Virgil J Deater, 88, passed away Jul 6, 2009, at home, while surrounded by his family in Bellaire.
Born May 27, 1921, he was the son of the late Edward and Lottie (Simon) Deater.
Virgil was a WWII veteran, serving in the US Navy from Nov 1, 1943 to Mar 7, 1946.
He was proud to be a lifetime member of the VFW Kalkaska Post 8684. Virgil married June Florence Frederick on Mar 18, 1946.
They moved to Detroit, where Virgil worked for GM until he moved to Kalkaska and began work for Wayne Wire.
He retired in 1986. Virgil was a big bear hunter and also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and loved recounting his bear hunting experiences.
Surviving Virgil are his sons: Michael Lee (Carol Gilbert) Deater of Bellaire, Allen (Margaret) Deater of Kingsley, and Donald (Patti) Deater of Flager Beach, FL; his grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan Carlson) Deater, Jason (Amanda Williams) Deater, Thomas (Becky) Deater, Tina (Dave) Williams, Chris (Brooke) Bilky, and great grandchildren, Benson Carlson, Mitchell Carlson, Kylie Deater, Julia Bilky, Chris Bilky, Kristen Williams, and Dave Williams.
Virgil was preceded in death by his significant other, Delight "Lily" Baetz, of 45 years; his sister, Delilah Koch and his special grandson, Scott Deater.
Special thanks go out to Above and Beyond Home Health Care and caregiver Peggy Heart.
Visitation will be held Fri, Jul 10, from 6 to 8 pm at the Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home in Kalkaska.
The funeral service will be Sat at 11 am at the funeral home, with Dan Johnson from the Kalkaska Church of Christ officiating. Military honors will be by the Kalkaska VFW Post 8684.
Burial will be at Excelsior Township Cemetery.
