Emil Utermohlen's Obituary
OBITUARY:Emil Utermohlen, aged 89 of Shelby, formerly of Custer, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at the Oceana Medical Care Facility in Hart. Emil was born on May 11, 1922 in Custer Township to August and Harriet (Manny) Utermohlen, and attended Weldon Creek School. He worked for Hiram Price at the Shell station in Custer and on the family farm before serving his country with the United States Army during World War II, mostly in France. Upon returning home, he continued to farm until 1951, and worked for Packard Motors in Detroit, Dow Chemical in Texas, and for the State of Michigan as part of the Bridge Gang. He then worked many years as a Foreman for the C & O Railroad, retiring in 1984. In his retirement, he operated an outlet store with his great friend Charles Jensen in Custer called U & J Sales, and together they traveled all over the United States visiting many historical places. Emil was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Esther Fortier, and his half brother and sister Bill and Lavilla Driffle. Emil was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scottville, and was a former member of the Custer Gold Bar VFW Post 5096. He will be greatly missed by his friend whom he thought of as a son, Charles Jensen of Shelby, and several nieces and nephews which include Wilfred Fortier in Ludington. Funeral services will be held for Emil at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 11 at the Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville, with his friend Pastor Rob Henderson officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Custer. Friends may gather for a time of visitation on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home.
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