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Richard Alto Rathjen

FUNERAL HOME

R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton

245 South Armistead Avenue

Hampton, Virginia

Richard Rathjen Obituary

HAMPTON - 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

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Published by Daily Press on Jan. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rathjen

23 Entries

Vickie Godwin

January 10, 2021

Still miss him. One of our very favorites.

January 21, 2015

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

CAPTAIN R. BECHTELHEIMER, US NAVY, RET.

January 21, 2015

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 HEMISPHERE. WE ALWAYS GO JOY OUT OF RELIVING THAT TRIP.

CAPTAIN ROBERT BECHTELHEIMER, USN. RETIRED

January 21, 2015

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 NIGHT HE AWOKE ME TO TELL ME THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. WELL AT NIGHT YOU COULD SEE THE RED HOT EXHAUSTS THAT LOOKED LIKE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE.

Joe Pesce

January 21, 2015

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.

Dewey & Cindy Gibson

January 21, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rathjen family. We both have fond memories working with Dick at the Naval Audit Service.

Jo Anne Groves

January 21, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Trudi and the children. Dick was a great boss and he and Trudi became trusting, supportive friends.

Richard Leach

January 20, 2015

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.

Carroll Antoine

January 20, 2015

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.

Dave Dotter

January 20, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I have many memories of my work with Dick over the years, both in the Western Region and Headquarters. My prayers are with Trudy and her family.

Mel Vineyard

January 20, 2015

My prayers and condolences to the Rathjen family. Dick is now at peace and with the Lord. I worked at Naval Audit Service with him from 1981 until he retired.

Rhoda Ritzenberg

January 20, 2015

Trudy,
My thoughts are with you. Dick was a caring and supportive boss, whose integrity I trusted and valued. I'm grateful that our lives crossed.

Fred Hughes

January 19, 2015

The battle is over, Dick, and you fought the good fight. I remember your words of advice when I arrived at NavAud HQ in 1984. Thanks for your support. Semper Fi!

January 19, 2015

Dick will always be special to me as he hired me in 1972 and treated me equally in a mostly male work environment at that time. Our paths crossed over the years professionally and he was an unofficial "mentor". Hats off to a trail blazer who was ahead of the pack. God speed Dick.
Nancy Hendricks

Ruth Saunders

January 19, 2015

Our love and prayers are with you Trudy....may happy memories of your years with Dick be a comfort to you. Bob and Ruth Saunders

Phyllis Foster

January 18, 2015

We certainly will miss Dick on our fiftyess gatherings. He told us many funny stories and kept us laughing. He was a wonderful person.

January 18, 2015

Dick will be so missed at our fiftyest get together! He made us feel so good with his jokes, and liven up our party. Jim and Phyllis Foster

Howard & Charlene Dow

January 18, 2015

Dick was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He was kind and generous. He will be truly missed! Sorry we cannot be there to attend his services.

Maynard & Maple Frye

January 18, 2015

Our condolences to Trudy and family. We remember the Dick that always had a twinkle in his eyes. May sweet memories help sustain you in your grief.

vickie godwin

January 18, 2015

We will miss one wonderful man. A big lover of life and all else. Stew & vickie Godwin

January 18, 2015

I regret that I cannot be at the service honoring Dick. But I am with you in spirit and love, Trudy and family. May Dick now rest in peace. With sincere sympathy. Molly Edgette

January 16, 2015

So sorry, Trudi and family. Dick was a wonderful person and will be missed in our world. Peace to all of you.

Carol Giles

January 16, 2015

Kind, generous, and made the lives of those around him happy and fun.

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