Cletus R. Ratermann
- Full Obituary
Cletus R. Ratermann, age 72, of Breese, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at his home. He was born January 4, 1953, in Breese, a son of the late Raymond and Leona (nee Kapp) Ratermann. Cletus married Debra (nee Hilmes) Ratermann on July 20, 1974, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese and she survives in Breese.
In addition to his wife, Cletus is survived by his children, Gregory (Teresa) Ratermann of Swansea, Scott (Mary) Ratermann of Breese, and Eric (Amy) Ratermann of Perryville, MO; grandchildren, Alex (Hailey) Brown, Emma (special friend, Tyler) Ratermann, Connor Ratermann, Raymond Ratermann, Jacob Ratermann, Nathan Ratermann, Lucy Blythe, and Grant Blythe; siblings, Marcellus (Milly) Ratermann of San Marcos, CA, Matt (Karen) Ratermann of Breese, and Betty (Bill) Sligar of Breese; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Virginia Ratermann of Breese, Barbara Ratermann of Germantown, Charlie Hilmes of Breese, Diane (“Sarge”) Holtgrave of St. Rose, Mike (Chris) Hilmes of Breese, Kevin (Vanessa) Hilmes of Breese, Shelly Hilmes of Aviston, and Mike Pitt of Florida; and nieces and nephews.
Cletus was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Elaine (Gene) Brammeier; brothers, Andrew Ratermann, Stephen Ratermann, and Alfred Ratermann; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul “Peanuts” and Aggie (nee Deiters) Hilmes; sisters-in-law, Pam Pitt and Carla Hilmes; and brothers-in-law, Gary Hilmes and Jeff Hilmes.
Cletus dedicated twenty-three years of service to Breese Township, where he worked as the road commissioner. He was a devoted member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese.
A man of many talents and passions, Cletus loved collecting and rebuilding antique cars and tractors. Farming was both his hobby and his joy, and he relished attending car shows and spending time outdoors. He especially enjoyed family vacations, creating lasting memories on trips with Debra, their children, and grandchildren. Most of all, he treasured time spent with family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness and pride.
Funeral services are pending at this time.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
