Roger Edward Rathburn

Roger Edward Rathburn 86, formally of Johnsburg, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Ohio Living Sarah Moore, Delaware, OH.

Born December 6, 1938, to William F. Rathburn and Cecelia McCarthy Rathburn in Mansfield, OH. He graduated from Mansfield St. Peters High School in 1956. During the summers he worked at Mansfield asphalt. After serving 3 years in the Army after high school, he went on to graduate from Ashland College in 1966.

Shortly after college his favorite cousin “Bud” Wilhem got him an interview with IBM. He was hired, sent to the Chicago office and never left, retiring in 1993. Roger called many places home in the Chicago area including downtown (Lincoln Park and Marina City Towers), Schaumburg, Naperville and Johnsburg.

In December of 1993, Roger finally settled down and married the love of his life, Marty Rogers, a few months after purchasing a Fox River home in Johnsburg, IL that had a tree growing out the side of it, yes, a major renovation. They fell in love with their new community, were active members of St. John the Baptist Catholic church, made many friends and loved to entertain neighbors, friends and family.

Roger enjoyed boating, fishing, and snow skiing and was a member of the IBM ski club. He shared his love of boating with friends and family on jet skis, speed boats and pontoon boats on the waters of Chicago, Manitowish, WI, and the Fox river. He had an affinity for cars and followed NASCAR and IndyCar but had trouble getting rid of his favorite yellow Scout.

Roger was a grand storyteller and never met a stranger, enjoyed a good cigar and a glass of wine, was a Rush Limbaugh “Dittohead” and frequently watched Fox news, usually at “Roger Level.” His greatest joy was his wife Marty, who even got him to stay in a tent when they took a cross-country trip. Her nicknames for him included: Rodgy-Dodgy, The Rog, Honey Bunny, and The Old Geezer. They often sang their favorite song together “You are my Sunshine.”

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister Mary Anne Rathburn, and sister-in-law Sylvia (Erney) Rathburn.

Roger is survived by his brother William Rathburn of Mansfield, OH; Marty’s children Andy (Corrie) Gladstein of Charleston, SC; Dave (Maria) Gladstein of Naperville, IL; Missy Gladstein of Olathe, KS; and nephews Jim (Sharon) Rathburn of Delaware, OH; Eric Rathburn (Melanie Romick) of Powell, OH; Gary (Barbara) Rathburn of Mansfield, OH; and nieces Joan (Steve) Spehar of Oldsmar, FL; Lisa (Adam) Byers of Dublin, OH. As well as 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 5 great nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 2302 W Church St., Johnsburg, IL by Father Junak on March 31, 2025, at 10:00am with interment following immediately after.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg, IL, Ohio Living-Sarah Moore or the Alzheimer's Association.