Stephan "Steve" Andrew Rathweg

After a 20 month battle with lung cancer, Steve passed peacefully into his eternal rest in heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ. We know he had a joyful reunion with his son, Jason, and his parents Richard and Patricia Rathweg. He will be loved and cherished daily by his family and friends. Steve was a mechanical engineer by trade, graduating Suma Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati in 1981. He was hired by Shell Chemical to work at the Chemical plant in Geismar, LA as an entry level engineer and performed several supportive roles in the operation of that plant. His first management role was Unit Manager at Geismar from 1990-1994 before moving to Houston, TX, where he served in several different management positions, both regionally and globally. He returned to his beloved Geismar Chemical plant in 2004 to serve as Site Manger. He held that position until Nov. 2006 when he was promoted to Vice President – Manufacturing, Americas Region. In 2010, he became the Vice President – Manufacturing, Motiva (Joint venture w/ shell and Saudia Arabia). He retired from Shell in December 2014, after working for Shell for 33 years. After his retirement he went into business with his son, Joshua, starting up SkyZone franchises in California and eventually adding a few franchises in other states across the U.S. He treasured the opportunity to partner with Joshua as they worked together building a very successful franchise reputation with SkyZone. Steve loved to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, sail, and ride wave runners with his children and grandchildren. He loved to watch any sport and was a running back in high school football. But his greatest love was watching and cheering for any of his three children and five grandchildren participating in their sports activities. Steve was a loving husband, the best father any child could be blessed with, and an outstanding “papa” to his grandchildren. He was a faithful and true friend to those who knew him. Steve is survived by his wife of 48 years, Christine. His son, Joshua, and Joshua’s wife Michelle, and their two daughters, Avery and Bryn. His daughter, Jessica, and Jessica’s husband, Chase, and their three children, Trenton, Jaden, and Peyton. He is also survived by his two sisters, Kathleen and Vivian, his brother, Christopher, and many nephews and nieces. Steve will be held fondly in our hearts each and every day and we will celebrate all the fun, love, and joy that he brought into our lives. Rest in peace, Steve, in God’s loving arms.

Stephan "Steve" Andrew Rathweg

March 5, 1958 - September 26, 2025