Walter Clint Rathjen

Walter Clint Rathjen, 85, died at Vicente and Bobs House at 60 Guanajay on Wednesday, July 04, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Clint Rathjen, his father, Major Herman Frederick Rathjen, his brother, Herman Frederick Rathjen, and his beloved son, Daniel W. Rathjen.

He is survived by his wife, Olive Longoria Rathjen, his son, Walter Frederick Sandra Rathjen, and his daughters, Kerri and Melissa, three grandsons and three granddaughters, and his sister, Mary Rathjen John Felton of Montgomery, Texas, and his beloved dog, Fifi, who came to be his favorite visitor at Vicente and Bobs House.

Walter had a varied series of occupations including working at McKee Construction Company, the firm that built CarthageHydrocol, owning two service stations, and working as an executive at Algodones Universales in Matamoros. When the cotton was depleted in this area, he embarked on a career in banking. He began at Pan American Bank under Tony Carnesi and later, Bobby Duffey. There, he grew and developed business through his many contacts and travels throughout Mexico. Unable to complete a college education, he nonetheless had wonderful life skills and love for people of all walks of life. He was affable and had an engaging personality. Eventually, Walter Rathjen became President and Chairman of the Board at International Bank. After retirement he worked at Laredo National Bank, retiring in 2004.

During WW II, Walter served in the Merchant Marines. He saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific arenas.

Walter Rathjen served his community by membership in both the Rotary and Propeller Club, which are both local service clubs and as a March of Dimes volunteer. His work in cotton took him and his family to live in Memphis Tennessee, Galveston, Texas, El Centro, California, and Mexico. He was also elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in the 60s.

Rathjens free time was spent by golfing with his buddies at The Country Club in Rancho Viejo and The VICC Country Club. In later years, he played regularly at the Fort Brown Riverview Golf Club near the University. His golf buddies included: Dan Rentfro, Frank Parker, Tom Sweeney, Alan Clint, Rusty Johnson, Del Perkins, Richard Hinojosa, Harry Richardson, Joe Trevio, Billy Faulk, Larry Herrera, Tomas Castella, Albert Fernandez, and Marvin Conner among others. He especially enjoyed games with his son Fred.

After his retirement from both work and golf, Walter became an avid bird watcher and spent many hours on the patio with binoculars and bird books identifying the birds. Hummingbird feeders were full of interesting specimens. He gave a black one the name of Zorro and a green and brown one was The Green Hornet. When Zorro returned the following year, he brought a baby black one, called, of course, Son of Zorro.

Walter Rathjen enjoyed every moment of his life until his last three years. They were difficult. May God give him the rest he has earned.

A memorial service celebrating Walters life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at the Church of the Advent Episcopal, 104 W. Elizabeth St.

In lieu of flowers, Walter specified that donation be made in his memory to the Brownsville Animal Defense Fund in charge of Tessie Sarmiento, 1225 N. Expressway, Suite C1, Box 150 A, Brownsville, TX 78521.

Special gratitude goes to the lovely and kind nurses and cooks at Vicente and Bobs House. He received special care and kindness and love during his stay there. These nurses and other employees provided a homelike atmosphere and quality, calm, happy care.

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