Edward J. Rathman Jr.

Edward J. Rathman Jr., 83, of Wood River, NE died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 6, 2026, at GI Regional Medical Center. A Memorial service will be at 11 A.M. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Grand Island with Pastor Jeff Pederson officiating. Burial will follow in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery at 2 P.M. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-7 P.M. at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Pauls Lutheran Church and the Wood River Fire and Rescue.

Ed was born on August 25, 1943, in Grand Island, NE to Edward Sr. and Dora (Stoltenberg) Rathman. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Cairo and graduated from Cairo High School in 1961. Ed was united in marriage to Carole Jenkins on May 19, 1962, in Ravenna, NE and to this union came three children. Together they built a life on the farm full of family, friends, and lasting memories.

He is survived by his wife, Carole; children: Douglas (Linda) Rathman of Omaha, NE, Dayna (Greg) Kush of Grand Island, NE, and Grant (Veronica) Rathman of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren; Cassie (Michael) Callahan, Rachel Rathman, Tiara (Gunner) Brown, Lance (Josie) Kush, Carlye Kush, Brock Rathman (Jaclyn LeVasseur), and Clay Rathman; three great grandsons: Cyrus and Roscoe Brown, and Levi Callahan; and brother-in-law, Charles (Darlene) Jenkins.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodney (Phyllis) Rathman and Lawney (Sharleen) Rathman; sisters and brothers-in-law: Joy (William) Dibbern and Karen (Jack) Hadenfeldt.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the staff at Nebraska Cancer Specialists and GI Regional Medical Center for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Ed and his family.