Vernon Rathkamp

Vernon was also known as Vern, Rocky, Dad, Uncle Vern & Opie. He was born in Yoakum, Tx to Hugo & Minnie Rathkamp on April 22, 1937. He went to college in Seguin at Texas Lutheran College and then went to Southwest Texas State in San Marcos where he received his Masters. He married Margaret Osborne on August 23, 1963 in Plainview, Tx. She taught 3rd grade for a few years until she became a full time stay-at-home mom. Vernon was also a teacher. Then, after 17 years of teaching, he tried his hand at being a contractor and a financial investor. Eventually, he settled into ranching in Yoakum, Tx where he had grown up. He worked there up until recently. He was involved in a lot of things; but he wasn’t about all the accolades and achievements and honors for himself- so we won’t list his. Although, he did like to boast after winning at something, that he was “The Winner and Champion of the World”. We will tell you though, that we feel one of his greatest achievements was that he was present with whomever he was with and he loved us well. He never met a stranger; so we fully expect that the next time we see him, he will be having a good ol' time surrounded by a host of both old and new friends and family.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, brother, various aunts, uncles and friends.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Margaret Osborne Rathkamp; his children: Andrea Rathkamp Boldt & her husband, Wes Boldt, David Rathkamp and his wife, Quynh Rathkamp, and Gina Rathkamp Wilson and her husband, Tony Wilson; his sister, Darlene Rathkamp Kjoller; his grandchildren: Caleb Boldt and his wife, Lauren Boldt, Dillon Boldt and his wife , Temper Boldt, Megan Boldt Washburn and her husband Zac Washburn, Christopher Wilson and his fiancee Emily Berry, and Emma Wilson; his great-grandchildren: Brady Boldt, Bryce Boldt and Harrison Boldt.

Pallbearers will be: Caleb Boldt (honorary), Dillon Boldt, Wes Boldt, David Rathkamp (honorary), Christopher Wilson, Tony Wilson and Zac Washburn

Funeral services will be held at 11am, Monday, July 15,2024 in the chapel of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with Wes Boldt officiating. There will be a private Burial at the cemetery near his ranch in Yoakum, Tx. Arrangements are by Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.