Irene Lylith (Sinsel) Rathjen was born October 24, 1947 in Kearney, Nebraska, the daughter of Floyd Fred Sinsel and Betty (Sharp) Sinsel and passed away on January 7, 2018 in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 70 years, 2 months, 14 days.   Irene was raised by her aunt, Avis Tuepker from the age of 12 years old. Irene attended "The Little Red School House", rural Seward from Kindergarten through 8th grade and was a 1966 graduate of Seward High School. Irene was confirmed on December 4, 1966 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lincoln. On September 18, 1966, Irene was united in marriage to Keith Conrad Rathjen at the Methodist Church in Seward. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Keith, Jr., Jeff, Lori, Lisa, Scott, Andrew.

They lived in Milford for a short time; later moved west of Milford on Highway 15; then the family lived north of Seward and in 2002, Keith and Irene moved into Bee. Irene was a hard-working and dedicated wife and mother. She was employed as a bus driver for the School District of Seward for 24 years. Some of her favorite times were spent with the family going bowling, enjoying pizza together, hosting the family at Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas and playing the fishing game for Christmas gifts. Irene also enjoyed flowers. She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Betty Sinsel; her brother, Ralph Sinsel; aunt, Avis Tuepker and granddaughter, Courtney Logan Rathjen.

Survivors cherishing Irene's memory include her husband, Keith C. Rathjen, Sr., Bee; children and spouses: Keith C. Rathjen, Jr. and wife Kay, Hooper, Jeff Rathjen and wife Esther, Brainard, Lori Suchy and husband Tim, Valparaiso, Lisa Burkey and husband Barry, Milford, Scott Rathjen and wife Amy, Seward, Andrew Rathjen, Bee; grandchildren: Ariel Rathjen, Emily Rathjen, Justin Rathjen, Kacey Rathjen, Kate Rathjen, Caleb Burkey, Joshua Burkey, Cortney Ann Rathjen, Derek Rathjen, Devyn Rathjen, Travis and Morgan Rathjen, Shad and Whitney Rathjen, Erica Cauble, Bailey Suchy, Becca Suchy, Cody Rathjen, Lilly Rathjen, Riley Rathjen; great-grandchildren: Jadison Rathjen, Merrek Rathjen and a host of friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of life shared with Irene.