Marlene Rathman

Marlene Rathman, age 85, of Springfield, MN died on December 2, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN. 

Visitation was on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sturm Funeral Home in Comfrey and continued on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Comfrey on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. 

The clergy was Msgr. Eugene Lozinski. Interment is at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Comfrey, MN. 

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. 

Marlene M. Rathman was born on April 14, 1934, to Arthur and Hannah (Guhlke) Jeske in Comfrey, MN. She grew up on a farm in Stately Township and attended country school District #81 and graduated from Comfrey High School. From 1951-1953, Marlene worked as a clerk at Schneider Drug Store in Comfrey. 

On January 19, 1954, Marlene was united in marriage to Wilfred Rathman at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Comfrey. The couple farmed near Comfrey where they raised their 5 children. She was known for providing wonderful meals.

Marlene lost her left arm in a farming accident, but the loss of her arm never slowed her down or deterred her from her daily activities. 

Five years ago, Marlene became a resident at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield and thoroughly enjoyed her time there. She enjoyed all the activities, including church services and playing cards. Marlene enjoyed gardening, canning, traveling, and rides around the area. Her greatest cherished moments were spending time with her family. 

She is survived by her children - Linda Berkness of Shakopee, Mark Rathman of Alexandria, Cheryl (Mike) Teicher of Sanborn, Lorie (Greg) Klinkhammer of Holman, WI, and Brian (Cindy) Rathman of Springfield; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wilfred in 2011; son Timothy; and sister LaDonna Robinson.