In Memory of Margie M. Rath

Margie M. Rath, age 86, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Kevin J. Freese will officiate. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Margie Minnie Rath, the daughter of Carl and Elsie (Wunschel) Druivenga, was born October 8, 1933, in Sac County, Iowa. Margie grew up on the family farm and attended country school in rural Sac County. She helped out on the family farm until she was united in marriage to Frederick J. Rath on June 3, 1951, in Arthur, IA.

Margie and Frederick made their home on an acreage outside of Ida Grove. The couple was blessed with three children: Dorothy, Donald, and Dean. Margie enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her children. She took pride in the large garden she grew and was also an avid reader. In their free time, Margie and Frederick could be found dancing the polka with the local dance group. In the fall of 1993, Margie moved into Ida Grove. She was a member of the Horn Hospital Auxiliary, Legion Auxiliary and the Faith Bible Church Ladies Aide Society.

Left to cherish her memory include her children Dorothy (Gilbert) Schoba of Ida Grove, IA, Dean (Julie) Rath of Ida Grove, IA and Donald (Debbie) Rath of Gulfport, MS; 5 grandchildren: Jenniffer (Shannon Hopkins) Cedeño, Susan (Bill) Henkelman, Gary (Tara) Kron, Jr., Christina (Marty) Homer and Dawn (Nathan) Holbrook; 19 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; brothers Duane (Shirley) Druivenga and James “Jim” Druivenga both of Battle Creek, IA; brother-in-law Wayne Steinkuehler of Texas; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Margie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years Frederick Rath, her parents Carl and Elsie Druivenga, brother Raymond (Donna) Druivenga; sisters Doris (Leonard) Sanford, Emma Jean Steinkuehler; sister-in-law Janice Druivenga; granddaughter Amy Kron; great-grandson Joseph Landon; great-granddaughter Rebecca “Becca” Cedeño; great-great granddaughter Abby Hicks; great-grandson Joseph Hopkins.