Donald Rathjen, 86
Donald Raymond Rathjen, age 86 of Blair, passed away Dec. 25, 2023, at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Blair. Graveside services will follow in the Blair Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at First Lutheran Church.
Don was born June 11, 1937, at the family home in Washington County, Nebraska, the son of Raymond and Elsie (Burmeister) Rathjen. He attended country school and later graduated from Blair High School in 1955. On June 26, 1960, he was united in marriage to Pearl Hansen at First Lutheran Church in Blair. Don worked for Runyon and Long Construction for many years as a block layer and cement finisher, and was also employed at Crowell Home, in the maintenance department, for more than 25 years. One of his favorite hobbies was making wooden toys for family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pearl; son Dean (Karen Clark) Rathjen, daughter Dawn (Darin) Andersen; grandchildren: Austin Rathjen, Cameron Rathjen, Madison Bieker, Grayson Rathjen, Tyler Andersen, Hope Andersen and Makayla Andresen; step grandchildren: Bryce Rathjen, Dallas Bieker and Austin Bieker; brother Melvin (Joyce) Rathjen; sister Myrna Heyden; sister-in-law Geraldine Davis; brother-in-law Larry (Georgia) Hansen; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Denise Rathjen.
Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church of the Blair Rescue Squad.
Services by Campbell Aman Funeral Home, 444 S. 17th Street, Blair, NE 68008, www.campbellaman.com
