John William Rathjen Jr.
Jan. 26, 1933 - June 1, 2015
John Rathjen Jr. was born on Jan. 26, 1933, to John W., Sr. and Frieda (Buck) Rathjen in Ulysses. John attended a country school near Ulysses through the eighth grade. John was enlisted in the United States Army from May 5, 1953, to April 2, 1955, serving in the Korean War.
On Jan. 8, 1956, John was united in marriage to Darlene Pickel in Lincoln. John enjoyed being a lifelong farmer and one of his greatest joys in life was raising cattle. He was a devoted father and husband. John was a member of Garland American Legion Post 369 and Zion Lutheran Church, Garland.
John passed away on June 1, 2015, in Seward at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 6 days. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Rathjen, Garland; sons, Howard (Marlene) Rathjen, Lincoln, John (Luann) Rathjen, Clive, Iowa, and Craig (Amy) Rathjen, Hickman; daughter, Bonnie (Todd) Meints, Seward; grandchildren, Jordan Hoins, Jenna Hoins, Jackson Hoins, Ashley Rathjen, Zachary Rathjen, Tyler Rathjen, Elisa Rathjen, Ethan Rathjen, Benjamin Rathjen and Hannah Rathjen; brothers, Eugene (Linda) Rathjen, York, Keith (Irene) Rathjen, Bee, and Curtis Rathjen, Milford; sister, Marcella Kahler, Lincoln; and sister-in-law, Tryus Rathjen, Seward.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frieda Rathjen; sister and brother-in-law, Dina and Lyle Ladwig; brother, Duane Rathjen; and brother-in-law, Elmer Kahler.
Funeral service was June 6, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garland wiht the Rev. Richard Harre officiating. Casketbearers were Ted Johnson, Burt Johnson, Roger Beckmann, Gary Jacobsen, Jeremy Kopecky and Robert Kirkland. Honorary casketbearers were Tyler Rathjen, Jordan Hoins, Zachary Rathjen, Ethan Rathjen, Benjamin Rathjen and Jackson Hoins.
Interment with full military honors was at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Garland.
Memorials may be made in care of the Rathjen Family or the donor’s choice.
