Living

Notes:

In the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 9, September 2, 1946, in a column titled "Still in the Service of the U.S.A.", it was noted that Lt. Gerald Kercher went to Germany in the middle of July. He recently was transferred to Naples, Italy. His wife expects to go as soon as possible. As of the publication date of Volume 18, on September 5, 1955, he and his family were located in Wiesbaden, Germany. As of the 1959 publication date of Volume 22, he was being transfered to Stewart Field, West Point, Annapolis. In Volume 26 it was reported that he had retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service and was associated with the brokerage firm of Goodbody and Company in New London, Conn.

Waterford - On Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2011, Gerald Frederick Kercher slipped the surly bonds of earth, put out his hand, and touched the face of God. He died at home in Quaker Hill as he wished.

Gerald, the third of three sons of Erwin W. and Amanda (Muck) Kercher, was born on June 9, 1924, in Cass City, Mich. He graduated from Cass City High School in 1942 and married his high school sweetheart, Frances Elizabeth Koepfgen, in 1945 at the "Little Church Around the Corner" in New York City. She died in 1993.

Gerald's interests were many and varied. From his first job after high school as a coal passer on the Great Lakes Steamship Cygnus to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Gerald's love of his country was surpassed only by the love for his family.

During World War II, Gerald flew the B26 Martin Marauder In European and North African campaigns, as a member of the 320th Bomb Group. He was especially proud of his service during the Berlin Air Lift when he dropped thousands of pounds of food and medical supplies to the German people.

Following World War II, Gerald served as the base legal officer in Munich, Germany. Over the next 20 years, the Air Force took Gerald to Texas, Saudi Arabia, Pennsylvania, and back to Germany where he served as an agent in the Office of Special Investigation, working with Belgium and Luxemburg police. He completed his careerat bases inMassachusetts and New York. Just prior to his retirement from the Air Force in 1965, Gerald flew C-123 cargo planes, ferrying personnel and cargo to Vietnam. He retired as a major and began a very different 20-year career as a commodities broker in New London, working for Goodbody & Co., which later merged with Merrill Lynch.

In his retirement, Gerald volunteered enthusiastically for Southeastern Hospice for 18 years, stopping only in the past few weeks. He was also a tutor for Literacy Volunteers and volunteered his driving services for the American Red Cross and the local food pantry. He served as a delightful toastmaster for the First Wednesday Club and was known for his recitations and spirited singing. He was an enthusiastic member of Shortwave Radio International, attending their many conferences with special friends around the world. He was a life long Detroit Tigers fan and died happily knowing that his team was in first place. Devoted to his faith, Gerald was a member of the Safe Harbor Assembly of God Church in Uncasville.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his six children and their families, Susan and Abraham Chamie, Philip and Jet Kercher, Andrew and Wendy Kercher, Matthew Kercher, Amanda Kercher and David Weinraub, and Caroline and Craig Thurston. He was very proud of his 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He joins in heaven a dear granddaughter, Kathryn Frances Kercher.

Visitation hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, at Harkness Chapel, Connecticut College.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Southestern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich CT 06360.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-frederick-kercher&pid=153255416&fhid=4346

Gerald married Frances Elizabeth Koepfgen on 19 Dec 1945 in New York City, New York County, New York. Frances was born on 23 May 1925 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 4 Feb 1993 in Waterford, New London County, Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Wednesday, February 17, 1993

Frances (Koepfgen) Kercher, 67, who graduated from Connecticut College after raising 6 children and then remained on the staff there for 21 years, died Thursday at her home in Waterford, Conn., after a long battle with cancer.

Mrs. Kercher spent most of her career in the admissions office, where she was an assistant director of admissions at the time of her death. She was known for her love of Conneticut College where 4 of her children graduated.

Mrs. Kercher directed the alumni admissions program, in which more than 300 graduates residing throughout the country visit high schools and interview prospective students, and she was in charge of the transfer-student admissions program.

She and her husband, Gerald E. Kercher, were former presidents of the Mr. and Mrs. Republican Club of new London.

Gerald Kercher, a retired Air Force major and a retired broker from Merrill Lynch, New London, said his wife was diagnosed with cencer in 1965 and "she fought it successfully for many years." She had setbacks since 1990, he continued, but she showed remarkable spirit and worked until last December.

Mrs. Kercher was appointed a writer and editorial assistant in 1972 in the Connecticut College new Office, 2 weeks before she received her bachelor's degree in English literature. She later moved from the news office to the admissions office.

Before her marriage, she had completed her freshman years at the University of Michigan. She enrolled for part-time study at Connecticut College in 1967 under the Return to College Program. Upon graduation, she received the American Association of University Women Award, presented by the New London chapter of the association to a member of a graduating class who demonstrates high character, academic excellence and leadership.

Mrs. Kercher was a leading figure in the Connecticut College Alumni Club of Southeastern Connecticut. She and her husband, natives of Cass City, had resided in southeastern Connecticut since 1965.

Mrs. Kercher was born May 23, 1925, in Cass City, the daughter of Lyle and Ersel (Wallace) Koepfgen.

She graduated from Cass City High School in 1943. She and Gerald Kercher were married December 19, 1945, in New York City.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Philip J. of Colville, Wash., Andrew C. of Dixon, Calif., and Matthew of Quaker Hill, Conn.,; 3 daughters, Susan K. CHAMIE of Ivoryton, Conn.,; Amanda Kercher of Albany, N.Y., and Caroline THURSTON of Old Saybrook, Conn., and 9 grandchildren.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, February 2008)

Notes:

Married:
Shown in the Texas Birth Index, on the birth records for her sons, Philip and Andrew, as Frances KEFGEN. The 1946 Issue of the Striffler Benkelman Broadcast, (Volume 9), when reporting their marriage, instead lists her as Frances KOEPFGEN. The 1960 issue of the same periodical, dated September 5, 1960, reported that "The five children of Major and Mrs. Gerald Kercher of Newburg, N.Y. were baptized in the E.U.B. Church in Cass City on July 10. Their grandmother was Amanda Muck."

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle, 30 Aug 1907

Local Items

Ervin W. Kaercher, who has been employed in the Chronicle office for nearly a year, left Monday morning for Detroit, where he has secured employment. Ervln has made a large number of friends during his stay in Cass City and all join in wishing him success in his new venture. Wm. Schwain of Pigeon is now employed in the Chronicle office.

Robert Carlson writes that "In the 1910 census, Erwin was recorded as Ervin Karecher, and I suspect his birth name was probably Ervin Kaercher or Karecher. The spelling Karecher was used in a lot of documents of the family in Canada, but on the gravestones the spelling is Kaercher. "

According to his obituary, he worked at the Cass City Chronicle for 43 years, starting in 1909, leaving the paper in 1952 when his wife became ill. After her death, he worked part time in various Thumb newspaper plants, helping out during peak periods, in addition to maintaining his own printing establishment in the village of Cass City. He was survived by son Charles of Linwood, Lt. Col. Ferris Kercher in Japan and Capt. Gerald Kercher in Germany; a brother Clarence Kercher of Owosso; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Erwin married Amanda Lillian Muck on 1 Sep 1909 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Amanda (daughter of Adam H. Muck and Susan Striffler) was born on 17 May 1888 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 3 Jun 1953 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lorraine Smith Benkelman transcribed the following letters from Salome to her brother, George Albert

June 6, 1888

I am staying at the Muck's for three weeks now. Anna Peterson is dead. She had a tumor and died under an operation. I heard that Adam Benkelman was expected home any day, but will not be sure until I hear that Minnie Burg did not make it up. The population of Cass City has increased since you left. Adam Muck has a girl [Amanda L. Muck], Del Landon a girl, Duncan Graham and Alex McKenzie both boys.


Cass City Chronicle
Friday, June 5, 1953
Page One

Final Rites Held for Cass City Resident

Mrs. Amanda L. Kercher, 65, wife of Erwin W. Kercher, died Wednesday afternoon in the home of Mrs. Walter Schell where she was staying for the day while Mr. Kercher was out of town. Although Mrs. Kercher has been in failing health for a long time, her death was unexpected.

Mrs. Kercher's death was caused by a cerebral hemmorhage, according to the doctor's report. She was a lifelong resident of Cass City.

Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Adam and Susan Muck, she was born here May 17, 1888. On September 1, 1909, she was married to Erwin Kercher in Cass City.

Besides her parents, a brother, Philip Muck, and a sister, Mrs. Lena Corkins, preceded her in death.

Surviving are: her husband, three sons, Charles Kercher, Sr. of Bay City, Major Ferris Kercher of Monterey, Calif., and Capt. Gerald Kercher of San Angelo, Texas; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Roy (Emma) Graham of Caro and Mrs. Wm. (Hattie) Joos of Cass City.

Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Salem Evangelical Church where she was a lifelong member. Rev. S.R. Wurtz officiated and burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

Relatives and friends attended the funeral from many communities. Included were: Armada, Bay City, Brown City, Owosso, Shabbona, Elkton, Unionville, Bad Axe, Detroit, Saginaw, Caro, Sebewaing, Marlette, Flint, Pontiac and Gagetown.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Village of Cass City
10 January 1920
ED 179, Sheet 4A
84-87
Kercher, Edwin W Hd M W 31 Mich Canada German Canada German Printer Local Paper
Kercher, Amanda L. Wf F w 31 M Mich NY NY
Kercher, Charles R Son M W 9 S Mich Mich Mich
Kercher, Ferris A Son M W 3 8/12 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 11, 1930
ED 79-4 SD 11 Sheet 4B
Ervin W. Kercher Hd M W 41 M21 Mich Canada/French Canada Printer Newspaper
Amanda L. Kercher Wf F W 41 M21 Mich NY NY
Kercher, Ferris A. Son M W 13 Mich Mich Mich
Kercher, Gerald F Son M W 5 Mich Mich Mich

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
Friday, September 3, 1909

Page One

September Weddings

A pretty home wedding was solemnized at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Muck, at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, when their youngest daughter, Amanda L., became the bride of Ervin W. Kaercher. Rev. J. A. Schweitzer was the officiating clergyman who tied the nuptial knot pronouncing the ceremony which united the lives of these estimable young people of our village. The wedding was a quiet one, witnessed only by a few of the immediate relatives of the bride and groom. The bride was becomingly attired in white and never appeared to better advantage while the groom wore the conventional black. Immediately after the ceremony the guests passed to the dining room where a bounteous and delicious lunch was partaken of. The bride is one of our most popular young ladies. From a little girl she has grown up in our midst honored by old and young alike. She is fully capable of filling the home she will adorn with happiness and will prove to be truly a helpmate and companion to the husband she has chosen to honor with her hand. The groom is one of our best young men and at present very ably fills a position at the Chronicle Printery. Mr. and Mrs. Kaercher will be at home to their friends in the Wooley residence on south Ale street.

Page Four

LOCAL ITEMS

Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Kaercher and son, Clarence, of Elkton attended the Muck-Kaercher wedding here Wednesday evening .

(Both courtesy of Robert Carlson)

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 2, 1948
Volume 42, Number 49.
Page One.

John H. Kercher Died Sunday at Age of 88 Years

John H. Kercher, 88, passed away in an Owosso hospital on Sunday night where he had been a patient for four days. he had been in failing health for several weeks.

Funeral services were held int he Douglas Funeral Home on Thursday afternoon. Rev. Stanley P. Kirn, pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Cass City, of which Mr. Kercher was a member, was the officiating clergyman. Interment was made in the Colfax cemetery at Bad Axe.

John Henry Kercher was born November 2, 1859, at Sebringville, Ontario, and married Miss Louisa MERKLINGRE at Milverton, Ontario, March 9, 1886. In 1887, they came to Elkton, Michigan, which at that time only had two houses, both roughly hewn. He built a residence there in the fall of '87, and engaged in carpenter work, erecting many houses and large barns in and around Elkton and Pigeon.

After nine years, he returned to make Canada his home where he lived for five years and worked in a large furniture factory. In 1901, he again decided to make Michigan his home and came back to Elkton. He built seven different residences in and near Elkton which he sold.

He constructed the first Evangelical Church in Elkton in 1888, and rebuilt it it 1898. In 1918, it was destroyed by fire and he again helped to rebuild it as it now stands. He served as usher in the church for many years.

On August 25, 1929, Mrs. Kercher died after 4 1/2 years of illness from a stroke. Mr. Kercher came to Cass City that fall and has since made his home with his son Erwin W., here and with another son, C.G. Kercher, at Owosso.

Mr. Kercher carried on this trade as carpenter and cabinet maker well past his 80th birthday and spent many hours each day in a shop at the rear of his son's residence in Cass City.

Mr. Kercher is survived by two sons, Erwin W. Kercher of Cass City and Clarence G. Kercher of Owosso; six grandsons, Charles Kercher of Bay City, Capt. Ferris Kercher of Columbus, Ga., Lt. Gerald Kercher stationed at Munich, Germany, Harold and Richard Kercher of Owosso, and Robert Kercher of Flint; six great grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Andrew Eckmeyer, and three, nephews, Wesley, George and Gordon Strasser, and a niece, Hilda Strasser, of Stratford, Ont.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, February 15)

(Research):Census Information:

Name: John Karercher
[John Karescher]
Age in 1910: 48 [49]
Estimated birth year: abt 1862 [abt 1861]
Birthplace: Canada
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Canada
Mother's Birth Place: Canada
Spouse's name: Louise {birthplace Canada}
Home in 1910: Oliver, Huron, Michigan {Village of Elkton}
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Year of Immigration: 1885
{Occupation: Carpenter}
Household Members: Name Age
John Karercher 48
Louise Karercher 43
Clarence Karercher 15

(Courtesy of Robert Carlson)

John married Louisa Merklinger on 9 Mar 1886 in Milverton, Ontario, Canada. Louisa was born about 1867 in Canada; died on 25 Aug 1929. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
December 18, 1908

Philip Muck of Lancaser, N.Y. is visiting his brother, Adam Muck, and other relatives here.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 8, 1914
Page One

Adam H. Muck
Funeral Service held Tuesday Afternoon at Cass City

Adam H. Muck, who was stricken ill suddenly at Colling last week Wednesday, passed away at his home in Colwood late Saturday afternoon, May 2. The remains were brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Kaercher at Cass City Sunday. On Tuesday afternoon, the funeral servicew were held at the Evangelical church where Mr. Muck was an regular attendant and worshipper while a resident here. Rev. D. J. Feather, the pastor, conducted the service.

Adam H. Muck was born in Erie county, N.Y. , Aug 21, 1852. He came to Cass City in October in 1878.

The same year he was united in marriage with Miss Lena Striffler and to the union two children were born. Mrs. Muck died July 11, 1883. On May 21, 1885, he married Miss Susan Striffler and this union was blessed with three children. Mrs. Muck passed away a few years ago at Cass City.

Mr. Muck, through his activities as farmer, thresherman and blacksmith at Cass City, had many acquaintances in this community and was well and favorably known. He served Cass City as trustee, was prominently identified with the fire department for many years and held several other positions of trust in various societies.

He leaves four daughters, Mrs. Wm. Joos, Mrs. J.C. Corkins, and Mrs. E.W. Kaercher, all of Cass City, and Miss Emma Muck of Colwood, one son, Philip Muck of Colwood, three grandchildren, two brothers and five sisters.

Friends from a distance in attendance at the funeral were J.L. Muck and Mrs. Geo. Klein of Lockport, N.Y., Miss Louise Gassner of Buffaol, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Kaercher and son, Clarence, and Norman Prast, all of Elkton.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

(Research):
Census Information:

1880 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumeratd 4 and 5 June 1880
Page Fifty, SD Third, ED 400 Stamped 91 A
46-46
Muck, Adam H W M 27 Blacksmith NY France France
Muck, Lena W F 25 Wf Keeping House NY France Franc
Muck, Harry W M 10/12 July Son (sic) At home Mich NY NY

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City Village, Dist 111
Enumerated 9 Jun 1900 by A.D. Gillis
SD 8 ED 111 Sheet 5B
109-112
Muck, Adam Hd W M Aug 1861 (sic) 49 M15 NY Germany Germany Blacksmith
Muck, Susan Wf W F June 1862 (sic) 47 M 15 4/3 NY Germany Germany
Muck, Hattie Dtr W F July 1870 (sic) 20 S Mich NY NY Dressmaker
Muck, Lena Dtr W F July 1883 16 S Mich NY NY
Muck, Emma Dtr W F Apr 1886 14 S Mich NY NY
Muck, Amanda Dtr W F May 1889 12 S Mich NY NY
Muck, Philip Son W M Jun 1889 10 S Mich NY NY

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
13 April 1910
SD 8 ED 113 Sheet 5B
135-135
Muck, Adam He M W 55 M2 25 NY Germany Germany Blacksmith
Muck, Susan Wf F W 53 M1 25 5/5 NY Germany Germany
Muck, Lena Dtr F W 26 S Mich NY NY
Muck, Emma Dtr F W 24 S Mich NY NY Operator Telephone
Muck, Philip H Son M W 20 S Mich NY NY Salesclerk Dry Goods

Adam married Susan Striffler on 21 May 1885 in Tuscola County, Michigan. Susan (daughter of Henry Striffler and Elizabeth Wagner) was born on 15 Jun 1849 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York; died on 11 Sep 1910 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, September 16, 1910
Page One

Had Love and Respect of All

Mrs. A.H. Muck Passed To Her Reward

Death Occurred Sunday Evening and Funeral Service was Held Wednesday Morning

Mrs. A.H. Muck died at her home at the corner of Grant and Pine Streets Sunday evening after an illness of several months.

Susan Striffler was born in Lancaster township, Erie county, New York, on June 15, 1849. She came to Michigan April 15, 1878, and was united in holy wedlock to Adam H. Muck on May 21, 1885. To this union three children were born.

Mrs. Muck was converted in her youth and while in New York became a member of the M.E. church. After coming to Cass City she transferred her church membership to the Evangelical church here. She was an every day Christian-one who seemed born to inspire the love and respect of all who were fortunate in being acquanted with her. No one was more willing to aid the suffering, cheer the desponding and sustain the weak and her life was a blessing and benefaction to all within the sphere of her influence.

The funeral service was held in the Evangelical church Wednesday morning and a large number of relatives and friends attended. She leaves to mourn her demise her husband, three children, Mrs. E. W. Kaercher, Miss Emma and Philip Muck; two step-daughters, Mrs. Wm. Joos and Miss Lena Muck; two brothers, J.H. and C.D. Striffler; one sister, Mrs. Peter Burg.

Relatives from out of town who attended the funeral were: Jacob Muck of Lockport, New York; Mrs. Wm. Bockstedt and Miss Gassner of Buffalo; Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Ricker of West Grant; Mr. and Mrs. O.W. Nique of Shabbona; Mrs. Geo. Zinnerker of Owendale; S.W. Striffler of Argyle.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)