Michael James Rathfelder

Michael James Rathfelder, 44, of Fremont, died Wed., Oct, 21, 2015 at the Toledo Hospital following a very brief illness. He was born to Gary and Janice (Smithhart) Rathfelder in Fremont on May 6, 1971. On Aug. 10, 2002, he married Ami Rudolf at Fremont Baptist Church by Pastor Gene E. Smith. Michael is survived by his parents of Fremont; his wife and sons, James Edward Rathfelder and Aaron Michael Rathfelder at home; step-sons, Dakota "Kody" J. Hausman of Parris Island, SC and Brandon D. Hausman of Fremont; sister, Michelle "Shellie" Rathfelder of Fremont; nephew, Troy Rathfelder of Fremont; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond "Rocky" and Ann "Kathy" Guggisberg of Vickery; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul "Rudy" Rudolf and Margaret "Maggie" Dwyre of Sandusky; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Fremont and California. He was also survived by special friends, Avery M. Taylor and Carolyn "Carol" Smith of Fremont. Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James "Jim" and Mabel Rathfelder; maternal grandparents, Rev. Dwight and Yuma "Opal" Smithhart; special friend, Rev. Gene E. Smith; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Andrew "Andy" and Kimberly "Kim" Guggisberg. Michael was a very proud and serving member of Grace Community Church, where he was a past Upwards coach and past member of the softball team. He was also an active 26 year member of the Sandusky Township Fire Department, where he served as a Firefighter and EMT. Michael was a current Assistant Scoutmaster at Boy Scout Troop 312 and past Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, and Den Leader at Cub Scout Pack 312. He was a life member of the Fremont Eagles and past member of the Fremont Moose. Michael was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed the Ohio State Buckeye teams and the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed playing cards and camping with his family and friends and bowling; although his greatest joy was watching his children participate in community activities. Visitation with be Mon., Oct. 26, 2015, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., at the Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fremont. Funeral Services will be officiated by Michael's dear friend and mentor, Pastor Forrest Kirchenbauer, at the funeral home on Tues., Oct 27, 11 a.m. Committal Services will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Because Michael intensely disliked flowers and potted plants, he wished for donations to be made for the care of his family, Grace Community Church's Food Pantry, and to Sandusky Township Fire Department for families in need. Michael also wanted any Scouts attending his services to be in full Class A Uniforms, including any sash the scout has earned.