Richard Rathsam

Richard Rathsam, 70, died Saturday, March 24, 2012, at Grove General Hospital. Richard was born in 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, to Harold and Emily Rathsam. He lived there with his parents and brother, Dennis Rathsam. After graduating high school, Rich attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and was a member of the Naval ROTC. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. While at the Illinois Institute of Technology, he met his future bride, Jean Schlueter who was attending Walther Memorial School of Nursing. Rich and Jean were married April 11, 1964, in Leland, Michigan. After graduating from IIT, Rich became an Ensign in the U.S. Navy initially stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He received nuclear training and was assigned to duty on several different submarines. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1966 and to Lieutenant in 1968, and Lieutenant Commander in 1970. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He resigned his commission in 1972. After his tour with the Navy, Rich was employed by Stearns-Roger. He worked for Stearns-Roger and the companies that would eventually buy it out, until his retirement in 1999. Rich's career in the Navy and Stearns-Roger led him and Jean to live in a variety of locations throughout the country. Their first home was in Saratoga Springs, New York, and then they lived in Connecticut, Hawaii, California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Wisconsin, California and Colorado. After retiring, Rich and Jean moved to Grove, Oklahoma. Rich was active in the Boy Scouts as a child, and became a Boy Scout leader when his son was a scout. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to work in the yard and garden. He also enjoyed travelling the world with Jean. Some of his favorite places to visit were Ireland, Norway, Australia, Alaska, South America, Greece, and Turkey. Rich was active in his church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and served as President. Rich is survived by his wife, Jean, his children, Ron (Teresa) Rathsam and Melissa (Pete) Puleo, and his grandchildren, Emily, Peter, Mary, Sarah, Erin, Anthony, and Morgan. Rich is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Emily, and his brother, Dennis. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. to be presided over by Rev. Schroeder. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church. A reception will follow the funeral service at the home of Paul and Beth Ehlart, 6512 East 250 Road. Memorials may be made to: Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 6837, Grove, OK 74344. Services are entrusted to Worley Luginbuel Funeral Home of Grove. Family and Friends may view the obituary online and send condolences at www.honoringmemories.com

Visitation Details

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church (Grove)

Service Details

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 10:00am, Immanuel Lutheran Church (Grove)

Interment Details

Cremation