Helen Rathjen

Helen “Cookie” L. Rathjen, 68, of York, passed away, Wednesday, September 26, 2007, surrounded by her family. She was born June 18, 1939 at Giltner, Nebraska, the daughter of Roy and Stella (Richardson) Nickels. She attended school in Bradshaw, graduating in 1956. She married Don Smith in 1957, later divorcing. She married Robert E. Rathjen, on February 4, 1977, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They celebrated their 30th anniversary this past February. She was an avid crafter, making things for family and friends, never asking for anything in return, only a hug and a kiss. She lived for her Garfield’s and Angel’s. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Survived by her husband, Bob of York; two sons: Dale (Joyce) Smith of Seward and Dan (Peg) Smith of Holmen, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren: Mandy (Travis) Koehler of Lincoln, Dale “DJ” (Angie) Smith of Columbus, Stephanie Smith of Seward, Chrissy (Korey) Swiatek of Seward, Aaron (Carissa) Smith of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Brian Smith of Holmen, Wisconsin; four great-grandchildren and four more on the way; one sister Nora (Richard) Thompson of York; two brothers: Leroy “Nick” (Annette) Nickels of Columbus, Melvin “Dean” (Connie) Nickels of York; three sister-in-laws: Claire Ann (Dallas) Mussman of Geneva, Roberta (Herman) Endorf of Lincoln, and Helen (Don) Lammersfeld of Naples, Florida; several nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Dale, grandson Adam, sister-in-law Pat, and five nephews.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 30, 2007 at Metz Chapel with the Reverend M. Annette Minderman officiating with burial following at the Ohiowa Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.