JOHN RATH

John Lee Rath, age 55, passed away on Tuesday evening, February 12, 2013 surrounded by family at home. He was born on December 21, 1957 in Deadwood, SD, son of the late Del and Vi (Fischer) Rath. After graduating from high school, John proudly served his country with the United States Navy. He was stationed for his first two years in Bermuda and worked as a firefighter, then finished out his service on the flight deck of the USS Okinawa, while travelling all over the world. On September 24, 1982 he married Charlene Ann Yost in Aberdeen, SD, and the union was blessed with 30 years and three daughters. John was employed by Printron Steel Rule and Die as a die cutter, and worked as a press operator for Heartland Label and Futek, Inc. until his illness progressed. He loved snowmobiling, fishing, NASCAR racing, and had a passion for reading. Above all, he loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Chloe. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Char; his daughters: Billie (Mike Forsythe) Rath, Neenah, Shannon (fianc Torey Wiley) Rath, Oshkosh; grandchildren: Lukas Turner, Brady Curp, James Forsythe; his sister, Candace (Robert Peck) Craig, Wausau; his niece, Rachel Craig, Stevens Point; other relatives and friends too numerous to count. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Naomi Rath; and siblings-in-law, Charlotte Mehlhoff, and David Yost. The memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service.