1925
William
2015
William C. Rathgeber, Jr.
September 25, 1925 — December 7, 2015
William C. Rathgeber, Jr., of Boyertown, formerly of Souderton, passed away Monday, December 7, 2015, in Genesis HealthCare-Sanatoga Center, Pottstown. He was 90.
He was the beloved husband of Jean (Bowers) Rathgeber for 66 years.
Born in Sellersville, he was the son of the late William C. and Florence (Thomas) Rathgeber. Bill was a 1943 graduate of Souderton High School.
Mr. Rathgeber was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. While in Germany in 1944, he was wounded in action twice within a one month period, earning a Purple Heart, an Oak Leaf Cluster, and two Bronze Stars.
Following his military service, Bill enrolled in the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, graduating in 1950.
Mr. Rathgeber was first employed as a draftsman and advertising artist at the former U. S. Gauge Division, Ametek, Inc., Sellersville. In 1955 he joined Renner Advertising, Philadelphia as a technical illustrator and was promoted to manager of the airbrush and illustrating department. He moved to PP&L, Allentown, in 1960, working as a graphic designer and later Art Director of corporate communications. He retired in 1986.
He was a life member of the 94th Infantry Division Association.
As a representative of the Speakers Bureau of PP&L, Bill gave presentations on the Lenni Lenape Indians to many local historical societies and organizations. An accomplished oil painter, Bill exhibited his works in many local galleries, as well as in Florida and Arizona.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Rathgeber is survived by four sons: Michael Rathgeber and his wife, Nancy, of Mesa, AZ; Jeffrey Rathgeber and his wife, Bralene, of Souderton; David Rathgeber and his wife, Barbara, of Greensboro, NC; Todd Rathgeber and his wife, Deanie, of Pottstown; eight grandchildren: Michelle, Michael, Abby, Douglas, Ashley, Dustin, Chris, and Kevin; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Jansch.
His memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 14, in the Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, 87 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960, where a visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Interment with military honors will follow in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 or online at www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/.
He was the beloved husband of Jean (Bowers) Rathgeber for 66 years.
Born in Sellersville, he was the son of the late William C. and Florence (Thomas) Rathgeber. Bill was a 1943 graduate of Souderton High School.
Mr. Rathgeber was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. While in Germany in 1944, he was wounded in action twice within a one month period, earning a Purple Heart, an Oak Leaf Cluster, and two Bronze Stars.
Following his military service, Bill enrolled in the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, graduating in 1950.
Mr. Rathgeber was first employed as a draftsman and advertising artist at the former U. S. Gauge Division, Ametek, Inc., Sellersville. In 1955 he joined Renner Advertising, Philadelphia as a technical illustrator and was promoted to manager of the airbrush and illustrating department. He moved to PP&L, Allentown, in 1960, working as a graphic designer and later Art Director of corporate communications. He retired in 1986.
He was a life member of the 94th Infantry Division Association.
As a representative of the Speakers Bureau of PP&L, Bill gave presentations on the Lenni Lenape Indians to many local historical societies and organizations. An accomplished oil painter, Bill exhibited his works in many local galleries, as well as in Florida and Arizona.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Rathgeber is survived by four sons: Michael Rathgeber and his wife, Nancy, of Mesa, AZ; Jeffrey Rathgeber and his wife, Bralene, of Souderton; David Rathgeber and his wife, Barbara, of Greensboro, NC; Todd Rathgeber and his wife, Deanie, of Pottstown; eight grandchildren: Michelle, Michael, Abby, Douglas, Ashley, Dustin, Chris, and Kevin; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Jansch.
His memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 14, in the Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, 87 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960, where a visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Interment with military honors will follow in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 or online at www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/.
Bronze Star
Purple Heart, Oak Leaf Cluster
US Army
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