Robert Rathjen

Robert Linus Rathjen, 87, died Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at his home in Aztec, New Mexico. A Funeral Service will be Monday, October 8, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Hood Mortuary Chapel. Mr. Ron Tate will be officiating. Burial will occur at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango. Visitation will be held at Hood Mortuary Chapel on Sunday, October 7, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

Mr. Rathjen was born June 28, 1925, in Aztec, New Mexico, the son of Robert and Gladys (Boren) Rathjen. R.L. and his family moved quite extensively throughout his childhood years, due to his father's construction career. He graduated from Longmont High School and attended the old Fort Lewis College in Hesperus for about two years. While in southwest Colorado, he met his future wife, Bonnie while working in his aunt's restaurant in Cortez. The restaurant was called “Jackie's Drive In.” He and Bonnie were married in Englewood, Colorado, on November 22, 1948 and lived there for a short time. They moved back down to our area and R.L. worked for Bonnie's father as a truck driver. They lived in Durango and the West Animas Valley for a total of 50 years. R.L. had then established his own businesses, first as Bob's Excavation and then the name changed to United Construction. In the early 1970's, R.L.’s construction crew were pioneers in building the Tamarron resort (now known as the Glacier Club). He was very proud of that project. In 1985, R.L. retired and he and his wife enjoyed motor homing throughout California and Arizona and boating in nearby Navajo and Vallecito Lakes. He had a real passion for golf that started in the 1960’s. He enjoyed teaching the sport to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and being with his family.

He is survived by Doug and Kaynet Rathjen (son and daughter-in-law) of Durango, Bobby and Micki Rathjen (son and daughter-in-law) of Durango; grandchildren: Tina Landis, Kellie Dolph, Clay P. Rathjen, Ricky L. Rathjen, and Marlee Clark; great-grandchildren: JJ Landis, Dayna Landis, Tyler Talbot, Reed Dolph, Zoe Rathjen, Cael Dolph, Rance Rathjen, Ivor Rathjen and Trigg Rathjen.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie in 2011, his son Ricky Rathjen, his granddaughter Danielle Rathjen and two sisters, Iva Mae Bashor and Nadine Wilcher.