Alan Orville Hathaway entered the presence of Christ while surrounded by his family in the early morning of March 26, 2020 at Garrison ND. He was born to Vernie and June (Westervelt) Hathaway in Big Timber, MT, May 3, 1936.
Alan grew up on a ranch in the Big Timber area and attended Sweet Grass Co. High School.
He attended Lee College in Cleveland TN where he met the love of his life, Gisella (Polly) Hanke. They married in 1957 and entered a life of Pastoral ministry. They shared almost 63 years of life together, in love with one another and their Lord. They had 4 children together.
Alan graduated from Northwest Bible College with a BA in Biblical Studies.
Over his long career in ministry he served as pastor to 13 Churches [Church of God, Cleveland TN: Townsend MT, Gettysburg and Lebanon SD, Kansas City MO, Middletown OH, Waynesboro VA, West Minot ND, Tucson AZ, Abingdon VA, Lynnville IA, Lemmon SD. Riverdale Community Church, Riverdale ND]. He also served as Overseer for the Church of God, Cleveland TN in Western Canada and the North Central Region [ND, SD, MT]. He was a member of the Garrison Church of God. His last pastorate was of the Riverdale Community Church, which he continued to serve until his death.
Alan had a boisterous and beautiful singing voice, he traveled with two quartets during college, served as a minister of music and produced two record albums. He loved to sing duets with his daughter Lydia. One of the highlights of his life was listening to Polly play piano in their home. "Gathering Around the Piano" to sing was a joy of his from his childhood until his last days. He always had a song in his heart. His yodeling was a delightful surprise that always brought a smile.
During his life Alan held many jobs to supplement his income. Wherever he worked he was bright spot. His last employment in Garrison was for BHG, which he continued until the last months of his life. He deeply enjoyed the company of his fellow employees.
Alan loved to fish any and every time possible. He especially enjoyed fishing with his sons' and their families. He greatly enjoyed fishing with his siblings with all the accompanying jibes and rivalry. He also enjoyed hunting. Adventures with the people of the Riverdale Community Church were a bright spot. He enjoyed gardening, carpentry projects and reading history. He just really loved people and lived life to the fullest and enjoyed it.
His family would like to express their deep appreciation to all the professional medical personnel who helped Alan during these last months of life. We would especially like to thank St. Alexius Hospice for their kindness and support during this process.
Alan is survived by his wife Gisella. His children: Alan (Terry) Hathaway, Garrison; Paul (Kimberly) Hathaway, Mobridge SD; Lydia (Nathan) Moll, Garrison; Timothy (Tammy) Hathaway, Averill Park, NY; 11 grandchildren [Nathan Hathaway, Sonja Hathaway, Hannah Hathaway, Kristina Hathaway; Karli (Denley) Vennes, David (Colleen) Hathaway, Timothy Hathaway; Justus Churco, Mason Churco, Quinn Hathaway, Kaiden Hathaway] and 6 great-grandchildren [Olivia, Ethan, Owen and Jack Vennes; Sebastian and Peregrine Hathaway]. A spoiled grand-dog, Tripp Moll. Alan's siblings: Terry Stensaas, David (Wanda) Hathaway, Ruthie (Walter) Plaggemeyer, all from Big Timber; Timothy (Margie) Hathaway, Billings MT; James Hathaway, Denver CO. His brother-in-law Peter Hanke, Leola SD.
He is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother: Lowell; grandson: Paul Wesley Hathaway; Sister-in-law Judy Hanke; Brother-in-law Joseph Stensaas.
Pastor Alan Hathaway will be deeply missed by his wife Polly, his family, friends and those he served.