Herbert C. Rathje, age 94, of Annandale died Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Annandale Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. Victor Valencia as the Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Annandale.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.  A prayer service will be held 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral chapel.

Herbert Cortney Rathje was born September 11, 1919 in Annandale to Henry and Anna (Ramm) Rathje.  He grew up and lived his entire life in Annandale.  On August 26, 1941, he was united in marriage to Margaret Paumen in Maple Lake.  Herbert loved working the land and loved his cows; he worked as a farmer all of his life.  Herb enjoyed feeding the birds, being with family, snowmobiling, farming and gardening.  He was a great husband and dad and was the best grandpa.  Herbert had a generous heart and was known by his smile.

Herbert is survived by his wife of 72 years Margaret; children & their spouses Delores & Jerry Nelson of Bloomington, Kenneth & Connie of Annandale, Wayne & Lesley of Annandale, Lois & Larry Jensen of Kimball, Mary & Rollie Lange of Clearwater and Janice & Duane Matter of Delano; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Meagan Lange; brothers Henry and Alfred; and sisters Bertha Powers, Anna Fashant and Frieda Smith.

Pallbearers will be Mark Rathje, Scott Nelson, Jeff Nelson, Dave Nelson, Eric Jensen, Kurt Jensen and Nate Matter.  The St. Ignatius Music Ministry and Tom Schreiner will provide the music for the service.  Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

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