W. Myron “Mike” Rathjen

W. Myron “Mike” Rathjen, age 98 of Marengo, passed away at Compass Memorial Hospital, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 25, 2017, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery, Marengo, Iowa. Visitation: 3 to 6 pm., Sunday, September 24, 2017, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Memorials may be contributed to Trinity United Church of Christ or charity of the donor’s choice.

Myron is survived by two daughters Judith Gauger and Sue Reichert, both of Marengo; a granddaughter Stacy (Josh) Hawkins; great granddaughter Brenna Kaye Hawkins; a special friend and companion for 17 years, Irene Koeppen; four step-grandchildren Jeff (Sue) Gauger, Vicki (Tony) Vernon, Terry (Steve) Schroeder and J.R. Reichert (Lara Yunglas); five step-great grandchildren; and five step great-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 #7 Rural School and graduated from Marengo High School in 1937. He was employed by Simmons Motor Company following graduation. On August 23, 1941, he married Kathleen “Kaye” Olson in Kirksville, Missouri. The couple farmed in Sumner Township until their retirement. They moved to Marengo in 1978 and spent over 40 years wintering in Naples, Florida. 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 long time member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Iowa Horseshow Association and the Elk’s Lodge. He greatly enjoyed social gatherings, dances and playing cards.