed traveling, and he and Kathy combined their love of service and history when they journeyed to Tel Dor, Israel, in 1992 for an archaeological dig along with their daughter, Gretchen. While there, ever the devoted father, Fred refused the offer to trade his daughter for 50 camels. He also went on several mission trips, including to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake.
Fred will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, his integrity, his faith, his dry sense of humor, and his original recipes—yes, brownies and watermelon are excellent toppings on cereal!
Fred is survived by his two brothers, Bill and Chuck, his sister Donna, and his three daughters as well as numerous grandkids, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, September 12 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, followed by a luncheon at the Sherman Inn. Interment will take place at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 12, 2022
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Luncheon
to follow
Monday September 12, 2022
Sherman Inn
200 E Main Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 12, 2022
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Luncheon
to follow
Monday September 12, 2022
Sherman Inn
200 E Main Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Share
Ted J. Becker says
Fred was a good man. May his Creator give him peace, joy and a share in His glory.
Jo Ann BArtel STORM says
The gate to paradise is swinging bells are ringing !FRED WAS AJOY TO THE CLASS OF 58 !
David Boyd says
Bill and family our prayers are with you all during your loss of your brother
Jennifer Hoversland Nasner says
Fred was certainly one of the good ones. I have so many memories of Fred from the short time that we practiced law together. He was such a kind man, and had a lot of patience which made him a great teacher and mentor. Fred taught me much about the law, but many life lessons as well, which I’m so thankful for. I also enjoyed the stories he told about hunting near my great grandpa’s homestead (way) north of Wolf Point. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Fred will be missed.
Peter F. Habein says
Kristin, Karin, and Gretchen and all of Fred’s family,
I worked with Fred and enjoyed many conversations with him after he joined Crowley Fleck in our Williston office. I remember his impish sense of humor, his acute intelligence, and the spark in his eye when he figured out a difficult legal issue. Most of all, however, I recall how seriously he treated the matters entrusted to him by his clients. He devoted himself to the practice of law and adhered to uncompromised ethical standards. He was instrumental in establishing our firm’s presence in North Dakota. We at the firm will miss him dearly and are privileged to have known and practiced law with him. I am sorry that I will miss his services but have client commitments that I know Fred would surely appreciate.
Paul Kloster says
It was a pleasure to know Fred. His was a friendly smile that he always met you with. He knew what was valuable in this life. I dealt with Fred as a lawyer and he was an excellent attorney.
Janice Daniel says
Kind and generous man. So sorry for your families loss.
Darlene Slingsby says
Dear family especially daughters,
We remember Fred and Kathy as living up the road from us and watching you girls grow up. Fred always had a smile and a friendly greeting. The last place I saw him was at Bethel Manor with you, Kristin. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and will always remember your dad fondly.
Larry & Darlene Slingsby Family
Laura Christoffersen says
Fred was one of the best…a true gentleman in the practice of law….he taught me a great deal. He will be missed.
Barbara Wood says
I knew Freddie growing up in Wolf Point. He was a member of WPHS Class of ’58, a year behind me. #76 on the football team and the manager of the Wolves basketball squad. Later when I lived in Williston I had occasion to ask for his legal advice. He was definitely one of the good guys. May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to all his family.
Barbara Wood (Schumacher-Bushman)
Oklahoma City
Vicki Martinson says
Girls so sorry for your loss! Fred and Kathy were dear friends of ours! Sorry I can’t attend but you will be in my thoughts! With Sympathy to the whole family!
Jean Archdale says
My mom always spoke of Fred one in a million, how kind and generous he was, I know his family will miss him, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know he has suffered for a long time, am thankful he doesnt have anymore illness in heaven, I am sure he had many loved ones waiting for him at the gates of heaven.
R.J and Arlene Doornek says
Fred was a wonderful human being. He lived the calling of a Christian life as is evident in his obituary. Praise God for the release of his soul to the freedom of eternal salvation and everlasting life.
I had the pleasure of knowing him personally and professionally. He always represented himself with kindness, dignity and humor. Thankfully, the family of Fred no longer have to witness the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s on Fred’s body. They can take comfort in the joy that he now has a seat at the heavenly table. Condolences and blessings to Bill and Irene, Chuck and the entire Rathert family.
Dennis Hoffelt says
Sympathy to Fred’s family A great friend who lived his life as a gentleman in a world that needs more like him. RIP
Julie Nyquist Treib says
To the Rathert family:
May you find much comfort and peace in the coming days, knowing your Fred was called home to be with the Lord. He spent countless hours hunting and serving with my mom and dad, Bettie and Doug Nyquist. He will be missed, but I thank you for sharing him with us. May God continue to bless you all richly!
Trudy Fox says
My deepest sympathy to all of Fred’s family and friends. He was one of a kind and will not be forgotten. May your memories and God’s love sustain you through your grief.
Chris Swarthout says
Oh man, what to say about this guy. Loved the times I was able to spend with Fred when I lived in Williston, working at New Hope Church. Spent a lot of time as well, when Kathy was passing away, but he was so faithful to call, check in with me or take a moment to have a conversation. He was such a hard worker as well and loved the Lord! So grateful to know him!
Joe Loendorf says
It is difficult to say good-bye to a true life long friend yet I am happy that Fred was able to find peace. Fred. God Bless.
Jeff and Nancy Vickers says
Condolences to Fred’s family. Kathy and Fred were such solid soldiers of Christ! It was a pleasure to know them and have Bible Studies with them. Rest assured that we know exactly where they are now. PTL!!!
Don and Eileen Luebke says
What a treasure Fred was. We always referred to him as “the salt of the earth.” He was that and more. He was a kind and diligent man who loved the Lord implicitly. His faith showed up wherever he was in life. The Lord surely blessed he and his family. And, we were blessed and honored to have known this very special man!