BROWNSVILLE, TX. - Walter Frederick “Fred” Rathjen was born in Brownsville, Texas on the 8th of March 1951 and passed peacefully on his birthday, Friday, the 8th of March 2024, at the age of seventy-three years.As a young boy, Fred lived in Matamoros, Mexico and loved sharing his fond memories of growing up there. It was during this time that Fred found his love for baseball. From playing Little League, Pony League and High School baseball to City League softball, Fred had a passion for the game. He also enjoyed spending time golfing and fishing with his dad and friends.Fred graduated from Brownsville High School in 1969 and attended The University of Texas at Austin. He then began a long, successful career working for Sea Garden Sales, Inc. serving as General Manager of Industrial Sales until his retirement.Preceding Fred in death were his parents, Walter Clint Rathjen and Olive Longoria Rathjen, and his brother, Daniel Wayne “Danny” Rathjen.Fred is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Sandra Mortensen Rathjen; his daughters, Kerri Tallent (Scott) and Melissa Kotara (Rodney); his grandchildren Bryan M. Ramsey, Kevin C. Tallent, Taylor N. Moore, Jason P. Tallent, Taylor N. Moore, Victoria E. “Tori” Coy, and Taralyn N. Coy; his great-grandchildren, Christopher L. Ramsey and Betty Z. Ramsey; and by his aunts Mary Rathjen Felton, Linda Longoria Neff, Virginia Griffin, Christine Longoria, and Benita Longoria Champion.Visiting hours with the family will be held on Saturday, the 16th of March 2024 between the hours of one o’clock in the afternoon and three o'clock in the afternoon, with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at two o'clock Saturday afternoon within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Harbor Hospice and Sunshine Haven in Olmito, Texas for the great care they provided for Fred and to all of his family and dear friends who came to visit.In lieu of floral arrangements and customary remembrances, donations in his memory can be made to Sunshine Haven in Olmito.Memories of Fred may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.
Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.