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1918 - 2005
 Edward R. Fluegge, aged 87 of Greenville, died at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan on December 23 after a brief battle with leukemia. He fulfilled his wish to join Miss Betty, his wife of 64 years, for Christmas. Betty preceded Ed in death on May 21, 2005. He also joins his parents, brother Norman, and sisters Millie and Irene in Heaven. He is survived by his daughters: #1 Judy (Jon) Clapp of Fremont, #2 Jane (John) Elsinga of Grand Ledge, #3 Janis Yonker of Grand Ledge, #4 Joyce (Mike) Nienhuis of Clarkston, and #5 BettyBeth (Rob) Johns of Grand Rapids; sisters-in-law Nita Fluegge, Dorothy (Gale) Downes, and Helen Gaskell; great friend and brother-in-law Bob Gaskell; grandchildren Bruce (Beth) Clapp, Bonny (Rob) Baar, Rachel (Brandon) Lyon, Emily and Katherine Yonker, David Nienhuis, and Eddie, Danny, Michelle and Amy Johns; ten great grandchildren, beloved nieces and nephews, and dear friends at First Congregational Church and Lions of Michigan. Ed was born in Detroit on July 16, 1918 to second-generation German immigrants. Due to the Depression he began full time work as a milkman at the age of fourteen. He met the love of his life at Bill’s Chocolate Shop in Detroit while delivering coal there in 1939. The two were wed in 1941, shortly before Ed shipped overseas to join the troops fighting WWII. He was a decorated staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. Upon his return, he ran a radio repair shop in Dearborn. In 1948 he was hired by General Motors to run production lines initiating a 31-year career in manufacturing. He rose through corporate ranks in Michigan, Illinois, and Arkansas, settling in 1966 at Belding Products Corporation where he served as VP of Manufacturing until his early retirement in 1979. He preferred the camaraderie of the line to the boardroom. In 1980, Ed began a second career as an industrial pretreatment coordinator for Delta Charter Township. A true environmentalist, he insisted on corporate compliance with clean water regulations. He loved gardening, camping, fishing, and boating. He enjoyed perfect attendance for nearly 40 years in the Greenville Lions Club, holding several positions both locally and statewide. He served as District Governor (11-E-1) in 1979-80. He was an active member of First Congregational Church for forty years. He was named Jaycees Boss of the Year in 1975 and received the Melvin Jones and Presidents awards for service from Lions International in 2003. Ed was a committed husband and father, a beloved Papa, an avid supporter of wildlife and nature, an innovative leader, and servant of the Lord. Visitation will take place Thursday, December 29 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Hurst Funeral home. A service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 30 at First Congregational Church, Pastor Jerry Jones officiating. Those who wish may remember Ed by donating to Lions of Michigan Foundation, 5730 Executive Dr., Lansing, MI 48911 or First Congregational Church, 126 E. Cass, Greenville, MI 48838 |
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There are currently 3 condolences.
Neil and Judie Schmachtenberger
Sunday January 1, 2006 at
3:30 PM
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Dear Family,
Neil and I vividly remember your dear parents when we lived out on Banks Lake in the late 60's. They were a delight to witness with their devotion to each other and their vitality. We are saddened to hear of your loss with Dad now and want you to know we will be praying for your family. Judie and Neil
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Duane and Anita Putnam
Friday December 30, 2005 at
12:40 AM
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Our sincere support and Thoughts to your family for One of the Neatness men in our Church and our community. We have fond memories of your Mother and Father.His Life has much to celebrate for his outstanding devotion.
WE regrete being out of town at the time of your loss.
Sincerely,
Duane and Anita Putnam
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Lion Larry alman
Tuesday December 27, 2005 at
4:38 PM
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It is with deep regreat that we hear of loosing a good Lion and past District Governor Ed.
Last spring he asked me if I would put his name in as a Board member because he wanted to serve again as he did in the past many years. When the nominations came out last spring and his name was on as a Board member he thanked me for following through.
He was a very good Lion and a good friend. About 10 years ago he ordered a special Lion's pin for me and I will charish it in his honor as long as I possibly can.
We know you all have had a hard year with the loss of Miss Betty and now Lion Ed. We wish you all the very best.
Lion Ed was a strong supporter of Camp Tuhsmeheta, a camp for the Blind west of town here and he was given a sweatshirt a few years ago and he was very proud of that as well.
We are truely going to miss a good friend and a very good lion.
Lion Larry Alman
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