Leroy Robert Rath

Rock Rapids, IA        LeRoy Rath , age 68 of Rock Rapids, IA died suddenly Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Sanford Rock Rapids Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA.        Funeral service will be 1:30 PM Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids with Rev. Dan Kordahl officiating.        Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, with military honors by the Rex Strait Post No. 103, American Legion and Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960, VFW.        Visitation will be Tuesday, July 5th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA.      LeRoy Robert Rath was born March 2, 1948 in Rock Rapids, IA to Marlin and Helen (George) Rath. He grew up in Rock Rapids and graduated from Rock Rapids High School. He served in the National Guard. On February 14, 1969 he was united in marriage to Charlotte Nielsen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hull, IA. LeRoy was a farmer all of his life. Because of his pleasure of dealing with livestock, he always enjoyed going to the sale barn. He was a member of the American Legion and the Immanuel Lutheran Church. If there was a way to help others, LeRoy was interested. Over the years he enjoyed putting together fundraisers and supporting the building of wells to provide clean water in Tanzania. He loved spending time with and working alongside his son Todd. In his early years he loved to get out in nature and go hunting. Watching western movies was also a favorite pastime for him. LeRoy especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved doing chores for the grandkids. This past Wednesday, June 29th LeRoy died suddenly from heart trouble. He will be greatly missed.           He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Charlotte Rath of Rock Rapids, IA; son, Todd (Lori) Rath of Rock Rapids, IA; daughter, LeAnn Rath of Rock Rapids, IA; grandchildren, Britny (Justin) Steenhoven, Jordyn, Charley and Lane Rath; brothers, Norman (Norma) Rath of Calumet, IA, Leland (Vicki) Rath of Larchwood, IA, Ronald Rath of Rock Rapids, IA and Rodney (Linda) Rath of Sanborn, IA; father-in-law, Arnold (Pearl) Nielsen of Hull, IA; and numerous other extended family members.           Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; and mother-in-law, Lois Nielsen.