Mitchell Rath

Mitchell Duane Rath, 43, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, surrounded by his family. Mitch lived bravely after being diagnosed with kidney cancer on Christmas Day of last year. The 23,000 plus visits to Mitch’s CaringBridge website express that he was dearly loved and will be missed by so many. Mitch was born July 8, 1968 in Fargo, ND to Darold and Lyla (Sandberg) Rath. He was raised and educated in Fargo, and graduated from Fargo North High School in 1987. He attended college at MSUM and Augsburg University. Mitch’s career focused on sales with a concentration in musical instruments. He owned The Diner Guitar Shop in Minneapolis for several years before returning to Fargo. Mitch began his musical career as a drummer. He later taught himself how to play the guitar. His passion for guitars led to a much-loved guitar collection, and the hobby of buying, refurbishing and selling guitars. Mitchell played in several bands in the area over the years. Mitch’s greatest love, however, was for his family. Beginning when Mitch was 4, the family spent each summer at Pelican Lake in Minnesota. The lake was a special gathering place for Mitch, and has always been a healing place for the family. The family was blessed to have this last summer together at Pelican Lake. Survivors include his parents, sister, Stephenie (Mark) Herbranson, and beloved niece and nephew, Rachel and Matthew Herbranson of Moorhead, MN. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, Billy and Bernice Rath, Doris Rhode, Sandra Rath, Skip and Karen Sandberg, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents, William and Marie (Schwindt) Rath and Lyle and Geraldine (Clark) Sandberg; aunt, Kathleen (Sandberg) Hansen; and uncles, Roy and Elmer Rath. Memorials are preferred to CaringBridge.org, Hospice of the Red River Valley and Hope Lutheran Church Foundation. A celebration of Mitch’s life will be held on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church North Campus.