In Memory of Lou W Rathjen

Lou W Rathjen, age 75, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at his residence of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017, at the Midwest Hangar of Ida Grove, Iowa. Committal Services following in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by McNamara -Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday August 18, 2017, at The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Lou W Rathjen, son of John and Margaret (Evans) Rathjen was born on October 11, 1941 in Ida Grove, Iowa where he lived out his entire life. 

Lou graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1959, and while in his youth, was active in 4-H, FFA and an avid HAM radio operator using the handle KNOCJS.   Following high school Lou attended Buena Vista College and continued farming with his father before enlisting into the United States Air Force Reserves where he trained to be a Jet Engine Mechanic.  Lou exercised his skills while serving during the Vietnam War and carried out his proud service in later years by hauling the local Iwa Jima Float around the country with his close friend Bill Sample. 

August 4, 1973, Lou married Gail Duvall in a little white country church outside of Cherokee, Iowa, with Gail’s two children Beth and Tom to unite a happy family.    

Lou enjoyed custom farming in his early years after returning from service and began farming for Byron Godberson in 1972.  In due time, he took on many roles at Midwest Industries and Byron Originals until his retirement in the fall of 2016.  His entire 44 year tenure for the company was one of immense pride to him.  Lou also had great joy for his trucking business, Lou and Gail Rathjen Trucking.  No one worked harder than Lou and he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, including a stray animal.  He was truly “one of a kind” that touched many lives and will be missed by all who came across his path. 

Lou is survived by his children Beth Enneking, Marcus, IA and “Tom” Brandon Thomas, Kansas City, MO; grandchild Daniel (Jorrie) Rector, Danbury, IA and two great-grandchildren Autumn and Leo; sisters Cathrine Rathjen Nix, Leawood, KS and Cary (Bruce Lindsley) Rathjen,  Penngrove, CA; nephew Cavin Rathjen, Denver, CO and niece Beth Rathjen, Sheridan, WY in addition to extended family and numerous friends.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Rathjen; wife Gail Rathjen; brother Hank Rathjen; and nephew L.J. Rathjen.