Joseph W. Sergent

Joseph Walter Sergent, age 81 of Petoskey, MI and formerly of West Branch, East Tawas, Midland, and Flint, died December 14, 2009 at his home in Petoskey. Joseph was born on February 11, 1928 in Edwards Township, MI, the son of Benjamin and Clara (Rau) Sergent and was raised in Edwards Twp., graduating from West Branch High school in 1946 and served for 2 years in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. On August 26, 1950, Joseph married Patsy Sue Sullins in Flint, MI. Joseph worked for Michigan Bell, starting as a Frame Man and worked his way up to Plant Chief for Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. He retired from Michigan Bell in 1982 after 35 years of service and shortly thereafter, went to work for Great Lakes Gas Company in general maintenance for about 10 years. Joseph was a member of the Church of Christ, and was a true community activist. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, served as the President of the East Tawas Lions Club, President of the West Branch/Ogemaw Heights School Board and assisted the Superintendant in the consolidation of the school district and was influential in the placement of the pool in the new school, and supported the creation of the Kirtland Community College. When he worked in Petoskey as the Plant Chief, he helped make possible the 1st Bay Tug of War, between Petoskey and Harbor Springs, MI, and often prepared the spaghetti for the annual Volunteer Fireman’s Dinner in West Branch. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and hunting, with 2009 being the first year that he did not hunt. He was always willing to lend a hand and assisted family members build and improve their homes, and often acted as the general contractor for the project. He is survived by his wife, Pat; 6 children, Dennis (Lois) Sergent of Okemos, MI, David (Connie) Sergent of Freeland, MI, Tim (Lucy) Sergent of AuGres, MI, Terry (Kimberly) Sergent of Midland, MI, Shawna (Mark) Ross of Mt. Pleasant, MI, and Jenna (Bob) Pim of Williamsville, NY; 6 siblings, Jeanne Hazard, Joyce (Joseph) Kohler, Jim (Mary Kaye) Sergent, Jack (Mary) Sergent, Phyllis Earley, and Gary (Kathy) Sergent; sister-in-law, Betty Taylor; 19 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held in Petoskey, MI at the Stone Funeral Home on Thursday from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00am in West Branch, MI at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home with visitation at the funeral home from 10:00am until the time of service. Burial will be in the Edwards Township Cemetery. Donations in Joseph’s memory may be directed to the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey, MI or the Ogemaw County Historical Society in West Branch, MI.