CAMDEN — Eugene James Achterhof, 87, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Pen Bay Medical Center. Born in Sioux Center, Iowa, on Feb. 25, 1925, he was the son of Ralph and Maggie (Van Kley) Achterhof.

He graduated from Sioux Center High School in 1942; and he completed the V-12 Naval Officer Commission program at Trinity College, Hartford, and the USNR Midshipman’s School at the University of Notre Dame.

He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, entering with a commission as ensign, and serving in the Pacific Theatre in the final days of the war.

On Sept. 21, 1946, he married Shirley Arlene Nicholson in St. Paul, Minn.

For 39 years, he was employed by Swift & Company, starting as a salesman with routes in Minnesota, Iowa and Hartford; followed by unit sales manager positions in Rutland, Vt., Waterbury, Conn., and Boston; later, as regional manager in San Francisco and Atlanta offices; and finally, as a national product marketing manager at Swift’s/Esmark’s Corporate Headquarters in Chicago.

He retired in 1985 and relocated to Camden. He was a communicant and usher at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and had served as treasurer and was on the board of directors for the Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League.

His hobbies included tennis, woodworking and fishing. He looked forward to annual family fishing trips to Lake Champlain, and since retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Achterhof enjoyed many trips to Europe.

Surviving is his wife, Shirley Achterhof of Camden; three children, Paul J. Achterhof and his wife, Bonnie, of Antrim, N.H., Alan M. Achterhof and his wife, Roz, of Evansville, Ind., and Carol Ann Achterhof of Thomaston; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Estelle Achterhof of Sioux Center.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Lawrence Achterhof and Floyd Achterhof.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden with the Rev. John Rafter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Achterhof family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain St., Camden.