David Rathjen

David Eugene Rathjen, 92, Sun City, AZ passed away Sunday evening, February 22, 2015. David was born in Janesville, WI on November 7, 1922 to Charles and Cleva Rathjen.  He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Katherine (Kay) of Sun City and three sons, Gregory James Rathjen (Linda) of Milton, GA; Kent David Rathjen (Novella) of Leavenworth, KS; and Stanley Wayne Rathjen (Jenny) of Leavenworth, KS; his sister Elaine Gap of Forest City, IA; brothers-in-law Jacob (Bud) VonDeLinde of St. Paul, MN and Curt Lake of Waldport, OR.  He is also survived by four granddaughters, one grandson, and six great-grandchildren. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1940 and then served in the US Coast Guard in New York City during World War II.   On May 26, 1943, he married Katherine Alice VonDeLinde.  After the war, he attended Nyack College, graduated from Taylor University, and completed a Masters in Theology from Bethel College. David was ordained into the ministry in 1953 and was commissioned a Chaplain in the US Air Force that same year.  He served thirty years around the world, retiring as Colonel.  He served five years as Command Chaplain of the USAF Communication Command, meeting the spiritual needs of military personnel in 500 communication sites in 27 countries.  He earned the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals and an Air Force Commendation Medal. David retired from the military in Sun City, where he served as an Associate Pastor at the Bellevue Heights Church for six years, for nine years with the United Church of Sun City, and for two years of ministry at Casa Del Rio retirement complex. His Gospel message was “Jesus is the Lamb of God and Christ’s death on the cross is the forgiveness of sin for all mankind; whoever trusts in Jesus will be forgiven.” Private services are being arranged.  Burial will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with the USAF Honor Guard from Luke, AFB on March 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.