WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Blaine Alvin Rabbers, age 86, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. He was born on May 5, 1924 in Kalamazoo, MI. the son of Oscar A. and Nellie H. (Jones) Rabbers.
Blaine attended Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan, where he received a degree in engineering. He served his country as a Sgt. in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 285th Engineering Combat Battalion After returning from service he married Joyce L. (Greene) Rabbers on August 9, 1946. They lived in Willow Run, MI., before moving to Fisher Lake in 1949.
Blaine co-founded Fibre Converters with his father and brother-in-law in 1949. Blaine branched off from paper to cellulose film product in1957, which then evolved into Quality Films Inc., of Schoolcraft, MI in1967 He was also a member of the Mendon Board of Education, Heritage School Committee, and Fisher Lake Association. Blaine was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder since 1961. He participated in two mission trips to Nicaragua and also taught Sunday School.
Blaine enjoyed spending his time with family and activities in and around Fisher Lake, such as water skiing and sailing. He loved to travel and listen to gospel, bluegrass, polka, and marching bands. He was also a Tiger fan since the age of seven and loved the weather, often expressing an early desire to become a meteorologist. He always loved airplanes and later in life learned to fly.
Blaine was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joyce Rabbers, daughter, Marilyn Rabbers, and brother Norman Rabbers.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory, three children, Richard (Toni Smith) Rabbers, of Benton Harbor, Kathleen Rabbers and Sharon (Larry Little) Cupp, both of Three Rivers; Six grandchildren, Andrew (Jennifer) Cupp, of Otsego, Dustin (Christina) Cupp, of Mendon, Brady (Haleigh Haynes)Cupp of Three Rivers, and Ethan Rabbers, of Ft. Lauderdale. Five great-grandchildren, Kyle, Mikayla, Kennedy, Alex, and Layne.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at the Hohner Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011 at the Hohner Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Jon Deily and Rev. Randall Painter officiating.
Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Three Rivers. Memorials may be donated to the First Presbyterian Church and The Commission on Aging.
