Paul Frederick Rath

Paul Frederick Rath, age 97 of Savanna, Illinois died on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna. Paul has given the gift of body donation. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date and burial of his cremated remains will take place in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, rural Savanna. Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army Savanna Service Extension in Paul’s memory.
Paul was born November 28, 1919 at home in rural Savanna, the son of Julius H. and Mary (Schnitzler) Rath. He attended the Mosquito Hill one room schoolhouse in Washington Township. He graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 1937. Working his way through college he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in 1941 from the University of Illinois. He then taught Ag Science for a few years. While teaching, Paul coached wrestling and drove school bus. Paul honorably served his country in the United States Army CIC during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He served as township assessor for many years and had a real estate license.
Paul married the love of his life Helen Marie Handel on August 6, 1958 in Savanna. Helen passed away February 20, 2013. They purchased the family farm in the 1950’s, Paul and Helen farmed the family land into their 90’s. He loved being outside, taking care of the land, using his machinery, cutting wood and gardening. Making everyday life and chores an adventure was a gift he gave to the children in his life. Bonfires and wienie roasts were frequent celebrations. His love of learning, the outdoors and gardening has been passed down through the generations. Most of all, Paul loved eating Helen’s cooking.
Paul will be dearly missed by his daughter, Paula (Mark) Thoele of Savanna; stepdaughter, Sylvia (James) Smathers of North Ridge, California; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren and a sister, Dr. Eunice Rath of Savanna. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; step-daughter, Barbara (Dwight) Nicol; step-granddaughter, Penelope L. Nicol; three brothers, Henry Rath, Joe (Viola) Rath, Fred (Joyce) Rath and a sister, Lois (Erwin) Koster.