Alouis "Al" Nearing

Alouis “Al” Nearing, 100, of Gaylord, MI passed away at home on March 30, 2020.  He was born September 16, 1919 in Flint, MI to Vincent and Sarah (Malinowski) Nearing.  He spent his childhood in Flint and Bay City, MI, graduating from Flint Northern High School in 1938.  He married Ruth Koski on September 26, 1953.  They were married for 64 years.

A World War II veteran, Al served in the European Theatre, predominantly in Italy and Africa.  He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal.  After the service, he returned to work for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Saginaw where he was employed for 41 years.  Upon his retirement, he and Ruth moved permanently to their cottage on Otsego Lake in Gaylord, MI and wintered in Mission, TX for 30 years.

A true Renaissance man, Al mastered everything he attempted.  He was a talented artist, woodcarver, musician, builder and woodworker.  He jokingly boasted of having “16 years’ experience”, no matter the field.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Vincent and Sarah and step-father Victor Nearing; wife Ruth; daughter Marilyn Dobbs; sisters Virginia Popadich and Eleanor Kulaszewski.  He is survived by his children; Cherie (Alan) Nutter, Mark (Deborah) Nearing, Dan Nearing all of Gaylord, MI and son-in-law Edward Dobbs, Spring Lake, MI; grandchildren, Julie Dobbs (Crista Couch), Smoke Rise, GA, Kyle (Jason) Maginity, Boyne City, MI, Jennifer (Matthew) Hekhuis, Spring Lake, MI, and Alex (Heather) Nutter, Delaware, OH; great-grandchildren; Ashley Dobbs, Cade and Rhys Maginity, Luke Hekhuis, and Graham Nutter; sisters Leona Bennett and Phyllis Veselenak, both of Grand Blanc, MI as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service celebrating his incredible life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord, MI or St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Saginaw, MI.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com