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1948 ~ 2008
Dr. Steven Alfred Rathofer, DMD, MS, Col. US Army (Ret.), born September 4, 1948 in Tokyo, Japan to Alfred August Rathofer and Ruth Gibby Rathofer died January 19, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred August and Ruth Gibby Rathofer; he is survived by his sons, David Steven and Eric William and wife of 36 years, Alice Holland. Alice and Steve married August 26, 1971. Also surviving, his sister Denise Rathofer Christian, brothers-in-law Paul Christian and William Holland; nephews Michael Christian and Brian Christian and nieces Rebecca and Lindsey Holland.
Steve graduated from the University of Utah and received his commission in the US Army Medical Service Corp in 1969. He attended the University of Oregon School of Dentistry and graduated in 1973, at which time he joined the US Army Dental Corp. During his 24-year military career, Steve earned: Army Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritous Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Overseas Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon. Steve was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit 15 October, 1983.
Steve became a periodontist upon graduation from George Washington University in 1981, where he earned a post-doctoral Masters of Science degree. He became a diplomate to the American Board of Periodontology in 1986.
In 1993, upon his retirement from the US Army, Steve returned to Salt Lake City and opened a private practice and retired from practice 23 October 2003. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, and trips to Moab and the California coast. Steve was an avid pistol marksman and donated time weekly at the Lee-Kay shooting range. He enjoyed fly fishing, snow shoeing, birding, and playing his guitars and banjos.
Viewing at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. - Friday, January 25, 6-8 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, January 26 at 1 p.m., Christ United Methodist Church - 2375 E. 3300 S. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Steve's name to the USO, American Red Cross, or American Cancer Society.
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Courtland Cottrell
Steve was an extraordinary man. He was brilliant in school and extremely well-accomplished in life. I met him while he was leaning up against the backstop of the Highland baseball field, playing his 5 string banjo the Spring of 1964. I was an avid "guitar-nut" and was immediately drawn to his skill on the banjo. I was teaching guitar at the time and was in the process of forming a folk music group. I invited him to be the 3rd member of "The Villagers", along with my cousin Riley and myself. The 3 of us practiced thousands of hours together over the next several years, performed at least 500 concerts together and traveled much of Utah and Southern Idaho to perform. We sang and played at more than 100 charity performances where we entertained inmates at the Utah State Prison, Salt Lake County Detention Center, Salt Lake County Hospital Psychiatric Ward and numerous nursing homes, and senior citizen homes. We performed at weddings, open houses, Ward and Stake fund raisers, numerous dances and church concerts, as well as on stage at the Skyline High and Highland High talent assemblies. We performed on stage all through high school and much of our college years at the University of Utah. Steve became one of the finest folk banjo pickers and guitar players I have ever known. He wrote many songs and performed solo instrumentals in every one of our concerts.
Steve was also a member of the ROTC at Highland and a member of the ROTC Drill Team. he was so respected in the ROTC that he was given a full scholarship to the U of U in Military Science. After graduation, Steve went to dental school and later specialized as a Periodontist. He became a full Colonel in the Army Dental Corps. After retiring from the Army, he set up his practice in Midvale, Utah and I was pleased to send many dental referrals to him from my dental practice for his expert treatment.
The old "Villagers" got together periodically for fun (not to perform) during the next 40 years or so after we went our own ways, until his tragic fall that left him paralyzed, and eventually led to his death. I loved and respected Steve for most of our lives. He was a great folk singer and player, a great snow skiier, a fun dirt bike passenger and a respected dentist. I probably knew Steve as well as anyone, and I will tell you that he was a truly great man.
Sandra McCann (Poulsen)
Court, thanks so much for sharing this on Steve! What great insights it gives on both of you, actually. I can even invision a lot of that activity and strummin'. Sad to have lost Steve so early, but he sure got a lot done during his time on this planet!
Courtland Cottrell
Nice of you to say. Looking forward to seeing you in June.