Alvin H. Rathje

Alvin H. Rathje, age 96 of Pigeon, passed away Monday, February 22, 2016 at Country Gardens in Pigeon.

He was born in Winsor Township on February 16, 1920, and was the son of Otto and Anna Rathje. He was confirmed by Rev. G.F. Wacher at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Berne, on May 27, 1934; his confirmation verse was John 15:5.

Alvin and Gladys E. Baum were united in marriage nearly 70 years ago on September 1, 1946, at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth. She survives him.

Alvin farmed all of his life beginning at a very early age, and still helped with the farm operation up until a few years ago. He loved farming, golfing, playing cards, and he liked to do woodworking projects. He was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers, the Michigan Farm Bureau, a Community Action Group member for many years, and a member of a card club that met regularly for 50 years. He was also an original member at Scenic Golf & Country Club, Pigeon, where he golfed several times a week until age 94.

Alvin was a lifelong member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, serving as President of the congregation, Elder, Trustee, synod delegate, a choir member for many years, and a Sunday School teacher.

In addition to his wife, Gladys, he is survived by two sons, Robert and his wife, Cynthia of Pigeon and Randall and his wife, Diane of Saginaw; seven grandchildren: Ami (Aaron) Park of San Diego, California, Kami (Russ) Genet of Frankfort, Illinois, Joy (George) Lopez of Lansing, Robin Rathje of Fort Collins, Colorado, Jennifer (Dan) Zeiss of St. Johns, Rev. Christopher (Beth) Rathje of Ocala, Florida, and Sean (fiancé Ashley Goeser) of Pasadena, California; 10 great-grandchildren: Cade Genet, Cruz Genet, Sophie Lopez, Peyton Lopez, Linka Park, Wynn Park, Kyah Rathje, Bryn Rathje, Lily Rathje and Isaac Rathje; brother, Marlin and his wife, Marian Rathje of Pigeon; sister-in-law, Harriett Rathje of Solan, Ohio ; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Arnold Rathje, and two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Esther (Charlie) Weaver and Gertrude (Henry) Roestel.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Pigeon, with Rev. James A. Gorsegner, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church Building Fund, WELS Relief Fund, or charity of donor's choice.

VISITATION AT MEYERSIECK-BUSSEMA FUNERAL HOME, PIGEON:
Friday, February 26 1 - 8 p.m.
AND AT ST. JOHN'S Ev. LUTHERAN CHURCH, PIGEON:
Saturday, February 27 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m.