Leroy H. Rathert
October 23, 1924 - November 24, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Leroy Rathert passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born Oct. 23, 1924, the son of Hugo Rathert and Angela (Schierl) Rathert. His early years were spent with various family near Hayton, Wis., and Milwaukee, Wis. After graduating from Milwaukee Boys Trade and Technical High School he entered the U.S. Army Air Force, stationed in England. He served with the 305 Bomb Group, First Air Division of the Eighth Air Force B-17 until the end of the war in Europe.
Following the conclusion of the war in Europe, he and Esther, who had married shortly after high school, moved to Platteville, Wis., to begin his education at the State Teacher's College (now UW-Platteville) and with the aid of the G.I. Bill received his B.S. Degree in Industrial Arts Education. In 1948, he began his teaching career with the Janesville School District, serving as teacher and football coach. In the mid-50s he completed his M.S. Degree in Industrial Arts Education at UW-Stout and later continued with administrative coursework at various schools and universities. He also served as Assistant Principal and Principal at the new Franklin Junior High School.
After 38 years with the Janesville School District Lee retired in 1986, enjoying travels, time at the cabin, and winters in various warmer climates. Because of Esther's continued declining health, they moved to Attic Angel Community where Esther passed in 2011.
Leroy is survived by his daughters and families, Diane (William) LaDue, Barbara (James) Garot and Joan Sanzen. He is further survived by grandchildren, Peter (Brene Belew) LaDue, Anne (Jason) Satek, Jennifer (Brent) Bost, Lindsey (John) Matsek and Benjamin Sanzen; great-grandchildren, Emma Belew-LaDue, Charles Satek, Lauren and Caroline Cooper, and John Garot Matsek. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Michael Pfrang; and great-grandaughter, Anja Colette Satek.
Burial of cremains will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield, Wis., at a later date.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care Dad received at St. Mary's Hospital, Agrace HospiceCare, and especially the Attic Angel staff and community. Memorials may be directed to the Janesville Education Foundation, c/o Community Foundations of So. Wisconsin, P.O. Box 8125, Janesville, WI 53547, or to ECHO, Inc., 65 S. High St., Janesville, WI 54583.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
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Memories
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Joan Cook
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Diane, Barb, and Joanie: Please accept my most sincere condolences on the death of your father. Since I moved to Colorado Springs where Ann lives, I had lost track of him. I am not sure if you knew that both Jeannie and Todd have also died. Both of your parents played a great part in our lives. Joan Cook
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Angela Quickel
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Our family in Little Rock always loved it when LeRoy came to visit Barbara and Jim. We got to know LeRoy on one of his visits when Barbara asked if we had a project for LeRoy to work on because he was not one to sit around. It just so happened that we were converting an attic room. LeRoy came over everyday and worked for hours on that room. He would not let us feed him or even take a drink. He brought his own. He finished that room in one visit where it probably would of taken us years. He would not take any payment so my husband bought him a new tool he needed. He was even hesitant to accept that, but finally he agreed to accept it if he could give us his old one. He was a very humble man. After that visit, we looked forward to seeing him each year. We always thought of LeRoy when we looked at that amazing room he created. He was a GOOD man.
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LARRY NITZ
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Sorry to learn of Lee's passing. He was a favorite teacher and coach. I had the pleasure to meet and visit with Lee at the Wedge restaurant after his retirement. What set Lee, and several of his peers, apart among my teachers was his service during WWII. He was a kind and gracious man. Larry Nitz Janesville, WI
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Jeff Schmoldt
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We had the good fortune of raising our two sons on Hawthorne Park Drive across the street from Lee and Esther. It was like having an extra set of grandparents in the neighborhood. Lee always had the time to work on a project with my youngest son or answer his questions. When he retired from deer hunting I was able to purchase one of Lee's rifles and that son uses it to this day. A special man that we will always remember!
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Matt Symons
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The impact that Mr. Rathert had on the students of Janesville can never be fully measured. I only knew him in the later years of his career when he was tinkering in the AV section at Edison Middle School. He was more than a teacher, he was a mentor. Always willing to listen and offer guidance, even if it was about fishing. When he learned that I planned on joining the Marine Corp, like my brothers had done, after high school and I remember seeing a little added interest. The only thing that he added was that there are other options besides the Marine Corp. He never went to in depth about his service, but coincidently I enlisted in the Air Force and my first duty station was to England. I am forever grateful for the mentorship and friendship that he provided. God bless!
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Linda Combs Buchanan Geller
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Dear Family of Leroy Rathert: During my (5) years at JHS (1950-55) I took Industrial Arts every semester. Mr. Rathert was my teacher during several of those courses. Also, I became re-acquainted with him at a Vet’s Day function at Traxler Park about (l0) years ago. Subsequently escorting him to Class “55” reunion and him ride the “Glory Wagon” at Janesville Memorial Day parade. It was here I met some his family, I’m sure he will be missed. Respectfully Cur Geller