Fordyce B. Rathjen, 93, of Manitowoc passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at his residence with his loving family by his side.
Fordyce was born on March 16, 1932 in Mount Morris, WI to the late Otto and Amanda (Henschel) Rathjen. On November 6, 1954 he married the former JoAnn G. Patt at Hope Lutheran Church in Fond Du Lac. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last November. Fordyce farmed for 22 years in Lomira, WI until he was drafted into the United States Navy in 1954, where he attended engineering school at the Great Lakes Naval Base. He served on the Cape Esperance Air Craft Carrier TCVU 88 as an engineer. Following his honorable discharge in 1958, Fordyce returned to Wisconsin and was a Fuller Brush Salesman and also served in the management of their operations. Later he and his wife owned and operated Knollwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in the town of Kossuth. The couple then owned and operated Affairs to Remember in Manitowoc in 1980. They later sold Knollwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in 1995 and retired to Cecil, WI.
Fordyce is survived by his wife: JoAnn Rathjen, Manitowoc; one daughter and son-in-law: Sheree (Fred) Radandt; one son and daughter-in-law: Jeffrey (Jerri) Rathjen; four grandchildren: Angela Schardt, Nick Radandt, Chad (Lauren) Rathjen, and Carissa (Eric) Luedtke, all of Manitowoc; seven great-grandchildren: Cameron and Noah Marshburn, Aria and Rayna Radandt, Elly and McKenna Luedtke, and Collin Rathjen; three sisters and one brother-in-law: Marilyn Miller, Palm Desert, CA, Judy Staggs, McKenna, TX, and Kathy (Orville) Lont, Fox Lake, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives also survive. Fordyce was preceded in death by his parents: Otto and Amanda Rathjen; one sister: Virginia Enderle; and two brothers-in-law: Walt Miller, and A.D. Staggs.
A funeral service to celebrate Fordyce’s life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Knollwood Mausoleum Chapel, 1500 WI-310, with Rev. Jonathan Huehn officiating. Military honors accorded by Vietnam Veterans Chapter 731 of Manitowoc will follow the service. Entombment to follow in the Knollwood Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Knollwood Mausoleum Chapel from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in his memory.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
