Rose Rathjen

ROSE RATHJEN

Marengo

Rose Marie Rathjen, 88, of Marengo, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Rose Haven Nursing Home, Marengo. Memorial services: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo.

Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from noon until service time at the funeral home.

A memorial fund has been established.

Rose is survived by her son, Todd and wife Karla of Marengo; three granddaughters, Deena, Miranda and Chelsie Rathjen; and three nephews, Rick, David and Mark Wanamaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Richard and Dale Wanamaker.

Rose Marie Wanamaker was born Nov. 3, 1926, in Marengo, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Helen Kratoska Wanamaker. She received her education in the Marengo schools, graduating from Marengo High School with the class of 1945. Rose was united in marriage to Eugene Rathjen in 1948. The couple later divorced.

Rose was employed in earlier years as a telephone switchboard operator and also a veterinary assistant. Lastly she worked for Iowa County Transportation for over 20 years, retiring in 2001.

Rose, known by her friends as "Girlie" and affectionately called "Mommo" by her family, was a standout basketball player in high school. Following her high school career, she played on a traveling all-star team sponsored by Wilson Foods in Cedar Rapids. She never lost interest in the game, and loved following her granddaughters in all their sporting activities. She also enjoyed her trips to the casino. Rose was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Marengo.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.klosterfuneral home.com.