Andrew L. Ratermann

Andrew Longuemare Ratermann passed away peacefully May 25, 2015 at the age of 89. A native of El Paso, TX, he was born to Julius A. Ratermann and Helen P. Longuemare July 28, 1925. Andrew met his beloved wife, Lucille (O'Dea), at The Newman Club at the Cathedral of Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento, 1946. Andrew had a passion for dancing and for 67 years Lucille was his "best partner." They married in 1948 and became the loving parents of two sons, Andrew (Caren) and George (Dawn). At the age of 16, Andrew began working for the F.B.I. as a desk clerk until he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He served until 1946 as a flight engineer for B-14, B-17 and B-24 bombers during WWII. After his time in the service, Andrew worked for Aerojet Engineering in Azusa, CA. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1954. After graduating and working for Union Carbide Corporation for over a decade, Andrew became the Product Manager of Linde Power Supply Division in Florence, South Carolina. Andrew became President of Linde's wholly owned distributor, Bakers Welding Supply in Bakersfield and Fresno, CA. In 1977, he became the president and owner of Gerin Welding Sales in Santa Clara, CA until his retirement in 1996. Over the course of 40 years in the gas and welding industry, Andrew was revered for his charisma and leadership. He was beloved by his grandchildren Andrew, Katie, Mary, William, Marie and Molly who knew him best as Grand Poobah. He was preceded in death by his brother Julius Augustus (Buddy), and sisters, Mary, Helen and Frances. He is survived by his sister Barbara (Keenen) and sister-in-law Jane O. Cook. A vigil/Rosary service will take place Friday, May 29 at 6:00 pm at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Rocklin, CA. The funeral mass will be held May 30 at 11:30 am at The Catholic Chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 7101 Verner Ave., Sacramento, CA. Friends and loved ones are welcome to honor the memory and celebrate the spirit of joy that represented Andrew's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society online or sent to 1545 River Park Dr. Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95815.