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Jeff Rathgeb Obituary
Mr. Rathgeb, 42, who died Friday morning, taught at the suburban Boynton Beach school for more than 15 years and even worked a couple of weeks at the beginning of this year before he started having breathing problems. He didn't want to just say goodbye during the chapel service he presented at the school, which had perfect attendance that day. Mr. Rathgeb wanted to reassure the students that, even though they had prayed for his recovery, they should not be angry with God, because sometimes prayers are answered in different ways.
He told the students, staff, friends and alumni that he was at peace with God's will.
Mr. Rathgeb had had cancer of the knee many years ago. Then he had cancer of the leg and had to have a leg amputated. Recently the cancer had spread to his lungs, spine and liver. At the service he also told them that each time the cancer came back all he wanted was to return to the school to teach. But, he jokingly told them, even though he had a few chemistry students he still needed to torture, it didn't look like that was going to happen.
"That's when the tears started breaking out," said Beth Bosman, Mr. Rathgeb's friend and colleague.
By the end of the service there was not a fresh tissue left in the building.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Rathgeb
33 Entries
Lauren (Ashauer) Minello
November 29, 2020
It’s been 30 years since you harassed me as my youth leader. Ok, so it was I who harassed you but let’s not split hairs. Seriously, you never gave up on me and your friendship after Christ transformed my life has left an indelible impression in my heart. This poem I penned and sent to you before you journeyed to your Eternal Home is just as relevant today. Your legacy on Earth has not been extinguished.
Every November I remember my youth leader from Lake Osborne Presbyterian Church. Jeff and I became close friends after I became a Christian and just before he left this earth for Home, I wrote this tribute to him. I love you Jeff and know you are telling my daughter all kinds of crazy stories about me in youth group. ;)
A Tribute to Jeff Rathgeb: My Shining Venus
"Morning, noon and night,
You’ve continually shined ever so bright.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow
You’ve been a beacon to all who’ve known you.
And when you’ve gone home
We’ll cry tears of joy and of sorrow.
Your life is forever painted on the canvas of our memories,
Never forgotten will be your smile, spirit and quirky ways,
The memories of your kindness, caring and thoughtfulness,
Will carry us through the darkest of days.
You’ve offered hope, light and wisdom.
You’ve paved a path for many to follow,
Without you our hearts for a moment will seem hollow.
Shining brilliantly in the sky,
Is the planet Venus brighter than all the stars.
Like it you have been one of earth’s brightest stars,
Fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.
It deeply hurts to say good-bye.
But knowing that you’ll suffer no more,
Entering the eternal home created for us,
May you sleep in peace and wake
To God’s heavenly haven created for you from the beginning.
Goodnight my shining Venus."
By Lauren A Minello
Becky Peterson
November 6, 2016
Jeff. I continue to miss you so so much. Wish you were here to share it all the things that are going on. You're easy to love and I miss having you as a part of my life
Rod Culbertson
January 22, 2015
I met Jeff, providentially, in Shands Hospital at UF when he was a high school senior, recovering from leg surgery for his cancer. He became a beloved brother and leader in our RUF ministry on campus. He is still missed. We love you Jeff!
angela patten
November 13, 2012
Mr rathgeb was a great guy and the best teacher ever. The anniversary of his death is coming up and i always remember him on that day!!!. It feels like just yesterday you were teaching us about science. I will never forget you. I love you so much.
angela patten
October 28, 2006
Mr. Rathgeb was amazing he taught me well and he was a great teacher. I'm glad he loved the lord and talked w/ everyone. Even tho he was fighting w/ cancer he would still be himself!! He has been a great teacher in 7th grade for me. He is missed alot
love you and miss you Mr. Rathgeb
he is in a better place now....
Kelsey Krzywada
October 9, 2006
Mr. Rathgeb was amazing! The thing I love the most about him was his faith in God. He seemed like a perfect Christian, but we all know that thats impossible. He had that personality that everyone loved and it was a blessing to be around. We all miss him, and he IS in a better place.
I luv you MR.Rathgeb <3
Toni Savage(Rathgeb)
December 8, 2005
My brother John and I spent the day at Jeffs house today just to feel close to him again. While looking around, I thought to myself 'what a simple man'. But in reality, what a complex man with so much knowledge, compassion and Love for Christ. It shows in his home and it was clearly shown in his heart. Jeff, John and I miss and love you dearly!!
Toni and John
Lauren (Ashauer) Minello
December 7, 2005
A Tribute to Jeff Rathgeb: My Shinning Venus
Morning, noon and night,
You’ve continually shined ever so bright.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow
You’ve been a beacon to all who’ve known you.
And when you’ve gone home
We’ll cry tears of joy and of sorrow.
Your life is forever painted on the canvas of our memories,
Never forgotten will be your smile, spirit and quirky ways,
The memories of your kindness, caring and thoughtfulness,
Will carry us through the darkest of days.
You’ve offered hope, light and wisdom.
You’ve paved a path for many to follow,
Without you our hearts for a moment will seem hollow.
Shinning brilliantly in the sky,
Is the planet Venus brighter than all the stars.
Like it you have been one of earth’s brightest stars,
Fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.
It deeply hurts to say good-bye.
But knowing that you’ll suffer no more,
Entering the eternal home created for us,
May you sleep in peace and wake
To God’s heavenly haven created for you from the beginning.
Goodnight my shinning Venus.
By Lauren A Minello
Julianne Cooper
December 5, 2005
Mr. Rathgeb was a great person and touched many people!! He will be sadly missed but I know someday we will all be in Heaven with him showing us how to dissect cats!! His class was my first and favorite class I took at Lake Worth Christian!! And I loved every moment of it! See you in Heaven Mr. Rathgeb
Jenn (Benfield) Bischoffberger
December 2, 2005
I was thankful enough to have Jeff as my Youth Director at LOPC. Jeff was the best friend and teacher that any of us could of asked for.
Jeff, say hi to my Grandma for me.... you will be forever in my heart.
Renee Lampman
December 1, 2005
Our family had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Rathgeb at LWCS. My daughter loved him and learned many life lessons from him. We all will miss him everyday, but he will remain in our hearts. Renee, Dan, Danielle and Emily Lampman
dana (matthew) mendelson
November 29, 2005
jeff, i first met you at lopc, i'm guessing our parents were some of the first members...
i've always remembered the granted prayers for, and of, the remission of your cancer and to save your life and leg...
and, that happy-go-lucky smile!!!
you were a great kid, and i see you became a great and graceful man...
god bless....
Donna Hair Cook
November 28, 2005
The first time I ever experienced answered prayer was when I was 13 years old in a youth group called "His Gang" meeting in a place we called the "Hill House" praying for a kid with cancer named Jeff Rathgeb. Then I got to know this kid and I understood that God had a plan for him. A glimpse of this plan can be caught at the website that Jeff's friends put together for him. The influence that he had with everyone he met and particularly his students is enviable. I never knew Jeff to stray from God's path (an amazing feat being that he hung around with Kirby so much, haha). I had hoped to visit Jeff over Thanksgiving weekend while I was visiting. I had pored through some of my "archives" (aka my 9th grade diary) to share a few pieces of hilarity. But alas, now I will share them with him in my prayers. Prayer concerning Jeff was answered again, that he would be at peace with what God had in store for him next whatever that might have been. God is good and I thank God that He allowed me to cross paths with a special person and Christian witness like Jeff.
Julie Carpenter-May
November 28, 2005
I'm sending this note to Toni, Jeff's sister. It's been many years since I've seen you(Lantana Jr. High), but after reading about Jeff's death, I felt the need to send my condolences.
I'll be praying for you and your family.
God Bless.
Julie
Tom Jenkins
November 28, 2005
While I have not known Jeff for many years (20+), we were great friends and neighbors growing up in Saline, and even after he moved to Florida. Jeff was always lighthearted and fun-loving when I knew him. Some of my best memories are of times Jeff and I spent together. I realize as I read the other entries in this guest book, as well as the wonderful web site his friends created for him, that Jeff never really grew up. He loved life, and passed that love on to many others. I am sorry that Jeff and I lost touch with each other, but am glad to see that he touched so many lives in so many ways. May God bless you, Jeff, and keep you near.
Lynn & Sheldon Kushner
November 28, 2005
My Nephew will be missed but never forgotten. Jeff loved life and it showed in everything he did. He set an example that not many people achieve in their lifetime.
Katie Bortniak
November 27, 2005
Lake Worth Christian will not be the same without you. I will miss you greatly. I am so glad that I got the chance to know you and have you as a teacher. I am sad but I know that one day I will see you again. I don't know why this happened but I believe that everything happens for a reason. God must have wanted someone great to be with him in heaven.
Robert Norberg
November 27, 2005
It was an honor to be a part of Jeff's group of friends. Thanks for the memories LWHS & UF. He will be missed.
DR. and Mrs John Rathgeb
November 27, 2005
We are blessed to have had Jeff as a son for 42 years. We are prould to know that he has touched so many lives. We want all to know that we rejoice in "THY WILL BE DONE"Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
Terryn Butler
November 27, 2005
Jeff was an amazing person. I am extremly grateful for having him as my "uncle". I will miss him. I love you
Stephen Arnold
November 27, 2005
"Die before you die. There is no chance after." - C.S. Lewis
Of Jeff, I can truely say he was (and IS) alive in Christ. So at his passing from all this world holds, he has made it home ahead of us. My friend, you will be missed, but the ache is all the more bearable knowing that our paths will cross again. See you soon ...
Antoine Stephenson
November 27, 2005
Well i just found out about this and although at the time during school sometimes i didndt think i would feel this way. but you did make anotomy class a very interesting one and for some reason you always put me next to you. aprreciate it looking back kept me focused and made it one of my best classes. i guess when you see God u will show him the Rath of Geb (gabe). and as jon said lot more untucked shirts will be in LWC.
Antoine
Cliff & Margaret Heil
November 27, 2005
We only knew Jeff briefly, but found him to be a remarkable young man. We know his parents are loving and compassionate and must have had a great influence on him.
Sue & Jack & Family,
We pray God's love will give you strength during this time of sorrow.
Love,
Cliff & Margaret
Shannon Gervasi
November 26, 2005
I have never met someone that had so much love for his students and gave his heart to all of them. I new him not only as my teacher but as my friend and neighbor. He was my neighbor even before I went to Lake Worth Christian my 8th grade year, and felt his passion for God before I knew him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. I could never forget what he taught me about God through his passion and testimony. He will forever remain to be my teacher in not only through what I learned at Lake Worth Christian, but in life. We love you Mr. Rathgeb!
Kirby McCreight
November 26, 2005
So few are as fortunate as I, as to have had a friendship so strong.
Jonathan Avery
November 26, 2005
Mr. Rathgeb, you were the only teacher I've ever had that made me look foreward to coming to school, to hear your jokes each day and just have fun outside of the school work, even in the hallways and between classes you would always be able to make us laugh, i'll never forget it and will carry those memories with me forever. thank you for dedicating your life to Lake Worth Christian School, there won't be another one like you
P.S. - there will be alot less un-tucked shirts in heaven now =)
Jonathan Avery
November 26, 2005
Mr. Rathgeb, you were the only teacher I've ever had that made me look foreward to coming to school, to hear your jokes each day and just have fun outside of the school work, even in the hallways and between classes you would always be able to make us laugh, i'll never forget it and will carry those memories with me forever. thank you for dedicating your life to Lake Worth Christian School, there won't be another one like you
judy kemp
November 26, 2005
We did not have the pleasure of knowing Jeff. We have know his father for many years. What a wonderful son he turned out to be. It is beautiful to see the lives he has touched. An inspiration to see the battle he had faught.
Peace and love to his family
Judy & Dan Kemp Diana & Virginia Cook
Joyce and Ben Mohlenhoff
November 26, 2005
We praise and glorify our Lord and Redeemer for the life and witness of dear Jeff. We came to "know" Jeff through our daughter Kim. We lifted him in prayer for healing, for strength and enduring faith. Our greatest prayer for him is in thanksgiving. His beacon shines brightly. The Lord used him mightily and is well pleased with his service. He kindly regards him as a strong man who ran his race to his utmost. We will continue to bless the Lord for his continued witness and to the family and all who seek comfort in his passing…..into the glorious presence of our Almighty King.
Sandi Dixon
November 26, 2005
Thank you God for such a blessing in all of our lives. We are going to miss Jeff tremendously! Thank you Dr. & Mrs. Rathgeb for being so compassionate. I pray that God will bring you such peace, knowing that Jeff is at home with Him, perfectly restored and breathing just fine. May God help us to remain faithful and to always remember that Jeff told us to "keep compassionate, remain strong and be courageous, for God is good" Please know I will be praying daily for your healing at this time of great loss.
Dick ARCHER
November 26, 2005
Heaven is a better place and the world is poorer.The Lord needed help and he got a great man
Alexandra Morman
November 25, 2005
He was never my teacher in a classroom but he taught my peers...but he taught me how to be strong and kind and live for God. I think he taught us all how to be content in a difficult situation, and to cling to the Lord. He was a wonderful man and a true gift from God. Lake Worth Christian would not have been the same without him, but the memmories will withstand time.
He is in a better place....
Andrew Peeling
November 25, 2005
Thank you for everything Jeff. You may have been a simple science teacher, but you taught me more about life than anyone ever has. Your faith was true and fierce, the likes of which I have never seen before.
I do not shed a tear because I know that, one day, we'll meet again.
Until then, God bless, and thank you.
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