Erwin M. "Earl" Urbanke

Erwin M. "Earl" Urbanke Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home with his family at his side. Age 82 years. The son of the late Henry and Anna (Bebek) Urbanke, Erwin was born June 25, 1943, in Alexanderfeld, Austria and moved to the United States when he was 15 years old. Earl was a 1962 graduate of Saginaw High School. He proudly served four years in the U.S. Marine Corp and was a member of American Legion Post # 229. He married the love of his life, Mary Margaret Brewster on July 6, 1973. She survives him. Earl was a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for Doc Heinz contracting for 35 years and created many lakes and ponds in the tri-city area. He loved farming for over 30 years. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Earl enjoyed his motor home and traveling.
Surviving besides his wife Mary Margaret are one son, Matthew and Amie Urbanke, Birch Run; two daughters, Christine and David Bedore, Harrison; Janette and John Musselman II, Edenville; eight grandchildren, Matthew and Luke Urbanke, Stanley, Garrett and Devin Puchacz, Joshua Damsen, Chelsey (Shanyne) Snellenberger, John Musselman III; 8 great-grandchildren, Chloe, Travis, Autumn, Landon, Aiden, Alexis, Dylan and Xavier; one sister, Margit George, Three Rivers; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Derrick and Marian Brewster, Saginaw; Wayne and Peggy Brewster, Roscommon; Vickie Goddard, Florida; Danae Brewster, Sanford; many nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by one son, William J. Smith Jr.; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Henry J. and Irene Brewster; his sister, Edith H. Sapak; sisters-in-law, Debra Brewster and Rhonda Becker; brothers-in-law, Eugene, Henry, Lance, Craige, and Wayde Brewster.
Funeral Service will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, Michigan. Rev. Charles Campbell will officiate with Military Services conducted by the U.S. Marine Corp and American Legion Post #439. A private burial will take place in Ziegler West Cemetery in Albee Township, Michigan. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the wishes of the family. Please share memories and condolences with the family at snowfuneralhome.net