May God bless you and your...
Still miss him. One of our very favorites.
Vickie Godwin
January 10, 2021 | Keswick, VA
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Photo courtesy of R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton
Richard Alto "Dick" Rathjen
Hampton, Virginia
About
DIED
January 15, 2015
LOCATION
Hampton, Virginia
Obituaries
Send FlowersR. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton Obituary
Dick Rathjen, 77, succumbed to lung cancer, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. A self-made man who was kind, generous, and funny, he grew up in Bellingham, Washington. Upon
graduating from Mt. Baker HS, he joined the marines and moved to San Diego, CA. He then worked for the Naval Audit Service for 35 years, becoming the Deputy Director of Naval Audit Operations. Upon retiring in 1997, he and wife, Trudy, moved to Hampton, VA. He enjoyed traveling and had been to all seven continents.He will be missed by his wife, Trudy; children, Greg and Lara, step-children, Micki and Rick, his brother, Phillip
and his wife, Reva, sisters, Irene and Barbara, as well as 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many friends. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 19, 2015 at 2 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of his life with friends. Interment will be at a later date at Parklawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to either the Salvation Army, 5524 Va. Beach Blvd., Va. Beach 23462, or a cancer research foundation.
Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. 245 S. Armistead Ave. Hampton. 757-723-3191
Guest Book
I think everyone who knew Dick loved him. We didn't see him much but always looked forward to seeing him when he and Trudy came out to San Diego. Dinner at Bully's was a must. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with his family.
Dottie Bechtelheimer
January 21, 2015
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I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TRIP DICK AND I TOOK TO NORTHWEST CAPE AUSTRALIA THAT TOOK 43 HOURS FLYING ON A DC 6 PROP PLANE. ENROUTE I WAS ASLEEP AND DICK WOKE ME UP TO TELL ME THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. WELL AT NIGHT THE ENGINES EXHAUST PIPE WERE RED HOT AN LOOKED ON FIRE. LEARMOUTH, AUS WAS THE MOST ISOLATED TOWN THE THE WORLD. PERTH AUS. WAS CONSIDERED THE MOST ISOLATED CITY IN THE WORLD AND WE WERE 800 MILES NORTH OF PERTH. THE NAVY HAD CONSTRUCTED THE TALLEST ANTENNA IN THE SOUTHERN...
CAPTAIN R. BECHTELHEIMER, US NAVY, RET.
January 21, 2015 | SAN DIEGO, CA
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I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TRIP DICK AND I TOOK TO AUSTRALIA THAT TOOK US 43 HOURS TO GET THEIR ON A DC6 THAT ISLAND HOPPED ACROSS THE PACIFIC. LANDING ON AN OLD WWII BLACK TOP AIRFIELD AT NORTHWEST CAPE AUS TO AUDIT THE US NAVY'S NEWEST COMMUNICATION STATION "HAROLD HOLT" THE NAVY HAD BUILT THE TALLEST ANTENNA IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. PERTH AUS. WAS KNOW AS THE MOST ISOLATED CITY IN THE WORLD AND WE WERE 800 MILES NORTH OF PERTH. BEING DICKS' FIRST FLIGHT ON A PROP DRIVEN PLANE, DURING THE...
CAPTAIN ROBERT BECHTELHEIMER, USN. RETIRED
January 21, 2015 | SAN DIEGO, CA
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Dick signed me on with Nav Aud in 1972. He took great care of new hires and was always available to answer questions and offer a helping hand. I was fortunate to know him and benefit from his early guidance and support.
Joe Pesce
January 21, 2015 | Camarillo, CA
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rathjen family. We both have fond memories working with Dick at the Naval Audit Service.
Dewey & Cindy Gibson
January 21, 2015 | Haymarket, VA
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My deepest sympathy to Trudi and the children. Dick was a great boss and he and Trudi became trusting, supportive friends.
Jo Anne Groves
January 21, 2015 | Shady Side, MD
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It was a privilege to work with Dick for many years. He was an outstanding executive who gave his very best every day. I will always remember Dick's generosity to others and his wonderful sense of humor. I offer my prayers and deepest sympathy to Trudy and Dick's family.
Richard Leach
January 20, 2015 | Annandale, VA
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Dick made a difference in many lives along the way and will be remembered for that. Trudy may you and your family find comfort in knowing that Dick lives on in so many ways.
Carroll Antoine
January 20, 2015 | Providence Forge, VA
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