LaDonna Mae Rathje

LaDonna Rathje, age 93, of Columbus, Nebraska, and formerly of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus, Nebraska. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Private interment will be at a later date in the St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Balaton, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, also at the church.

LaDonna Mae Holm was born on September 28, 1932, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Arthur and Hazel (Owens) Holm. Baptized and confirmed at Garvin Congregational Church, she grew up in Garvin before moving to Balaton, Minnesota in the 3rd grade. LaDonna graduated from Balaton Public Schools and then attended Abbott Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her Registered Nurse degree in 1953.

Later that year, on October 3, LaDonna married Curtis Edwin Rathje. The couple farmed in Rock Lake Township near Balaton before moving to Marshall, Minnesota, in 1986. She moved to Columbus, Nebraska, in 2025 to be near her son and daughter-in-law.

LaDonna dedicated over 40 years to nursing, working at Louis Weiner Hospital in Marshall, Lyon County Home Health, and as a school nurse for Balaton Public Schools. Her passions included playing cards, fishing, traveling, keeping in touch with her many fellow nurses, and spending time with loved ones. She was also active in the American Legion Auxiliary and Ladies Aid.

LaDonna passed away on February 27, 2026, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus, surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law. She reached the age of 93 years, 4 months, and 30 days. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her son, Timothy (and Valerie) Rathje of Columbus, Nebraska; grandchildren, Brendon (and Aliezah) Rathje of West Lafayette, Indiana, Hailey Rathje of Columbus, Nebraska; numerous nieces and nephews; other relative and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Curtis; son, Daniel Rathje; brother, Marsden (and Marilyn) Holm; and sisters, Helen (and Eugene) Hobert, Roberta (and Marvin) Lewis.

LaDonna cherished her faith and was a devoted member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall and a former member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Balaton.