"Ac" Rathjen

A Mass of Christian Burial for “AC” Rathjen, 91, of Caldwell is set for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Frenstat, with Father Melvin Dornak officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Strickland Funeral Home in Somerville, with visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Rathjen passed away November 6, 2019 at his home in Caldwell surrounded by loved ones.

AC was born September 17, 1928 to Willie Steve Rathjen and Nora (Lacina) Rathjen in Burleson County, Texas. He married Annie Rosie Brinkman on April 11, 1953 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Frenstat, Texas.

AC was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Edward, Andrew, and infant Daniel Ernest Rathjen; sisters, Rosie Brinkman, Mary Schubert; and grandson, Jordan Blake Rathjen.

AC loved cattle ranching and gardening, and when he gardened, he went big. He liked watching his chickens and cats and always had a good supply of eggs. He enjoyed sitting on the front porch smoking his pipe full of Sir Walter Riley tobacco and telling stories about the good ‘ole days. When he was young, he served as an usher at Holy Rosary Catholic

He is survived by his wife of 66 wonderful years, Annie Rathjen; daughter and son-in-law, Virginia & William Sowders of Caldwell; sons and daughters-in-law, Darrel Joe & Nola Rathjen of Lyons, Darwon “Skeeter” & Connie Rathjen of Caldwell, Glen Rathjen of Caldwell; grandchildren, Jennifer & Brian Broaddus, Kimberly & Billy Sprouse, Laura Koerth, Billy & Julia Sowders, Megan Sowders, Alan & Charlene Rathjen, Kristen & Stephen Maldonado, Mallorie & Jon Schaak, Leigh Anna Rathjen, Trevor & Juan Rathjen, Austin Rathjen, Garrett & Kaitlyn Rathjen; step-grandchildren, Tiffany Gillam, Derek & Aubri Cotton; great grandchildren, Ryan Broaddus, Riley Broaddus, Preston Sprouse, Ashlynn Sprouse, Payton Sprouse, Abigail Sowders, Madeline Sowders, Makaylah Koerth, Jace Klerth, Jaxon Koerth, Adrian Rathjen, Harley Rathjen, Sophia Maldonado, Noah Maldonado, Justin Schaak, Troy Schaak, Kayleigh Ann Rathjen, Reeson Rathjen, Clay Rathjen; step-great, grandchildren, Connor Gillam, Kaylee Lester, Derek Cotton, Jr., Billy Cotton; and numerous other relatives and family friends.

Pallbearers will be Billy Sowders, Alan Rathjen, Trevor Rathjen, Austin Rathjen, Derek Cotton, Sr., and Garrett Rathjen. Adrian Rathjen will act as honorary pallbearer.

The family requests memorial contributions be given to Encompass Hospice and Holy Rosary Catholic Church in AC’s name.