Eugene R. Rathjen was born June 6, 1936, to John and Frieda (Buck) Rathjen in Ulysses.
Eugene served in the United States Air Force from Oct. 1, 1958, to March 31, 1959. He also served in the Air Guard from June 25, 1958, to June 24, 1964. On July 10, 1960, Eugene was united in marriage to Linda Schlueter at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York. He was a life-long farmer in the York area. After retiring from farming, Gene and Linda moved to Seward and joined St. John Lutheran Church. He was always very active in church, serving his congregations in numerous capacities. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and camping with Linda. Eugene passed away Jan. 30, 2023, in Seward, at the age of 86 years, 7 months and 24 days.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Rathjen of Seward, (formerly of York); children, Melinda (Vincent) Cyrus of Medicine Bow, Wyoming, Michael (Teresa) Rathjen of York, Matthew (Wendy) Rathjen of Waco, and Michelle (Nathan) Jacobsen of Lincoln; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Keith Rathjen of Bee, and Curtis Rathjen of Milford. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frieda Rathjen; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dina and Lyle Ladwig, and Marcella and Elmer Kahler; brothers and sisters-in-law, Duane and Tryus Rathjen and John and Darlene Rathjen; and sister-in-law, Irene Rathjen.
The funeral service was Feb. 10 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward with committal at the Seward Cemetery. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
