Ray Rathman, 80, of Greenfield

Funeral Services: Will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle with a luncheon immediately following the service. Burial will be held at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, Iowa. The Rev. Dr. Keith Schweitzer will officiate the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. 

Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Memorials: The family suggests that memorial gifts may be made to either the Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department Foundation or the Anita Volunteer Fire Department.

Ray Rathman was born on December 18, 1943, the son of Thomas A. and Marie Katherine (Tibken) Rathman in Atlantic, Iowa. He passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the age of 80.

Ray grew up in Anita, Iowa and attended the Anita Community Schools. He graduated from Anita High School in 1962. On September 3, 1965, he was united in marriage to MarSalene Rae Hocamp in Anita, Iowa. To this union three daughters were born: Denise, Colleen and Sondra. Ray and Marcy lived in Anita from the time they were married until 1991. In September of that year, they moved to Greenfield. 

As a young man, Ray worked at the Anita Co-Operative Elevator. In 1970, he joined Schildberg Construction Company, where he drove a truck, worked in the shop, and eventually became the truck foreman. Ray retired in January 2011. During his retirement, he continued his love of driving by working part-time for AGRILAND FS and Lamb Tiling until his health prevented him from doing so.

Ray loved to spend as much time as he could outdoors. He was known around the neighborhood for taking meticulous care of his yard and gardens. Ray had a passion for sports, participating in various activities throughout his life. He played high school football and was even selected for an all-conference team. As an adult, he joined Sunday night volleyball games in Anita and played slow-pitch softball with the Crooked Creek Gang. Ray passed on his love of sports to his daughters and enthusiastically cheered for them and his grandkids during their high school and college games. Ray also enjoyed fishing, first with his daughters and later with his grandchildren.

Ray was a member of the Anita Volunteer Fire Department for 14 years and served as a Truck Captain. He enjoyed attending Old-Timers’ Nights which allowed him to reconnect with fellow firefighters. Ray was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita, where he was baptized and confirmed. He served the board of trustees in many different roles, including Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer. He also served on the Anita Board of Adjustment.

He is survived by his wife, MarSalene (Marcy) Rathman of Greenfield; three daughters, Denise Rathman of Des Moines, IA, Colleen Sisco of College Station, TX and Sondra (Nate) Hatcher of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Blake Hatcher of Lawrence, KS, Elaine Hatcher of Austin, Texas, Claire Sisco, of College Station, TX and Grady Sisco of College Station, TX; brother, Roger Rathman of Anita. 

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Rathman, his mother, Marie (Tibken) Rathman, his sisters LaVon (Rathman) Petersen and Muryl Jean (Rathman) Vokt, and his brother Rex Rathman.