Edward "Ed" L. Roenicke

Edward “Ed” L. Roenicke of Bridgeport, Michigan 

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, December 30, 2024. Edward Lewis Roenicke was born on January 24, 1924, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Elmer W. and Dora L. (Gay) Roenicke. He was a graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of 1942. Following graduation, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly and honorably served his country from February 10, 1943, to January 17, 1946, during World War II. As a Tech 5 in the 126th Ordinance Company of the 9th Infantry Division of the 7th Corps, Ed landed on the shores of Normandy France and served in England, Belgium, and Germany. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge, drove across the floating bridge across the Rhine River, freed survivors, and cleaned and buried those who perished in concentration camps. Ed received many awards and commendations for taking part in various campaigns across Europe. Upon his return to the United States, he met the love of his life, Esther Ruth Bechtel, through her sister Lydia. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on October 5, 1946; she preceded him in death on September 4, 2004. Ed was the owner and operator of Roenicke’s Marathon in Bridgeport, where he was known throughout the community as a fair and honest businessman, often referred to as “Honest Ed.” He later became service manager at S&H Tire and Auto in Saginaw, and then a delivery driver for Saginaw Medical Service. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved nothing more than being with family, whether at home or on camping trips to Cadillac. He later enjoyed traveling to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Ft. Myers, Florida. Ed was a longtime, faithful member of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport where he selflessly volunteered his time and talents, including singing in the choir. He never lost his love for singing. He was a gifted and talented woodworker creating many beautiful projects over the years. Ed also meticulously maintained his lawn to perfection because he loved to stay active and enjoyed working. Ed will forever be remembered for his hard work ethic, for his ability to befriend and communicate with everyone he met, for being the world’s best husband, father, and grandfather, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful stories and memories. 

Surviving are three children: Calvin (Rachel) Roenicke of Bay City; Terri (Peter) Templin of Sevierville, TN; Rick Roenicke and his fiancée, Andrea Korpal of Hemlock; son-in-law, Bill Swain and his late wife, Sharon of Sevierville; seven grandchildren: Becky (Rodney) Ruppel; Aaron (Rebecca) Swain; Joanna (Julian) Canales; Stacie (Todd) Kwaiser; Brian (Tizza) Roenicke; Rick (Courtney) Roenicke; Bethany (Matt) Martin. Also surviving are several great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, sister-in-law, Teresa Midcalf, and brother-in-law,Richard Bechtel. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther R. Roenicke; daughter, Sharon Swain; and an infant daughter. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, as well as Wellington Manor Assisted Living, Newport TN, for all the love and care they provided to Ed and the family. Ed was sincerely appreciative of all of his caregivers and strived each and every day to make everyone smile. 

A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Aaron Swain will officiate. Entombment and Military Honors will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Monday from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Newport, TN 37822 or Victory Baptist Church, 1625 Old Newport Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37862. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.