Merle J. Preseau

Merle J. Preseau, 91, of Cheboygan passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Hospice House in Cheboygan. He was born June 27, 1928 in Cheboygan, the son of Joseph A. and Betrice H. (Gereau) Preseau. On January 31, 1958 in Pinconning, MI, he married Carol J. Wheelock who survives.

Merle served in the U.S. Army during WWII, came home, and later was called back to active duty for the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 as a battlefield commissioned SSgt.

Merle worked for the state ferry docks in Mackinaw City, and upon completion of the Mackinaw Bridge, transferred to the highway department. He retired out of Alpena in 1984 after 30 years of service, and promptly moved back to his beloved Cheboygan.

Merle was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church. He enjoyed gardening, walking, jogging, camping, and wintering in Florida with Carol for 28 years. He was an avid pool player, having started the pool league at the Alpena V.F.W. post, winning several state championships.

He is survived by his wife Carol, his five children Kelly (Dexter) Fossitt of Mattawan, MI, Todd Preseau and Christy McKillip, both of Cheboygan, Heidi Anson of Portage, MI and Tracy (Steven) Lester of Delton, MI, ten grandchildren, Dexter (Christina) Fossitt, Natassia (Scott) Bangert, Amanda (Troy) Garlock, Michael (Claire) Fossitt, Todd Preseau, Jr., Tucker Anson, Hunter Anson, Lillian Lester, Lucy Lester, and Wyatt Lester, eight great-grandchildren Frances Fossitt, Hazel Fossitt, Trenton Fossitt, Abram Bangert, Max Bangert, Rosalie Bangert, Mira Garlock and Hudson Garlock, three siblings Joyce Borowicz, Dean (Bonnie) Preseau, and Gary (Linda) Preseau, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his four brothers Howard, Robert, Jay, and Jack Preseau.

There will be a visitation with family held at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home on Friday, August 2nd from 5:00 – 8:00 PM with a vigil service beginning at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church on Saturday, August 3rd at 11:00 AM with family greeting friends one hour prior to the mass. The Rev. Duane Wachowiak will officiate and burial will take place within Mt. Calvary cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bishop Baraga Catholic School or The Cheboygan Hospice House.

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