Dell was born August 28, 1937 in Sterling NE to Norman & Ruth (Vanderbeek) Rathe. He grew up on the family farm just outside of Sterling with his sister Jean and brothers Larry & Joe. Dell attended country school and graduated from Sterling High School in 1955. Dell (Goose) loved reminiscing about his days of playing basketball.
After high school he joined the army. In 1961 Dell married Valerie Sylvester from Belle Vernon PA.
In 1964 he began his career at Brunswick and retired in 2001. In 2003 he married Delores Beaman.
He loved spending time watching Husker sports, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren & great grandchildren.
Dell loved his Winters spent in Texas, surrounded by many friends from all across the Midwest.
Dell was preceded in death by his first wife, Valerie, both parents, Norman and Ruth, his sister, Jean, and brother-in-law, Don Rapp.
He is survived by his wife Delores, his daughter, Vicki (Brad) Sinsel of Kearney; sons Chris (Wendy) Rathe & Aaron Rathe all of Lincoln. Dell’s 6 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren.
His Brother Larry (Dianne) Rathe of Lincoln & brother Joe (Joni) Rathe of Plattsmouth and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.lincolnfh.com