Mark Ernest Rathje

Mark E. Rathje, 79, of Elkton, died Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.

Mark was born September 24, 1939 in Pigeon to the late William and Loretta (McKay) Rathje.  He graduated from Pigeon High School in 1957.  He married Myra Forman on July 7, 1956 at the Caseville Methodist Church; she preceded him in death March 13, 2012.  He worked 34 years at Pigeon Manufacturing in tool and die as a journeyman.  He was a member of the Hubbard-Winsor Lodge 420 of the Free and Accepted Masons and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and karate.

He is survived by his children Mark “Tom” (Laurie) of Pigeon, Beverley Bouverette of Elkton, Wade (Anna Stroh) of Elkton, Bonnie (Kenny Clark) Micklash of Bad Axe and Barbara of Harbor Beach; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; and siblings Kenneth (Dorothy) of Caseville, Mabel (Ray) LeClair of Caseville, William of Pinconning, Carol Naylor of Milford, Gail (James) O’Berski of White Lake and Brian (Margaret) of Walled Lake.  He was preceded in death by his sisters Elinor Miller and Ardith Elliott and son-in-law David Bouverette.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday, October 6 ^th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton with Rev. Karen Bouverette officiating.  Burial will be in New Bay Port Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-8 Friday.  There will be a Masonic memorial service 6:30pm Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Huron County Medical Care Facility Activity Fund.