Lawrence “Mick” Rathbun

Lawrence “Mick” Rathbun, age 95, of Spring Valley, Minn., died on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Spring Valley Living, in Spring Valley, Minn.

The Funeral service for Mick will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minn., with Pastor Betsy Dartt officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service, from 10-11 a.m. at the church.  Please wear masks and follow social distancing.  Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley is assisting the family.

Lawrence “Mick” Fay Rathbun was born on October 22, 1925, in Spring Valley, Minn., to Arthur and Alvina (Melchert) Rathbun.  He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1943. After graduation, he worked on the farm and then went to work for Hanna Mining Operation near Spring Valley.  On September 14, 1952, Mick was united in marriage to Irma Buss. Since Our Saviors Lutheran Church was still being constructed, Mick and Irma exchanged vows in the high school gym.  A few years after their marriage, Mick worked as a parts analyzer for IBM from 1960 to 1987.  He retired from IBM after 27 years of service.  In his early years he played amateur baseball and softball, he even tried out for the Boston Braves and made the first cut.  He was also an avid golfer and Minnesota Sports fan.  Mick’s two main joys were family and sports.  He made a point to make sure he was always there to support his grandchildren at their sporting events.  He enjoyed traveling with Irma, often going on bus trips as long as it didn’t interfere with the grandchildren’s sporting seasons.  Mick was also a longtime member of the Root River Country Club and was a huge fan of The Andy Griffith Show. He was also renowned for his sports trivia knowledge.

Mick is survived by his children Greg (Kathy) Rathbun of Byron, Minn., and Rick (Sue) Rathbun of Rochester, Minn.; five grandchildren: Jon (Jenny) Rathbun of Chanhassen, Minn., Jeff (Molly) Rathbun of Woodbury, Minn., Brittany (Jay) Ellerbusch of Northfield, Minn., Jason (Heather) Rathbun of Kasson, Minn., and Marissa (Ryan) Pietsch of Farmington, Minn.; nine great-grandchildren: Ellyce, Jon Thomas, Joey, Lucy, Jackson, Kinsley, Aubrey, Cecilia, and R.J.; sister-in-law Mary Lou Rathbun of Rochester, Minn., and brother-in-law Aaron Klompenhower of Preston, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Irma in 2018, and five brothers: Rollin, Ross, Darrel, Ralph and Loren. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Mayo Hospice or to the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.