Vernon M Rathman - WWII War Heroes, World War II - Tribute site by Q Madp

Vernon M Rathman

Sandy, Oregon

February 17, 2012

Age	Military	Rank	Unit/Location
84	Army		Company C 738th Military Police Battalion Manila, Philippines

Also served with Merchant Marine 1943-1945 then drafted into Army from 1945-1946. Last soldier from Multnomah County to be drafted. Former mayor of Troutdale, Oregon.

For A Few Memorial Service Snapshots, Click photo below:

March 16, 2012

Vernon Merle Rathman
Aug. 27, 1927-Feb. 17, 2012

Vernon Merle Rathman, a former Troutdale mayor, died Friday, Feb. 17. He was 84 and a resident of Sandy.

A celebration of his life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at First Baptist Church, 224 W. Powell Blvd. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 S.E. Mount Scott Blvd., Portland.

Vernon was born Aug. 27, 1927, in Langdon, N.D., to Alexander and Catherine Rathman. Vernon grew up on the family farm. After his father’s death, the family moved to Troutdale in 1936. When he turned 16, he talked his mother into signing the papers so he could join the Merchant Marine and the Army during World War II.

In June 1948, he married Martine Humphrey in Vancouver, Wash. Vernon and Martine formed the Windy Whirlers Square Dance Club, which met in members’ homes and later in Troutdale City Hall, until the group had to leave to make more room for offices.

Vernon served as mayor of Troutdale from 1960 to 1964. He also served as chairman of the city’s first planning commission. He was a charter member of the Troutdale Historical Society and a member of the Troutdale Lions and the Boy Scouts. In 1973, Vernon started Rathman & Sons excavating business, bringing his three sons along.

In an interview with the Troutdale Historical Society, Vernon said his biggest contribution to the city was the construction of a tall water tower on the hill where Helen Althaus Park is now located. As the service area and engineering changed, it was torn down and replaced with an underground storage tank.

“It was my only monument,” he said, “and they tore it down.”

Vernon enjoyed piloting his private airplane, hunting, golfing and hosting Family Camp for 25 years. He and Martine also enjoyed traveling in their motor home, accumulating 350,000 miles visiting family, friends and NASCAR races.

He was preceded in death by his wife in February 2010 and by his brothers, Wilbur and Stanley Rathman.

Survivors include his sons, Kenneth Rathman, Daniel Rathman and Timothy Rathman, all of Sandy; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas, 75265-0309.

Omega Funeral & Cremation Service is handling arrangements.