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RATHGEBER -- William Donald ("Don") Rathgeber, age 87, passed away in Albuquerque, NM on November 9, 2007 after a short illness. Born October 18, 1920 in Lock Haven, PA, Don graduated from what is now Lock Haven University in 1942 and was commissioned in the United States Army Air Corps that same year. After serving in England, France, and Germany during World War II, Japan, and Vietnam, Don retired from the United States Air Force in 1969 with the rank of Colonel and settled in Albuquerque. Don was a member of Hiram Lodge #13 and belonged to the Ballut Abyad Shrine. He was a member of the Director's Staff, The Royal Order of Jesters, and the Order of the Quetzalcoatl. An avid golfer, he was a former member of Pendaries Golf Club and an active member of Albuquerque Country Club. Don was also a member of Central Methodist Church and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Don is survived by his wife of over twenty three years, Gertrude Schwartzman Rathgeber; two sons: Lt. Col William Allen Rathgeber, USAF ret., his wife Cathryn and two grandsons, Bryan Lewis Rathgeber and Jeffrey William Rathgeber, all from Plano, Texas; Colonel David Don Rathgeber, USAF ret. and his wife InSuk, currently living in Seoul, Korea; and a daughter, Colonel Susan Jane Voveris, USAF ret., her husband, Lt Col Bronis J. Voveris, USAF ret.; a granddaughter, Jessica Jane Voveris; and a grandson, Michael Bronis Voveris. Don was preceded in death by his parents Lewis W. Rathgeber and Carmetta Earon Rathgeber; a sister Gretchen; a brother Lewis; and a wife of nearly thirty five years, Jane Allen Rathgeber. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Don will be sorely missed by his family, the Schwartzman family members, and his many friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at French Mortuary Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Central Methodist Church, the Church of the Good Shepherd, or a charity of the donor's choice. French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Mon November 12, 2007