Lee A. Rathje

Lee A. Rathje

Cedar Rapids

Lee A. Rathje, 83, of Cedar Rapids, passed away at his home on Dec. 19, 2023, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, with visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2023, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Interment will be held in Cedar Memorial Park & Cemetery (Garden of the Cross), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, next to his wife JoAnn.

Lee was born March 2, 1940, on the family farm near Newhall, to Henry and Emma (Haerther) Rathje. He graduated from Newhall High School, with the “Class of 1957." He married JoAnn Catherine Bascom on Aug. 9, 1959, at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall. Lee farmed the family farm until 1964 and then moved to Cedar Rapids to work at Collins. Lee retired in 1995, then sub-contracted until 2000. Lee then enjoyed several part time employers, Sherman-Williams, Evans Enterprises, Cabinets Galore and CR Toyota as a shuttle driver.

He is survived by his two sons, Ricky Lee and wife Rebel Rathje of Marion, Randy Lee and wife Kimberly Rathje of Sun Prairie, Wis., and daughter Renee Jo and husband Dan Ellsworth of Winneconne Wis.; five grandchildren, Angelica Renee Rathje (Tim Schmuecker), Chelsea Rose (Jamison) Albright, Tanner Lee Rathje (Sara Rodriquez), Ross James (Erin) Ellsworth, Carlee Jo Ellsworth; five great-grandchildren, Aideyn Lee, Breklyn Jo, Brielle Rose, Emersyn Ann, Josie Lee, and Brooks Gunnar. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, James Bascom, sisters-in-law, Donna and Karla Bascom, and Jeanne Rathje; several beloved nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, the love his life JoAnn, two brothers, Hank and Glen (Arlys), and sister Ardith (Jack).

Lee was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, served on the Hiawatha City Council, Cedar Boat Club and the Elks Club #251. In 1976, Lee and Jo purchased a boat house at Ellis Boat Harbor. They met and had many lasting friendships at the harbor and continued to be a common place for cherished memories with family and friends, plus good boating. The greatest joy in his life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved so dearly. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Lee enjoyed his boat house, boating on the Cedar River, playing a good tune on the organ, singing old time songs and karaoke, woodworking, home improvements and completing creative projects for family and friends. He will forever be remembered as being able to try and fix anything, and you can’t forget his beloved label maker.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.