BERT SUMERIX

Bert was born into a hardworking farm family on April 8, 1931, to the late Ivan and Esther (MacMillian) Sumerix, staying on the farm until he was drafted in the United States Army, being stationed in Korea. Returning to Alpena County, he married Eleanor Badgero on May 5, 1956, his wife of nearly 64 years. He and his wife started Sumerix Implement Sales in 1960, which remains active today with son, Ivan. He also loved working the soil on the farm, which his son, Larry, farms today. Bert and Eleanor spent many years in the winter at their Florida home where he enjoyed traveling to auction sales all over the central and southern states where he met many auctioneers, dealers and personal friends.

He enjoyed family reunions and helped hold many over the years at their summer cottage. Bert had a compassionate heart and was known for his words of wisdom. He loved to hear success stories of others. Bert served God and the community in a quiet way and always wanted to help others, especially family. Over the years, he was a Belgian Draft horse breeder, selling and showing horses at the Columbus and Indianapolis Horse Show & Sale. He was a member and past president of the Riverside Hunting Club, the Alpena County Fair Board, and one of the founders of the Draft Horse Association of America. Bert loved and found enjoyment keeping in touch with his family and siblings as he was the oldest of 14 children.

He and his wife were blessed with three children, Connie (Joseph) Cook, Larry (Kelley Smith) Sumerix, Ivan (Barbara) Sumerix; nine grandchildren, Bill (Melissa) Cook, Kristy (Dr. Pallav) Halani, Lisa Cook, Amanda (Jeff) Hattis, Ashley Sumerix, Ashley (Kyle) Hanson, Brooke, Cody and Paige Sumerix; eight great-grandchildren, Aaron, Skylar, Mason and Spencer Cook, Hanna and Harrison Halani, Thomas Hattis and Levi Hanson; seven sisters, Rosemary Miller, Edith McGirr, Christine Schultz, Joanne (Gordon) Truman, Mable (James) Anderson, Diane (Richard) Szymanski, DeLynn (Chuck) Timm; three brothers, Harry (Deloris) Sumerix, Kenneth (Joan) Sumerix, Keith (Diann) Sumerix; one brother-in-law, Delbert Black; two sisters-in-law, Janice Brown, Sheryl Talley; and several nieces and nephews, friends, and customers.

Mr. Sumerix is preceded in death by three siblings, Donna Black, Irma Sumerix, William Sumerix; in-laws, Guy and Emma Badgero, Orville McGirr, Richard Schultz, Ron Marquardt Sr., Frank Brown, and Dewey Talley.

Visitation will take place at Bannan Funeral Home on Saturday from 6-8 p.m., Sunday from noon-8 p.m. with military honors accorded him at 5 p.m. by Alpena V.F.W. Post 2496. Visitation will continue Monday at Long Rapids Congregational Church from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at noon with Rev. Arnie Kirschner officiating.

Interment: Long Rapids Township Cemetery

Memorials: Long Rapids Congregational Church.