Steve Rathbone

November 14, 1952 - January 13, 2013

Steven Alan Rathbone, one of three children of Mortimer and Marjorie (Broady) Rathbone, was born November 14, 1952 at Tecumseh, Nebraska. He attended school in Johnson, Nebraska and graduated from Johnson-Brock High School in 1971. After high school Steve, or Pud as he was known to most, began farming with his father full time. While working with his dad, he learned the ins and outs of the seed business, and in 1986 Steve started the Muddy Creek Seed Farm. He continued its operation until his daughter Kelly joined him in the business. He always farmed along with the seed operation, and particularly loved working with his cattle. Steve was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson, and was active in 4-H with his daughters as they grew up. He loved to hunt, and enjoyed gardening during the growing season. Pud also liked to pick fruit and take it to his mother, who would return the favor with a fresh baked pie. Waging a battle against cancer, Steve was able to stay at his home with the help of his family. It was at home, with family around him, that he passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the age of 60 years, 1 month, and 30 days. His father Mort and nephew Nicholas Steven Rathbone preceded him in death. Steve is survived by his daughters Kelly Rathbone of Johnson and her special friend Logan Frank of Steinauer; Corrie Rathbone of Johnson; wife and best friend Kim Seeba of Johnson; mother Marjorie Rathbone of Tecumseh; sister Linda ?Annie? Gartner of Tecumseh; brother Ron Rathbone of Humboldt; nieces Dawn Schaer and her partner Tom Fuller of Tempe, AZ; Jordana and husband Brock Hoegh of Marietta, GA; Rachel and husband Vance Crook of Humboldt; nephews Travis and wife Valya Gartner of Washington, DC; Jamie and wife Gina Rathbone of Central City, NE; other relatives and many, many friends. Funeral services were Thursday, January 17, 2013 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson, officiated by Rev. Catherine Burroughs. Joan Bohling was organist for congregational hymns. Pallbearers were Ken Rosenthal, Leroy Caspers, Dennis Hull, Dale Michel, Steve Rademacher, Jamie Rathbone, Dick Hull, David Neddenriep, and Dean Schuette. Burial was in the Johnson Cemetery at Johnson.