Ronald August Rathe was the oldest of five sons born to Orvin and Frieda (Ehmen) Rathe on April 7, 1947 in Norfolk, Nebraska. He lived with his family in Madison, NE before moving to Sterling in 1955. He was baptized April 27, 1947 and began his Christian education at Madison Lutheran School through the fourth grade. After moving to Sterling, Ron attended rural country school until it closed when he was in the 7th grade, and then went to Sterling Public Schools where he graduated in 1965. He was confirmed March 26, 1961 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sterling, Nebraska.

After graduation, Ron worked for about a year and then enlisted in the Air Force on May 3, 1966. He served his country during the Vietnam Era, serving in Vietnam for one year until his release from active duty on March 2, 1970. Ron served in the reserves until May 2, 1972. He earned the Rank of Sergeant during his military duty. He was very proud to go on the Vietnam Veteran Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2017.

Ron was united in marriage to Joyce Rademacher on October 30, 1970 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Nebraska. Ron and Joyce made their home in Tecumseh where they raised their family.

Ron worked for OPPD for 34 years, working as a lineman for 25 years and as manager of the Tecumseh and Humboldt offices for the last 10 years, retiring in 2004.

In his spare time, Ron loved bird hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, traveling and was on a bowling team and played men’s slow pitch softball for many years. He was an avid, cigar-loving St. Louis Cardinals fan. Ron’s city and civic involvement included: active life member of the Tecumseh VFW, Avenue of Flags Board member for 20 + years, Veterans Memorial Committee member, Chairman and longtime Zoning Board member for the City of Tecumseh and Tecumseh Chapter of Pheasants Forever board member.

For many years, Ron and his family faithfully assisted with the Avenue of Flags. Ron served St. John’s Lutheran Church in many elected capacities including Elder and Chairman and taught Sunday School and Adult Bible Class. And on the state level, Ron served as the Nebraska District Lutheran Layman’s League President from 1989-1991 and then was elected to the LCMS Nebraska District Board of Directors from 1994-2006 and served as chairman for the Board of Directors the final six years of his term.

He dearly loved his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and keeping up with all their activities over the years. He passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the age of 79 years and 1 day.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce of Tecumseh, daughters, Michelle Wenzl and significant other David Armstrong of Sterling, Janelle Moran and husband Eric of Tecumseh, Carolyn Beethe and husband Justin of Tecumseh, son Andrew Rathe and wife Katie of Grand Island, nine grandchildren, Sarah Hart and husband Rev. Erik Hart, Zachary Scamehorn, Madison “Maddie” Moran and fiance’ Austin Kennedy and Morgan Moran, Katelyn, Isaac and Leighton Beethe and Lincoln and Maverick Rathe, 3 great-grandchildren Ezekiel, Oliver and Johanna Hart, brothers, Larry Rathe and wife Donna of Sterling, Darrel Rathe and wife Connie of Basehor, KS and Daniel Rathe and wife Pat of Sperry, OK , numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Mark Lee Rathe, sister-in-law, Donna Rathe, grandson, Mark Wenzl and sons-in-law, Steve Scamehorn and Jim Wenzl.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 13, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Marcel Kohlmeyer officiating. Loretta Kerchal, Kevin McKinney and the St. John’s Praise Team accompanied congregational hymns, “Lift High The Cross”, “Majesty”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Hark The Voice Of Jesus Crying,” Pallbearers were Zachary Scamehorn, Isaac Beethe, Jon Rathe, Tyler Rathe, Joshua Rathe and Mike Stauffer.

Interment was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sterling, Nebraska with full military honors by the Tecumseh VFW and American Legion Posts and the Offutt Air Force Funeral Honors Team.

Memorials may go to the St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Hour Ministries. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.