Obituaries : Paul J. Rathje

Paul J. Rathje

NEWHALL:
     Paul J. Rathje, 96, died peacefully Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton of complications from pneumonia. 

     Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m.,  Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.  Friends may call at the church in Newhall from 4  to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.  Interment will be held at St. John Cemetery near Newhall. Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

     Paul was born September 3, 1916 at Van Horne to John and Elizabeth (Werning) Rathje.  He graduated from Newhall High School.  He married Lillian Carter on August 27, 1947 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.  Paul farmed until his retirement in 1981 when he and Lillian moved to Newhall.

     He is survived by his four children, Martin (Roxanne) of Ankeny, Mary Kennedy (friend Rick Flynn) of Fairfax, Stephen (Beth) and Timothy (Tami), both of Atkins.  His grandchildren are Lisa Rathje (Rob Taylor) of Oak Park, IL, Jon Rathje (Jen) of Ankeny, Amy Soukup (Austen) and Ashley Soukup (Bob), both of Cedar Rapids, Scott Rathje (Abbie) of Atkins, Holly Chihak (Jerry) of Cedar Rapids, Michael Rathje (Kerry) of Newhall, Shauna Voelker (Andy) of  Atkins, Heidi Williams (Jacob) of Newhall, Kylee Rathje (Jon) of Clarence, Bridget Kirk (David) of Van Horne, Allyn Koopman of Atkins, Patrick Koopman of Newhall and Kristin Koopman of Atkins.  He was blessed to have nine great-grandchildren and anticipated the arrival of two more in 2013.  He is also survived by his sister, Marguerite Rathje and finally, he leaves behind his faithful companion, Patches, who kept Paul young by playing Frisbee and going for daily walks.

     Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Lillian, and his son-in-law, Gordy Kennedy.

     Paul was a great fan of the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes.  He enjoyed attending all activities of his children and grandchildren.  He was a life long member of St. John's Lutheran Church and held various positions as a member of the Voter's Assembly.  He was the offering recording secretary at the church for many years.

     He and Lillian also loved to travel, including 35 years in LaFeria, TX as snow birds.  Over those years they formed many lasting friendships.

     Paul's family wants to the world to know he had a wonderful life and he was very blessed to have lived 96 years.  He was a great role model and inspiration to his family and many others.  His heart was strong and his compassion was experienced by many.

     Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church or Central Lutheran School.

     Condolences may be left at:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com