Obituary

Harold C. Wakeman

Sarasota, Florida

Wixom Lake and Saginaw, Michigan

December 25, 1933 - March 17, 2008

  Loving husband, mentor, teacher, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away unexpectedly at his home in Sarasota, Florida.  Age 74 years.  Harold was born on December 25, 1933 in Hartland, Michigan to the late Martin Albert and Thelma L. (Robison) Wakeman.  Harold was raised on the family farm in Hartland, Mich. until the family moved to Frankenmuth where he helped his family in building and operating the Ken Theatre. Harold was confirmed from St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1951. He began his college studies at Flint Community College, the precursor to U-M Flint, before attending the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee. He graduated from WIMS in 1955 and was Board Certified by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. He then entered the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged from reserve service in 1961. He married Judy M. Satchell on June 13, 1959. She survives him.
  Harold had worked for Richard F. Gugel, Sr. at the Gugel Funeral Home from 1957 until 1965 when he purchased the business. He operated it as the Gugel-Wakeman Funeral Home until 1974 when he renamed it the Wakeman Funeral Home. Harold served as Saginaw County Coroner until the system was phased out in favor of the current Medical Examiner’s system. He authored the “Think about it…” series of articles that appeared in The Saginaw News during the 1970s. He was a member of the first group of non-medical students to become certified as an Eye Enucleator through the Michigan Eye Bank and then in 1981 was re-certified through Wayne State University School of Medicine. He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and past president of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association District 12. He was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he served on many boards. He was a founding member of the Saginaw County Drug Board, an instructor for Saginaw County’s original Hospice group, was past president of the former Saginaw Westside Lions Club and held memberships in the Frankenmuth Conservation Club, Eagles Club - Albright Shores, the DAV and the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Association. Harold was honored to be called upon each year to provide the opening prayer at the annual Arthur Hill Letterwinner’s Banquet. He was very active during the founding of Valley Lutheran High School and was one of the “original families”. He volunteered in a number of capacities, including, serving as president of the Valley Lutheran High School Booster Club. He was awarded a Proclamation from the Michigan State Legislature for his service as County Coroner, was named Who’s Who of Michigan, and in 2005 he was honored by the Michigan Funeral Directors Association with the distinguished 50-year Licensee service recognition. Harold currently served as the Venetian Park Estates Assoc. Secretary for the past six years.
  Following his retirement in 1998, Harold and Judy spent all of their winter time at their Sarasota, Fla. home with their “Florida family”, then during summers they lived at their cottage on Wixom Lake. He thoroughly enjoyed his time with his family and friends at both homes.
Harold was a truly compassionate man. He served his families with the utmost respect, dignity and professionalism. His legacy in service to man and community will be deeply missed by all.
  Surviving him, and at the heart of his loving family, is his beloved wife, Judy; his five children and their spouses, Brian (Lora) Wakeman, Thomas Twp.; Toni Schotts, Saginaw; Tracy (Robert) Patterson, Saginaw; Rodney (Johanna) Wakeman, Saginaw Twp.; and Melanie (Michael) Beall, Saginaw Twp.; his nine grandchildren, all who made Grandpa so proud, Brandon, Keaton, Bryce, Taylor, Madison, Kayla, Meredith, Cade and Dylan; two brothers and one sister, Kenneth (Violet) Wakeman, Fowlerville; Carol Bannerman, Millington; Dale (Sue) Wakeman, Davison; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves a great number of dear friends in Florida and Michigan. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary K. Wakeman.
  The Funeral Celebration will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 Court St. The Rev. Timothy J. Loewe will officiate. Private committal and burial will take place in Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery.
  Friends are welcome to visit with the family at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Easter Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., and then on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. For those who wish to express their sympathies, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Valley Lutheran High School to be used for a permanent memorial scholarship fund in Harold’s name. No flowers, please.
  Memories and sympathies may be shared with the family online at www.WakemanFuneralHome.com