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W. Myron Rathjen
W. MYRON "MIKE" RATHJEN
Marengo
W. Myron "Mike" Rathjen, 98, of Marengo, passed away at Compass Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25,
at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Burial will be in Marengo Cemetery. Visitation: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be contributed to Trinity United Church of Christ or the charity of the donor's choice.
Myron is survived by two daughters, Judith Gauger and Sue Reichert, both of Marengo; granddaughter, Stacy (Josh) Hawkins; great-granddaughter, Brenna Kaye Hawkins; a special friend and companion for 17 years, Irene Koeppen; four stepgrandchildren, Jeff (Sue) Gauger, Vicki (Tony) Vernon, Terry (Steve) Schroeder and J.R. Reichert (Lara Yunglas); five stepgreat- grandchildren; and five stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; his parents; and two sons-in-law, Milt Gauger and Ron Reichert.
Myron was born April 25, 1919, near Genoa Bluff on the family farm, the son of Clarence and Irene Simmons Rathjen. He began his education at Sumner Township No. 7 Rural School and graduated from Marengo High School in 1937. He was employed by Simmons Motor Co. following graduation. On Aug. 23, 1941, he married Kathleen "Kaye" Olson in Kirksville, Mo. The couple farmed in Sumner Township until their retirement. They moved to Marengo in 1978 and spent over 40 years wintering in Naples, Fla. Myron took pride in having a century farm and a Grade A dairy for many years. He enjoyed farming with draft work horses and participating in the Ladora Saddle Club activities. This eventually led to a family affair of showing horses throughout the Midwest. Myron enjoyed watching his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren show horses. He was a longtime member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Iowa Horse Shows Association and Elks Lodge. He greatly enjoyed social gatherings, dances and playing cards.
Online condolences may be left at www.klosterfuneralhome.com.
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