ACTIVE LIFE ENDS; ANDREW RATH RESTS HAD BEEN A PART OF COMMUNITY'S LIFE NEARLY 60 YEARS ALWAYS WILLING WORKER AND AIDED VERY MATERIALLY IN THE UPBUILDING OF ACKLEY
Last Thursday the brief announcement was made by the World-Journal that Andrew Rath had died during the night, or early morning hour of Wednesday. Because of the fact that he had been ill several months and the seriousness of his condition was known to the family and friends, announcement of his death did not come as a surprise, although the circle that readily expressed the wish that he might continue on, was a large one and extended beyond the family relationships.
He was a genial spirit; whole souled, liberal, friendly withal; a man who realized that to be fair with others calls for no particular commendations, but he believed that the "other man" was entitled to it. He had worked all his life and took delight in going forward; his life was one of purpose and accoomplishment; he realized that he was nearing the end, but he accepted it philosophically--he died honored and respected by all and will be long remembered by the friends who were closest to him and knew him best.
Briefly:--He was born at Walde-am-Zulz, Wuertemberg, Germany, March 26, 1847, one of a family of nine children; at the age of 14, in company with one of his sisters, he came to the U. S. and located at Dubuque, where an uncle was located and engaged in the packing and candle-making business; he took employment and remained there until April, 1871, when he came to Ackley, taking employment with his brother, John, who was engaged in the grain and lumber business. In 1881 he became a member of the firm known as John Rath & Brother, and in 1891 conducted the business on his own responsibility through the years; he sold the grain business to E. D. Voorhees and several years ago disposed of his lumber business to the Townsend & Merrill company.
He was united in marriage to Mary Runger [Rungger}, at Dubuque--a union that brought happiness and contentment through life; she survives, with the children, Mrs. C. A. Lichty of Chicago; Mrs. Mary Hardin, Carthage, Mo.; Robert C., of this city; two sons, George and William, preceded him in death; two sisters also survive--Mrs. Mary Plattner, Denver, Colorado, and Mrs. Anna Daniels, Freeport, Illinois; there are ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His energies were not devoted entirely to his personal affairs--he had a thought for the community and its well-being; for years he was a member of the town council and he served as a member of the school board also; he was active in the affairs of the Presbyterian church from the beginning and his associates in the work of the church were as loyal as he and because of the loyalty of the "pioneer fathers and mothers," the church and congregation today are on a firm foundation. It is not difficult to refer to him in commendation; he lived a good life, helpful to others, considerate, the years full of fruitful effort.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church last Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Brittell, pastor, and many were there to show him this last mark of respect. His remains were interred in Oakwood cemetery.
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