Donald Rathjen

Donald A. Rathjen, 78, of Cathlamet, died July 25, 2022 at his home. He was born in Bellingham on January 28, 1944 to Eugene and Josephine (Zybura) Rathjen. His family moved to Yakima where he grew up and graduated from Davis High School in 1963.

He joined the Coast Guard and was stationed on the Lightship Columbia and at Bremerton. He eventually joined the Yakima Fire Department where he worked as a firefighter until he retired in 1992. He enjoyed some time as a Trolley Engineer on the Yakima Valley Trolley. In 2002 he moved to Cathlamet where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf. He loved watching sports and Nascar. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, racing cars, clamming, time at the beach and riding motorcycles. He was a member of the Yakima Firefighters Association #469.

Don is survived by his son Jeff Rathjen (Cheryl); two daughters, Tamara Sills (Chris) and Dawn Roddy (Donnie); a sister Judy Ann Vetsch; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren and two nephews. He was preceded by his wife Patty Fisher Rathjen in 1993.

There will be no service at his request. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements