Darlene Cecelia (Pickel) Rathjen

Darlene C. Rathjen, of Seward, was born on March 15, 1938 to Albert and Celia (Lowney) Pickel in Lincoln, Nebraska.  She attended Hartley Elementary, Whittier Junior High and Lincoln High School. On January 8, 1956, Darlene was united in marriage to John Rathjen Jr. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.  She was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family.  In her free time she liked to cook and bake and was an excellent cook.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and loved being a mom, grandma and great grandma.  Darlene passed away on April 21, 2022 in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 84 years.  She is survived by her children, Howard (Marlene) Rathjen of Lincoln, Nebraska, John (Luann) Rathjen of West Des Moines, Iowa, Craig (Amy) Rathjen of Hickman, Nebraska, Bonnie (Todd) Meints of Garland, Nebraska; grandchildren, Ashley Rathjen, Zachary Rathjen (fiancée Madi Myers), Tyler (Victoria) Rathjen, Elisa Rathjen, Ethan Rathjen, Benjamin Rathjen, Hannah Rathjen, Jordan (Lizzy) Hoins, Jenna Hoins (fiancé Justin Fitchner), Jackson Hoins; great grandchildren, Mason Rathjen, Charlotte Rathjen, Violet Rathjen, Brooks Rathjen, Marceline Martin, Alexander Hoins. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Celia Pickel; husband, John Rathjen Jr.; brother, Don Pickel, Glen Pickel, Ralph Pickel, Earl Pickel; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lavern and Ernest Scott, Maxine (Dean) Gottula. 

Casket Bearers: Jordan Hoins, Jackson Hoins, Zachary Rathjen, Tyler Rathjen, Ethan Rathjen, Benjamin Rathjen

MEMORIALS IN CARE OF RATHJEN FAMILY.

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