Elizabeth Rathje

Elizabeth Rathje, age 83, of Sabula, Iowa, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center – North, in Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2008, at the Calvary Lutheran Church, Sabula, with Reverend Robert Krueger officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 28, from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Law – Jones Funeral Home, Sabula. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in Elizabeth's memory.

Elizabeth was born on March 21, 1925 in rural Maquoketa, Iowa the daughter of Charles and Mathilda “Tilly” (Bell) Kruse. Elizabeth attended Maquoketa High School. She married Leroy Kuhl, Leroy passed away in 1978. Elizabeth later married Albert Rathje, who later passed away.

Elizabeth farmed in rural Sabula, Iowa for twenty years with her husband Leroy. She also owned and operated Jiggs and Maggies Tavern in Sabula for ten years. She was employed at the Sabula Speaker Factory, Products Unlimited, and babysat for many years.

Elizabeth was very family oriented she would do anything for her family or friends. She also enjoyed gardening, quilting, picnics with her sisters, riding her bike, cooking, and visiting with her friends. Elizabeth was a lifetime member of the Calvary Lutheran Church.

Elizabeth is survived by her two sons, Larry Kuhl “Barbara Bray” of Elk Grove Village, Gary “Kerry” Kuhl of Sabula, Iowa; a daughter, Mary Krajnovich of Sabula; four grand children, Scott Kuhl, Elizabeth Krajnovich, Jan Kuhl, Bobbi “Tim” Geerts; a great granddaughter, Leah Geerts; a brother Charles Kruse of Maquoketa; and several nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Leroy and Albert; two sisters, Ella Naeve, Marion Britch; and a granddaughter Regina Kuhl.