Funeral services for Rev. Roger R. Rethamel, 67, who died Tuesday, October 2, 2001 in Charles City, were Friday, October 5 at St. Bernard Church, Alta Vista, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, New Hampton.

Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB, of Dubuque was the main celebrant. Rev. Dwayne Thomas was homilist.

Father Rethamel was born in Protivin on July 10, 1934, to Raymond and Helen (Kubik) Rethamel.

He attended Loras College and Mount St. Bernard Seminary, both in Dubuque, and was ordained January 30, 1960, by Archbishop Leo Binz at St. Raphael Cathedral.

His first assignment was as a pastoral associate at Holy Ghost Parish, Dubuque, where he served until being appointed associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, Osage in 1966.

In 1970 he was appointed to St. Joseph Parish, Farley, where he also served on the faculty of St. Joseph High School. He was assigned as associate pastor at St. Edward's, Watherloo, in 1971 and to St. Pius X, Cedar Rapids, in 1979. He served as State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, 1975-79.

He accepted the pastorate of Sacred Heart Parish, Manly, in 1980 and in 1982, joined the team ministry at Charles City and Roseville.

In 1987 he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's, Cresco and in 1989 also took over the care of Plymouth Rock.

From 1989 to 1992 he was executive coordinator of the Notre Dame System of Education. He was appointed dean of the Charles City Deanery in 1984, ACCW moderator for the New Hampton Deanery in 1992 and dean of the New Hampton Deanery in 1997.

Since 1992 he has been the pastor of Immaculate Conception, Elma and St. Bernard's, Alta Vista. In 1997 he also took over the care of Lourdes.

Father Rethamel is survived by one sister, Lois Girkin of Charles City and two brothers, Merle of New Hampton and Eldon of Fredericksburg.