Cindy Rath

Cindy Rath, 63, Bismarck, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck. Services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, February 16, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 615 East Turnpike Ave, Bismarck. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, February 15, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Cynthia Maureen Dietz was born in Dickinson, ND, on January 19, 1952, to George and Evelyn Kaelberer Dietz of Belfield. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Belfield. Cindy attended school in Belfield, graduating with the class of 1970. She then attended Dickinson State College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career in Baker, MT. In 1983, she earned a Master of Science in Specific Learning Disabilities from Minot State University. That fall she joined the faculty at Langdon High School as a Learning Disability Specialist. On July 21, 1984, she married Gary Rath at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Langdon. In 1986, Gary and Cindy moved to Bismarck where she joined the staff of the Burleigh County Special Education Unit. While with Burleigh County she served students in all areas of special education in the rural schools. She later worked with special needs students in the Bismarck Public Schools at Highland Acres, Riverside, and Pioneer Elementary Schools. In 1987, Cindy and Gary welcomed their son Mark and in 1990 Kari joined the family. The two children allowed Cindy to become a mother as well as a teacher and help fulfill her desire to help young people develop to their fullest potential. Cindy was a member of the National Education Association and the North Dakota Education Association. She was also a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she served many years as a member of the Alter Committee. Following her retirement, her happiest times were when she had the opportunity to be with her grandchildren, especially babysitting for her youngest grandson these past three years. Cindy is survived by her husband, Gary, Bismarck; her two children, Mark and Kari, both of Bismarck; her four grandchildren, Aidan, Hailey, Ashlynn, and Teghan, all of Bismarck; her mother, Evelyn, Mandan. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Candice Dietz, Fargo; and her sister-in-law, Rita Don Winings, Valley City. She was preceded in death by her father; and her brother, Dennis. Memorials may be given to Bethel Lutheran Church or to a scholarship fund for future teachers to be established within the North Dakota United Foundation.

Cindy Rath

January 19, 1952 - February 11, 2015