Ernest Paul Rozen, Sr.

Ernest P. Rozen, Sr., age 85, of North Star, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at Warwick Living Center in Alma.

Ernie was born October 3, 1924, in Ashley, the son of Joseph and Mary (Cermak) Rozen. He married Beatrice Lillian Bare on November 2, 1946, and they spent 61 years together. Together they had three sons. Ernie served in the Navy during WWII aboard the USS Drayton in the pacific corridor. After the service, Ernie worked at Motor Wheel and farmed. Having tired of factory work, he became an agent for Texaco and then Zephyr Oil Co. delivering home heating oils and farm fuels to homes and farms in southeast Gratiot, Clinton and Saginaw Counties. Beatrice helped him run the business, Rozen Oil Co., from their home for over 40 years. Ernie was a lifetime member of the Ithaca VFW. He enjoyed bowling, and had sponsored different bowling teams over the years. Ernie and Bea both enjoyed going to and selling at flea markets all over Michigan and Florida. They spent 25 years wintering in Florida, where they made many friends.

Ernie is survived by his sons, Larry of Portage, Ernest Jr. (Joann) of Mentor, Ohio, and Terry (Jeanie) of St. Charles; his sister, Arlene Emery of Flushing; his brother-in-law, Clarence (Jean) Bare of Ithaca; his sister-in-law, Alice Bare of Ithaca; 4 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bea on July 8, 2008; his parents; his brothers, Milton and Noreen Rozen and Joseph and Betty Rozen; his sister Evelyn and Joseph Pelc; and brothers-in-law, Earl Emery, Earl and Glendora Bare, and Willis and Betty Bare.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 22, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Ried Martin officiating. Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday. Donations may be made to the VFW or to Warwick Living Center.