Ronald E. Gathje
Thursday, December 6, 1928
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Age:
82 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday August 26, 2011
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Saturday August 27, 2011
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: St. Pius X Catholic Church [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Saturday August 27, 2011
Time: 10:00 am
Location: St. Pius X Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Thursday, December 6, 1928
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Age:
82 years old
Thursday, December 6, 1928
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Age:
82 years old
Ronald E. Gathje
Ronald E. Gathje passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at his home in Rochester. A funeral Mass will be at 10:00AM, Saturday, August 27, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with the Rev. Charlie Collins officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
He was born on December 6, 1928 in Stewartville, Minnesota to Jacob Gathje and Maria (Erichsen) Gathje. He was the second youngest of sixteen children.
Ronnie graduated from Stewartville High School in 1949. He worked for the Drayline and Erdman’s Grocery in Stewartville before entering the service in 1951. He was stationed in Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Benning, GA, and Camp Attabury in Ulm Germany.
On June 12, 1954 he married Helen Weis at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. They have lived in Rochester for 57 years.
He was employed by Utility Sales & Engineering (later sold to HIMEC). He worked at HIMEC until retiring in 1993. He was in the sheet metal trade for 42 years.
He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Sheet Metal Union Local 10, and the Golden Kiwanis Club. He was a volunteer at Channel One. He enjoyed his grandchildren, traveling, playing cards, his flowers and family vacations.
Survivors include his wife, Helen; sons, Steven (Laurie) Gathje of Minneapolis, MN, Peter Gathje of Memphis, TN, John (Melissa) Gathje of Omaha, NE, James (Jeanne) Gathje of Bloomington, MN, Michael (Luciana) Gathje of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter, Donna (David) Mueller of Rochester; sisters, Emilie Winter of Rochester, Rachel Warren of Belgrade, MN, Florence Haack of San Diego, CA; eleven grandsons, five grand-daughters, one step-grandson and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and six sisters.
Friends may call from 5:00-8:00PM on Friday, August 26, 2011 at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kiwanis, Seasons Hospice, Lourdes Foundation or St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Condolences
The family of Ronald E. Gathje has received the following condolences.
So sorry for your loss Pete, even though I never met your dad, I know he was a good man. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. You and your family are in my prayers.
Helen and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel fortunate that I was able to have a nice conversation with Uncle Ronnie last summer. He was such a nice man.
Steve, Laurie and Family,
We're so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Reading his obituary and your online tributes to your father and grandfather really gave us a sense of why your family is a such a wonderful group. We will keep you all in our prayers as you deal with his loss.
Love John, Marion, Sean and Corey Troast
Pete, you and your entire family are in our prayers at St. Mark AME Church in Munford, TN.
Helen, Gathje Families and Mueller Families,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May all the good memories give you comfort, May your loving family and friends give you strength, and may your faith give you peace.
Take Care
Love you all
Shelly, Dick, Carolyn, Nick & Ben Roos
Dear Helen and Family,
We are so sad over the loss of a such a dear man. Over the years we have loved getting to know Ronnie. Of course the first thing you noticed about him was his wonderful smile - he was always happy. We will miss him very much. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you! Patty & Bob
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We're so sorry for your loss. -Todd & Amy Kuhn and family
Helen/Gathje/Mueller/Families
Our deepest sympathies to you all! Ronnie will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all!
Love/Prayers, The White House
Helen and Family
Was saddend by the passing of Ron. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. John Kennedy
I am so sorry for your loss and that I cannot be with you to celebrate his wonderful life. Thoughts, prayers and blessings to all of you.
Dear Helen and family, So sorry to hear of Ronnies passing.I Remember him as a real
nice-fun guy.
Love to you Helen,
Ginny Boutelle
Donna & family-
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Many thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love- Maura McCabe
Our condolences Gathje/Mueller Families. You are all are in our thoughts and prayers! Ronnie will be missed. He has the best smile and knew how to put a smile on anyones face as they walked in the room. We were blessed to spend time with him on vacations and random occasions. His smile is infectious, one that will never be forgotten. I, personally will miss his "mean as ever" spirit.....With a a heart that big and tender, I am sure, he didn't know the meaning of the word "MEAN". I love you Ronnie and Helen! I will miss you ol' man!! RIP!!
XOXO, Joanie and Greg!!
Donna (and Dave),
I am so sorry for your loss! May you give each other comfort through this tough time. If I can be of any assistance please let me know!
Donna:
I am sure that he was a wonderful person because he had a wonderful daughter. I am sorry for your loss
With great regards, Jose
Steve, So sorry to hear about your Dad!! He sounds like a very special man. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.
Katie and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my prayers.
After reading his obituary I wonder if he ever knew my Dad (Alpek Sheet Metal, Roofing, Heating and Air Conditioning)? Back in the day, all of the sheet metal workers were pretty close.
Helen and Family,
The neighborhood won't be the same without Ron. Lot's of memories over the years. Here's to a great guy. Our prayers are with you.
Dave & Donna - I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Father/Father-in-law. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.
We are sorry for your loss...
He will be an "angel in the outfield" for the boys at their baseball games!!!
We know how he enjoyed coming and watching all the kids at their sporitng events.
Sincerely,
Dave, Mary Jane, Molly, Robb and Teddy Kalina
Dear Helen, Donna, Steve, Peter, John, Jim and Mike,and families.
It is with Heavy hearts and sadness that we learned of Ronnie's Death yesterday. We want to extend our sincere sympathy and Love and Prayers to each of you in your loss of your beloved Husband, Dad, Grandfather,and Uncle. We'll always remember his smile and how good natured he was. Also fun times up North.
Sincerely, Art and Helen Mueller