Eldred Richard Rathkey

Eldred Rathkey, 99, passed away July 27, 2021, in The Dalles, Oregon.  He was born on June 30 1922, in Astoria, Oregon to John and Amy Gladys Rathkey.  He was one of three children and grew up in the Tenmile area of Douglas County. 

He married Virginia Newman in 1944, whom he met during the war, they had a long marriage of 35 years, with two children, Raymond Rathkey, and Rita Rathkey.  Virginia preceded him in death, March 1979, Raymond also preceded him in death, July 2014.

Eldred married LaVine Knowles / Pelles in December 1979, they enjoyed 42 years together.  Eldred is survived by his wife, LaVine, The Dalles; his sister, Dorothy Schattenkerk, of Winston, Oregon; his daughter, Rita Rathkey, The Dalles; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Eldred Rathkey served in the Air Force during World War II, as an airplane mechanic on the B-26 and B-25 airplanes in Texas and California.  Eventually he settled back in Oregon, in the Salem area, working as a model maker for Hewlitt Packard in McMinnville.  He loved fishing, gardening, and wood working.  Most of all he loved playing the piano, many of the old tunes and hymns he played without sheet music.  All he needed was to listen and play. 

Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday August 14, 2021 at I.O.O.F Cemetery, 1100 18th St., The Dalles, Oregon. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.