Paul H. Uerling

LAKE GOGEBIC, Mich. — Paul H. Uerling, 85, of Lake Gogebic, entered eternal life on Sunday, May 12, 2013.

Paul, a baptized child of God, was born on June 7, 1927, in Colby, Wis., the son of Theodore P. and Naomi (Fulton) Uerling. He graduated from Marenisco High School in 1945.

Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Jan. 29, 1945, and served in NTC, Great Lakes, Ill., NATechTRACEN in Jacksonville, Fla., and the U.S. Naval Operating Base in Guam, Mariana Islands. He was honorably discharged on March 27, 1948.

Paul entered the Michigan State Police on April 18, 1949, and was in the 31st Recruit School. He was assigned to posts in Romeo, East Tawas, Gladstone and Manistique. Paul retired from the MSP-Manistique Post 84 on March 7, 1980, as first lieutenant and post commander. He received a number of awards while serving with the Michigan State Police.

After his longtime career with the Michigan State Police, Paul was hired as the chief of police in the village of Romeo on April 1, 1980. He retired from that position on March 31, 1990.

Paul devoted his entire adult life to serving the public.

During his working years, Paul was active in various service organizations. He was a member of the Lions Club in East Tawas and Gladstone, was past president of the Rotary Club in Manistique and a member of the Rotary Club and Elks Lodge, both in Romeo. At one time, Paul was awarded the Elk of the Year award.

He enjoyed all sports, especially hunting and fishing.

On June 1, 1950, Paul was united in marriage to Betty J. Bowerman in Detroit. In 1994, they made their home on Lake Gogebic.

He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Marenisco.

Paul is survived by three children, Mary, Paul B. (Debra) and James; a sister, Barbara (Mike) Lillie, Rolla, Mo .; many nieces and nephews; and two loving pets, who were like his grandchildren, Missy and Cindy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Betty, on June 30, 2008; a sister, Alice Deichelbor; and a brother, William.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 16, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. and the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m., at St. Catherine Catholic Church, with the Rev. Raymond F. Moncher, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow in Marenisco Cemetery, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Marenisco American Legion Post 523, Wakefield American Legion Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard. Also in attendance will be the Michigan State Police Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at the Marenisco Town Hall following the cemetery service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marenisco Township Fire Department, c/o Marenisco Township, P.O. Box 198, Marenisco MI 49947, or Michigan State Police Fallen Trooper Memorial, c/o MSPTA, 1715 Abbey Road, Suite B, East Lansing MI 48823.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.