Middlefield, NY - MIDDLEFIELD - With deep sorrow, we announce that Leslie Eugene Rathbun, 94, passed to his eternal rest Friday, June 20, 2025.

Leslie was a lifelong farmer and agricultural advocate.

He was born at home April 9, 1931 in the Town of Middlefield, to Warren J. Rathbun and Ada L. Griggs Rathbun.

He attended primary school at the Roseboom District #1 School, graduating from Cherry Valley Central in 1950, and earned his NY State FFA Empire Farmer degree.

Leslie went on to earn an associates degree in animal husbandry from the state Institute of Agri Economics (SUNY Cobleskill) in 1952. He was a member of Zeta Alpha Phi fraternity and a member of the Orange Key Society.

Following graduation, he lived in Ulster County and was herdsman/ herd manager for two local farms.

On Aug. 26, 1956 Leslie and Dorothy A. Quick were married.

In 1962 they returned to Middlefield and purchased their own dairy farm, raising registered Holstein cows.

Leslie was dedicated to furthering agriculture and worked selflessly for his church, school and community. He held various positions and served on numerous boards and committees including:

Middlefield Baptist Church; 80-year member of local, county, state and national granges; Otsego County Farm Bureau; Dairylea District 9 member and Dairylea Quality Milk Production award winner; Otsego County Cooperative Extension; New York Holstein Association; South Central Rural Conversation and Development Committee; Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District; Cherry Valley Central School and Cherry Valley-Springfield School boards of education; Middlefield Town Council; Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department; Middlefield Town Historian; Board member of the Town of Middlefield and Otsego County Historical Associations; Middlefield Board of Elections Inspector; Roseboom Cemetery Association; Otsego County Fair Board.

After retiring from active farming, Leslie indulged in gardening and woodworking, raising beef and chickens to share with family and friends. His love of history and researching genealogy occupied much of his later years and he enjoyed sharing stories of days past with anyone who cared to listen.

Leslie is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Dorothy; children, Peter Rathbun, Susan (Gary) Schaffer, Douglas (Cathy) Rathbun, Theresa (Rick) Duesler and Jeanne (Jeff) Macek; "bonus daughter" Rhoda Whiteman; grandchildren, September (Paul) Schecter, Geoffrey (Lisa) Schaffer, Scott Rathbun (Allison Jodway), Samantha (Tom) Kline, Corey (Lindsey) Duesler, Alexandra (Andrew) Roberts and Benjamin (Ashley) Macek, and Kelly Dutcher; great-grandchildren, Jude Rathbun, Charlotte Rathbun, Lucas Kline, Natalie Kline, Sebella Schaffer, Max Duesler, Leah Duesler, Chloe Duesler, Henry Roberts, Paisley Macek, Mason Schecter and Benny Schecter.

Leslie was predeceased by his parents, uncles and in-laws and all other family members not named.

Leslie's legacy of farming, agricultural advocacy and community service will live in the hearts of those who knew him and will be missed by many.

Calling hours will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Middlefield Baptist Church, followed by a celebration of life. Future internment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked you to please consider making a memorial donation to a local charity of your choice.

To send online condolences please visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.