Phyllis I Rathman

Phyllis Irene Rathman, 94, of Wood River passed away on July 3, 2025, at Brookefield Park, in St. Paul, NE. Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo, NE, with Rev. Brian L. Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Berwick Cemetery, Cairo, NE. Visitation will be Monday, July 7, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo, NE. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Phyllis was born on October 27, 1930, in Grand Island, NE to Hugo and Clara (Kroeger) Harders. She attended District #37 and graduated from the Cairo High School in 1948. She was the last surviving member of her graduating class.

Phyllis married Rodney Rathman on December 12, 1948, in Grand Island. Phyllis and Rod lived on a farm north of Wood River most of their married lives. Together they farmed and fed cattle. Phyllis was very active in helping with the farm and hauled many meals out to the fields during fieldwork and harvest. Rod passed away on April 20, 2008. Phyllis remained on the farm until March, 2024, when she moved to Brookefield Park in St. Paul, NE, due to health issues. Once again, her charm and wit gained her many more friends and was quite attached to the staff.

Phyllis had a deep love for her yard and garden and spent many hours enjoying the fruits of her labor. As stated by a grandson, she could make grass grow on concrete. Phyllis kept an immaculate house and was an excellent cook as those who knew her would testify to. Her appearance was very important to her. Phyllis’s clothing and her hair were always spot on. She had a deep love for her family and was a big part in the upbringing of many of her grandchildren who loved her dearly. Phyllis was a woman of small stature but commanded great respect.

Rodney and Phyllis loved to ballroom dance. They were members of the Liederkranz, Platt Duetsche, and Elks Club and attended many dances throughout Central and Eastern Nebraska. After Rodney passed, Phyllis continued attending dances well into her 80’s. She was a former member of the Toastmasters Club. Phyllis was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo, NE.

Those left to carry on her values of caring and compassion are sons: Terry Rathman of Wood River, NE, Len (Shari) Rathman of Wood River, NE, Bob (Terry) Rathman of Cairo, NE; daughter, Holly (Harold) Plejdrup of Cairo, NE; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Edward (Carole) Rathman of Wood River, NE; sister-in-law, Norma Jean Harders of Boelus, NE; and dear friends: Dot Krance, Nancy Christensen and Darnell Graves and so many others to numerous to mention.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney; brothers: Richard Harders and Rodney Harders; and grandson, Tren Rathman.

Though her earthly presence has come to an end, her eternal life has just begun.