Charles J. Raterman

Charles J. Raterman, February 13, 1928 – September 28, 2022

Devoted husband and father. Respected businessman, industry leader, veteran, and Rotarian.

Charles J. Raterman, beloved husband of the late Mabel F. Raterman (nee Detzel). Dear father of Susan (Steven) Raterman Easley and Thomas B. (Lisa) Raterman. Loving grandfather of Elizabeth and M. C. Raterman. Dear brother of Martha Hellman (nee Raterman) and the late Evelyn Seimer (nee Raterman) and the late William “Jerry” Raterman. Survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Born in Covington, Kentucky, Charlie attended St. Xavier High School and Xavier University. He believed in and always tried to live the six core Jesuit values he learned, especially “Women and Men for Others.” Following graduation from Xavier University, Charlie served in the United States Army Signal Corps. where he achieved the rank of first lieutenant. Proud of his military service, one of the highlights of his later years was participating in an Honor Flight to visit the veteran memorials in Washington DC.  Upon return from military service Charlie worked at the Gruen Watch Company where he met Mabel Detzel. They were married in 1955. Charlie later joined Bode-Finn Company, a Cincinnati-based material handling equipment distributor with offices then in Cincinnati and Dayton. Charlie became President of Bode-Finn Company and grew it to seven branches with 350 employees. Charlie and Bode-Finn became recognized leaders in the material handling equipment and aerial work platform equipment industries. Charlie retired from Bode-Finn two years after its sale to NationsRent.

Charlie was a committed Rotarian, being awarded the Rotary Club of Cincinnati’s highest honor for service, the Walter Emerling Award. Charlie was active in Rotary much of his business career and was a well-known face at the Cincinnati and Covington Rotary meetings and International Conventions.  As a Paul Harris Fellow, he lived The Four Way test and practiced Service Above Self.  Charlie also served on numerous councils and committees at his long-time parish St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in the Finneytown/Greenhills community. If not at a Rotary or parish finance committee meeting, you would likely find Charlie working in his yard pruning and caring for his many favorite trees and shrubs, and in later years, enjoying the landscape surrounding The Kenwood.

Visitation will be held beginning at 11:30 AM on Monday, October 10 at St. Gertrude Parish Center, followed by the Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM at St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 6543 Miami Ave, Cincinnati. Interment will be Tuesday, October 11 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 701 East Ross Ave. Saint Bernard. For more information see https://www.hodappfuneralhome.com/obituaries.

Donations may be made to Rotary International, St. Xavier High School, or JDRF.org