Michael Don Rathel

On Easter morning April 17, 2022, beloved father, Grandad, and brother, Michael Don Rathel, 78, of Sanford, FL went home to be with the Lord. Awaiting him with open arms are his loving wife of 49 years, Susan Elaine "Boots" Rathel, and eldest daughter, Kelly Marie Mastin.

Mike was born June 6, 1943, in Muncie, Indiana and moved to the island of Guam at the age of 5 for 1 ½ years after the end of WWII. After returning to the Orlando area Mike attended Edgewater High School--go Eagles! He graduated in 1961 then immediately enlisted in the US Navy and honorably served on the USS Myles C. Fox thru 1964 then as a reservist until 1967. He married Elaine Thomas, attained his pilot's license, and was a flight instructor at Fort Rucker in Alabama. He then began his dream career as a private corporate pilot. "Captain Mike" retired in 2012. He and Elaine also owned and operated a full-service hair salon for nearly 20 years.

In his later years he enjoyed time with his wife, vacationing in the Bahamas and having large family gatherings for the holidays. He often regaled others with his lifetime of interesting and funny stories. He will be fondly remembered for his Christian testimony and leading his family to become members of First Baptist Church of Orlando when the children were in their mid-childhood and teens. He enjoyed simple pleasures in life such as eating oysters on the half-shell with a Miller Light, and keenly following current events and conservative thought. Of course, anyone who knew him might make mention of his love for all things chocolate. Grandkids looked forward to indulging in a Hershey bar (with almonds, of course.), Snickers bar and chocolate coins with him. Let's not forget the jellybeans!

Mike is survived by his son, Michael Kevin (Stacie) Rathel, daughter, Karen Lee (Timothy) McCreless, 12 grandchildren (Nicholas, Jessica, Jacob, Joy, Zachary, Cole, Lauren, Gracyn, Kaila, Megan, Nathan, Danielle,), 9 great-grandchildren, brothers, Stephen L. (Vonice) Rathel, Bret M. Rathel and sister, Jan M. Rathel, sisters-in-law, Wanda L. Welter and J. Alicia (Rich) Schou.

Mike is predeceased by his wife Elaine; daughter Kelly, sister Diane; and parents, Donald E. and Betty M. Rathel.

"We raise our chocolate shakes to you Dad!"

Please join us in honoring Mike's memory on Wednesday April 27, 2022, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 335 E. State Road 434 in Longwood, FL, with visitation from 9:30 am - 10:00 am, with a funeral service starting at 10:00 am with Pastor Harvey Carpenter officiating.

A graveside service with military honors will take place at Florida National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 27 at 2:00 pm.

To share your memories of Michael or leave a special message of condolence for his family, please visit the guestbook below.