After marrying, Rathje entered the milling business during which time he acquired the windmill at Peotone and operated it for twelve years.

The mill's integrity has, for the most part, been maintained throughout its existence and it is a familiar visual landmark in Peotone and Will County.

Fine wheat, rye and buckwheat flours, as well as cornmeal were common products the grist mill offered.

Tales handed down through the Rathje family speak of the windmill's sails rotting and cite this as the reason for the change over to steam power.

[1] The Peotone Historical Society undertook the task of restoring the mill to its original, working condition.

[2] In 2004 the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois did grant the Peotone Historical Society $5,000 to conduct a structural assessment of the mill.