Bernice Rathje

Bernice L. Rathje, age 92, longtime Waco resident, died Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Stromsburg. Bernice was born June 24, 1917 at York to William G. and Laura M. (Gruber) Ehlers. She was a graduate of Thayer High School and was a longtime beautician in York. On August 10, 1941, she married George R. Rathje in York and they lived and farmed near Thayer. Bernice is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York.

She is survived by her son and daughter, Lyle and Sharon Rathje of Waco; her sisters, Ina Ehlers and Doris Pickrel both of York, nephew Merle and wife Donna Ehlers of York, nieces, Jeannie Pickrel of Lincoln and Linda Blair of Cape Coral, FL. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband George, infant daughter Marilyn; and brothers Ivan and Lowell Ehlers.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 10:30 am at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York with the Rev. Mike Neidow officiating. Burial was at the Vernon Cemetery east of York. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.