Peter Rathmann 1911-1947

RATHMANN, FONTANINA

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/31/2017 at 09:00:35

9 January 1947 - The Clarence Sun

Peter Nicholai Rathmann, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Juergen Rathmann, of Clarence was born in Flensburg, Germany, on July 8, 1911. Here he lived for the first 11 years of his life. In 1923 he came to America with his parents and they lived for a time near Wyoming, Iowa, later living in the Clarence vicinity.

He had served in the U. S. Army prior to his marriage, during the years 1931-1934 and again during the last war from 1944-1946, receiving his discharge in May, 1946.

He was married April 3, 1937, to Miss Zeta Fontanina and following his discharge from the army, they had been living on a small acreage near Ankeny, Iowa.

Death came following an accident within a short distance from his home, during a blinding snowstorm on Thursday, January 2, when his pickup collided with a truck.

He had attained the age of 35 years, 5 months and 29 days.

He leaves to mourn his untimely death, his wife, his grief stricken parents, one brother, John, of Clarence, besides other more distant relatives both here in America and in Germany.

Funeral services were conducted in the Juergen Rathmann home and St. John's church in charge of Rev. F. J. Mittler on Monday, January 6th, with interment in St. John's cemetery with Military honors. The pallbearers were Max Eskildsen, Ernest Eskildsend, Wm. Brodersen, Wm. Reemers, Henry Markmann, Chris Bendixsen.

Mrs. Helen Lane and Mrs. Berma Beck were in charge of the flowers.

Peter went through the hazards of serving his country only to return to supposedly safe civil life to be cut down without warning.

Graveside services were conducted by members of Victory Post No. 286 American Legion. The American flag was in charge of Laverne Meyer, the Post flag Elmer Bunge with Dale Sheldon and Freeman Frahm forming the guard.

Prayer by Post Chaplain, Raymond Doermann.

Presentation of flag to Mrs. Zita Rathmann by Service Officer Lester Kelly and Post Commander R. E. Rowser.

Firing of salute, by squad composed of Henry Klatt, Captain, Carl Brodersen, Robert Shriver, Robert Davis, Don Feddersen, Lawrence Kline, Victor Robinson.

Benediction by Rev. F. J. Mittler
Taps, Frederick Oetting.
Retirement of colors and guard.