William Rabenberg
EAST KINGSFORD — William D. Rabenberg, 76, of East Kingsford, died peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2008, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford, surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born Sept. 2, 1931, at his parent’s home in Kingsford. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1949. After high school, he worked with his father, George, in construction. They worked on the old Kingsford High School cafeteria. Bill also performed repairs on the First Presbyterian Church on Hamilton Avenue.
In 1951, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for four years during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
In the fall of 1955, he met Mary Lou Miller, whom he married on Feb. 14, 1959. They were the first couple married in the new sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.
Bill and his partner Al “Red” Cootware owned RC Specialty Contractors, a construction company. He built his family home where his four children were raised. Bill also worked for Champion, Inc. He was a supervisor of Breitung Township and also served a time as superintendent of the township.
Bill served as secretary for CUPPAD in Escanaba. Bill supervised the building of the current Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union. Bill volunteered many years on several committees at the credit union including supervisory and served on the board of directors. He was a member of the Land Fill Authority and American Legion Post 363. He was elected the chairman of the Dickinson Area Construction Code Commission.
Bill was a hard-working, sincere, and honest person, always striving for perfection. His family was his pride and joy. Camping with his family for Labor Day weekend and celebrating his birthday brought years of enjoyment to him, his wife and the entire family. Bill and Mary Lou became members of the Good Sam Club and shared many adventures with the group as they traveled to several campgrounds.
Bill is survived by his adoring wife, Mary Lou, who was by his side throughout his long illness. He is also survived by his children, Kay L. Pietrzyk of Quinnesec, Mary E. (Dale) Jarvis of Niagara, Wis., Julie A. (Charlie) VanGinkel of Spread Eagle, Wis. and William G. Rabenberg of East Kingsford; his six grandchildren, Brad VanGinkel, Bailey VanGinkel, Steve Jarvis, Jenny Jarvis, Celina Pietrzyk, and Skylar Rabenberg; his sister, Charlotte (Jack) Hayes of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; his sister-in-law, Betty Miller of Kingsford, and several nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, George H. and Carrie A. (Olson) Rabenberg; his mother-in-law, Laura (Mack) Miller; brother-in-law Delor Miller, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins in South Dakota and California.
Bill was loved and cared for by his extended family at ManorCare Health Services. He resided there for more than two years and received exceptional care. His family truly appreciates all the hard-working, devoted employees who cared for him.
Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. Rev. Michael March will officiate.
Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be Al “Red” Cootware, Jim Rocconi, Lloyd Cudnohufsky, Roger Deau, Bobby Gunville, and Joe Smeester.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory.
Condolences to the family of William D. Rabenberg can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.
