WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Alfred T. Biland, 88, of White Pigeon, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2016, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born Oct. 3, 1927, in Clay Township, St. Clair County, a son of Alfred O. and Doris M. (Grant) Biland. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1945, traveling to Naples and Venice, Italy on supply delivery and troop transport missions. After the Merchant Marines, he joined the U.S. Army in 1946, serving with the allied occupation of Japan at the end of World War II, led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Upon returning home to Algonac, he was employed by Chris Craft and Algonac AAA Garage prior to joining Michigan State Police from 1956 to 1979, when he retired with a rank of sergeant. Al had resided in White Pigeon since 1968 after relocation from his post in Manistee. During his time with Michigan State Police, he also was stationed in Pontiac and L’Anse.
He enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, woodworking, restoring cars and was an avid Michigan sports fan. He was also an expert marksman, serving as a firearms instructor for Michigan State Police.
On Oct. 25, 1947, he married Janice J. Borntrager in Algonac. She preceded him in death Jan.31, 2015.
Surviving relatives include two sons, Craig S. (Peggy) Biland of Mattawan and Alan T. (Martha) Biland of Racine; four grandchildren, Benjamin, Bradley, Elizabeth and Eric; three great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters Joseph (Judy) Biland, June (Don) Joachim, Paul Biland, Catherine Hoover and Lucille (Larry) Avers; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and two sons, Michael A. Biland on Oct. 23, 1977, and Peter E. Biland on Dec. 7, 2015. Brothers and sisters preceding him in death include Leonard, Edward, Emily, Walter, Wesley, Frances Zech and Mary DeGueisippe.
Combined services will be held for Alfred and his son Peter on July 9, 2016, at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. Visitation with the family will be from 10-11 a.m., a memorial service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Evelio Ramirez officiating, and an honor guard and services by Michigan State Police. Interment will follow services in White Pigeon Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lymphoma Research Foundation, 115 Broadway Avenue, Suite 1301, New York, New York 10006 or online at www.lymphoma.org.
