Birth date: Sep 12, 1930 Death date: Aug 6, 2019
Dorothy Mae Rathje of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Clinton, IA, passed away on August 6, 2019, from complications of a stroke. She was 88. Memorial service will be 11:00 am, Saturday October 19, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church - Clinton Read Obituary
My deepest condolences to the family. Bill and my dad ride to work together every day. Sandi and Stuart were our first friends growing up. Praying for you all.
Our condolences to Bill, Sandi, Stuart Linda,Brianna
and Max-
We met Dorothy and Bill over 65 years ago at Zion
Lutheran. All just young newlyweds at the time ,we quickly
became lifelong friends and they were our daughter's Godparents. We remained close over the years, visiting each other and traveling together many times. Dorothy was like family and very special to us.
We will miss her.
Betty & Bill Mosgrove, Cape Coral Florida
She chuckled softly as she eyed my size 11-1/2 shoes, wondering if she could teach those big feet to play the pedals. She did. And I've been playing the organ now for 45 years, thanks to her inspiration both as a teacher and church organist. My family joined Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton in 1958 and, if we weren't too late for the service, the seven of us would slide into the pew next to the organ so I could watch her fingers and feet, while listening to the music and singing the liturgy and hymns, which she accompanied flawlessly. Dorothy Rathje had a huge influence on my life as a church leader and organist. She gave every opportunity to her students to get their feet wet, by playing pre-prelude music, accompanying Sunday School and even the adult choir, having the choir perform some rather awkward music I composed in high school, and allowing me to sing with my dad in the bass section of the Chancel Choir, which was under her direction. She also invited me to serve as a non-voting junior member of the committee charged with securing a new pipe organ for the new church in the 60's, very exciting for a high school kid. Bill was an alumni of Valparaiso University. So am I. Dorothy talked of the university, its magnificent chapel and organ, and was instrumental in bringing then university organist Philip Gehring to Clinton to play a recital, which "sealed the deal" for me. (He eventually became my teacher.) Bill, you, your children and grandchildren, are in my heart and in my prayers. I feel so privileged to have known you and Dorothy. You've been in my life since I was an eight-year-old boy surrounded by the love and guidance of parents, Sunday School teachers, choir directors, and, of course, the organist of Zion. Such memories have sustained me all these years, and I will hold your dear wife in glad remembrance until the day we are all together again in heaven. Thank you, dear Lord, for the gift of Dorothy! Chris Michaelsen, Annandale, Virginia
My condolences to Dorothy’s family. Dorothy and Bill were my next door neighbor for over 20 years and they were great neighbors again so sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to the Rathje family upon the passing of Dorothy. I know this phase in life is never an easy one...
I will always remember Dorothy's sweet smile and wonderful demeanor. Although, I did not meet her until her later years in life. I do remember all her great stories she had and the good advice she gave me. Her marriage to Mr. William Rathje was something wonderful that I admired greatly! Even though she may not have known it, she will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sending prayers and comforting hugs!
Jolene Brown of Phoenix, Arizona
Dorothy provided my first memories of church music, which influenced my career in a marvelous way. As my first organ teacher, she laid the foundation for what has become one of the joys of my life. Beyond music I remember her wonderful hospitality and ever present smile. I keep her family in my prayers and rejoice in her homecoming in heaven, where the music (like everything else) is always perfect. David Christiansen, Park Ridge, Illinois
Dorothy was just the best accompanist. I worked with her at many funerals as a soloist over the years. She was always happy and encouraging. I also appreciate how Pastor Schoenbaum always remembered me when we met. I send my sympathy and appreciation for the many contributions to our world made by Dorothy. Sincerely Roger Hill of rural Low Moor Iowa
