Gene Bathe, 88, of Hartsburg passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.

 

Gene was born on October 15, 1929, in Sullivan, IL, the son of Harry and Mabel (Byrom) Bathe Sr. He married Marjorie Lessen on June 28, 1953, in Hartsburg, IL. She survives.

 

Gene is also survived by his children, Norma Bathe of Hartsburg, Michael (Christine) Bathe of Normal, and Nancy (Paul) Kemp of Janesville, WI; his grandchildren, Courtney Bathe, Quinnton Kemp, and Cassidy Kemp.

 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings; Gene was the last member of his immediate family.

 

Gene retired from Lehn & Fink as a shipping clerk after 42 years. Gene worked with the Hartsburg Fire Dept. for 41 years; 16 of which he was the Fire Chief. He was an EMT for 28 years, and the Water Plant Operator for 55 years. He was with the International Chemical Workers Union Local #316 for 42 years, where he was president for 3 years; and recording secretary for 21 years.

 

Additionally, Gene was the President of the Lehn & Fink Credit Union for 10 years. He was Chairman of the Board at Hartsburg Methodist Church and served as the Sunday School Superintendent for 13 years. Gene was on the Board of Logan County Paramedics Association. He was the recipient of The Larry Schroyer Award for Lifetime of Excellence in Emergency Services.

Gene enjoyed sports, especially his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and NASCAR; Jeff Gordon was his favorite.

 

Services for Gene will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hartsburg, with Rev. Lisa Goodwin, officiating. Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln. Burial will follow the services at Hartsburg Union Cemetery, Hartsburg. Memorial donations may be made in Gene’s name to Disabled American Veterans or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.