Henry O. Rathje

Henry O. Rathje
of Vestal
Henry O. Rathje, 82, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2008, at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City after a brief illness. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Frieda Rathje; and a sister, Frances Mandzie. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nettie Rathje; a daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Phil Dovi, Dryden, N.Y.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen and Darcy Rathje, Stony Creek, N.Y. and Carl and Maggie Rathje, Pulaski, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Sheri, Melissa, Jesse and Nicole; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Christine Hedin, Elizaville, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Rathje was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Endicott. He was a WWII Veteran serving with the U.S. Coast Guard and was a member of the Vestal VFW and the Cortland American Legion. He retired from AT&T in Binghamton after 40 years of service and also worked at Plaza Travel in Vestal. Mr. Rathje was also a member of the German American Club of Binghamton and a member of its chorus. He was also a member of the Musik Verien Band.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main St., Endicott. Rev. Janice Devine, co-pastor of his church, will officiate. Burial will be in Cortland Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home on Thursday from 4 p.m. until the service time at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the German American Club Building Fund, 218 Loughlin Rd., Binghamton, N.Y. 13904.