ERNEST J. ORCHARD

January 1, 1951 - January 25, 2014

ERNEST J. ORCHARD, age 63, of Covington, MI passed away Friday, January 17, 2014, at Marquette General Hospital following a short illness. He was born in Stambaugh, MI on January 1, 1951 the son of the late Albert and Lessie (Hamby) Orchard. Ernest graduated from Channing High School in 1969 as salutatorian and then attended Michigan Tech University. He married Marlene Visuri at Bethany Lutheran Church in Covington on April 8th, 1972 and they celebrated 41 years of marriage together. Ernest was a former plant repairman for CCI at Republic and Empire mines, later owned his own accounting business, was Boy Scout Master of Troop 222, Fireman and EMT of Covington Township, former constable of Covington Township and school board member and was a Sunday school teacher and member of Bethany Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and being outdoors with his dogs Spike and Bo. Ernest was a family man, and his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He was a people person, kind, and generous, and would aid anyone who was in need. Ernest is survived by his loving wife Marlene, children Greg (Sara) Orchard of Gwinn, Kelly (Mark) Peyerk of Mio, MI, Michael (Jennifer) Orchard of McHenry, IL, Jason (Jennifer Hoover) Orchard of Kronnenwetter, WI, grandchildren Sofia, Olivia, Grace, Aubrey, Luke, Abigail, Cody, Natalie, Harmony, Ryan, Alyssa, Mia, Bristol, and Alex. His brother William (Carol) Orchard of Kingsford, MI, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Throughout the years Ernest has also been known to many others as “dad” and “grandpa.” Memorial services for Ernest were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014 from Bethany Lutheran Church, Covington with Pastor Peter Suemola officiating. The family received friends at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon was held immediately following the service at the church. Memorial in Ernest’s honor may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church.