Arthur Aldrich

Arthur Burton "Art" Aldrich age 86, of Elsie, MI, passed away Monday, December 26, 2016, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.

A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Friday, December 30, 2016 at Noon with Pastor Larry Smith officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. and will be held on Friday from 10:00-Noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arthur was born in St. Johns, Michigan on July 6, 1930, the son of Henry and Marion (Landis) Aldrich.  He attended Ovid Schools.  Art married Bertha Witt on June 24, 1950 in Lansing, MI.  Bertha, the love of his life, passed away on March 22, 2016.  Next to her, his children and grandchildren were the most important part of his life.  Art resided most of his life on the Sesquicentennial Farm near Eureka.

After high school, Art served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman.  He worked at Federal Mogul for 30 years while working the family farm.  He was able to enjoy his retirement for 31 years.  He loved fishing, hunting, archery and competition shooting.   He also enjoyed horseback riding and touring the United States and Canada on motorcycle with his wife.  He was passionate about woodworking and building, especially for family and friends. The family dogs were constant companions for him.

He is survived by his son Bruce and Daria Aldrich of St. Johns, MI, daughter Julie and Jim Hammill of Crystal Falls, MI, son Glenn and Cindy Aldrich of Elsie, MI, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, brother Bill Aldrich of Ovid, MI, and many nieces and nephews.  Art was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 64 years and 3 sisters.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or Habitat for Humanity.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.