STUART WILLIAM MERCHANT,
85, of Cass City, died Sunday, June 12, 2011 in his home with his family by his side. He was born an only child April 9, 1926 at home on Merchant Road to Frank Leroy and Dorothy Evelyn (McPhee) Merchant. He married Joan D. Sommers June 26, 1949 in Cass City.
Stuart served in the Military Police in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a farmer raising dairy cattle until 1962. Stuart worked for General Cable for the next six years until he and Joan took over Sommers Bakery. They ran the Bakery, expanding into the adjacent building with a restaurant in 1975, until their retirement in 1996. Stuart took flying lessons and completed his solo flight on his 50th birthday. He flew into over 140 airports before his last flight January 11, 1988. Stuart and Buck Rabideau owned a Bonanza aircraft they flew for many enjoyable trips. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners Association. Stuart witnessed four space shuttle launchings first hand. He enjoyed playing golf for many years when he was younger. He was a member of the Cass City United Methodist Church and the church choir. Stuart was also a member of the Tom Thumb Singers for nearly 18 years, beginning in their 2nd year. Stuart was an avid sports fan. He loved football, baseball, hockey, basketball. At a memorable visit to the Palace during the Piston's championship years Stuart met and talked to George Blaha, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas and Vinnie Johnson. Also memorable was a recent trip to Comerica Park to see the Detroit Tigers play. Stuart was a life member and past master of the Masons Cass City Council #90.
Stuart is survived by his wife, Joan; children: Dennis “Joe” Merchant of Cass City, Leslie (Marcia) Merchant of Cass City, Evelyn (Glen 'Mic') Miracle of Merritt Island, FL, Lola (Joseph) Flores of Cass City: grandchildren: Christopher (Daniell) Osentoski, Whitney Osentoski, Brice Osentoski, Kristy (Scott) Hale, Lori Merchant, Stephen (Alicia) Miracle, Rachel (Curtis) Duff and Sarah Miracle; great grandchildren: Seth, Cole, Kaitlyn, Austin, Caleb, Connor and Chris.
Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 in Cass City United Methodist Church with Rev. Jackie Roe officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Merchant will be: Christopher Osentoski, Whitney Osentoski, Brice Osentoski, Stephen Miracle, Scott Hale, Kristy Merchant Hale. Memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association or Cass City United Methodist Church. Military honors under the direction of Cass City VFW Post #3644 and the U.S. Army. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011 in Kranz Funeral Home – Cass City
2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011 in Kranz Funeral Home – Cass City
10 to 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 in Cass City United Methodist Church
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz (989) 872-2195
85, of Cass City, died Sunday, June 12, 2011 in his home with his family by his side. He was born an only child April 9, 1926 at home on Merchant Road to Frank Leroy and Dorothy Evelyn (McPhee) Merchant. He married Joan D. Sommers June 26, 1949 in Cass City.
Stuart served in the Military Police in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a farmer raising dairy cattle until 1962. Stuart worked for General Cable for the next six years until he and Joan took over Sommers Bakery. They ran the Bakery, expanding into the adjacent building with a restaurant in 1975, until their retirement in 1996. Stuart took flying lessons and completed his solo flight on his 50th birthday. He flew into over 140 airports before his last flight January 11, 1988. Stuart and Buck Rabideau owned a Bonanza aircraft they flew for many enjoyable trips. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners Association. Stuart witnessed four space shuttle launchings first hand. He enjoyed playing golf for many years when he was younger. He was a member of the Cass City United Methodist Church and the church choir. Stuart was also a member of the Tom Thumb Singers for nearly 18 years, beginning in their 2nd year. Stuart was an avid sports fan. He loved football, baseball, hockey, basketball. At a memorable visit to the Palace during the Piston's championship years Stuart met and talked to George Blaha, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas and Vinnie Johnson. Also memorable was a recent trip to Comerica Park to see the Detroit Tigers play. Stuart was a life member and past master of the Masons Cass City Council #90.
Stuart is survived by his wife, Joan; children: Dennis “Joe” Merchant of Cass City, Leslie (Marcia) Merchant of Cass City, Evelyn (Glen 'Mic') Miracle of Merritt Island, FL, Lola (Joseph) Flores of Cass City: grandchildren: Christopher (Daniell) Osentoski, Whitney Osentoski, Brice Osentoski, Kristy (Scott) Hale, Lori Merchant, Stephen (Alicia) Miracle, Rachel (Curtis) Duff and Sarah Miracle; great grandchildren: Seth, Cole, Kaitlyn, Austin, Caleb, Connor and Chris.
Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 in Cass City United Methodist Church with Rev. Jackie Roe officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Merchant will be: Christopher Osentoski, Whitney Osentoski, Brice Osentoski, Stephen Miracle, Scott Hale, Kristy Merchant Hale. Memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association or Cass City United Methodist Church. Military honors under the direction of Cass City VFW Post #3644 and the U.S. Army. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011 in Kranz Funeral Home – Cass City
2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011 in Kranz Funeral Home – Cass City
10 to 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 in Cass City United Methodist Church
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz (989) 872-2195
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