Lawrence William Rathjen

Lawrence William Rathjen, 94, of Westlake, LA, died at 1:15 PM on Friday May 23, 2014 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Rathjen was born November 21, 1919 in Cleona Township, IA and served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II. He moved to Lake Charles in 1988 and has lived the past twelve years in Westlake, LA. Mr. Rathjen worked as a farmer most of his life. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Silver Saints. He was a member of the American Legion Post #407 in Westlake. He enjoyed woodworking, building and repair work, and helping others. His greatest joy in life came from spending time with his family. Mr. Rathjen is survived by his daughters, Judith Rathjen of Westlake and Joyce Perron and husband Larry Perron of Westlake; grandchildren, Cynthia Allman and husband Timothy of Mesquite, TX, Carolyn Miller and husband C. Scott of Moss Bluff, Steven Rathjen and wife Jackie of Westlake and Liza J. Perron and husband David Eldridge, Sr. of Sulphur; twelve great-grandchildren, Tyler M. Perron, Michael, Aaron, and Kristen Miller, Samantha and Jessica Rathjen, Kevin and Austin Perron, David Eldridge, Jr., Lakeyn VanAsselberg and husband Jacob, and Nathan and Lauren Allman; and great-great-grandchildren, Faith and Cody. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Grill Rathjen; four brothers; three sisters; and two grandsons, Michael and Kevin Perron. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 25, 2014 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Wayne Dartez will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be on Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and continue on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.