Alex Waske, 86, passed away peacefully in his Kalamazoo home on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017.

Al grew up on a dairy farm in the Thumb, graduating in 1948 from Marlette High School, where he was a star athlete especially in football. He worked on the family farm in Elmer Township before changing careers and became a realtor and builder in the second half of his work life. His parents, Alex Sr. & Ksena, grew up in Russia before immigrating. Al was baptized at First Russian Baptist Church in Detroit and he attended Sandusky Baptist Church with his family.

He will be remembered for his out-going personality and numerous warm-hearted gestures. He used a playful, teasing style and a sometimes gruff demeanor to disguise his loving heart.

Al is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Lou (Rasmussen), a daughter Debi Scott; a son Tom Waske (Pammy); 4 grandchildren: Courtney Scott (April), Christopher Scott, Rachelle Winberg (Matthew) & Jeff Waske; 13 great grandchildren: Owen, Lucas, & Gabrielle Scott; Cody Waske; Carissa, Camden, & Case Winberg; Bryce, Seth, Cydnee, Gabriel, Xander, & Zachary Waske; 2 great, great grandchildren Kennedy & Hudson Waske; sister Nancy Greenley; 11 nieces & nephews, and their children: Mike Greenley (Dawn), Amber, Kevin, Jamie & Jordan; Sarah Demlow (Jeff), Joshua, Zachary & Nathan; Susan Greenley; Dorothy Greenley; Alfred Rasmussen (Pam), Rob; Diane Gailey (Russ), Kristin, Rusty, Nicole; David Waske; Linda Tomlinson; Shelley Alexander, Laney; Robin Rasmussen-Lindsey, Tommy, Felicia Thomason (Matt), {grandnephew Wyatt & grandniece Leah}, Jesse Lindsey; & Tim Rasmussen; 2 sisters-in-law: Dorothy Haramis & Jeannette Snyder.

John 3:16 (NKJV)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it; for I shall not pass this way again.
-- Stephen Grellet

Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV)
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’


A memorial service will be held this Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, 1 p.m. at Sandusky Baptist Church. The family plans to gather at noon and will receive visitors until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sandusky Baptist Church.