Obituary of Herbert Charles Atherton

Herbert Charles Atherton, age 81, died May 16, 2026 peacefully at home with his wife by his side.  He was born July 31, 1944 in Toledo, Ohio.

Herb served in the Navy Seabees division right out of high school.  He was a retired inspector for Ford Motor Company. Herb was raised Lutheran, and continued his faith in God.  He was well known for being a jokester and loved to make people laugh.  One of Herb’s favorite places to be was out on his back porch watching the deer, turkeys, and other wild life that would visit his yard.  He also really enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, Casino trips, and Bingo.  He loved his family and always enjoyed every family gathering he could attend.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Atherton; son, Brad Atherton and wife Lori; daughters, Alda Atherton and husband Rob Sicilian, Lisa Kezeli and husband Kris, and Michelle Dozier; brothers, Jim Atherton and wife Diane, and John Atherton; sister, Beth Bensch and husband Patrick; grandchildren, Calvin, Nolan, Brittanie, Bradley, Brandon, Caitlin, Bailee, Breanna, Olivia, Kalvin, Kelsey, Malik, Gabby and William; great-grandchildren,  Kylie, Karmen, Jackson, Sophea, Serena, Sebastian, River, Kendall, Marcus, and Jason; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Virgina Atherton; and sisters, Judith Dutton and Marcia Atherton.  A memorial service will be held at 2 PM, Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Houghton Lake Seventh Day Adventist Church, 324 W. West Branch Road, Prudenville MI 48653. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.