Gerald C. Rathje

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Gerald C. Rathje

April 13, 1926 - April 4, 2015

Gerald Christian Rathje was born on April 13, 1926, to Hans and Minnie (Siffring) Rathje on the farm near Surprise. He graduated from Surprise High School in 1943. He fought World War II in the Pacific, serving from Dec. 20, 1944, to Nov. 16, 1946. He was a 1950 graduate of Nebraska State Trade School Milford.

On June 22, 1952, Gerald was united in marriage to Roberta Weir in Hartington. Gerald was a mechanic/service manager for Seward Ford Dealerships for 33 years. He owned Jerry’s Service and U-Haul from 1981-1991. He continued to repair vehicles and rent U-Hauls for many years after retirement.

Gerald and Roberta were season ticket holders for Nebraska football, basketball and baseball. Jerry enjoyed his baseball and playing pitch with his good friends at the Civic Center, IKES cabin and fire station. He was a member of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department, Company 1. He belonged to the Seward V.F.W. Post 4755, Seward American Legion Post 33, St. John Lutheran Church, Seward Senior Center volunteer, Seward City Council and Seward Civic Center Commission.

Gerald passed away on April 4, 2015, in Lincoln at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 22 days. He is survived by his sons, Steve Rathje, Lincoln, and Dave Rathje, Seward; daughter, Merri (Marc) Barnes, Woodland Park, Colorado; grandchildren, Justin (Brandi) Barnes, Indianapolis, Indiana, Jeremy (Alyssa) Barnes, Woodland Park, Colorado, Jordan Barnes, Woodland Park, Colorado, Joel Barnes, Moontownship, Pennsylvania, and Jesse Barnes, Woodland Park, Colorado; great-grandson, Samuel Barnes; and sister-in-law, Marie Rathje, Seward.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Minnie Rathje; wife, Roberta Rathje; daughter-in-law, Karen Rathje; brother, Alfred (Marie) Rathje; infant sister Edna Rathje; and sisters, Delores (Gib) Gates, Kathryn (Richard) Vrbka and Velma Rathje.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 9, 2015, from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home. The Rathje family will greet friends from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 10, 2015, at 1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward with the Rev. Scott Bruick officiating. Casketbearers will be Lynn Vrbka, Mike Vrbka, Terry Vrbka, Keith Rathje, Pete Pedersen, Ron Weir and Robert Nelton. Honorary casketbearers will be Justin Barnes, Jeremy Barnes, Jordan Barnes, Joel Barnes, Jesse Barnes, Seward Izaak Walton League and Seward Volunteer Fire Department.

Interment with full military honors will be at Seward Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in care of the Rathje family or charity of the donor’s choice.