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GLEASON, ERNEST J. "KELLY" Of Flushing, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Living Joy, Flushing, MI. Memorial Mass will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, May 8, 2015 at St. Robert Catholic Church, 310 N. Cherry St., Flushing, MI. Fr. Roy Horning and Fr. Phillip Schmitter officiating. Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. followed by a Knights of Columbus and a Ancient Order of the Hibernians Service at the Reigle Funeral Home, 5501 West Pierson Road, Flushing, Michigan 48433 / 810-732-1448. Kelly was born February 9, 1930, the second child of Mary Ellen (Tallon) Gleason & John Patrick Gleason. Raised on a working farm with 10 siblings his childhood was more idyllic than leisurely. A proud alum of Flushing High School he served 4 years in the US Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Kelly was a member of Millwright Local #1102. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1948 and was a long time member of the Flushing American Legion and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. He lived in Felch, MI in the early 1960's. Skiing was a lifelong passion for him and in his 84th year frequently he could be spotted tearing up the slopes of Mt. Holly. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and sailing adventurer, building 2 cabins in Paradise and Ontonagon, MI. He started the St. Robert Boys Football Team in 1967. He was an all state pole vaulter in 1948, later coaching the Flushing and Powers boys and girls athletes. The athletes, by his assessment, taught him plenty. With great pride and uncanny good fortune on November 29, 1952, he married (as he oft stated) "The prettiest girl in the county" Maxine (Grotto) Gleason, who survives him. A dedicated if not doting husband, for 62 years they would celebrate their marriage. The union produced five children all of whom survive him. James D. Gleason of Henniker, NH, married Kathleen Arsenault Gleason. They have four children: Anna Kathleen Gleason; Tucker James Gleason, BM2, USCG married to Kelly Dobson Gleason; Seamus Patrick Gleason; and, Kelsey Megan Gleason. John J. Gleason of Flushing, MI, married Karen Henderson Gleason. They have two children: Clancy Rose Gleason and Eamonn Henry Gleason. Timothy A. Gleason, D.O. of Bozeman, MT, married Patricia Denison Gleason. Together they have five children: John Patrick Gleason engaged to Rae Dawn Keim, Egan Gleason, Timo Gleason, Kelsey Denison and Thomas Denison. Rita Gleason Blanchard of Hopkinton, NH, married Matthew Blanchard. They have two children: Lt. Jonathan Blanchard, USN, married to Laura Blanchard, and, Mackenzie Blanchard, engaged to Melody Huang. Jennifer Gleason of Flushing, MI has two children: Trevor Leland Westbrook, engaged to Kelly Oles, and Eavan Tallon Westbrook; brothers Eldon Michael, Walter (Pat), John William Warren (Jan); sister Wanda (Barry) Topham. Kelly was properly honored in 1999 by the Ancient Order of Hibernians with the Irish Father of the Year Award in recognition of his family values and commitment to community. Perhaps the most succinct assessment of the man was provided by the subject himself: "I am Irish. Catholic. Union. Democrat". We salute a good son, good man, good husband, good father, good grandfather, good brother, good friend, and good neighbor. All will miss him; none more than his children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents; sisters Waunita, Agnes, Rita, Waunita; brothers Donald and Justin. Contributions may be made to the St. Francis Prayer Center, 2381 Carpenter Rd., Flint, MI 48505. Condolences may be left On-Line at reiglefuneralhome.com
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gleason family. He was truly a great man.
Thomas Miller
May 17, 2015
As I jogged on the trail behind Bueche's yesterday, I realized how fortunite I was to have known Kelly. He walked his dog there often...miss you old soldier!
Flagman
May 11, 2015
John and family, our condolances to you and the entire Gleason family on Kelly's passing. Patrick & Coleen McDonald
May 10, 2015
Condolences and prayers for you and your family John.
danny & Anne Wells
May 8, 2015
John & Family;
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John & Tammy Rivett
John & Tammy Rivett
May 8, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Ernie will be missed by all.
Porters
May 7, 2015
Dear Jennifer and Rita,
It was so nice to see you a few weeks ago, although I wish the circumstances had been better. I was very saddened to hear about the passing of your father. My condolences to you and the rest of the family: Tim, John, Jim, and Mickey.
Terry Taddeucci
May 7, 2015
Dear Mickey and family,
It is with our deepest sympathy and loving condolences that we write to you regarding Kelly's passing. As you probably know, Kelly was more than a neighbor to us. It is so difficult to find the words to express the extent of our love for our larger-than-life friend and summer companion, but we feel in our hearts what we struggle to express.
As we think back on the many summers of canoeing, sailing, bon firing, laughing, dog chasing, swimming, and adventuring, it is obvious that Kelly shaped our childhood in many spectacular ways. How do can we even begin to give voice to all the ways he impacted us. He taught us how to sail. He taught us how to canoe, he taught us about adventure. He taught us about life. He didn't have to give so much of his time and self to a couple of neighbor brats, but he did. His passing leaves us with a heavy heart. He will be so missed, and the beach in Paradise will sure feel empty without him, but his spirit carries on in our memories.
It's so difficult to convey the love and companionship we felt to our neighbor and friend, but we can't help but remember his smile, the glint in his eyes, his Irish humor. We celebrate his legacy--the celebration and daily expression of joy, kindness, family, adventure, and--most of all--love.
Sincerely,
Erika (Ellis) Daleiden & Alexis Ellis
Erika (Ellis) Daleiden
May 7, 2015
Rita and family,
So happy to hear you were able to honor one of Uncle Kelly's final wishes,to be with Aunt Mickey before he passed.How happy you must have made him and you will cherish that memory forever.Love to Aunt Mickey.Thanks for all the love,laughter and great memories Uncle Kelly!
Love
Michael, Libby and family
May 7, 2015
micky and family we are so sorry about your loss. you are in our thoughts jan and ed richards
Ed Richards
May 7, 2015
Heaven will have better pole vaulters because the coach is there!
James & Sandra Kitts
May 6, 2015
Mickey and family
Our hearts go out to you and your family with the passing of Kelly. We will miss his humor, laughter and blarney at the cabin. Bless you and your family.
Jim and Kathy Mohney
James Mohney
May 6, 2015
gleason family saddened to hear of kellys passing. i spent a short while withearney in fort benning,ga.he was getting out @I was getting ready for overseas duty. we got together later on at st.roberts,as ever jim kozumplik
May 4, 2015
John, Karen and the Gleason family; Our deepest condolences are with you and your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With our sympathy,
Gerry & Shelly Masters
Gerry & Shelly Masters
May 4, 2015
John, Karen, and family: So sorry to hear about the passing of your patriarch. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Marvin, Wanda, & Martece Bady
May 3, 2015
Dear Mickey,Tim and family..
Bill and I are saddened to hear of Kelly's passing..You all have our deepest sympathy. I will always remember his sweet smile, and twinkling eyes. He will be missed by all, but welcomed by God in his heavenly home. Fondly, Jeanne and Bill Martin
Bill and Jeanne Martin
May 2, 2015
Gleason Family....so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, grandfather, husband...I have so many memories of Mr. and Mrs. Gleason. What fun we had, Jen when we were in high school and the fun we had sitting around the back yard with mom and dad! So sorry for your loss. Sending huge hugs to you all.
Paula Rowe Tudor
May 1, 2015
Mickey, John and family. I was saddened to hear of the passing of such a dear, sweet man. He always made me laugh and brightened any room he entered. I know he's in God's loving arms now. Prayers for your family.
Jenny Bryan
May 1, 2015
To Micky, John & family: Ken & I are so sorry to hear about the passing of Kelly. He was such a wonderful friend and a great friend to all who knew him. We loved to talk with him & will always remember his great smile! He always brought so much laughter to those that needed it. He will be greatly missed but know that God has gained a very special angel! We love you all and will be praying for you also.
Ken & Mae Zimmerman
April 30, 2015
WE KNEW KELLY SHORTLY BEFORE HE WED THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE, HIS BEAUTIFUL MAXINE. IT SEEMED EVER SO QUICK,THEN THEY MOVED AWAY. MY WIFE AND I GREW UP WITH THE GROTTO FAMILY AND WERE MADE BETTER TO HAVE KNOWN THEM. WE REMEMBER THE HANDSOME KELLY. WE REMEMBER THOSE EYES AND THAT IMPISH SMILE. NOW WE READ, IN HIS TRIBUTES, HOW TRULY OUTSTANDING ALL WHO REPLIED SAY HE WAS, AS A LOVING PERSON, A CARING NEIGHBOR, A GOOD MAN, AN ADORING HUSBAND, A LOVING FATHER, AND GRAND FATHER. HE WILL BE FOREVER "REMEMBERED" AS A SHINNING LIGHT AND WE ALL FEEL PROUD TO HAVE HAD HIM IN OUR PRESENCE. TO HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY, WE GRIEVE WITH YOU OVER YOUR TEMPORARY LOSS AND WISH YOU ALL WELL. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO FOREVER HOLD YOU ALL IN HIS WARMING EMBRACE. ART AND JOAN (HOHN) DUBIE. BELLEVUE, WA.
ART & JOAN (HOHN) DUBIE
April 30, 2015
Kelly and I were great friends and I will always remember his humor. He always asked me as chaplain for the post to pray for his wife. I. Will miss him greatly as will the post.
Rev - Dr Kenneth Roivas
April 30, 2015
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your lossMy thoughts are with the whole family during this difficult time. Kelly has always been a part of our family and a blessing to me, to have shared some wonderful moments with him. Love to the family and wishing well.
Rick Jessop
April 29, 2015
To John and Family: Sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a great man who will be much missed by all those who knew him. Hilary and I are deeply sorry for your loss. We hope that the memories of your time together will comfort you and bring you peace.
Hilary &Tony Morolla
April 29, 2015
John, Mickie and the entire Gleason familyso sorry to hear of Kelly's passing, however the Heavens certainly gained a wonderful soul.
Joanne White
April 28, 2015
John, Micky, and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Kelly! Good memories of friendship and lively debates!
Prayers for your entire family,
Jerry Belanger
April 28, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss John and to your whole family. God Bless and keep you in your time of loss.
Dawn Carriveau-Hill
April 27, 2015
So sorry to hear about your loss John. I remember your dad well from the Hivernian meetings at Dom Polski.
Lori Fritzler
April 27, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to the Gleason family in the passing of your dad. The Angels will welcome him to paradise.
Matt and Mariane (Bueche) Crumm
Mariane Crumm
April 27, 2015
My condolences to Mickey and family. It is appropriate Ernie's last ride was in a "Republican" car. We will miss his "truthful" stories.
Rod Troyer
April 27, 2015
RIP, Ernest Kelley Gleason. My sincere sympathy & condolences to his family. I used to work with John.
Elizabeth J
April 25, 2015
I have to say us Gleason's lost a beautiful human being. It didn't matter what you asked, he knew or found out how to do it. As a joke we went to the store one day. Barbie was driving and Kelly and I in the back seat. He had a banana with him, eat it (no he didn't share it) and threw the peeling under the front seat. After weeks my Nephew Dave asked his wife Barb if she noticed a smell AND SHE Said yes. Dave goes out to look around and low and behold our loving Kelly
threw the peeling under the drivers seat. We laugh about it a lot. It was the first thing we said, (other than (How are we ever going to be the same without our Dear Kelly).Lunches will never be the same. Love and miss you already, Aunt Nana. xoxoxoxo P.S. Heaven help God when you and Rita meet up again.
Wanda Topham
April 25, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Kelly was a very kind and interesting man to visit with. Michelle and I spent an afternoon with him at his cottage. The kids had a good time in the water, we enjoyed his company.
Jerry and Carol Ferguson (Jeff 's parents)
April 24, 2015
Kelly was our "summer neighbor" on the shores of Whitefish Bay for the last thirty plus years. Paradise won't be the same without him.
Warren and Treasure ELlis
April 24, 2015
Kelly was a wonderful member of the Flushing American Legion. He 'broke me in' selling raffle tickets with great humor and greetings to all at Beuche's.
Shelly Roke
April 24, 2015
Sympathy to John, Karen and entire family, your Dad had a great sense of laughter and made people smile. Digger wants you to know Local 1102 and 324 will sadly miss him. Hold on to the memories.....Digger and Connie
Greg and Connie Curtis
April 24, 2015
To Mr. John Gleason and family I extend my condolences.
Kim Peterson
April 23, 2015
Dad and I are so sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. He was a good friend and brother millwright. Our condolences and prayers go out to the whole Gleason Family.
Cal & Charlie Prittie
April 23, 2015
So sorry for the Gleason Family. I always enjoyed talking with Mr. Gleason and seeing him walking on the trail regularly. He will be missed by everyone he has touched. He lived a long and happy life , I am sure his children are very proud of him, I know I was proud to call him my friend. RIP sir.
Greg & Pam Palinsky
April 23, 2015
So sorry about your loss my husband loved the Gleason's but he to has left us and gone to Heaven The Neal Sweeney's
April 22, 2015
Our sympathy and condolences to the Gleeson families for your loss. May your memories of happier times bring comfort to you all. God Bless.
Randall and Teresa Walling
April 22, 2015
I'm glad moved here and met Kelly when I did. When my daughter broke her arm and I didn't have time to keep up with things he mowed my yard and destroyed hornets nest so the kids wouldn't get stung.
The fact that an 85 year old man would take time from his life to help out his brand new neighbors shows how great of a man Kelly was.
He'd come over almost daily to talk about his wife and rag on me for graduating from Swartz Creek.
I already miss that. He was a great man and became a great friend.
Terry Allen
April 22, 2015
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you on this very sad occasion. Kelly was a marvelous & true Irishman loved by all. May the Angels lead him into Paradise Amen!
Dan & Dorothy O'Brien
April 21, 2015
My deepest condolences to all the Gleasons! So sorry for your loss. All of our love, from the Burke family.
Jeanne Manigold
April 21, 2015
Our sincere sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Such a special man ans so kind to everyone.
The Que Clarence Family
April 21, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gleason Family. May God bless you.
Ann Darby
April 21, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gleason Family. May God bless.
Ann Darby
April 21, 2015
Connie and I offer the deepest sympathy to Kelly's family. Connie and I thought a lot of Kelly and we will miss him.
Gary and Connie Roberts
Gary Roberts
April 21, 2015
Dear John & Karen...
Your loss is heaven's gain. Kelly was a special person to know and call friend. His smile and wit reflected his spirit as a true Irishman. That spirit will live on in the memories of his family and all his many friends. Our prayers go out for Kelly, you and the entire Gleason family.
John & Claudia Howe
April 21, 2015
The members of Flushing American Legion Post 283 send our sincerest condolences to the Gleason family. Kelly was a great member and a wonderful friend to all. He will be missed but remembered fondly.
John T. Howe, Commander
John Howe
April 21, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the entire Gleason Family. Now Kelly will be gracing heaven with that Irish grin and twinkle in his eyes. He will be missed by many.
Karen Schantz
April 21, 2015
My Uncle Kelly was a good man, with strong beliefs.He loved his family very much. He will be missed by us all. God's blessings to my Aunt and cousins.
April 21, 2015
R.I.P. Kelly. Thoughts and prayers to family. Your American Legion comrades will miss you.
Mike and Patty Bowen
April 21, 2015
Our condolences to John and his family, for the loss of their father. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our prayers
Jim and Kitty Sargent
Jim Sargent
April 20, 2015
Our condolences to John and his family, for the loss of your father. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our prayers.
Jim and Kitty Sargent
Jim Sargent
April 20, 2015
So very sorry for your loss..I know it was a great one. We at Medilodge always enjoyed when he came in to see Micky! He ALWAYS brought in flowers for her and joked with the staff. What a great man with a great legacy. He will be missed very much!!!
Amber Rednower
April 20, 2015
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