Deacon Vernon Rath, 82 of Spearfish passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at his home.

Vern was born October 9, 1932 at Reeder, ND to Emil and Leona (Bartholmy) Rath. He graduated from Assumption Abbey in Richardton, ND. He was drafted into the Army and served overseas in the Korean War. He attended one year of college in Fargo, ND. He married Joan Gugel on August 17, 1959 in McLaughlin and from this union they were blessed with six children. They lived in the McLaughlin, SD area most of their life. They started a clothing store together, Rath's Ready to Wear, and later he worked at the Farmer's Elevator where he became manager for many years. He was an active member of the Jaycee's, Knights of Columbus, McLaughlin School Board (where he served as president for several years), and the McLaughlin Rodeo Association. He spent much of his time with his family as well as enjoying hunting, fishing, gardening, going to swim meets, and always inviting priests and nuns over for Joan to feed.

Vern was ordained as a Deacon of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Rapid City by Bishop Chaput on March 25, 1995. He passionately served this ministry at St. Bernard's in McLaughlin, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kennel, Wakpala, and Bullhead. He was part of TEC, Koinonia, and Crusillo. He was an inspired homilist and did many baptisms, weddings, and burials. He was able to baptize and participate in the marriage of many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 2003, Vern and Joan retired to Spearfish. Vern continued to be active in ministry at St Joseph Catholic Church. He enjoyed going to Black Hills State University and Spearfish High School sporting events as well as keeping up on professional and college sports. He enjoyed visits by his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids. He loved being everybody's "Papa".

Visitation for Deacon Vern will be from 3-5 PM, Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Vigil Service will be at 7:30 PM on Sunday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, December 1, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Bishop Robert Gruss as celebrant. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to benefit the Seminarian Fund for the Diocese of Rapid City.

Deacon Vern is survived by his wife Joan, Spearfish; six children, Mary Jo (Dave) McIsaac, Pocatello, ID, Jacqueline (Kim) Ulmer, Mobridge, Patrick Rath (Michele Thompson), Minneapolis, MN, Thomas Rath, Bloomington, MN, Jeffrey Rath, Spearfish, Michael (Leah) Rath, Mobridge; nine grandchildren, Kersten (Mike) Verhulst, Spearfish, Eric (Tara) Ulmer, Spearfish, Michelle (Michael) Re, Wayne, PA, Ari Rath, Mobridge, Lucas, Olivia and Ella Ulmer, Mobridge, and Cheyenne and Shayla Rath, Mobridge; six great-grandchildren, Weston, Jamen, Blaise, and Avery Verhulst, Zachary Ulmer, and Michael Re; and two sisters, Norma Gorder, Billings, MT and Sharon (Ron) Edgar, Sutter Creek, CA.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.