Ronald H. Rathje

Ronald Henry Rathje, Minister of Word and Sacrament, from Lumberton, New Jersey, went to be with his Lord on April 8, 2017.  He was surrounded by his devoted wife and children at Medford Leas Continuing Care Retirement Community.  Ron was born on March 21, 1933 in East Orange, New Jersey to Henry and Anna (Scherer) Rathje.  He spent much of his childhood in Brevard, North Carolina.  Later he graduated from Barringer High School in Newark, NJ, attended Princeton University and graduated with a B.A. from Bloomfield College.  In 1954 he enrolled in Union Theological Seminary, New York City and graduated in 1957 with a Master of Divinity.  He was ordained in 1957 and served his first congregation in Wilmington, Delaware.  He then went on to serve Presbyterian congregations in Harrisburg, PA, Stroudsburg, PA and Woodbridge, NJ. In 2000 after “retiring” and moving to Lumberton, he began to serve various churches in West Jersey Presbytery.  Pastor Ron was known for his strong faith in God and his gentle and healing way with church congregations.  Over his years of ministry, he touched many lives and led people to love and serve the Lord.  Incredibly passionate and proud of his family, he is survived by his loving wife Dorothy. He was the proud father of son Scott (Marnee) and daughters Vicki Smith (David), Susan Banks (Rick) and Adrienne Higgins (Steve); eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  A private graveside service will be held for family members and presided over by the Rev. Dr. Deborah Brincivalli, Executive Presbyter of West Jersey Presbytery. Ron will be laid to rest at Laurelwood Cemetery in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Funeral arrangements provided by Bradley and Stow of Medford, New Jersey.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Medford Leas Residents Assistance Fund, C/O Medford Leas, 1 Medford Leas Way, Medford, NJ 08055.  Special thanks to the staff at Medford Leas for taking such good care of our husband and father during his final months.  We, his family will always carry his memory in our hearts.  (www.BradleyStow.com )

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