Emil Barthel

Emil Barthel, 87, of Fort Gratiot Township, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, April 23, 2015.

He was born February 2, 1928 in Port Huron to the late Emil and Philomena Barthel. He married Dorris Elaine Cooper on July 2, 1949 at Gratiot Park United Methodist Church in Port Huron.

Mr. Barthel received his electrical engineering B.A. from Wayne State University and a business degree from Walsh College. He was employed with Detroit Edison as an engineer until his retirement in 1992 after 48 years of service. He was a member of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. He lived in Royal Oak, Southfield, Ferndale and Caro over the years and was actively involved in the churches where they lived, serving as Sunday School teacher and Deacon. He was a member of Colonial Woods Missionary Church and Gideons International.

He was an avid fan of University of Michigan football and held season tickets for many years. He was also a fan of the Detroit Tigers, attending many opening season games. He enjoyed weekly breakfasts with the Detroit Edison retirees.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine; children, Douglas Emil (Marianne) Barthel, David Cooper (Karen) Barthel, Rebecca Elaine Barthel, Kathleen Ann (Michael) Hindes and Daniel Paul Barthel; grandchildren, Nicholas (Kayla), Jason (Erin), and Wade (Vivian) Hindes, Harrison, Gina, Alexander Emil, Tyler and Katie Barthel and Claudia Ramirez; several nieces and nephews including special niece, Donna Dennis; and extended family, Bob and Linda Barnes and Debbie Morgan. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ella and Margaret; and both his brothers in the past year, Walter and Rudy.

Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. on Sunday in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015 in Colonial Woods Missionary Church. Pastors Stan Liechty, Mark Wargo and Michael Hindes will officiate.

Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mr. Barthel’s grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International and Samaritan’s Purse.

Special thanks for the wonderful care given by Blue Heron AFCH staff, Grace Hospice, Beacon Home Care, Dr. Jarad and Visiting Physicians, as well as the wonderful staff and community at Sanctuary Mercy Village and Colonial Woods Missionary Church.