A Celebration of the Life of Carlheinz Richard Rahmig (“Whitey”)
Devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, Carlheinz R. Rahmig was born to eternal life on April 13, 2011, and now celebrates Jesus’ victory in Heaven. Carlheinz was born June 28, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Carl Gustav Rahmig and Erna Regina Maichrowski.
As a boy and young man, Carlheinz enjoyed cub scouts and was a perennial summer camper at Camp Mt. Morris, a Lutheran Retreat near Wautoma, Wisconsin. He loved camp so much he became a counselor, where he became known as “Whitey.”
Carlheinz also enjoyed sports, playing basketball for three years at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, and cheering on his favorite Wisconsin college and professional basketball, baseball and football teams, as well as professional soccer. Carlheinz was also an avid golfer.
In 1952, Milwaukee Lutheran High School sent him on to Valparaiso University, where Carlheinz earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering. He then spent a year at Aachen Technische Hochschule in Aachen, Germany, studying Civil Engineering and working for a local building and underground utility contractor. Carlheinz proudly served his Country as a member of the United States Air Force Reserves from 1957-1958.
A well-respected career as a Civil Engineer began in July 1957 when Carlheinz worked for the Milwaukee County Expressway Commission, designing and managing projects preparing for the construction of what is now the current expressway system in Milwaukee. He also worked on storm sewer design in conjunction with the Milwaukee Sewerage Commission and the DNR; many of his most cherished friendships resulted from this work. From there he served as Village Engineer for the Village of Hales Corners as part of his 12-year tenure with Wally Nienow & Associates. Starting in 1977 Carlheinz began working on the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Deep Tunnel project; he also worked on a team with the Milwaukee Pollution Abatement Program. Much of this time he was employed with JC Zimmerman, and also developed life-long friendships there. He retired in 2002.
Carlheinz now brings his tenor voice to our Lord’s eternal choir. As in eternal life, music and rejoicing were central to Carlheinz. His family fondly remembers him as someone who was always signing or humming a tune. Carlheinz was involved in many choirs. In 1958, he joined the Lutheran a Capella choir, where he met Alice Marian Meyer, who became his wife on July 16, 1960. He also cemented a truly cherished lifelong friendship with fellow tenor Lee Henning and alto Marilyn Henning during his time with a Capella. He later joined the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church choir, singing with them until he moved out of the Milwaukee area in 2009. Carlheinz also sang with the Master Singers of Milwaukee from the date of its inception, and served on the Board for several years. Perhaps one of the most special Master Singers performances was when the group performed Vivaldi’s Gloria with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony, his daughter playing violin with the Symphony at the time. As a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, Carlheinz’s most memorable role was as Lazar Wolf in the choral production of Fiddler on the Roof. Carlheinz also sang with the Grandsons of the Pioneers, a musical group directed by Dan Nelson, another of his good friends. Carlheinz’s musical career was highlighted by some wonderful trips abroad under the direction of Marlys Greinke, including trips to England, Scotland and Germany.
Carlheinz and his wife Alice had two children: Eric Paul, born January 10, 1963, and Beth Ellen, born June 24, 1967. The family enjoyed camping, sports and music together. Alice was born to eternal life in November 1997. In 2002, the LORD blessed Carlheinz by introducing Donna J. Petkus into his life. Carlheinz and Donna were married on July 30, 2004. Carlheinz and Donna loved life, music and traveling together.
Carlheinz is survived by his wife, Donna J. (Petkus) Rahmig; his two children, Eric P. (Tracy) Rahmig and Beth R. (Erik) Pless and Donna's 3 children, Robert Petkus, Michael (Marie) Petkus and John Petkus; five grandchildren, Hannah Rahmig, Heidi Rahmig, Kira Pless, Anika Pless, and Anders Petkus; as well as many wonderful friends. We all join together in celebrating Carlheinz’s life with us on Earth, and his eternal life in Heaven.
