02,
1928
22,
2017
Eugene Sherman Fritcher, 88, of Gladwin, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017, following a brief illness. Eugene was a very kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather with a strong family value. He was born in Houghton Lake, Michigan on September 2, 1928. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and also served in the Coast Guard. On March 19, 1950, he married Patricia Rice in Prudenville, Michigan. He was a lifetime resident of Gladwin County and he was a Master Electrician by trade, working for Dow Chemical in Midland, retiring in 1982. In addition to owning his own business as a Master Electrician, he worked as Gladwin County’s electrical inspector and constructed several homes. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing. His other hobbies included collecting old bottles, radios, along with flying RC airplanes. He was a licensed amateur radio operator. Gene was a conservationist with a deep commitment to preserve nature. He loved old country music and playing his harmonica. He was a very gifted writer and loved to express himself through his love of poetry. His memory will be cherished forever by his loving wife of 67 wonderful years, Patricia Fritcher of Gladwin; sons: Dennis (Colleen) Fritcher of Warsaw, Indiana; Kip (Darlene) Fritcher of Gladwin. He was blessed with 5 beautiful grandchildren: Angelique (Ben) Durham, Jesse (Mandy) Fritcher, Ben (Maegen Neal) Fritcher, Trevor (Stacey) DeMoines, and Chad (Janel Rose) DeMoines; 13 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces & nephews and his special niece: Sherry Culver. He is preceded in death by his parents; Christopher & Enid Fritcher; brother: Raymond Fritcher; sister: Pauline Talbert; in-laws: Carrolton & Edith Rice. Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no services at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Gladwin, Michigan. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com
When I leave this earth for a home in heaven may God grand me a small cabin in the hills, nestled in some quiet peaceful valley. A place where spring flowers never wilt.
May a path carry me to a stream side flowing gentle among the rocks and rills, let the birds sing sweetly as the angles. As the gentle dove coos, my heart shall fill.
Rejoicing in God’s grace I’ll never tire as the whip-poor-will’s song rings ore the dell, may there be peace for all in this valley there shall never be a need again to kill.
May the cabin be brightened by lamp light let the fiddles and the bangos ever ring, joining in our band will the angels in glory will their golden voices sing.
Old friends will gather around the campfire in harmony we shall sing of God’s love, one by one as old friends come to join us they’ll be welcomed to the Valley of the Dove.
~Gene Fritcher
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