Douglas Rathman

A rosary will be held at 4pm at the funeral home on Monday. Douglas Rathman, age 65, of St. James died at his home in St. James on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Douglas, son of Sylvester and Marjorie (Schiller) Rathman was born on February 6, 1945, in Comfrey, MN. He was baptized on March 4, 1945 and confirmed on May 2, 1960 at the St. James Catholic Church. Doug attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from St. James Senior High School in 1964. He began his employment with S-T Industries, Inc. in 1966 and held many positions throughout his career there. He last held the role of Plant Manager prior to his passing. Doug was a fair man and strived to give everyone an equal opportunity at work and in his personal life. On February, 7, 1970, he was united in marriage to Kathy (Rinne) at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in St. James. Together they raised two daughters, Melissa and Tara. They celebrated 40 years of marriage and renewed their vows and their marriage was blessed at the St. James Catholic Church on March 19, 2010. Doug was dedicated to his family and a hard worker, building three homes for his family and helping others on their construction projects. Doug enjoyed woodworking and anything outdoors, which included golfing, hunting, camping, and fishing over the open water and on the ice. Doug's fondest memories were those spent with family and friends on frequent camping trips where he could always enjoy laughter, tall tales, and a bounty of fish at the annual fish fry. Doug had a wonderful sense of humor, even in his final days. His goal was to put a smile on everyone's face...and he did just that. Doug's battle with Lung Cancer began at the end of November 2009. He was strong and brave, never complaining and always hopeful for the miracle that never came. Doug is survived by his wife Kathy (Rinne) Rathman and two children, Melissa (Rathman) Lutz and her husband Mark of Shakopee, MN and Tara Rathman of St. James and fianc Mike Kunkel of New Brighton, MN, siblings Gene of Tallahassee, FL, Phyllis (Rathman) and husband Francis Wagner of Ormsby, MN, Raymond and wife Janette, Jim and wife Pat, Larry and wife Marian, and Don all of St James, Richard and wife Fay of Nisswa, MN, Sal, Jr. and wife Berdell of St. James, Paula (Rathman) and husband Conrad DeJong of Stewartville, MN and Marlene (Rathman) and husband Richard Fastenau of St James, mother-in-law Barb (Ottum) Rinne of St. James, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his two children; Melanie and Bradley Rathman; his parents Marjorie (Schiller) and Sylvester Rathman, Sr., Father-in-law Dale Rinne, brother David Rathman, brother and sister-in-law Edward and Cindy Rathman, sister-in-law Lucile Rathman, infant sister Christine Rathman, and infant brother John Rathman.