Ernest Hare

Ernest Hare September 5, 1931 – July 15, 2025 Knowing where he was going and who would be waiting, Ernest Hare left this world on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, ready to greet the Lord with a kiss on the lips. He often said he was ready-and he meant it. Not with sadness, but with a smile, a wink, and steady peace. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, who brought companionship and joy into his later years. Together, they shared a deep faith and a love for life's simple pleasures-road trips, Sunday worship, and the kind of easy comfort that comes from everyday companionship. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, on September 5, 1931, Ernie grew up in a lively home with his parents, Chris and Lucille (Willson) Hare, and his beloved brothers and sisters: Harry (Arlene) Hare, Donna (Don) Prange, Joann (Shirley) Marx, Donald (Rita) Hare, and Marvin (Nancy) Hare. He graduated from Saginaw High School in 1949 and became the first in his family to graduate college. He earned his degree from Ferris State University in 1953, paving the way for the generations that followed. Ernie was a pharmacist by trade, beginning his career at Princing Pharmacy, then Davis Drugs, and eventually Rite Aid, where he worked well into his later years. Known for his clear voice, quick wit, and strong presence behind the counter, Ernie served generations of families in his community. Beyond the pharmacy, he was a baseball coach by choice, mentoring his sons and later his grandchildren with the same energy, dedication, humor, and patience that defined every part of his life. On August 16, 1952, Ernie married his high school sweetheart, Margaret "Midge" Hare (deceased in 2014), and together they spent more than 60 years building a life rich in love, laughter, and family. Their home was filled with sports games on the television, Friday night cocktails, Sunday dinners, and countless card games around the kitchen table. Midge and Ernie were true partners in every sense of the word, raising a family rooted in love, faith, and humor. Ernie and Midge were the proud parents of Kris Ann (Beau), Michael (Colleen), Cindy (Shelly), and Daniel (Peggy), and nothing brought Ernie more joy than being with his kids. He carried the heartbreak of losing Kris, Michael, and his beloved son-in-law Kirk Ellsworth-each loss felt deeply and permanently. Yet he found lasting comfort in the enduring closeness he shared with his "Cindy Darling" and "Danny Boy." He and Cindy, in particular, had a bond that transcended the typical father-daughter relationship. They were each other's daily companions and constant encouragers. Through phone calls, errands, shared meals, and life's quiet moments, they showed up for one another every day-with loyalty, laughter, and love. He was a grandfather to Danielle (Paul), Michael (Christy), Kirk (Madilyn), and Kelly (Courtney), and a great-grandfather to Michaela, Connor, Rory, Kayleigh, Jave, Lilie, Kate, Jack, George, Bea, Sophia, Luke, and Millie. Whether gathered around the holiday table or cheering from the sidelines, he found constant joy in time spent with his growing family. For more than 50 years, Ernie also shared a deep friendship with Dan Groom, a loyal companion and trusted presence in his life. Their bond was built on a rare, enduring trust-an everyday kind of friendship that meant everything. A lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Ernie rooted faithfully for his team through every high and low. He believed in the long game-in baseball, in family, and in life. He lived with strength, humor, loyalty, and a firm belief in showing up for the people you love. Ernest Hare leaves behind a legacy not of grand gestures, but of small, consistent acts of love. His life was a steady light-confident, generous, humble, and unshakable. He was deeply loved and deeply loving in return. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the community at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, where Ernie found an extended family in Christ. Their fellowship, support, and friendship enriched his life and meant the world to him. Friends are welcome to gather with the family on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48602. Visitation will continue Monday, July 21, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4432 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603. Interment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw, Michigan in the near future. Memorials in honor of Ernie may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, care of the church. For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.