Dustin Curtis 'Dusty' Rathgeber

Dustin Curtis ‘Dusty’ Rathgeber, 37, of, Odon, Indiana, passed away with his family by his side, on Monday, February 11, 2019 in Evansville, Indiana. He was born in Portland, Oregon on October 30, 1981 to Michael K. and Connie C. (Sloan) Rathgeber.

Dusty was a Certified Organic Farmer and enjoyed working on the family farm in Odon. He was a member of the Beekeepers Association in Bloomfield and the Greene County Farmers Market Steering Committee. Dusty respected family values and kept his family close. He had a deep connection to his family, friends and community; he loved and lead others with all of his heart, compassion and courage, he was a true ‘gentle’ man. Dusty was grateful for the opportunity to build and develop what he loved most – to ‘continue a family legacy of farming’, ‘old world’ farming in a ‘new world’ way. He believed in utilizing nature with new and innovative ways to preserve the land as well as provide for others. He possessed the knowledge and skills of many people: finish carpenter, builder, mechanic, bee keeper, organic vegetable farmer, biologist, son, brother, grandson, uncle, godfather, nephew, cousin, supporter, neighbor and friend.

Family left to cherish Dusty’s memory include: his parents, Mike and Connie Rathgeber; one brother, Darren (Tiffany) Rathgeber; nephew, Mason Rathgeber; grandfather, Curtis Rathgeber, all of Odon; grandmother, Valada Sloan; his godchildren, Nolan and Lilly Swartzentruber of Ellettsville; also many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dusty was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward P. Sloan and his grandmother, Geraldine Ruth Rathgeber.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 PM on Saturday, with Greg Brown officiating.

The family has requested in honor of Dusty, that memorial contributions be made to the Indiana Donor Network. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon, Indiana. Online condolences may be sent to www.mengfuneralhome.com.