Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Thursday

February 16, 2012

Fred Edward Alkire

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BEAR LAKE — Fred Edward Alkire, 80, of Bear Lake, went home to be with his Valentine, Joyce, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at West Shore Medical Center in Manistee. He was born on Oct. 6, 1931, in Manistee County's Pleasanton Township, the son of the late Harold E. and Beatrice (Reed) Alkire.

He was a graduate of Bear Lake High School, class of 1950.

On May 30, 1953, Fred married P. Joyce Fauble at the First Baptist Church in Bear Lake. She preceded him in death on July 12, 2011.

Fred was employed as a postal carrier at the Bear Lake Post Office for 40 years, was Command Sergeant Major with the Michigan National Guard-Retired, serving 41 years, was Pleasanton Township Supervisor for 38 years, drove bus and did janitorial services for the Bear Lake Schools, as well as being self-employed in the pulp wood business for many years.

Fred was Scout Master of Troop #106 for 46 years, mentoring 44 Eagle Scouts, was an active member and past president of the Bear Lake Promoters, and was a member and Past Master of the Bear Lake Lodge #416 F&AM.

He enjoyed decorating his home for Christmas with his well known light display. He was also well known for his homemade sausage and enjoyed spending time with family.

He is survived by his children, Terri Lynn (Bob) Alkire-Schmidt, Douglas Edward (Linda) Alkire, David Scott Alkire, Mary Rebecca (Todd) Zalud, Nancy Ann (Allan) Ackerman and Amy Sue Elizabeth (Lupe) Garcia, all of Bear Lake; 14 grandchildren, Marissa (Christopher) Milliron, Christa (Calvin) Lutz, Steven (Amber) Milliron, Stacie (Travis) Kober, Jessica, Jarred, David, Donovan and Katie Alkire, Jacob Zalud, Lacey Cat, Sylvia, Angelia, Eliseo and Enrique Garcia; five great-grandchildren, Kylie, McKenna, Taylor, Bailey and Carter; his brother, Edwin (Diana) Alkire, of Bear Lake; brother-in-law, John Keenan (Elaine) Fauble, of Manistee; and sister-in-law, Doris Higley (Mike) Kaskinen, of Bear Lake. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Fred E. Alkire will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at 11 a.m., at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church, with Pastor Dan Ingersoll officiating. Military Honors will follow with burial to take place at the Pleasanton Township Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Memorial contributions in Fred's name may be directed to The Bear Lake Boy Scout Troop #106, the Bear Lake Promoters or the Bear Lake School Playground Fund.

The family has entrusted the Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Bear Lake with funeral arrangements.

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