Juergen Oskar Rathgeber

Cary, NC - Juergen was born in Wuppertal, Germany to Irene Otto and Fritz Rathgeber. He came to the U.S. in 1961. He was the holder of an engineering degree from the University of Wuppertal and B.S. and MBA degrees from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He worked for Mattel and Milton Bradley and other toy companies during his many years in the toy industry and switched to plastics where he retired from Illinois Tool Works in 1997. Juergen also held a number of patents. He later went back to serve as liaison for product development for ITW European subsidiaries from 2004 to 2009.

During retirement Juergen edited the newsletter for the local chapter of the Society of Plastics Engineers, served as a volunteer announcer at WCPE the Classical station for 15 years, presented several seminars on classical music at local libraries, and volunteered for the Sister Cities of Cary. He and his wife also traveled extensively, which was his prime joy in life. No discussion of Juergen would be complete without mentioning his love of soccer, both as a player in his younger years and later as a spectator. He was that rare person who did almost everything he wanted to do.

Juergen leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 53 years, Lovella Jo Foster Rathgeber, his sister Jutta Rathgeber of Noosaville, Australia, Brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Roberta Foster Teachey of Charlotte, Sister-in-law Antha Foster of Staunton, VA, Niece Terry Lynn Foster of Lexington, VA, Nephew Frank Cathey and family of Winston Salem, and a number of cousins in Germany, as well as many friends and acquaintances. His boundless optimism, his zest for living and his infectious laughter will be missed by everyone who knew him.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service.

If you wish to honor his memory, a donation to WCPE the Classical Station, Box 897 Wake Forest, NC, 800-556-5178, or SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-772-2326, or Transitions Life Care Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, 919-828-0890 may be made.