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Steven Rathofer Obituary

Steven Alfred Rathofer 1948 ~ 2008 Dr. Steven Alfred Rathofer, DMD, MS, Col. US Army (Ret.), born September 4, 1948 in Tokyo, Japan to Alfred August Rathofer and Ruth Gibby Rathofer died January 19, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred August and Ruth Gibby Rathofer; he is survived by his sons, David Steven and Eric William and wife of 36 years, Alice Holland. Alice and Steve married August 26, 1971. Also surviving, his sister Denise Rathofer Christian, brothers-in-law Paul Christian and William Holland; nephews Michael Christian and Brian Christian and nieces Rebecca and Lindsey Holland. Steve graduated from the University of Utah and received his commission in the US Army Medical Service Corp in 1969. He attended the University of Oregon School of Dentistry and graduated in 1973, at which time he joined the US Army Dental Corp. During his 24-year military career, Steve earned: Army Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritous Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Overseas Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon. Steve was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit 15 October, 1983. Steve became a periodontist upon graduation from George Washington University in 1981, where he earned a post-doctoral Masters of Science degree. He became a diplomate to the American Board of Periodontology in 1986. In 1993, upon his retirement from the US Army, Steve returned to Salt Lake City and opened a private practice and retired from practice 23 October 2003. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, and trips to Moab and the California coast. Steve was an avid pistol marksman and donated time weekly at the Lee-Kay shooting range. He enjoyed fly fishing, snow shoeing, birding, and playing his guitars and banjos. Viewing at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. - Friday, January 25, 6-8 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, January 26 at 1 p.m., Christ United Methodist Church - 2375 E. 3300 S. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Steve's name to the USO, American Red Cross, or American Cancer Society.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 23 to Jan. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Rathofer

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Blair (Rocky) McClune

January 20, 2024

He was personable and very competent. He and I shared a love for Fine Guitars and music.

Heather Herrmann

February 2, 2008

Dear Dave and family,

Your dad and family have been in my prayers ever since I ran into you in SLC this past Christmas. I was saddened to hear of your dad's death when I came across his obituary today. The death of a loved one is an extremely difficult thing to endure. My prayers continue to remain with you and your family that you may find strength and comfort during this extremely difficult time.

Heather

John Yelda

January 27, 2008

Dear Dave and Family,
Karen and I were so sad to hear of your dad's passing. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. I'm so glad I got a chance to get to know him while sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. He was a true gentleman and he will always stay in my memory.

Don and Paula DeNucci

January 27, 2008

Dear Alice,
Paula and I learned of Steve's passing today from Carol and Paul Shaman. Steve was always highly respected by his colleagues for his wisdom and good judgment. He was an exemplary military officer and a superb periodontist. We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Be assured that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Elia Bubenik

January 25, 2008

Dear Alice,
I was so terribly shocked to read of Steve's death! Please know that you and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers. My e-mail is now running, so please let me hear from you.
Love, in P,E,O.
Elia

Jim Craig

January 25, 2008

Alice and Family,

Mary and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Steve. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mark Gordon

January 25, 2008

Dear Alice, David and Eric,
Carol and I were devastated to learn of Steve's passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. I feel very blessed and honored to have known Steve and to have had him as a dear friend. He was uniquely gifted with many talents and I particularly enjoyed his quick wit and his fun-loving character. May God be with you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.

Katherine Fox

January 24, 2008

Dear Alice,

I was very sad to read of Steve's passing even though my only contact with both of you was that of a patient. As is the unfortunate case sometimes, it was much too soon. He was a giant of a man, kind and compassionate with a wonderful wry sense of humor and a professional in every sense of the word. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and the boys during this difficult time. Katherine Fox

Helma Kupitz

January 24, 2008

Alice
My deepest sympathy and love go out to you at this time. It was a huge shock to hear of Steve's passing. My thougts and prayers are with you and your sons at this time.

Roger & DeAnn Arnold

January 24, 2008

We are so sorry for your loss.We had the pleasure of working the Sat. morning shift with Steve and will miss the friendly shooting competition, his watchful eye, and most of all, the friendship.

Susan Dawson

January 24, 2008

Alice,
Please know you are in our hearts and minds even if we cannot be with you this week.
Affectionately,
Sue & John

Brian Christian

January 24, 2008

To My Uncle Steve:

Although I didn't always express how much I appreciated the advice and support you gave me in everything I did, I want to let you know how much I looked up to you. You were always like a second father to me and a good role model. Our families didn't always see eye to eye, but you need to know that you were loved and will be deeply missed. Thank you for all of the time that we have spent together and the all that you taught me.

To Alice, David, and Eric:

I feel so bad that I had not set more time aside to spent with all of you, especially in the past few months. In Steve's own words "It's too bad that its taken something like this to pull our families back together...but I am glad that you are here." I want you all to know from the bottom of my heart that you all mean so much to me. I will always be there when you need anything.

Love Brian

Neil Graham

January 23, 2008

My condolences to Alice and Steve's sons. I've met one of them and he is a chip off the old block.
I have to pay Steve the ulimate compliment. He was one of five people on the face of the earth who I trusted with my back and my life.

Herm Rackl

January 23, 2008

To Alice Rathofer and family,
you have my deepest sympathy in your lose and the sympathy of all the volunteers at the Lee Kay Center.
Steve will sincerely be missed.
Herm

Richard Engar

January 23, 2008

Steve had a great reputation as a periodontist and person. I enjoyed getting to know him and relied upon his expertise several times. Deepest sympathy to all of you.

Guy Malmborg

January 23, 2008

Rathofer family,

I am sorry to hear about Steve. I had the distinct pleasure to have known Steve. He was a good guy and a dedicated shooter. I am sure he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brittany Stevens

January 23, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Riley Rogers

January 23, 2008

Alice & family,
My deepest sympathies.
I have faith that he, Court & I will, under God's plan, reunite as The Villagers.

Blair (Rocky) McClune

January 23, 2008

As an Army Pilot in remote Sinop Turkey 1974 I met Steve and the lovely Miss Alice. Steve was intelligent and personable; hard not to like him. Alice was pretty charming as well. As time went by we all grew to respect and admire them. Steve made the most of what life offered.

Gerri Bradford

January 23, 2008

Alice,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. This came as such a shock to me and all your friends as I am sure that it was to you, Eric and Dave. I know that your memories of all the years that you had together will bring you comfort and solace. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

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