J. Hank Rathjen


J. Hank Rathjen, BarabooJustus H. Rathjen, born Dec. 26, 1928, passed to his lord in Heaven on Dec. 15, 2012. Hank, as he was known to his friends, was born in Portage to the late Olga (Lansendorf) and Justus C. Rathjen. He graduated from Portage High School in 1946. Hank enjoyed running track in high school and won several track awards. After high school, he went to work for Wisconsin Power and Light (Alliant Energy) where he was employed for 45 years. During his time at WP&L he was drafted and served in the US Navy with the Fighting SeaBee's. Hank spent 37 years on the City of Baraboo Police and Fire Commission. He was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Baraboo. Hank enjoyed curling and was an active member, playing with the Portage Curling Club for many years.He is survived by his wife, Arlene B. Rathjen of Baraboo; two children, Brian N. (Beverly) Rathjen of Mesa, AZ and Cheryl (Chris) Labeots of Baraboo; his grandchildren, Nick and Jake Labeots and Kyle Rathjen; two sisters, Barbara (Larry) Kampe of Windsor and Grace (James) Timm of Tempe, AZ; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Baraboo with Pastor Thomas Fricke officiating. Per his wishes, there will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. The Redlin Funeral Home in Baraboo is assisting the family. www.redlinfuneralhome.com