Scott Stephan Rathman 1936 - 2014

Father Scott was born July 14, 1936, in Billings, Montana, to Dr. Omer and Alma Rathman. He attended the University of Montana, and later served in the U.S. Army in Germany. He received his BA in history at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. Scott taught elementary school in California before attending Episcopal Divinity School and receiving his Master of Divinity. He was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood and served parishes in Montana, Arizona, Nebraska, Iowa and Alaska before retiring to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 2004.

Fr. Scott is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diane; sons, Scott M. (Debbie), and David (Crystal); son-in-law, Christian Bradley; grandchildren; Mykael, Scott H. (Tiffany), Daniel (Steffany), Tina Flott (Zachary), Sophia, Cody, Kaitlyn, Jacob and Beau; great grandchildren, Evelyn and Amelia; brother, Frank (Marilyn); niece, Susan (Mike) Stempel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary; son, Stephen Phillips and daughter, Kristen Rathman Bradley.

Scott enjoyed life as a parish priest, especially weddings and baptisms, cherishing the memories of 47 years of ministry. He touched many lives in every community he served. The years spent in Alaska were a special time for him, and he has considered himself a true Alaskan soul. His last years have been spent in the company of his beloved family, church and dear friends; Betty, Carol, Barb Jacki, Rich and Mollie.
Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. The funeral service is 11 a.m., on Wednesday, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 Dillman Drive, in Council Bluffs with the Rev. Canon Glenn Rankin as officiant. His ashes will be interred at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church or the Hospice with Heart.

40 years ago on August 17th Father Scott presided over our wedding in Broken Bow, Nebraska. We were both college students at the time and had not spent much time back in our home town prior to the wedding. We appreciated his guidance and ability to roll with the varied group of family and friends that gathered on that Saturday afternoon. He was even willing to preside at the wedding using the ceremony from the Book of Common Prayer at the United Methodist Church. We spent our early married years in Chicago but eventually moved back to Broken Bow (and to St. John's Episcopal Church) to pursue career opportunities. He helped set us on the path of a successful life together. We have three grown sons and just recently added a daughter-in-law whose home country is Australia. Thanks to Father Scott for his service to so many during his life.

Please accept our expression of sympathy at this time. Mary and Jerry Vaughan, Broken Bow, NE.

Mary Vaughan - July 24, 2014 at 09:43 AM