Edward Wilbrett, of Clinton Tonwship, MI, died peacefully September 1, 2012 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living. Ed was born on February 28, 1911 in Detroit, to Albert Ferdinand and Albertine Juengel Wilbrett. He attended Trinity Lutheran School in Utica, and at the age of fourteen, he began working in Detroit assisting his uncle with deliveries. A few years later, Ed started working for Ebling Creamery, which later became Sealtest Dairy and then Kraft Foods. Following his retirement from Sealtest, he worked in the payroll dpartment of ADP until his final retirement at the age of 78.

Ed married Alice Marie Weber in Waldenberg, MI on June 22, 1935. Ed and Alice, married 67 years, were a wonderfully devoted couple to each other, family and friends.

Raising their two children (Bob and Mary) on Detroit's east side, the family was very active in Our Savior Lutheran Church. Ed spent many hours assisting at the church, but his greatest love there was singing in the Male Chorus. He always stayed busy with his hobbies of cooking, fishing, growing beautiful dahlias, going up "north" with family and friends, and cooking for the family deer hunters. Ed loved life, whether it was singing a good German song, playing pinochle or euchre, dancing (with wife Alice), sharing stories with his four grandchildren, taking trips, especially train trips, handing out those special two dollar bills to his great grandchildren, and most definitely having a shot and beer at the local pub.

Ed is survived by his son Robert (Darlene) Wilbrett of Port Huron (and Naples) daughter Mary (John) Bales of Traverse City, grandchildren Craig (Beth) Wilbrett, of Naples, FL, Scott (Kim) Wilbrett of Naples, FL, Thomas (Jillian) Bales of San Fancisco, and Melinda (Bob) Howell of Plano, TX. Ed had nine great grandchildren, Makenna, Madelyn, Jonathan, Meghan, Meredith, Caroline, Talbot, Morgan and Emmy.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alice, brothers Robert, Howard, Arnold and sister Flora Kage.

Ed, when asked what the secret to his longevity was, he responded, "I really don't know, I guess the Lord just isn't quite ready for me yet." This wonderful man lived such a good life and his family and friends were blessed to have him with us for over 101 years.

Special thanks are given to the kind caring staff of Orchard Creek, and to Hospice of Michigan and his friends at Brady's.

A funeral service will take place at 12 o'clock noon, Thursday, September 13, 2012 at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 67055 Gratiot Avenue, Richmond, MI (48602). Private interment will take place at Cadillac Memorial Gardens in Clinton Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan (Leelanau County) 900 Front Street, Suite 160, Traverse City, MI 49686, to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, (address above) Richmond or the personal choice of the donor.

Memories, photos and condolences may be shared with Ed's family by way of his online tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family has been served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City, MI.