John S. Rathje

John S. Rathje, age 88, passed away on June 28, 2024, in South Lake Tahoe, CA. He was born on September 25, 1935, in West Reading, Berks, PA.

John graduated from Oley Valley High School in 1954. He served in the Army for two years and was stationed in Korea. He worked for Eastern Industries for 35 years as a heavy machine operator. John had a passion for restoring old cars, notably restoring his father's 1960 Studebaker pickup. He loved gardening, flowers, and animals, and he enjoyed attending the Oley Fair every year. In his later years, he was a frequent visitor to the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, where he enjoyed the company of friends and the vibrant community.

John was the son of the late Lewis Rathje and Clara E. (Herman) Rathje. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara A. (Ribble) Rathje, whom he married on May 20, 1967, and who passed away on December 29, 2015. He is survived by his son, Michael Rathje, husband of Tina Rathje of South Lake Tahoe, CA, and his daughter, Hope Willard of Fleetwood, PA. John was a proud grandfather to Lewis Stitzer, Tiffany Ellis, Caitlin Dieffenbach, Colt Rathje, and Aspen Rathje, and a great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Chandler wife of David Chandler, and was predeceased by three siblings and one granddaughter.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Mae A. Stump Funeral Home, Inc. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location: 117 West Main Street, Fleetwood, PA 19522. Burial will take place at Friedens Cemetery, 337 Main Street, Oley, PA 19547.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tahoe Basin Senior Citizens, Attn: Karen Hill, 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Online condolences can be shared at www.MaeStumpFuneralHome.com.