John Gunnar Rath, of Burnet, Texas, passed away from complications of sepsis on March 14, 2022 in Austin, Texas at 68 years of age. Born in Washington, D.C., on January 31, 1954, to Gunnar Emil Rath and Mary Evelyn Faux Rath, the fourth of five children, John was predeceased by his parents and his brother Robert Emil Rath who was killed in action in Vietnam (KIA, VN, US Army ‘69).
John moved to Austin as a child in 1965 from Arlington, VA. He often said he “...got to Texas as fast as he could!” He is survived by his wife, Loree ‘Kim’ Cathey Rath of Kerrville, TX, and his sisters, Bobbi Smith (Stan) of Falls Church, VA, Jennifer Sonne (Jeff) of Avilla, IN, Elizabeth Anthony (John Rivard) of Buda, TX; his step-daughters Katie Mae Hebert and Chelsey Rae Hebert. John leaves behind an extended family, to include brother-in-law Frank Cruz III, many nieces and nephews as well as their children, cousins, and many others who affectionately called him “UJ” (Uncle John).
After finishing his studies at Texas State Technical Institute in 1976, John moved to Aberdeen, Washington to join his Uncle Bob and Tante Aileen Long’s company, L&B Refrigeration. John returned to Austin and established his own company, RATHCO Heating and Air. He proudly maintained his Master HVAC certification to the end.
More than anything John will be remembered as a tenacious and loyal friend, poet, and lover of local bands and musical talent. It’s been said that making and keeping friends “…was John’s superpower!” He loved living at Lake Buchanan, growing his fruit trees, and enjoying walks with his dog Lucy. His absence leaves a void in so many hearts and minds.
A memorial service for John will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Rath family.
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