Edward Howard DePew, 86, of Rensselaer, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the Rensselaer Care Center. He was born in Cadillac, Michigan on March 4, 1930, son of the late Howard L. and Edith (Chesebro) DePew.

He grew up in Michigan and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. He helped rebuild roads in Okinawa after WWII. While in the service, he earned his diesel certificate and went on to school to study mechanics through the G.I. Bill.

After returning home from the Air Force, Ed met and married his wife of 65 years, Elsie K. (Mercer) DePew. They had three children: Ricky, Gary and Jody. The family enjoyed boating on Torch Lake, water skiing, and snowmobiling. Ed also enjoyed hunting, fishing and archery. Ed worked as a mechanic and operated service stations in Battle Creek, Michigan. He also owned and operated a radiator shop in Kalkaska, Michigan.

After retiring, Ed and Elsie did a lot of traveling with their fifth wheel trailer. They spent 13 years in Mission, Texas. Ed enjoyed woodworking, and was proud of the remodeling job he did on the restrooms at the Dream Valley Ranch. Ed and Elsie moved to Rensselaer 10 years ago to be close to his sister, Bonnie. He kept busy with woodworking projects in his shop and he enjoyed watching NASCAR. He also loved his dog, Miley.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Elsie DePew; two sons, Ricky DePew (fiancé Bonnie Andersen) and Gary DePew; one sister, Bonnie J. DePew; four grandchildren: Steffanie, Valerie, Bonnie Jean, and Anna; and six great-grandchildren: Justin, Sarah, Ashlyn, Kiera, Barrett, and Jena. He was preceded in death by: his parents; one brother; two sisters; and one daughter, Jody DePew.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 1-3 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with Pastor Melvin Lane officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Clearwater Township Cemetery in Rapid City, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Rensselaer Care Center – Special Care Unit. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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