Burl V. Rathbun died December 25, 2023 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

Burl was born June 3, 1926 to Samuel W. Rathbun and Lillie P. (Wicks) Rathbun in Mitchell, SD.  Early in childhood the family relocated to Storm Lake, Iowa.  Burl graduated from Hayes High School.  He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II Occupational Forces in Japan.

Upon Honorable Discharge he returned to Iowa to begin a 35 plus year career in the rural electric industry.  Burl was known to recall "in the early days" we would put our hooks on in the AM and not take them off until we went home for evening dinner.  Climbing 100 poles a day at times!

Burl and Dorothy A. Richardson were united in marriage on June 3, 1948, in Madison, South Dakota.  Born to this marriage union were Terrance "Terry" S. Rathbun (son) and Patricia "Pat" A. (Rathbun) Friedrichsen (daughter).  The family resided in Madison, SD for many years before relocating to Huron, SD for Burls rural electric career.

In 1983, at retirement, Burl and Dorothy relocated to the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Burl was a member of The First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge #26 Huron and the Yeldez Shrine Aberdeen.

Burl is survived by his wife of 75 years, Dorothy A. Rathbun; son Terrance S. Rathbun; daughter Patricia A. (Roger) Friedrichsen; grandchildren: Oakley T. (Roxanne) Rathbun, Emily Anna Coy, Ryan (Angela) Friedrichsen, Aaron (Jeremy Hart) Friedrichsen; great-grandchildren: Wilem Rathbun, Weston Rathbun, Amelie Wilcox, Bijou Wilcox, Scarlet Rathbun, Benjamin Coy, Elouise Coy, Aubree Friedrichsen, and Jacob Friedrichsen.

Burl was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Donald and Glenn and sisters: Lois Elias and Clarice Fitchett.

Graveside Services and Interment will be 1:00 pm Friday, January 5, 2024 at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors with the Rushmore VFW Post #1273 Honor Team and the South Dakota Army National Guard Honor Team.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.