Raymond L. Rath 1916-1947

RATH

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 5/1/2010 at 09:43:35

Oelwein Daily Register
Oelwein, Iowa
11 Jul 1947
Page 5

Raymond L. Rath

Raymond L. Rath, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Rath, was born Sep 15, 1916 at Maynard and was killed in an auto accident south of Oelwein June 26. When he was a boy he came to Oelwein with his parents and attended the local high school.

He married Dorothy Arlene Bennett May 2, 1937 in Independence. They lived in Oelwein for a time; then went to Cedar Rapids to work. He entered the army July 13, 1943, as a machinist and was sent to the Aleutian islands. He received an honorable discharge and returned to Oelwein, opening an auto repair shop.

He was a member of the Methodist church in Cedar Rapids and a member of the American Legion here.

He is survived by his wife, his parents; two sisters, Mrs. Thea Getz of Los Angeles and Mrs. Betty Savola of Waterloo; and one brother, Max Rath of Oelwein.

Simultaneous services were held at the Hintz Funeral home and at the bedside of the injured wife at Mercy hospital at 2 o'clock, June 28. The Rev. James W. Marlin officiated at Hintz and the Rev. F. C. Witzigman at the hospital. The Legion presented the flag at the grave. Interment was made in Woodlawn cemetery. Casketbearers were Don Speed, Earl Corcoran, Howard Storms, Fred Tousley, Jesse Lawrence and Dale Phelps.

Carroll Times Herald
Carroll, Iowa
27 Jun 1947
Page 1

Cars Collide; Man Is Burned to Death

Independence, Ia. (AP) -- Raymond Rath, about 32, Oelwein, was burned to death last night following an auto collision a mile north of Hazelton on Highway 150; the office of County Sherriff Emory A. Hart reported today.

Charles L. Anderson of Oelwein was reported in critical condition at an Oelwein hospital as a result of the accident.

Hart's office said the collision involved cars driven by Rath and Anderson. Rath's car overturned into a ditch and burned before Rath could be extricated. Mrs. Rath was thrown clear but was hospitalized suffering from shock and a lacerated ear.

Harold Winning, Oelwein, who was riding with Anderson, suffered cuts and bruises. Anderson was reported to have suffered a possible skull fracture.

Buchanan County Coroner Fay Ruffcorn said an inquest was planned.