Jay Rathe, age 60, of Hayward, died Monday, October 15, 2012 at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.

Jay was born in Elgin, IL on May 10, 1952, the son Henry & Julia Rathe. He spent his early childhood in Bloomington then moved to Chicago and raised his family. Jay worked construction and was also a chef in Chicago before moving to Hayward in 2002. He was also a cook at restaurants in the Hayward area. Near and dear to his heart were the Veterans and the Humane Society.

He is survived by his wife Audrey; sons Jay (Debra) Potack, Kevin (Pamela) Potack, Micheal (Heather) Rathe, Paul Rathe; daughter Lisa (Juan) Rathe-Munive; grandchildren Audrey, Manuel, Marco, Jay III, Dylan, April, James, Aiyanna, Skyler, Peyton, Rylee, Caytlin, Kinsley, Micheal Jr., Miley, Erica, Mary and Brooke; sister Dolly (José) Garcia; his special cat "Kitty"; numerous other relatives and friends.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents Julia & Henry Rathe; grandson Luis Lee Ramirez

A memorial service will be on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Pineview Funeral Service.

Visitation will be from 3:00 until time of services at the funeral home.

Honorary bearers will be Kitty and Lucky.