Obituary of Edward G. Deisler

DEISLER, Edward G., of Saginaw, our beloved father, grandfather, and brother passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was 91years old. Edward George Deisler, Jr. was born on May 11, 1924, to Edward G. and Bernadette (LaVeck) Deisler. He married Mary Patrice "Pat" Harden on August 28, 1948, at St. Mary's Cathedral; she preceded him in death on July 24, 2010. Ed graduated from St. Mary's High School and then attended St. Mary's College in Winona, MN. He continued his education at the University of Notre Dame where he enrolled in the V-12 Program. In 1942, Ed served with the United States Marine Corps in Saipan and Okinawa, Japan for four years. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Wayne State University where he obtained his Mortuary Science License. Ed was a licensed funeral director for over 68 years, serving the Saginaw community. He was the President of Deisler Funeral Home from 1951 until his retirement in 1989. He was extremely proud that the Deisler Funeral Home was, and still is, the oldest funeral home in the Saginaw community founded in 1888, continues to serve the community 128 years later through his son, Thomas, a fourth generation family funeral director/owner. In addition to owning the funeral home, Ed founded State Lanes and Stardust Bowling establishments with his brothers, Joe and Tony. Ed was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church since 1968 and a former member of St. Helen Catholic Church. He was also active with the Knights of Columbus Council #593 and #4232 for more than 60 years, serving as a Commander for four years and was a 4th Degree Knight. Ed continued to serve his country through his membership with the VFW Post #1566. He also served on the Saginaw Community Foundation Board, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, and was a former member of the Saginaw Country Club and Saginaw Club. Ed loved spending time with his family, golfing, bowling and playing tennis. Surviving are three daughters and two sons: Ann (Dennis) Rogers of Saginaw and their children, Carrie and Dennis; Thomas (Lauren) Deisler of Saginaw and their children, Ryan (fiancée, Jennifer), Andrew (Ashley) and Jessica; Carol (Mitchell) Pelavin of Atlanta, GA and their children, Dane and Evan; Catherine (Jon) Starling of Atlanta, GA and their children, Jon and William; and Steve Deisler of Shaker Heights, OH; daughter-in-law, Mary Blumer Deisler Reed of Wilmette, IL; one sister and two brothers: Bernadette (Roy) Reid of Alabama, Anton Deisler of Florida, and Joseph (Gwen) Deisler of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Patrice "Pat" Deisler; son, Edward G. Deisler, III; and sister, Kathryn Dambrun. FUNERAL: Ed's family will recite prayers at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Funeral Liturgy will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, at St. Dominic Parish-St. Stephen Catholic Church site, 1310 Malzahn St. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal and Military Honors under the auspices of the United States Marine Corps and American Legion Post # 439 will follow at St. Andrew Mausoleum. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Dominic Parish-St. Stephen Catholic Church site or the Saginaw Community Foundation. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.