Date of Birth: February 17, 1934
Date of Death: June 1, 2018
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at St. Paul Lutheran Home, Melville, Sask., at the age of 84 years, with his wife and family by his side.
Clarence Harold was born on Feb. 17, 1934, in Fenwood, Sask., the son of Frank and Caroline (Lutz) Rathgeber. Clarence grew up on a farm near Fenwood. He attended Koenigsberg School, completing Grade 8. Clarence was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Fenwood, Sask. and confirmed at the Evangelical Church, Melville, Sask..
On July 27, 1954, Clarence married Evelyn Schick at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Melville. Two years after their marriage, they moved to a farm 10 miles north of Melville. Later, this farm was established as a dairy farm. He also was a full-time bus driver. Clarence and Evelyn raised six children, two boys and four girls.
In 1981, they semi-retired in Melville, where Clarence became a pest control officer and school bus driver.
Clarence belonged to many organizations and boards, including Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Melville and
District German Heritage Club, the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and the Saskatchewan Farmers’ Union. Over the years, Clar-
ence and Evelyn enjoyed dancing, traveling, bowling, playing cards and time spent with family and friends.
In February 2005, Clarence and family lost their beloved wife and mother, Evelyn.
In March 2010, Clarence married Mavis LaPointe at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Melville, Sask. Mavis and Clarence had a lot of friends and loved to go dancing and meeting up with their coffee group in the afternoons. It was a very happy eight years together. We as Clarence’s children, appreciate the love and support Mavis has given Dad throughout the remainder of his life.
Clarence leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: his wife, Mavis Rathgeber; his children: son, Craig Rathgeber (Kathy) of Melville, Sask.; daughter, Linda (Ted) Simon of White City, Sask.; daughter, Cheryl Carnegie of Edmonton, Alta.; son, Barry Rathgeber of Yorkton, Sask.; daughter, Audrey Steinbach of Quesnel, B.C.; and daughter, Connie (Allen) Hofer of Paradise Hill, Sask; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley (Ron) Armbruster; sisters-in-law, Jean Rathgeber, Beatrice Schick and Mary Schick; as well as extended stepchildren and families, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn Rathgeber (1954-2005); father, Frank Rathgeber; mother, Caroline Rathgeber; brother, Don Rathgeber; sister, Marjorie (Jack) Schindel; two brothers and a sister, Mervin, Jerry and Jane Rathgeber (infant triplets); son-in-law. Russ Steinbach; and great-granddaughter, Delilah Morris.
A prayer service was held Monday, June 4, 2018, at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville. The funeral service was held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Melville, with the Rev. Kim Sherwin officiating.
The organist, Marilyn Senyk, led in the hymns, “On Eagle’s Wings” and “In the Garden” and the Melville and District German Heritage Club Choir sang “So nimm denn meine Hande” as an anthem. The scriptures were read by Charlene Morris and Glen Simon. Vocalist, Mitchell Parsons, payed tribute with “Amazing Grace,” and the eulogy was delivered by Gwen Hudy. All who knew and loved Clarence were considered honourary pallbearers.
Interment followed in the Melville City Cemetery with Travis Hofer, Glen Simon, Joel Huber, Landon Huber, Derrick Steinbach and Christopher Falkenberg acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
