Search by Name

Search by Name

NORM RATHJE Obituary

Norm Rathje, beloved husband of Beverly, nee Bloom; brother-in-law to Marilyn and Maury Kaplan; passed away Friday evening, Dec. 9 at the age of 75 after a valiant battle with cancer. He lived at Sedgebrook Retirement Community in Lincolnshire, IL for the past six years. Norm was born in Cedar Rapids, IA, graduated from Marion High School and received his Master's degree in teaching from the University of Dubuque. In addition to being a teacher for more than 40 years, he was a football and wrestling coach, and he was in charge of CWT/ the off campus work program at Buffalo Grove High School. He will be dearly remembered by many including his family, nieces, nephews, neighbors, students, faculty, and friends. A memorial service is being planned for January and will be held at Sedgebrook.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for NORM RATHJE

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

December 24, 2011

"Norm was a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching with him at Wheeling High School for several years. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family." Ron Paveglio (Libertyville IL)

Dick Higashi

December 14, 2011

Norm was our best man when we got married 54 years ago. Dick and Norm played football together in college, and were in the same frat. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Dick and Carmen (Emmons) Higashi - Sun City West, AZ

Salvatore Pontillo

December 14, 2011

Norm was always supportive of me on the football field and on campus as a fraternity brother ,Phi Omicron. He had a big heart and was the toughist man I ever met. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Ben Siegel

December 13, 2011

Norm was a wonderful man and always a delight to be with. He really made us feel good about sending our kids to Buffalo Grove High School. We're all going to miss him and we send all our love.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in NORM RATHJE's name

Memorial Events
for NORM RATHJE

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support NORM's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor NORM RATHJE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more