Henry Charles Rathje
Dear Dad, Life is too short to be able to tell you all of the things I want to say to you. You have been my inspiration, role model, and mentor for my entire life. Everything you have done has inspired me - leaving a life-lasting impression. Your unending thoughtfulness, kindness, sharing, and love have contributed to many people’s lives - especially mine. Your sense of humor has contributed to perpetual happiness for many. The life long skills and experiences you have taught me are more than dozens of journey men could teach. You are the one that has formed my life interests, career, and the model for me as a husband, father to my own children, a brother, a son, and a friend to others. Hopefully I am able to pass on a portion of your traits on to my children and hopefully they can pass onto generations to come. For all of these reasons, you will always hold a very special place in my heart, which will be my eternal strength until we reunite again in heaven. All my love - your son, Jerry Rathje & Family.
Jerry Rathje
Peachtree City
GA
Dad, you always brought a smile to all of those who knew and loved you. Your unending and quiet strength was an inspiration for many of us. You never complained and you were such a fighter even up to the end. You always supported us, even in the most trying times, and we knew that the most important thing that you had was us, your family. Although we were selfish and we hated to see you go, its good to know that you are at rest and at peace now. Don't worry we'll take good care of Mom, like you took such good care of us. Love you Dad! Until we meet again in heaven... Julie (Rathje) Steinauer and family
Julie (Rathje) Steinauer
Cedar Rapids
IA
Hank - you and Jeanne have been our best friends for years.. we will remember all the good times we had together and miss your gentle humor. Peace be with you and your family. Your Friends, Ken & Barb
Ken & Barb DeKlotz
Mesa
AZ
I had the good fortune of working for Hank and with him; he was one of Collins greatest. John F. Bockenstedt
John F. Bockenstedt
Cedar Rapids
IA
Hank, A guy quiet and unassuming with a great sense of humor. Although we left Iowa 37 years ago, I and Linda share many memories of fun times we had with you and Jeanne. Our condolences to Jeanne and family in their time of grief. From long time friends. George & Linda Luckman
George Luckman
Olathe
KS
Was sad to see of your family's loss. I remember what great neighbors you where. Will add my prayers for you and yours. love harry l
Harry L Simonsen
Marion
IA
Aunt Jean, Joni,Julie,Jerry and family. Our sympanthy for a truely inspirational Uncle whom always thought of Family first, always had interesting tales to tell. Thank-You for leaving all the memories for generation after generation. The effort and hard work, gathering information and leaving us with knowledge of our family herill forever be part of your loving memory. You will be missed in our hearts. But forever live on with your spiritual family in eternity. Please give Dad a hug for all of us Uncle Hank. Your Niece Kristie and Jerry and Family Aunt Jean and Family You are in our hearts and prayers we love you.
Jerry and Kristie Sauer
Cedar Rapids
IA
Something happened to the message above. Uncle Hank thank-you for all the searching, gathering information and writing. Making a disk of our heritage. This will live on generation after generation. This is a gift you left us with, that will never go away! Thank you Aunt Jean for accompaning Uncle Hank to all the cemetaries and libraries. This is a example of a truely great Uncle that cared about his family.
Kristie Rathje Sauer
Cedar Rapids
IA
May you find comfort in your fond memories of Hank that never fade away. Remember seeing him at your garage sale a few years back and shopping at Target. May your happy times shine through.
Kenny & Phyllis Jone
Hiawatha
IA
Hank was and is a member of the Collins Family. It was a pleasure to know and work with him. Our condolances to the family.
Dean & Teresa Roudabush
Atkins
IA
Hank was the first Engineer I worked with at Rockwell. Hank had a way of calming a stressfull stituation and that, along with his humor, maded working with him a real pleasure. May God comfort his family, knowing that through Jesus we will see Hank again.
Terry Thies
Vinton
IA
Uncle Hank & Aunt Jean, First, I must say you've done a nice job raising your family...it shows in your children and grandchildren. I sure have a lot of fond memories of the days gone by. Jerry as a young boy showing us the electronic devices down stairs and how they worked. The electric race car track, playing with the girls and their dolls, oops maybe that was Rick and Randy, I'm sure it was the GI Joe's I played with. The grown ups playing Agravation and Yahtzee. The door at the bottom of the steps slamming. How many times were we told to quit slamming the door? Danny, Rick and Randy should have listened better. Playing across the street in the timber, playing on Freddies beach in Delhi, swimming, boat rides and Hank teaching us how to water ski. All the family get togethers. How we wish we were young again, and when we were young all we wanted was to be older. What a nice trip down memory lane. These memories can never be taken away, not even through loss. We all have our own special memories we hold close in our hearts. Hank will be greatly missed by many. Now it's time for all of us in sorrow to call on all ye Angels. I'm sure Hank will be another special guardian Angel of mine. Thanks Uncle Hank and Aunt Jean for all the GREAT memories. Love, Craig Alan Rathje
Craig A. Rathje
Cedar Rapids
IA
Wanted you all to know I was thinking about you. Hanks brother,Glen, was in my class.
J'Andrea Gibney
Maynard
IA
I went to school with Joni - my deepest sympathies; I know the heartbreak of losing your dad.