Delbert L. Ehinger

Delbert L. Ehinger, age 83, passed away Friday, February 9, 2007 of heart trauma at the West Branch Regional Medical Center with his loving family at his side. Delbert was born and raised in West Branch and lived in Standish for 19 years before returning to build his own home in West Branch. He retired in 1978 as the proprietor of Arenac Lanes in Standish. Delbert was a veteran of the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne, serving in World War II and earning a Purple Heart. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, talented gardener and carpenter. He was active in the Kiwanis Club and VFW of Standish, K of C of West Branch, and was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a co-founder of the DAV in West Branch and was instrumental in starting the DAV state newspaper. Delbert is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Nancy of West Branch; daughter, Jeanne (David) Hubbard of Traverse City; son, Stephen, also in the 82nd Airborne, (Laura) Savage of Fayetteville, NC; daughter, Peggy (Mark) Scott of Roscommon; son, Robert (Rose) Savage of Baltimore, MD; daughter, Linda Savage-Gottschalk of Alma; and son, Donald and fiancée Lynn Bootz of Sterling. He gladly shared his lap with 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 brothers, Roy Ehinger, Fritz Ehinger, Jack (Jane) Ehinger and Jerry (Joan) Ehinger all of West Branch. Delbert is preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Anthony; first wife Beth (Houck); 3 sisters, Marie, Doris, and Donna; and 3 brothers William, August and Edward, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 11, 2007 from 5-9 p.m. and Monday, February 12, from 2-9 p.m. at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, with a scripture service at 7 p.m. and a rosary following. The funeral will be Tuesday February 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch; Father Robert Bissot will officiate. A luncheon for family and friends will immediately follow at the K of C Hall. Burial will take place in the spring at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in West Branch. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Hospice of Helping Hands.