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Richard Fatke Obituary
MADISON - Richard Fatke, Jr., age 52, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Agrace HospiceCare in Madison.
Richard, or Rick, was born to Richard and Loretta (Petersen) Fatke on October 17, 1964, in Racine. Rick grew up in Fond du Lac where he graduated from Goodrich High School and played on the hockey team. After earning degrees in Communication Arts and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he started his career in video production at Wisconsin Public Television, where he also met his wife, Tina. For over 25 years he ran his own business as a highly respected freelance Videographer and Sound Recordist, working on national and local television shows, documentaries, news programs, sports events, and corporate videos. He enjoyed mentoring younger colleagues in the production business and took joy in their successes.
Rick loved his family and friends above all else, but he also lived for music, playing guitar and bass in various Madison bands, including Muscle Car, and engineering music recordings. He was a passionate and skillful golfer, and played the game his whole life. His work frequently took him on the road but he also enjoyed travel for pleasure and visited England, France, Germany and Italy. He loved animals, especially dogs, all dogs.
Rick was a self-possessed, unpretentious and ethical person who knew his own mind and was fiercely loyal to family and friends, but was also hilarious, fun-loving and playful.
Rick is survived by his wife, Kristina; parents; in-laws Hans and Karin Hauser; brothers David (Diane), Daniel (Charlotte), Michael (Molly Cichy); nephews Collin (Mallory), Eric, Jacob, Jordan and Taylor; grand-nephew Elias and grand-niece Amalie; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
His family is grateful for the compassionate care Rick received from Dr. Kenkre, Dr. Schueller and everyone at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and at Agrace HospiceCare.
A private service will be held for family. Memorial donations in memory of Rick may be made to the Dane County Humane Society (www.giveshelter.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Fatke
Sponsored by Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives - Madison.
Chad Steenberg
July 6, 2017
So sorry Mr. and Mrs. Fatke, Dan, Dave and Mike. I have many memories growing up next to a really cool guy that had a garage band and was always willing to lend a hand to the neighbor kids. I cannot imagine the grief and heartache felt losing a child as I struggle daily having lost my Mom. He is in a better place now and I am sure my mom is there to find out how her best friend is doing as well as offer comfort. My condolences.
Rich and Carol Bundsgaard
July 3, 2017
We were so shocked when we saw Mike's post about Rick on Facebook today. We are coming home from our vacation. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Clair and Carolyn Barton
July 1, 2017
To our former long time neighbors, Mr and Mrs Fatke and the extended family we want to offer our condolences and hope you find peace and God's blessings in this time of loss.
June 30, 2017
Tina, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Rick. My thoughts are with you and your entire family. Thinking of you. Anne 1 South Park/Parkwood Hills
Alisa Allen
June 30, 2017
Tina, Tim and I were so sorry to hear we lost Rick. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Peace and love to you my friend.
Alisa Allen
June 30, 2017
Tina, Tim and I are so very sorry to hear we lost Rick. You and your family are in our thoughts. Peace to you my friend.
millie
June 28, 2017
so sorry for your loss. treasure his memory and celebrate his life. follow Colossians 3:14 to be united in love.
Keith Stephany
June 28, 2017
Mr. and Mrs. Fatke, sorry for your families loss . Keith Stephany .
Julie Cherney
June 28, 2017
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Rick's passing. My heart goes out to Tina and Rick's family. Rick was so energetic, funny, honest and a great musician. Such a tragedy for Rick to be taken before his time.
June 28, 2017
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June 28, 2017
Rick, You will be missed. From your friends at PWG.
Ronda Majors
June 28, 2017
David Kleist
June 28, 2017
To Mr and Mrs Fatke, his brothers, wife Tina, and the rest of the Fatke relations, Rick was a foundational part of my adolescence. His part in my group of friends was central to our adventurous times then, and through the years. He will be missed dearly and remembered, for me, around every dog-leg, and par 5 reachable in 2. Love, Kleido (David Kleist)
Dave Lucht
June 27, 2017
Rest in peace, Rick. Gone way too soon.
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