Members Passing

As we begin to give thanks for the many blessings bestowed on us, let us remember our fellow beekeepers who have recently passed away.

If you know of a fellow beekeeper that has passed on, please let us know.

Dustin Curtis 'Dusty' Rathgeber
from Odon passed away on February 11, 2019.  Dusty was 37 years old and a member of Greene County Beekeepers Association.

Dusty was a Certified Organic Farmer and enjoyed working on the family farm in Odon.  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.  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.


Rex Dawson passed away on January 19, 2019.  He was a LIFE member of The Beekeepers of Indiana and a member of the White Lick Beekeepers Association.  He is survived by his son, Rex Hancock, and his wife, Christine.  Rex kept bees for many years on the south side of Indianapolis, was a frequent attendee to the Indiana Bee Schools and Purdue Field day.  He was 82 years old.  Many of the local club members remember Rex selling honey out of the trunk of his car.

Mary Burch, while not a beekeeper herself, Mary Burch, always supported her husband Vernon’s passion for beekeeping through the years. From trying new recipes to empathizing when he lost a hive, she understood the value and importance of honey bees. Her support also allowed Vernon to share his love for beekeeping with family and friends. Married nearly 52 years at the time of her passing on December 15, 2018, Mary, a wife, mother and homemaker, is also survived by two daughters and granddaughters.