Bernard James Rabata
Bernard James Rabata
Bernard James Rabata went home to be with the Lord on June 8th 2015. He passed away at home, with his loving wife at his side, after a brief battle with cancer. Bernard was 80 years old at the time of his death. Bernard was born October 8th, 1934 in the Town of Union in Vernon County in a locale known as Twin Ash. He was the third child of six born to John and Agnes Rabata. He graduated from LaFarge High School and enlisted in the Army. He was united in marriage to his loving wife Joyce E. Rabata on June 10th, 1961. Bernard and Joyce had three children together, Shelly, Brett and Mark. Bernard was a salesman through and through and made a career selling agricultural supplies. His career ended with his retirement from Con-Agra. Post retirement he worked at Adesa car auctions where he was labeled a professional driver. Bernard was a member in the Local VFW and American Legion. He was a member of the Elks club as well. He was also very active at St. Joseph's Church where he was an usher on Saturday's. Bernard's personal interests were many but they all seemed to revolve around family. He enjoyed walks with his wife and playing cards together. He looked forward to any time that he could spend with his children, grandchildren, brothers, sister and any family or friends that he could visit with. Bernard also loved sports of all kinds either playing or watching them. Bernard made a name for himself in the Kickapoo Valley Conference while playing sports. He was an outstanding athlete and a four letter winner in every year of high school. He was a member of three conference championship teams in basketball. He was on three volleyball teams that made it to the state tournament and was on one state baseball team. He excelled in track and field which included winning the high jump as a freshman in the Kickapoo Valley Conference. He also took first in the pole vault at the state meet and is believed to be the last LaFarge High School athlete to win a medal at state. Bernard was preceded in death by his father and mother John and Agnes Rabata as well as his mother and father-in law Lee and Nima McDaniel and his brother Roger Rabata. He is survived by his loving wife Joyce; his children, Shelly (Ronald) Senger, Brett Rabata and Mark (Jennifer) Rabata. He is also survived by his brothers, Jack (Joyce) Rabata, Jim (Carolyn) Rabata, Dan (Giselle) Rabata and his sister, BettyAnn (Darrell) Tennant. Bernard's legacy includes 5 grandchildren who he loved very much, Katie Senger and her fiance Michael Hoksch, Nathan Senger and his fiancee Rasheeda Mitchell, Logan Rabata, Grant Rabata and Sydney Rabata. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and other relatives. Bernard will be dearly missed by all that have known him but his spirit will live on in all of us. He has instilled in his family and loved ones a true meaning of how important family is. He cherished any chance he could to spend time with family and that legacy will live on with those he left behind. He touched many with his quick wit and sense of humor and taught us all the meaning of generosity and how to help others in need. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 12, NOON at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will be on Friday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Military Rites will be conducted by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard following the mass. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.