Harlan was one of a set of twins. His parents were Elmer Edwin Rathwell and Fannie Edwards Rathwell. His grandparents were Thomas Rathwell and Eliza Jane McRoberts Rathwell; Charles Pliny Edwards and Mary Freole Edwards. Harlan "Hoddy" was descended from several Mayflower passengers.

Harlan (Hoddy) Edwards Rathwell was born in Oberlin, Ohio on June 23, 1914 and lived in Oberlin most of his life. He passed at Welcome Nursing Home after a long illness June 15, 2010. Mr. Rathwel1 was a factory worker for 23 years, Bill Geauman Construction for 12 years, Rural Furniture for 10 years and New Russia Township for 12 years. He was a member of Pittsfield Community Church and former member of East Oberlin United Church of Christ where he held office of Trustee, Deacon, building chairman and sang in the choir for many years. He also belonged to the Men's Club. He was always very active in any church function. He was in charge of the Lorain County blood donors of East Oberlin Church for many years and donated 8 gallons of blood himself before his medication prevented him from donating. He loved being with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved hearing about what each one was doing. He attended all sports events his grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in. He is well known by the residents of College Park Manor where he ate in the lobby and greeted people as they came and went, especially enjoying the children. Mr. Rathwell is survived by his wife of 71 years, Bertha (Knapp), son Harlan (Doreen) Rathwell of Wellington, Ohio, daughters Judy (Jeff) Wheeler of Pataskala, Ohio and Debbie (Gary) Carruthers of Wakeman, Ohio, grandchildren, Jerry and Steve Rathwell, Mike Verda, Marc and Geremy Carruthers, great grandchildren, Tiffany & Brittany Rathwell, Lauren & Megan Rathwell, Ashley Cunningham-Verda, Jamie & Chris Verda, Danielle & Ashton Carruthers and Gavin & Garret Carruthers, 2 step great grandsons, Chad Lundy and Aaron Mitchell and two sisters, Dorothy Shipman and Mary Dotson both of Oberlin as well as many nieces and nephews. Mr. Rathwell was preceded in death by father Elmer E. Rathwell and mother Fannie (Edwards) Rathwell, Sister, Mable Spencer, brothers Edwin and Irving as well as his twin brother Howard (Fuzzy). Visitation will be Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 11:00 am at Cowling Funeral Home, 228 South Main St., Oberlin. Pastor Kenneth L. Gerhardt of Pittsfield Community Church will officiate. Interment at Brookdale Cemetery. In lieu of floral arrangements the family requests donations be made New Life Hospice or any organization of the donor's choice.