George E. Rathbun, 77, of Eau Claire, died Saturday, November 22, 2008, at his home under the care of Northwest Hospice.\r\nHe was born in Eau Claire on May 4, 1931, the son of Ernest and Ann (Jacobson) Rathbun.He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1949 and went on to college at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, where he earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. \r\nGeorge served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955 during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge from the military, he went on to earn a Masters Degree in Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Superior.\r\nGeorge married Sonja L. Larson at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on April 12, 1958.\r\nHe taught elementary school for 31 years in both Rochester, MN, and Eau Claire, retiring from Putnam Heights Elementary School in 1989.\r\nGeorge was a long time member of First Lutheran Church, where he was on several committees including chairman for the Eau Claire Community Table for five years. He was a long standing member of the Eau Claire Rod&Gun Club, where he served two years as President and also on their board of directors and received their service appreciation award in 2003. In addition, George was a member of the Sunrise Exchange Club, Eau Claire Jaycees, and Eau Claire Masonic Lodge #112 F&AM.\r\nHe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sonja; a daughter, Kelley (Tim) Okerman of Edina, MN; a son, Todd (Karen) Rathbun of Flagstaff, AZ; five grandchildren, Charlie, Jane, and Jack Okerman, and Tyler and Emily Rathbun; a sister, Jean Ann (Link) Walker of Eau Claire; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.\r\nGeorge was preceded in death by his parents.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at First Lutheran Church with Pastor John E. Kerr officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services, Wednesday, at church.\r\nMemorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703, Eau Claire Rod&Gun Club, 801 Schoettl Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703, or to Northwest Hospice, 4033 123rd Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

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