Zachary Deen Rathert

Zachary Deen Rathert, 37, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024, due to a motor vehicle accident.

A Funeral Service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating.

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the service at the church hall.

Interment will be at the Westport Cemetery following the lunch.

Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, at the church with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.  Visitation continues one hour before the service at the church.

The family requests casual dress for the services.

Carlsen Funeral Home, 1708 8th Ave NE, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.carlsenfh.com

Zachary “Zach” Deen Rathert was born February 21, 1987, to Kelly and Janine (Hinz) Rathert in Aberdeen, SD. Zach attended Aberdeen schools and graduated from Central High School in 2006.

Growing up, Zach often spent his time with family and friends, oftentimes at the race track with his father, Kelly, and uncle, Rick. During the off-season, he enjoyed snowmobiling with friends and family and traveling to the mountains.

Around age 13, Zach started helping his dad with his company, Rathert Construction. He then worked alongside his dad every day and formed many relationships with people that changed his life forever. He would also spend time working on his Grandpa Elroy’s farm and also loved helping out on his parents’ farm.

Zach was a man of many admirable qualities, always willing to give the shirt off his back to help others. He was everyone’s go-to person to call for help, hangouts, or even just someone to talk to.

In 2009, Zach met his soulmate, Carissa Larson, and they fell in love instantly. They were married on July 9, 2016, and their life together bloomed when joined by their three beautiful children, who were so special to Zach: Shaylee, Kellen, and Natalie.

In 2020, Zach and his family endured the devastation of a house fire while Carissa was pregnant with Natalie. Despite the hardship, he poured love and care into rebuilding their home, creating a fresh start for his family.

Zach was a jack of all trades, skilled with his hands, and enjoyed tinkering and fixing whatever projects he could tackle. He was always doing something; he just couldn’t sit still! His passion was helping others. He was a friend to many and loved everyone.

His kids were his pride and joy. Zach loved to go to all their events and supported them tirelessly. He would take Kellen to work on projects with him, and Natalie loved going to Menards with her dad. Zach was a regular at Menards and it was never out of the ordinary to see him there with Shaylee, Kellen, and Natalie. Zach loved attending concerts with his wife, Carissa, and their friends. He also was an avid Brown County Speedway fan and went to the races every Friday night with his family. He loved spending time and making memories with his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and they all thought the world of him. Zach was hilarious, quick-witted, and always had a fast comeback to jokes. You couldn’t help but love him, whether you liked it or not! He will be remembered fondly by his many friends and family for his humor, selflessness, and genuine soul and care for all others around him.

Zach will be greatly missed by his wife, Carissa Rathert; children Shaylee, Kellen, and Natalie Rathert; parents Kelly & Janine Rathert; sister Jennifer (Chris) Allison; brother Jordan Rathert; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandma Geraldine Schmidt; grandpa Delbert Rathert; grandparents Elroy and Carol Hinz; uncle Rick Hinz; cousin Everly Weig; and many friends.

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