Glenn M. Rathermel, 78, of 1532 Whitrock Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at Arborview Court Care Center in Wisconsin Rapids.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa. The Rev. Delbert Rossin will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Nekoosa with military rites by Wisconsin Rapids American Legion Post No. 442. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa; and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
Glenn was born Aug. 31, 1932, in Big Flats, to Alva and Jane (Sherman) Rathermel. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955 during the Korean War. Glenn married Donna Droste on Aug. 22, 1959, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa.
Glenn attended Wood County Normal and Stevens Point State University. He obtained his administrative credits from Winona State University. Glenn was a teacher and principal in Babcock for two years and at Adams-Friendship Area Schools for 34 years, retiring in 1994.
Glenn was a member of the Nekoosa Lions Club, Adams-Friendship Retired Teachers, Wisconsin Rapids Retired Teachers Association, Nekoosa Library Board and Bethlehem Lutheran and Lakes Area Christian Fellowship Churches. His interests included traveling, music, gardening, camping and the great outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Rathermel of Wisconsin Rapids; one son, Jeffery Rathermel of St. Paul, Minn.; two sisters, Clare Harder of Marquette, Mich.; brothers-in-law, Lester Kouba of Nekoosa and Glenn (Lois) Leach of Wisconsin Rapids; sisters-in-law, Loretta (Virgil) Holz of Nekoosa, Irene Rathermel of Friendship, Alice (Tom) Roundy of Baraboo, Gloria Drosta of Wisconsin Rapids and Donna Johnson of Hancock; and much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Francis and James; sister, Georgia Kouba; brothers-in-law, Art Harder, Eugene Drosta and Alvin Droste; and sisters-in-law, Grace Droste and Cathy Drosta.
The Rathermel family would like to thank Pastor Rossin and Marlene, Glenn’s wonderful caregivers over the past four years and the support from family and friends.
I had Mr. Rathermel as my principal at Roche-A-Cri grade school from 1974-1983 he was truely loved by his students, I have alot of fond memories of him, that I will cherish forever, you will be truely missed Mr. Rathermel and to the family you are in my heart and thoughts, God Bless you all.
Glen Rathermel was a kind, caring and wonderful teacher. He will be sorely missed by many. He tought generations of children and had a positive impact on so many lives including mine and my mother and both of my aunts. May all of his family find some comfort and peace in knowing just how generous of a soul he had.
"Mr.R" One of the best people I have ever known. He genuinely cared about everybody. Even when some of us weren’t at our best he never gave up on anybody, ever. He made a difference to so many.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Rathermel. Just getting the word now. He was my principal at Roche-A-Cri Grade School, and was very kind to me. I shall never forget him.
Mr. Rathermal touched the lives of many of us through his years of teaching and left lasting imprints on our lives. I will be one of his students that will never forget the imprint he made in my life. May God watch over him and his family.
A class act!
This kind man took me under his wing when I started Roche A Cri in the third grade and made moving to a new place a positive experience. Like my classmates, I quickly grew to adore *Mr. Rathermel.* He was also a dear friend to my grandparents, Rose & Ivan Olson, and family. Grateful to have known him.
I fondly remember Roche-a-Cri grade school. Mr. Rathermel was the finest teacher and always taught with great strength of character. I was blessed to have known him. I will remember his smile. Blessings to his family. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
I can still see him trying to give you a stern look, but it always ended in a smile. God bless you all.
Mr. Rathermel was one of kindest men I have ever met. He just had a certain way with us when we were children–he would not have to say a word and you just knew what was right from wrong. Roche-A-Cri was a great little school and it was brighter because of him. RIP Mr Rathermel.
I have wonderful memories of Mr. Rathermel and Roche-A-Cri School. I am honored to be working in what was once his office. Peace be with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Mr. Rathermel was always one of my favorite teachers. I am sure that he will be missed by many of his students that he had over the years. May God be with his family during this difficult time.
I took care of Glenn at Villa Pines. He was a nice man. He will always be in your heart and always here in spirit.
So very sad to hear of Mr. Rathermels passing. He was a great teacher and Principal at his many years at Roche-A- Cri.
Donna,
Please know you are in my prayers.
Sorry for your loss of Glenn. I had the pleasure of knowing Glenn through being the principal of Roche-a-cri grade school. My children attended the school and liked "Mr. Rathermal" as they called him. He always had a smile on his face and was a very kind person . He will be missed by many. R.I.P. Mr. Rathermal and sending prayrers to his friends and family.
Donna & Family
We are very saddened by the passing of Glenn. He holds a special place in our hearts as he knew 7 of our 10 kids. He became special to me the day I helped when he chocked at school. We will never forget him. We pray that your loss will be softened by God’s love.
I have fond memories of Mr. Rathermel at Roche-a-Cri. He was also my 8th grade teacher and when he entered the room he didn’t even have to say anything and the room would get quiet!
Very sorry to hear the news.
I also knew Mr. Rathermel from my years at Roche-A-Cri. He was a good and decent man.
My sympathy to the family.
Donna, Jeff & Family, I also had Glenn for a teacher-But had gotten to know him, from church, as a warm giving man.He will be truely missed. Evie & Larry
My sympathy in the loss of one of the truely great ones! He was my principal and 8th grade teacher. I will never forget him.
Such a nice fellow! I think we all remember him mostly for his friendliness to all he came in contact with at Roche-A-Cri, students, parents and co-workers. You could tell he loved the kids he taught and was always glad and proud to hear of their accompishments as they grew to adulthood. It was a privilege to know him. May God bless his memory.
We are so sorry on your loss of Glenn(Mr. Rathermel) is what we called him. We both had Mr Rathermal when he taought at Roche-a-Cri. He always at that wonderful smile and twinkle in his eye. We have many fond memories. Hold each other close and think of him. may God comfort you during this time.
As principal of Roche-A-Cri, Mr. Rathermel always had a warm smile and patient manner that let each and every one of his students know he cared about them. He will be missed. May God bless and comfort you at this time.