Edward F. Kirkey

Edward F. Kirkey of Caro, age 79, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Heritage Hill Assisted Living in Caro, following a lengthy illness. Ed was born December 28, 1936 in Saginaw, the son of the late Frank Kirkey and Frances (Halcli) Kirkey. He was raised in Saginaw and began working in the grocery business at eleven years of age for Strobel Brothers. Ed worked for Provenzano's Grocery following graduation from St. Peter & Paul High School in Saginaw in 1955 where he was a star athlete. He was united in marriage with the former Glennis Schnettler of Munger on May 27, 1961 in Bay City at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The couple owned grocery stores in Hemlock, St. Charles and Baldwin. Upon the sale of the last grocery store in 1983, Ed worked at Kessel's Grocery Store in Saginaw and at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn for his good friend and fishing buddy, Tiny Zehnder. He will be remembered for his hardworking nature, a trait that benefitted his profession and his family. He was known as one of the University of Michigan's greatest fans and the self-proclaimed "Mickey Mantle of the Meat Business" that he proudly served for over fifty years. In his younger years, Ed coached football, Little League Baseball, softball and basketball. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro. Ed is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Glennis Kirkey of Caro; four children and their spouses, Tami Riffle of Whitehouse, Ohio, Kimberly & Michael Bos of Holland, Kandace & James Amend of Bloomfield Hills, Jeffrey & Kim Kirkey of Dexter; ten grandchildren, Dallas, Cody and Jett Riffle, Alexander Bos, Katherine, Nicholas and Lauren Amend, Jackson, Julia and Georgia Kirkey. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider contributions to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Good Samaritan Fund. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, October 27, 2016 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Friday, October 28, 2016 Time: 11:00 am St. Paul Lutheran Church-Caro Address: 503 South State St. Caro, MI 48723 9896732175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating.