Katherine Rathjen

Katherine Alice Rathjen, 93, Sun City, AZ passed away December 30, 2016. Katherine was born in Prescott, WI on June 23, 1923 to Jacob and Katherine Von De Linde. She was predeceased by her parents, a brother (Rod) and sister (Mary Lake) and her husband of nearly 72 years, David E. Rathjen. She is survived by three sons, Gregory James Rathjen (Linda) of Milton, GA; Kent David Rathjen (Novella) of Leavenworth, KS; and Stanley Wayne Rathjen (Jenny) of Leavenworth, KS; her brother Jacob (Bud) VonDeLinde of St. Paul, MN; and brother-in-law and Curt Lake of Waldport, OR. She is also survived by four granddaughters, one grandson, and six great-grandchildren. She graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul, MN in 1941 and, married David Eugene Rathjen on May 26, 1943 in Brooklyn, NY. She worked as a book keeper and banker at Williamsburg Savings Bank while also attending Globe Business School and Nyack College in New York City during WWII. In addition she attended classes at Taylor University in Indiana, where her husband completed his undergraduate degree. Her husband completed divinity school and was ordained into the ministry in 1953. He was commissioned as a Chaplain in the US Air Force and served for more than thirty years. Katherine served along with him as a dedicated military wife and a consummate preacher’s wife. She lived out her call to do the Lord’s work with her husband and with grace, generosity and a bright smile. She traveled the world with David and her growing family, finally retiring to Sun City, AZ. While retired, they continued their roles in various churches, he as associate pastor, and she as organist and choir member. Private services will be held and interment will be at the National Cemetery Columbarium in Arizona with her husband. Menke Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.