Charles Arthur Sabatke, 76

Charles Arthur Sabatke, 76, of Rathdrum, passed away Oct. 12, 2019, at his home at Generations Assisted Living. Chuck was born on March 5, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wiss. He was the eldest son of Raymond Sabatke and Ruth Janet Bain.

The family moved to Minnesota, where Chuck graduated from Mounds View High School. He earned a B.A. in social work from the University of Minnesota. Deciding after a brief stint with juvenile corrections that social work was not for him, he found his way to night classes at Control Data Corporation. Six months later, at the top of his class, he embarked on a lifelong computer programming career.

Chuck married Linda Marie Smith on Feb. 22, 1967, in Minneapolis. Together they discovered a passion for travel that led them, over many years, from Minnesota to Arlington, Va.. and to places like Brisbane, Australia; Bonn, Germany; Geneva, Illinois and finally, Rathdrum, Idaho. They enjoyed car trips and sightseeing of all sorts, especially cultural tours, museums and local beer (the darker the better). But Chuck never lost a love for simple camping and hiking, and volunteered with the Boy Scouts for many years.

Chuck was a lifelong recreational athlete who especially enjoyed swimming, bicycling, skiing and racket sports. He gave bowling a try, but after a short season he donated his ball to a stretch of the Rhine River, near Bonn, Germany. He was an avid reader, with interests ranging from history and politics, to philosophy and physics.

Chuck is survived by his two sons, Chris and wife, Jen of Rathdrum (with grandchildren Soren, Avery and Thayer), and Derek and wife, Meghan of Boulder, Colo. (with grandchildren Charlie and Simon). He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Linda and brother, Bruce. He is survived by his brother, Kurt (Barb) and sister-in-law, Mary, all of Minneapolis, as well as his stepmother, Ruth Sabatke of Punta Gorda, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Spokane Public Radio or PBS; both were broadcasting services that Chuck utilized and frequently celebrated.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Generations Assisted Living in Rathdrum for providing Chuck a friendly and helpful home during his final year of life.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please sign his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.