Albert V. Flore

Albert V. Flore Bainbridge Township Al Flore, age 93, a resident of Bainbridge Township, left this world on September 16, 2009 with his family at his side. He was born near Emerson, Manitoba on July 16, 1916. His parents, Karl and Caroline Kelm Florkosky, emigrated from Poland. The seventh of eight children, Al left home at the age of 13 during the Great Depression to look for work. For the next seven years he was "on the bum" as he traveled across Canada; he delivered mail by dog sled in the Yukon, trapped and hunted in the great Northwest, cut wood, worked in the fields, delivered bootleg liquor, and rode the rails, just as many others did during the 1930's. In 1936, Al came to Southwest Michigan where relatives of his mother lived, met and married September, 1939. Clara Petruschke from Benton Harbor. He was very mechanical and could make or fix any type of equipment. In the early 40's he had his own business in Benton Harbor, "Al's Auto Body Shop". Al and Clara also took over the Petruschke family farm in Bainbridge where he lived the rest of his life. He was an innovative and progressive farmer. He built his own equipment, and was one of the first in Southwest Michigan to irrigate strawberries for frost, use black plastic to grow vegetables, and mechanically harvest sour cherries. In the late fifties and early sixties, he was active in the organization of the cherry and grape industries and made numerous trips to Lansing on their behalf. Al was known for his strong will, gregariousness, optimism, liberal views, honesty and independent spirit. He lived a full and satisfying life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Caroline Kelm Florkosky; brothers, Roy, Henry, and Willliam; sisters, Anna, Tressa, and Elise; infant son, William and Clara his beloved wife for over 65 years. He is survived by his son Jim (Elaine Shane) Flore from Williamston; three grand-daughters, Dr. Leigh Anne (Tom Lincoln) Flore of Pennsylvania, Katie Flore of Washington D.C. and Clare Flore of Portland, Maine; sister, Jean Klasz of Winnipeg, Manitoba and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, September 26 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet. Graveside services will be Sunday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Millburg Cemetery, Roslin Road, Millburg. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to the homeless shelter, Open Door Ministry, Central United Methodist, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston. www.gorslineruncimanfuneralhomes.com