Gary R. Rathje age 65 of Clinton, IA, passed away Tuesday Nov. 1, 2022 at his home. Cremation rites will be accorded. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.

Gary was born on July 22, 1957 in Savanna, IL, the son of Roger and Ione (Brown) Rathje. He graduated from East Central High School in Miles, IA. Gary was a farmer and a truck driver with BWC Excavating. He was a Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, and a Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He enjoyed Busch Light and doing bonfires with his friends.

Gary is survived by his two sons, Jakob Rathje of Clinton, IA and Travis (Renee) Rathje of Papillion, NE; five grandchildren; his mother, Ione Rathje-Edlen of Sabula, IA; a sister, Gayle Fraker of Clinton, IA; a brother, Danny (Deanna) Rathje of Sabula, IA; and six nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roger, his step-father, Gary, his grandson, Cayden, and a special friend, Kathy.