Delos J. "Dee" MacLaren

     Delos J. "Dee" MacLaren, age 86, of Alma, MI, passed away Monday, January 30, 2023.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, February 6, 2023, with Pastor Doug Strait officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service.

     Delos was born in Alma, Michigan on December 10, 1936, the son of J. Delos and Lena Belle (Becker) MacLaren.  He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1955.  Delos proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.  He worked for the City of Ithaca for 35 years.  On November 12, 1980, Delos married Sharon Lynn Anderson at the Ithaca United Methodist Church in Ithaca, MI.  They were blessed with thirty-nine years of marriage prior to her passing on January 14, 2020.

     Dee was a musician. He was a member of the Midstatesmen Chorus for many years. He sang in many quartets and played in many area bands.  Dee loved to entertain people!  Dee enjoyed camping and fishing. He loved his years living on the lake.  Most of all he loved his family and spending time with them.

     He is survived by his four children: Jerry MacLaren of Houston, TX; Randall MacLaren of Midland, MI; Scott (Linda Murgittroyd) MacLaren of Merrill, MI; and Maria (Brian) Behnke of Howell, MI; three step-children: Lorene (Joel) Miller, Jeff (Jenny) Anderson, and Mike (Judi) Anderson.  He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Angela (Mike) Jorae, Jay (Ashley) MacLaren, Paul (Winna) MacLaren, Zachary (Elizabeth) MacLaren, Andrew MacLaren, Jacob Behnke, Tyler (Lotte) Peet, Chesney Anderson, and Jaylynn Anderson, many great-grandchildren, two sisters: Barbara (Richard) Pharr and Bonna Lou Beckley; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharon, daughter-in-law Maria MacLaren, and brother-in-law Brian Beckley.

     Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.