Ronald E. Gathje passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at his home in Rochester.  A funeral Mass will be at 10:00AM, Saturday, August 27, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with the Rev. Charlie Collins officiating.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

He was born on December 6, 1928 in Stewartville, Minnesota to Jacob Gathje and Maria (Erichsen) Gathje.  He was the second youngest of sixteen children.

Ronnie graduated from Stewartville High School in 1949.  He worked for the Drayline and Erdman's Grocery in Stewartville before entering the service in 1951.  He was stationed in Fort Jackson, SC, Fort Benning, GA, and Camp Attabury in Ulm Germany.

On June 12, 1954 he married Helen Weis at St. John's Catholic Church in Rochester.  They have lived in Rochester for 57 years.

He was employed by Utility Sales & Engineering (later sold to HIMEC).  He worked at HIMEC until retiring in 1993.  He was in the sheet metal trade for 42 years.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Sheet Metal Union Local 10, and the Golden Kiwanis Club.  He was a volunteer at Channel One.  He enjoyed his grandchildren, traveling, playing cards, his flowers and family vacations.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; sons, Steven (Laurie) Gathje of Minneapolis, MN, Peter Gathje of Memphis, TN,  John (Melissa) Gathje of Omaha, NE, James (Jeanne) Gathje of Bloomington, MN, Michael (Luciana) Gathje of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter, Donna (David) Mueller of Rochester; sisters, Emilie Winter of Rochester, Rachel Warren of Belgrade, MN, Florence Haack of San Diego, CA; eleven grandsons, five grand-daughters, one step-grandson and one great-grandson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and six sisters.

Friends may call from 5:00-8:00PM on Friday, August 26, 2011 at  River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kiwanis, Seasons Hospice, Lourdes Foundation or St. Pius X Catholic Church.