Everet Leer, 94

Everet C. “E.C.” Leer, age 94, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday afternoon, Sept. 29, 2018.
He was born May 13, 1924, in Brighton, Ind., son of the late Robert B. and Letta (Carper) Leer.
E.C. was a graduate of Brighton High School and the South Bend College of Commerce in South Bend, Ind.
He was proud to have served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army with the 44th Field Artillery. While serving he was wounded and was awarded a Purple Heart.
On June 9, 1951, he married Marialyce Stutz at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis.
E.C. retired in 1987 from the Citizens State Bank (Bank One) in Sturgis where he was employed for most of his career with the exception of the eight years he was with the Algonac Michigan Savings Bank.
He was a longtime member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis and enjoyed coon hunting with his sons, fishing, camping, playing golf and spending time in the outdoors.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marialyce; three sons, Steve (Gwyn) Leer of Sturgis, Jeff Leer of Sturgis and Doug (Joan) Leer of Wildwood, Mo.; one daughter, Denise (Jon) Hoath of Coldwater; eight grandchildren, Erin Chan, Ryan Leer, Michael Leer, Chelsea Hoover, Corinne Leer, Megan Hoath, Rachael Hoath and Olivia Hoath; two great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Mildred Leer, Pauline Long, Arlene Woods and Catherine Clark; and one brother, Monroe “Bud” Leer.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave. in Sturgis where a memorial service celebrating the life of E.C. Leer will begin at 11 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the memorial service at the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Leer’s memory consider the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www. hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com  where personal messages of support may be left for the family.