Marian Ruth Rathje

Marian Ruth (Mast) Rathje was born to Orvil and Emma (nee Brandenburg) Mast on July 30, 1934, in Sebewaing, Michigan, and was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 11, 2018, with her husband by her side. She was baptized (August 19, 1934) and confirmed (March 21, 1948) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. She married the love of her life, Marlin V. Rathje on June 22, 1951, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Berne. Their union was blessed with five children. He survives her along with their two sons, James (Pat) of New Ulm, MN, and John (Lori) of Little Rock, AK, three daughters, Sandra (Brian) Braun of Kawkawlin, Shirley (Nicholas) Clark of Oakton, VA, Kathryn (Marvin) Burtney of Lapeer, 16 grandchildren; Ryan (Shelly) Rathje, Kyle Rathje, Jared (Mary) Rathje, Melanie (Jonathan) Bourman, Stefanie (Michael) Hinds, Gretchen (Joel) Paige, Andrew (Sarah) Young, Angelica Young, Kristal (Senyo) Affram, Matthew Clark, Colin Clark, Bradley Shaw, Christina (Joshua) Miller, Kimberly Shaw, Jenilee (Aaron) Voss, & Joshua (Katie) Rathje. 2 step-grandchildren; Kelly (Brandon) Heinz & Jason (Nicole) Braun. 15 great-grandchildren Caleb, Noah, and Alexis Rathje, Lucas, Stephen, Nathan, and Ella Rathje, Ellen, Marian, and Anna Young, Selasi and Selorm Affram, Elianna Bourman, Rylee Shaw and Logan Miller; and 9 step-great-grandchildren Addyson, Kaleb, Parker, and Emma Heinz, Carter Braun, Gavin and Juliet Paige, Jonah and Micah Hinds; sisters-in-law Dolores Mast and Harriet Rathje, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her parents and step-father Robert G. Kuhl, brothers Loren and Donald Mast, sister-in-law Arlene Mast, mother-in-law and father-in-law Otto and Anna Rathje, sister-in-law Gertrude and brother-in-law Henry Roestel, sister-in-law Esther and brother-in-law Charles Weaver, brother-in-law Arnold Rathje, brother-in-law Alvin and sister-in-law Gladys Rathje.

Marian was a farm homemaker, member of St. John's Lutheran Church where she served as one of the organists, member and co-founder of St. John's Lutheran Women's Society, choir member as singer, accompanist, and director, a 4-H leader, member of Townliners Extension Club, GFWC Pigeon Area Woman's Club, GFWC Huron County Women's Clubs Board, Pigeon District Library Board,  Sweet Adelines International as chorus member, chorus director and tenor in many quartets, Huron County Messiah Chorus, Pigeon Patriotic Chorus, Bay Chorale and Laker Band Boosters. Marian enjoyed God's gift of music, reading, doing puzzles, playing cards (especially Bridge), Scrabble, and other games with her family and friends.  She also enjoyed attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sports and performance events.

Funeral services will be at 11:00am Friday, February 16 ^th at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Berne with Rev. Steve Neuman officiating.  Burial will in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-8 Thursday at the church.  Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

The family would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care and consideration shown to Marian during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church or Scheurer Hospital.