George A. DeFrain

GEORGE `PETE` DEFRAIN of Harbor Beach passed away at his home with hospice care on Thursday, December 04, 2003.Born in Bay City on February 9, 1910, He was the son of the late George and Catherine (Murray) DeFrain.George and Bernice Schornack were united in marriage on July 9, 1949 in Harbor Beach. Bernice preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 1999.Pete was a 1929 graduate of Harbor Beach High School and after graduation worked in the A&P Store as well as working for his father at the Huron Milling Co. in the Cooper Barrel Shop. As World War II was progressing, Pete joined the Army and participated in various European conflicts including the Normandy Invasion at Utah Beach. Following the service, he was the co owner of the American House with `Red` Hunter for a short time. Pete worked at the Huron Milling Co. and Hercules and retired from the machine shop at Hercules in 1972 after working for 30 years. Following retirement, Pete and Bernice enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in Florida. He was and avid golfer all his life. He even played in Europe during his duty in World War II. Pete was a member of the Verona Hills Golf Club for 56 years He enjoyed playing rummy and euchre and doing jigsaw puzzles once he stopped playing golf. He also enjoyed doing yard work and working in his flower gardens.Pete was a life member and a charter member of the VFW Post 9344 of Harbor Beach and was a continuous member for 59 years of the American Legion Post 197 of Harbor Beach, and he was a long time member of the Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church of Harbor Beach.Surviving are his son Alan DeFrain and his wife Jean of Odessa, FL and a brother Leonard DeFrain of Harbor Beach and 3 sisters: Agatha Sullivan of St. Petersburg, FL, Kathryn Widdows of Sun City, AZ, ans Sarah Healy of Harbor Beach. Pete was preceded in death by 5 brothers: Murray, Wilson, Arthur, Raymond, and Russell DeFrain and by a sister Ferande Hopton.Funeral mass will be Saturday, December 6, 2003 at 10:30 am in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, Harbor Beach with Fr. Gerald Kukla, pastor officiating . Burial with military honors by the VFW and American Legion will be in the Church Cemetery. A parish vigil service will be Friday at 7:30 pm in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach where visitation will be on Friday from 1-5 & 7-9pm and Saturday at the church from 9:30am until the service time. Memorials may be given to the OLLH Church or School , Heartland Hospice, or Harbor Beach Hospital.

George A. DeFrain

February 8, 1910 - December 4, 2003