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 over 25 years. One of his favorite hobbies was making wooden toys for family and friends.

Donald Raymond Rathjen, age 86 of Blair, passed away December 25, 2023, at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair.

Left to cherish his memory are 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.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 30, at 10:30 AM 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.

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church of the Blair Rescue Squad.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home in service to the family.

Funeral leaflet

In Loving Memory of Donald Raymond Rathjen

Born June 11, 1937 Fort Calhoun, Nebraska ~ Entered Into Rest December 25, 2023 Blair, Nebraska

Funeral Service 10:30am Saturday, December 30, 2023 First Lutheran Church, Blair, Nebraska. Officiating: Rod Hansen, P.M.A. Organist: Clare Cowing. Vocalists: Mark & Kay Dickinson. Musical Selections: "How Great Thou Art", "O Holy Night", "Go Rest High On That Mountain"

Pallbearers: David Rathjen, Mark Heyden, Aaron Heyden, Terry Burmeister, Dan Burmeister, Duane Burmeister

Honorary Pallbearers: Austin Rathjen, Cameron Rathjen, Madison Bieker, Grayson Rathjen, Tyler Andersen, Hope Andersen, Makayla Andersen, Bryce Rathjen, Dallas Bieker, Austin Bieker

Final Resting Place: Blair Cemetery, Blair, Nebraska

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from obituary courtesy of Campbell Aman Funeral Home, Blair, NE 68008; cemetery records; tributes below from funeral home; funeral leaflet

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Passing of another former regular recycler. Don was a loyal recycler and birdhouse builder--Loren Havekost, Washington County Recycling Association

Such a dear, sweet, creative soul.--Ann Hansen, Washington County Recycling Association