Ronald W. Rath

KALONA ? Ronald William Rath, 70, of Washington, formerly of Riverside, died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, in the Washington County Hospital in Washington.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 25, at the Shiloh Church in Kalona with the Rev. Chuck Rogness and the Rev. Ron Gaudreau officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for Aiming for a Cure

Mr. Rath was born Sept. 14, 1945, in Riverside, the son of Everett and Florence (Forbes) Rath. He married Ruth Statler on Sept. 5, 2015.

He graduated from Riverside High School. He farmed near Riverside and was the founder and co-owner of Highland Hideaway Hunting. He was a member of the Shiloh Church and Pheasants Forever. He enjoyed hunting, reading, traveling, tinkering, and spending time with his grandchildren. He never knew a stranger and loved visiting with people.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth, of Washington; three children, Darrin Doerres of Hills, Melissa Holway and husband Les of Tiffin, and Russ Rath and wife Cyndy of Adel; one niece; seven grandchildren; four stepchildren, Jeremy and wife Kari, April and husband Clair, Brandon and wife Amy, and Zion and spouse Seth; and nine step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Karen Rath, and Reva Rath.