Willard J. Rath, 95, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, October 28, 2010, at Luther Hospital. \r\nHe was born in Dundee, Illinois on April 8, 1915, a son of Fred and Ida (Moisling) Rath. \r\nWillard married Elda Fontecchio on August 19, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.\r\nWillard worked for A.O.Smith in Milwaukee before moving to Eau Claire. He held various jobs including sign painting at the original A&P grocery store. He worked for the Street Department of the City of Eau Claire retiring in 1977 after 25 years.\r\nWillard had many interests including airplanes, dancing, guitar and drum player, horses; a list too long to complete. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa. He played a large and loving part in the lives of those who knew him. He loved to travel, going to Europe not that many years ago. He also loved a good meal, especially if it was Italian.\r\nWillard is survived by his two sons, Jim (Gerrie) Rath of Eau Claire, and Dennis (Joni) Rath of Meridian, ID; and two grandchildren, Kelly (Christie) of Austin, Texas, and Chatz (Jennifer) of Elko, Nevada; three great-grandchildren, Simone, Lucien and Tristan; and several nieces and nephews. \r\nHe was preceded in death by his wife, Elda; parents, Fred and Ida; a brother, Lauren; and a sister, Verna. \r\nGraveside services will be held at 1:15 pm on Monday, November 1, 2010, at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm on Monday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home.

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