Leroy H. Rathert

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

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.

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

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!

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!