Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Neitzke, Oneta I. (Rathburn) January 30, 2004 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com May 30, 2017, 7:34 am Hastings Reminder - Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004 Lake Odessa- Oneta I. Rathburn Neitzke, age 91, of Lake Odessa, died Jan. 30, 2004 after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family at the home of her daughter. She will be greatly missed by her son, Harold F. (Jeanne) Neitzke of Burton; daughter, Janice (Archer) Howard of Woodland; grandchildren, Gregg Neitzke (Mike Hogle), Leanne Kirchner, Stacie Reynolds, Suzanne (John) Rough, Kirk Howard, and Wayne (Ida) Neitzke; and great grandchildren, Brock (Sydni) Richmond, Alison Oneta Richmond, Scott Kirchner, Amber McClelland, Brandon Cheeseman, Samual Cheeseman, Jessica Cheeseman, Margaret Rough, Hali McDairmid, Meghan Fox, Eric Martins. and Mikayla Neitzke. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold H. Neitzke; parents, Ernest and Irene (Collins) Rathburn; son Edward Neitzke; daughter, Nina Neitzke Edwards; great grandson, John Rough VII; and grandson, Todd Neitzke. As the oldest of 16 children, she is also survived by brothers, Robert (Ann), Jack (Joyce), Don (Phyllis), Jim, and Larry (Patricia) Rathburn; and sisters, Mary Marlow, Ruth Kinkle, Edith King, Irene Snowberg, Erma Jean (Bill) Williams, Betty Betts, and Susie Frank. Onets was predeceased by brothers, L.O. and Ernest, and sister, Hester. She also leaves to cherish her memory many loving nieces, nephews and friends. After nine decades, Oneta's heart must have been filled with many happy memories - moving to Michigan at the age of 5; her active life with husband, Harold; prospecting for silver in the 20's; farming; building one of the first mobile home parks in Tempe/Mesa , AZ area; and operating anumber of successful business in Michigan, including owning the Steel Hotel in St. Johns. Above all, however, her love of family has been the key to her long and fulfilling life. As the eldest of a family of 16, mother of four, grandmother of six and great grandmother of 12, over the course of her life, she has brought hope and meaning to the lives of them all. She has not only raised her own children, but has been a role model and a most positive influence on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Oneta was a member of the Central United Methodist Church in lake Odessa, and when able was active in the UMW projects such as rummage sales. In earlier years, she greatly enjoyed bowling and card parties. In later years, she was an avid reader and expert crossword puzzler, and still was an inspired cook, making all the pies for family get togethers, and remained actively involved in her family's lives. Our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful Hospice workers, they truly made a difference for Oneta and her family. The visits by Pastor Don Ferris were much appreciated. At her request, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Central United Methodist Church in Lake Odessa. The interment of Oneta's ashes, together with those of her son, Edward will be in Lakeside Cemetery. The family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Barry Community Hospice (450 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings, MI 49508) Arrangements are being handled by the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa. Additional Comments: Age: 91 Services: Saturday 7 February, 2004 Lakeside cemetery File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/n/neitzke6353gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.9 Kb