Dr. Robert Charles Rath

1923 - 2012

Dr. Robert Charles Rath
1923 - 2012


Dr. Robert Charles Rath passed away peacefully in his home on July 10, 2012 in Auburn, Calif., at the age of 88.
Throughout his life, he served with devotion to his country, community, and family. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1923, he and his brother Herb grew up exploring the outdoors, playing golf, and reading every book or newspaper in sight. After two years at Valparaiso University, he transferred to Case Western Reserve University Dental School. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army in 1942. After two years, he returned to Case Western to complete his dental degree in 1944. In the same year he married his wife Jane Smeltz.
After operating a private practice in Cleveland for five years, he joined the Navy and served as a dental officer with the Marine Corps in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He extended his time with the Navy and was stationed in Coronado, Calif.
In 1955 he and his wife, Jane, settled in Auburn to raise their two children and start his own private practice. For 30 years he served the community with dedication and showed generosity and care for his patients. When not in the office, he enjoyed fishing and camping with his family and friends, and traveling the country in his motorhome.
He spent his retirement nurturing his mind, body, and heart. A lifelong learner, he was constantly reading about history and current events. Exceptionally talented working with his hands, a skill he learned as a dental student, he made everything from furniture to birdhouses to wine cork trivets. He was also an accomplished cook, and his salsa and Christmas Stollen were family traditions. A consummate family man, he loved seeing the family grow and benefited those around him by sharing his knowledge, love, and wry sense of humor.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Jane, after 68 years of marriage; his two children, Susan (John) Hassenplug of North Lake Tahoe, Calif., and Robert (Jeannine) Rath Jr. of Auburn, Calif.; his four grandchildren, David (Katie) Doak of Auburn, Calif., Robert (Laura) Rath III of Auburn, Calif., Chuck (Marta) Hassenplug of Bethesda, Md., and Katie (Ryan) Press of Pasadena, Calif.; and four great-grandchildren, Julian, Ava, Mckensie, and Maya.
Bob was a gentle giant who lived a full life bringing health and humor to those around him. He will be greatly missed but always fondly remembered.
A private service for the family will be held at a future date.