Living

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Margaret Battel Bethel supplied the corrected birthdate and location, as Art Peck was incorrect. She further noted that although Dick was born in Toledo, he grew up in Pennsylvania.

Bio of Dick Bethel published by Encore, Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

Blessed with everything from a green thumb to a sense of humor, Dick Bethel inspires the rest of us to ponder if we're truly tapping our own reservoirs to the greatest degree possible to share with the outside world.

Even a lifelong battle with Crohn's disease has failed to slow this Belmont resident, who was born in Toledo, raised in Pennsylvania, and moved to Michigan to make his mark in education, theater, horticultural, the Boy Scouts of America and more.

While helping his father in the car sales business, he earned a degree from Youngstown State University in business administration, then took a job with Dow Corning in Midland, and later earned an MBA from Central Michigan University.

It's there he met wife Maggie, with whom he has one son, Daniel. After his stint with Dow, he worked for JC Penney, then Reith-Riley Construction. Along the way, he taught sales and business classes for 22 years at Ferris State University.

His interests include a relationship with scouting (son Daniel attained the Eagle rank), as well as a long-time commitment to the Crossroads Theater Guild in Reed City, where he's played the part of the disciple James the Lesser in a production of "The Last Supper" that originated in1986.

"It always looks good on your resume," Dick says, "when you list yourself as 'disciple.'"

Dick has also performed with the Rogue River Community Theater Company since 2001.

In association with 4-H and Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service, Dick has pitched in on several endeavors, including that of a "rabbit leader" the last 16 years for youth raising hares to show at area fairs. In 2011, he earned Master Gardener designation through MSU, and has completed requirements for advanced master gardener and master naturalist.

"It's a whole different direction from the city boy who grew up in Redding, Pennsylvania," he acknowledges.

With Maggie at his side, these two avid gardeners have landscaped from scratch their two-acre wooded lot in Ada with lavish stands of perennials. They spend hours each spring spritzing up the beds with hundreds of annuals. Highlights include a bubbling fountain that flows from a massive puddingstone, and meandering pathways that connect to neighbors' properties.

"It's been a lot of enjoyment and fun," says Dick, whose life of service has extended to children as young as five and gardeners well into and beyond their 80s. "You get your rewards," he maintains, "from the enjoyment of others."

Sometimes, those rewards come with laughter. Not long ago, he was manning phones for the Extension Service and fielded a call from a woman who had just moved to northern Lower Michigan from southern Mississippi.

"Have there been any reports of spaceships landing in the Traverse City area?" she asked, and went on to describe what she thought was something tantamount to crop circles, with "the ground covered in some areas by a strange white coating."

"How long have you lived in Traverse City," Dick asked.

"Six months," came the reply.

"Do you know what frost is?"


Obituary

Richard Milton Bethel, Polka-dancer, cat-lover, vintage milk-bottle enthusiast, and a man with an endless appetite for Pennsylvania Dutch dishes are just a few of the traits that describe Richard ""Dick"" Bethel. Dick found joy in all these things and so much more yet nothing gave him greater joy than serving others. Even on his last day of July 14, 2022, which came to a peaceful end at his home with his beloved wife beside him, he spoke of plans to serve coffee to the folks ""upstairs"".

Service to his community and others was a consistent quality that marked his entire life through his service in the Navy, his teaching career at Ferris State University, his 4-H volunteer work, and as a Master Gardener Hotline volunteer. Naming all the different ways he served during his life cannot be adequately chronicled in this space, but more important, does not honor his humble character.

Dick was born June 27, 1939, to Milton and Elsie Bethel of Reading, Pennsylvania, and was their only child. In 1974 he married his beloved wife Margaret; they were married 48 years. They lived in the Cannonsburg area for the last 30 years. In 1980 he became a father to their only child, Daniel Bethel. He gained a daughter-in-law, Sarah, in 2013. He became a grandfather to Benji, in 2015 and later to Clara (2018), and Susie (2020). Dick took great pride and love in his family, expressing his care through service. He asked his son and others (he was honored to be called ""Dad"" by several family friends), ""How's your car running?"". We love you too Dad, the cars are running just fine.

A memorial service is planned for August 19, 2022, at 11:30 at the Bostwick Lake Congregational Church, 7979 Belding Road, NE, Rockford, MI, 49341, followed by a light luncheon. Visitation will be held an hour before the service. The service will also be available for connection on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85906057012?pwd=Y2RMOHdIOUV5cyt4SlJOQ2VPNW1CZz09.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan 4 H Foundation for the Kent County 4-H Youth Endowment or the Bostwick Lake Congregational Church Memorial Gardens.

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jul. 21 to Jul. 25, 2022.

Richard"Dick" married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Services for Milton E. Bethel, 72, of 3039 Grandview Blvd., Springmont, owner-operator of Bethel's Motor Service, 613 N. Third St., for 42 years, will be Friday night at 8 in the Clauser Funeral Home, Schaefferstown.

Burial will be in Millcreek Memorial Cemetery, Newmanstown.

Bethel was dead on arrival Tuesday night in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

Born in Amherst, Va. he was a son of the late William and Cora (Hudson) Bethel.

Surviving are his wife, Elsie (Lebo) Bethel; a son, Richard, Reed City, Mich., and a grandson.

Reading Eagle; 2 Jul 1981.

Milton married Elsie E. Lebo before 1939. Elsie was born on 10 Nov 1906 in Sheridan, Millcreek Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania; died on 22 May 1990. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, January 8, 1970
Page 9

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Battel, Mark and Margaret entertained Mr. and Mrs. John Battel Sr. and Dan, Mrs. Lena Schwegler, Misses Patricia and Diane Howe of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. and Mrs. John D. Battel and sons of Dayton, Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Sowden, Minnie and Rayford of Caro and Miss Diane Powell at a late New Year's supper Friday evening. Mrs. Forest Klein, daughter Mary and granddaughter Mary Frances of Port Huron joined them for the evening.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Arthur W. Battel

Arthur W. Battel, 89, of Cass City died Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006 in Tendercare Nursing Facility in Cass City.

He was born Jan. 14, 1917 at home in Elkland Township to John and Bessie (Sowden) Battel. He married Marjory Magdalene Schwegler on Nov. 19, 1942 in Cass City Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Arthur was a livestock farmer, raising dairy cows and swine, as well as processed maple syrup on the family farm. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living member of the Fraser Presbyterian Church. His family were founding members of the church. Arthur was a 4H member in his youth and a 4H leader as an adult. He was an active supporter of the Tuscola County Fair and the Michigan State Fair, and participated in both by exhibiting livestock. During his years as a member of Fraser Presbyterian Church, Arthur held various offices, including serving as Elder since 1949; he also was a former Sunday School Superintendent.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Marjory; children, John (Reba) Battel of Dandridge, Tenn., Mark (Diane) Battel of Cass City, Margaret (Richard) Battle of Belmont; grandchildren, Michael (Andrea) Battel, Philip (Charise) Battel, Christopher (Kara) Battel, Robert (Sue) Battel, Brenda Battel, Daniel Battel; great-granddaughters, Laura, Elaina, Carla, Addy, Dori, Ella; sister, Lillian (Lawrence) Neaves of Las Vegas; sister-in-law, Betsy Sowden of Vassar; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his foster brother, Morris Sowden.

Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006 in Kranz Funeral Home, with Rev. David Blackburn officiating. Interment will take place in Elkland Township Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to Fraser Presbyterian Church or the Tuscola County Fair Association.

Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.

Huron Daily Tribune (www.michigansthumb.com)

(Research):Census Information:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 16 and 17 Jan 1920
SD 7 ED 178 Sheet 3B
70-73
Battel, John W Hd M w 32 M Mich Canada/Eng Canada/Eng Farmer
Battel, Bessie Wf F w 23 M Mich England Mich
Battel, Arthur W Son M W 3 S Mich Mich Mich
Battel, Lilian M Dtr F W 1 1/12 Mich Mich Mich
Battel, Daniel Bro M W 28 S Mich Canada Canada
Battel, Geroge Bro M W 22 S Mich Canada Canada

Arthur married Marjory Magdalene Schwegler on 19 Nov 1942 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Marjory (daughter of Benjamin Adam Schwegler and Joanna Magdalena "Lena" Mark) was born on 26 Apr 1918 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 20 Apr 2008 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 24 Apr 2008 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Attended the rural Wright School, located in Elkland Township on mile east and two miles north of Cass City on the southeast corner of Schwegler and Reed roads. A picture of the Wright School Girls-1931, shows Dorothy Deneen, Ruth Tuckey, Betty McCallum, Fern Schwegler, Helen Joos, Kathleen McCallum, Leila Battel (teacher), Marie Deneen, Alice Buehrly, Marjory Schwegler. Wright School Boys-1931, Lawrence Holik, Leon Holik, Keith Buehrly, Russell Ellis, Russell Striffler, James Tuckey, Calvin Helwig, Fred Withey, Clinton Law, Henry Hulbert. (The Way it Was, The Cass City Area Historical Society, Vol 7, July 2002, Number 4).

Marjory Battel was one of the cousins of BonnieMargaret Jacobs who searched their Bibles and records and picture collections to provide information for her 1981 manuscipt about the history of the Benkelman family. She and her daughter, Maggie, also identified people in the old family photos of numerous cousins, many of which are displayed on this website.

MARJORY MAGDALENE SCHWEGLER BATTEL

Marjory M. Battel, 89, of Cass City, died peacefully with her family by her side Sunday, April 20, 2008 in her home following a short illness. She was born April 26, 1918 at home in Elkland Township to Benjamin and JoAnna Magdalene (Mark) Schwegler. She married Arthur William Battel November 19, 1942 in the Cass City Evangelical United Brethren Church. He died December 2, 2006.

Marjory graduated from Cass City High School in 1937 as Salutatorian of her class. She enjoyed gardening. Marjory loved to read and was a very active member of Fraser Presbyterian Church. She was a Youth Fellowship Leader, Sunday School Teacher and 4H Leader. Marjory was a very giving, humble person. She served others and led by her example, asking not for acknowledgement. She loved to bake and cook, preparing food for her family and friends.

Marjory is survived by her children: John (Reba) Battel of Dandridge, TN, Mark (Diane) Battel of Cass City, Margaret (Richard) Bethel of Belmont; grandchildren: Michael (Andrea) Battel, Philip (Charise) Battel, Christopher (Kara) Battel, Robert (Sue) Battel, Brenda Battel, Daniel Bethel; great granddaughters: Laura, Elaina, Carla, Addy, Dori, Ella; great grandsons: Fisher and Andrew John; several nieces and nephews; special cousin, Sharon Fox. She is preceded in death by her sisters: Mildred Klein and Fern Howe.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2008 in Kranz Funeral Home Cass City with Rev. David Blackburn of Fraser Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will take place in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Pallbearers for Mrs. Battel: Michael Battel, Christopher Battel, Robert Battel, Brenda Battel, Daniel Bethel and Andrew Klein. Memorials may be made to the Fraser Presbyterian Church.. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday before the service
Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan Debra L. Kranz - 989-872-2195

(Courtesy of Lorraine Smith Benkelman)

Maggie Battel Bethel indicates that she died of pancreatic cancer.

An Imitation of Christ
Scripture and message
Written and Delivered by Daniel Bethel, Grandson


12:9-21

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thrist, give him drink; for in doing so thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.


Message

The theme of this message is, "an imitation of Christ". That is who Marjory was. The first Scripture, Romans 12: 9-21, was selected by Marjory for this occasion. The Scripture describes the way Christians are called to live and Marjory sought to obey it. The second Scripture, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 is a Scripture that Marjory read when she was younger and deeply defined her life an important crossroads. Allow me to tell you the story in brief:

As many of you might know, Marjory was salutatorian of her high school class. And even if you didn't know that, you probably know she was an extremely intelligent. After high school Marjory was awarded a scholarship to attend college by a local church group. At first, Marjory accepted. However, there was a series of devastating fires in the community and left several families in dire need and homeless. The victims of the fires came to the church asking for financial assistance but the church could not help because the money was already promised to Marjory for her scholarship. When Marjory learned of the need in the community she returned the money to the church instructing them to give it to the victims of the fire. She never went to college.

As I thought about this story and about Marjory I began to see the imitation of Christ - both intentional and unintentional in her life. I would like first to share the, perhaps, unintentional.

Christ and Marjory were both very intelligent people. They had opportunities to use that intelligence to advance themselves. Christ could have easily gone to Jerusalem, studied with and astounded the great teachers of His day - as early as the age of 12 but He chose to stay in His community. Likewise Marjory could have gone on to have higher education and accomplished who-knows-what. But she chose to stay in her community. Christ and Marjory saw needs in their communities and humbly sought to fulfill them. For approximately 20 years or more Christ learned the family trade of carpentry and worked hard to use this sustain his family and help others in need. Much the same way, Marjory married, learned the Battel family trade of maple syrup and farming, and worked hard at both. Finally, as noted before Christ and Marjory were both very intelligent people but neither had great schooling. In fact, when Jesus first started his ministry those who knew Him were astounded by His knowledge and wisdom. Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit which guided Him though His life and teachings but I do not believe that Christ just automatically knew the Scriptures He quoted. During his 30 years He very likely went to his synagogue, read, and learned the Holy Scriptures on His own initiative. Marjory did much the same. After turning down the scholarship Marjory made a commitment to learn all that she could. Not only did she educate herself in the Bible but in may other areas of subjects. Both Christ and Marjory did not begrudge what they did not have but rejoiced and took advantage of what they did have.

Yet that is not all to be said because Marjory very much intentionally lived as an imitation of Christ. The passage of Romans describes the actions of the Christian life. Now as a human being Marjory was not perfect; like all of us she had sins to be forgiven and imperfections to overcome. But that is not what we focus on when think of her. We think about her service, her unconditional love, her humility, her wisdom, and so on. And those we will miss the most. Yet I want to make an audacious claim. The awe-inspiring and admirable acts of service and character were not inherent in Marjory. She was simply not born like that. Those are merely fruits of her greatest accomplishment - the one we should respect the most. Marjory Battel's greatest accomplishment was her daily submission and obedience to Christ her Lord. What we will miss most about Marjory Battel is Christ in Marjory Battel. In a world where Christ is hard to see and often misrepresented, Marjory's submission shined the Person of Christ like a lighthouse on a dark and stormy night - and we were all drawn to it. The Apostle Paul describes it as such in his letter to the Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."

And finally, here is Gospel, here is Good News for us today. What we loved most about Marjory Battel does not pass with Marjory Battel. Christ lives and therefore we live and can choose to live the beautiful and powerful life of Christ as Marjory did. What we feel we have lost, can be found once again. If are but willing to submit and obey Christ as much as we can, even as Marjory imperfectly did, we fill find that the wounds received in her departure can be healed and that Marjory's life is also our life for it all is One Life found in Christ.