Alfred J. (Al) Baethge

Alfred J. (Al) Baethge, 61, of Fredericksburg, died Wednesday, July 16, 2014.

Private family graveside services and interment were held Saturday, July 19, at 10 a.m. at the Squaw Creek Cemetery at Doss with the Rev. Fred Bates officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Fredericksburg Funeral Home where visitation was held Friday evening, July 18.

Baethge was born Nov. 27, 1952, in Fredericksburg, the son of Jack Baethge and Mary Paula Blackshear Baethge. He married Eunice Arlitt on April 16, 1977, and she survives.

An independent insurance agent and farmer, Baethge was involved with civic activities in the community, including the  Optimist Club of Fredericksburg, Pedernales Youth Soccer Association, Gillespie County Fruit Growers, Fredericksburg Academic Boosters and Gillespie County 4-H shooting projects.

He also coordinated the first local Mini Cooper rally and the Optimists’ first motorcycle rally.

In addition to his wife, Baethge is survived by one daughter, Carrie Baethge of Fredericksburg; one son, Ty Baethge of Fort Worth, and his father, Jack Baethge of Doss.

He is also survived by two sisters, three brothers and spouses, including Lorin Baethge and Paul and Ann Baethge, all of Doss; Lynette and Jim Gerdes of Bishop; Ronney and Debbie Baethge of Waco, and Kina Storms of Houston.

Baethge’s mother preceded him in death.

Memorials may be made to the charity of choice.

Pallbearers included Jim Gerdes, Lorin Baethge, Ronney Baethge, Paul Baethge, Kenneth Pahl and Randy Heiner.