Edwin R. Fortin

Edwin Romeo Fortin, age 88, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. died Tuesday December 15, 2009 at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 12, 1921, on the family farm in Keldon, MI, the 13th child of fourteen born to John & Melina Fortin. Edwin graduated from Pickford High School in 1941. Edwin married Flora J. Bridge on September 14,1946 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI at St. Mary''s Pro Cathedral. They celebrated 63 years of marriage this past September. In 1942 he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. He was assigned to Company M, 378 Infantry Battalion, 95th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Fortin was wounded in action December 8,1944 near the Saar River in Germany. The soldiers in his unit thought he had died, but Edwin was sent to England where he was recuperating from his wound. In 1972 he was reunited with two of his army buddies at his daughter''s home in Wisconsin. After finding his friends from "Company M", Edwin and Flora started attending yearly reunions of the 95th Infantry, "Iron Men of Metz". One of his greatest trips was when his three children surprised him by joining them at the 52nd reunion in Oklahoma City, OK. Six of his buddies in "Company M" were at the convention and told many interesting stories about their experiences during the war. The men said they were lucky to have Dad with his ability to speak French as his unit marched across France. Several emissaries from the city of Metz, France came to honor the soldiers that liberated their city. Edwin was a life member of the VFW and the DAV. He was awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars all for combat heroism. Edwin enjoyed playing horseshoes, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and watching the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Green Bay Packers and Westerns. He especially enjoyed deer hunting and playing cribbage with his son Wayne and friends in the fall. He was on a cribbage league for over 50 years. Edwin was a wonderful gardener, using "Green methods" before they were popular. In their retirement years they purchased a cottage in Barbeau, where he appreciated watching the great lake freighters going down the river. He earned a living as a carpenter and installer of floor coverings, working well into his 70''s for the House of Bargains. Many people in the area appreciated his work. Edwin was a very caring and forgiving individual who was happiest when surrounded by all who loved him. His wife lovingly took care of him at home these past years. Christine and Carol will miss their Daddy''s wonderful smile, hugs and kisses when they came home to visit while Wayne has lost his best friend. He is survived by wife Flora, three children Christine (Mick) Macklem, Wayne (Barbara) Fortin, Carol (Karl) Shunk SR; 5 grandchildren Sean (Beth) Macklem, Todd Edwin Macklem, Karl (Abby) Shunk II, Andre Fortin and Jessica (Matt) Gephart; 4 great grandchildren Brandon & Ashton Macklem, Corbin Romeo Gephart and Lily Shunk, and sister-in-law Elizabeth Della Fortin. Edwin is also survived by many nieces, nephews and an extended family of many friends, all of whom were touched by his kindness and love. Edwin was preceded in death by all of his immediate family. Parents, John and Melina Fortin. Siblings: Joseph Wilfred Fortin, Mildred (Pete) Desormeau, Joseph (Margaret) Fortin, Amanda (Bill) Torok, Anna (Bill) Wilcox, Fred (Ann) Fortin, Mary (Clifford) Benoit, William ( Elizabeth Della) Fortin, Victor (Alice) Fortin, Clara (Lawton) Marble, Edmund (Dorothy) Fortin, Joseph Ottawa Fortin and Alice Fortin. Visitation will be held on Saturday December 19, 2009 9:30am until 11:30am at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday December 19, 12 noon at St. Joseph''s Catholic Church with Father Sebastian Kavumkal and Father Piotr Zaczynski as Celebrants. In lieu of flowers memorials to the D.A.V. of Chippewa County would be appreciated. Edwin was the last member of this large French family from Keldon. "ANOTHER SOLDIER FROM THE GREAT WAR HAS PASSED"

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Edwin R. Fortin

September 12, 1921 - December 15, 2009