Tracy Rathman

Tracy Rathman, 55, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at her home.

Tracy Sue was born on June 3, 1966, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Duane Edward and Judith Ann (Gipple) Rathman. Tracy was confirmed and baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. She graduated from Atlantic High School in 1984. Following graduation, she enrolled in classes at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa, later moving to Fort Dodge, before returning to Atlantic a short time later.

Tracy’s dream job was to work as a commercial artist and that seemed like it would have been perfect as talented as she was in drawing and painting. Little did she know when she took a job that entailed helping others that she had found her true calling. Tracy worked as certified medication aide and later as a SCL (Supported Community Living) staff member at Willow Heights and Partnership for Progress. She was quick to tell you that you don’t sign up for this career for the money, you sign up because you are passionate about helping people. Tracy helped guide and enrich people’s lives for over 25 years; her care and dedication was evident in how her clients told others they LOVED her and often told her themselves saying, “I Love You, Ms. Tracy.” It wasn’t just the clients that loved her but her coworkers shared that they did too!

It was rare for Tracy to miss any BINGO night in Atlantic or within a short drive; she was a BINGO fanatic. She often had multiple cards going at the same time and somehow still managed to point out to the person next to her numbers they had missed.

Tracy will be remembered as having a heart of gold, being the life of the party and for her vibrant and upbeat personality, lighting up a room with her smile or uncanny ability to make people laugh. She could have been a stand-up comedian had she not been so shy in front of groups; she would make you laugh so hard you would be roaring and/or crying.

Tracy will be deeply missed by her mother, Judy Rathman; sister, Jeana Sornson (Jon VanAernam); brother, Duane Rathman, Jr.; niece and nephews, Samantha Ritchey (Jake), Gage Sornson (Chenice) and Clay Sornson; great-nieces and nephews, Landon, Dutch and Halen Sornson and Brooks, Everly and Collins Ritchey; aunts, uncles and extended family; and countless friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Duane Rathman, Sr.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. A brief moment of prayer and words of hope will begin the time together. During the visitation there will be a place to write a favorite memory of Tracy or you can bring one already prepared. Memories can also be shared on the funeral home website.

A private family burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Tracy’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.