Harold Arthur Rathgeber

It is with great sadness that we announce that Harold Arthur Rathgeber went
to be with his Lord on January 20, 2020. 

Harold and his twin brother were born to George and Bertha (Kleebaum)
Rathgeber on July 27, 1940 in Russell, MB. Harold lived with his parents and
his two brothers and sister on a farm south of MacNutt, SK.  He attended
Flower Valley School until age 13. His favourite part of school was the
sports. He enjoyed track and field, especially long jump and the 100m dash.
He also enjoyed a great game of hockey on a frozen pond, using willow
branches as sticks and a frozen cow pie as the puck. Losing his father at
age 11 was very hard on Harold and his family. Harold often told stories
about this tough season of life that they went through. He talked about how
he felt responsible to care for his mother and younger siblings. With the
help of some friends and family, they were able to keep the farm going.
While still helping on the farm, at age 22, he took a job at the K1 potash
mine in Esterhazy, SK to earn some extra income and remained working there
for 8 years.

In 1964 he attended a social in MacNutt and a beautiful girl in a red jacket
caught his eye. Two years later Elaine Jendrasheske became the love of his
life and they were married on October 15, 1966. Having bought some land
before they were married, this new couple built a house and started their
life together. Children followed shortly thereafter as they were blessed
with five beautiful daughters. His daughters were his pride and joy bringing
love, laugher and music to the Rathgeber home. Harold kept quite busy on the
farm with his pigs, goats, chickens, cats and of course, he always had a dog
by his side. His favourite part of grain farming was bringing in the
harvest. He was also kept busy as a welder in his shop. Many a time, he
would stop his work to fix someone's equipment that needed to get back into
the field. Harold had a soft spot for the plight of the farmer. While in the
shop, usually by himself, and facing what seemed to be an impossible task,
Harold's ingenuity and creativity would kick in, resulting in a new unique
tool or technique to get the job done. Most importantly he loved raising his
five girls and valued time with his family including his 18 grandchildren,
and 2 great-grandchildren.

Harold's number one passion in life was Jesus. He demonstrated this love by
sharing the love of Christ to everyone he met. He loved spending time
reading his bible and memorizing scripture but he didn't just read the Word
- Harold lived it! He was a member and leader in his church, The Gospel
Outreach Centre in Churchbridge, SK for over 35 years.

The last three years of Harold's life, he struggled with his health. In
September of 2019, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Through it all he
never complained and he never doubted God's love and faithfulness. He stood
strong in his faith and in Harold's weakness God's strength was made
perfect. Harold's last words to his family were "I'll see you all in
Heaven."

Harold was predeceased by his parents George and Bertha Rathgeber
(Kleebaum), his father and mother-in-law Carl and Selma Jendrasheske
(Haberstock) and brother-in-law Edwin Onofriechuk, and many aunts and
uncles. He is survived by his wife Elaine Rathgeber, daughter Cheryl
(Blaine) Donauer of Saskatoon, SK and their children Joshua (Alicia),
Matthew, Kyle, Nathaniel; daughter Sharon Fenez of Saskatoon, SK and her
children Maleah (Joel) Donauer, Josiah, Kamea (Jordon) Goodlad and their
children Easton and Chesney, Micah; daughter Sandy (Shane) of Calgary, AB
and their children Talissa, Liam, Chasity (Cooper) Hamaliuk; daughter Libby
(Richard) Reetz of Estevan, SK and their children Courtney and Caleb;
daughter Tara (Wade) Ashworth of Estevan, SK and their children Hannah,
Zachery, Daylin, Trestin and McKinley; and son James Fenez; brother Erwin
(Connie) Rathgeber, brother Edgar (Janet) Rathgeber, sister Gloria
Rathgeber; brother-in-law Don (Wendy) Jendrasheske, sister-in-law Carol
(Gerald) Wagner, sister-in-law Karen Onofriechuk, sister-in-law Charlene
(Dale) Peppler, sister-in-law Loraine (Marlin) Gilbertson; and numerous
nephews and nieces and cousins.

We take great comfort knowing that some day soon, we will be with him again.