John Elwin Tolfree

John Elwin Tolfree of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved brother, father-in-law, uncle, nephew, and friend passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, July 17, 2021. He was 85 years old. John Elwin Tolfree was born on November 4, 1935, in Merrill, Michigan, to the late Roy and Ada (Miller) Tolfree. He was a 1954 graduate of Merrill, High School. In 1958, John proudly served his country by enlisting in the United State Army serving two years where he was stationed in Germany and stateside until his honorable discharge in November of 1960. John then served in the United States Army Reserve until 1964. He married Lucy G. (Heaslip) Dettmer; she preceded him in death on August 2, 1996. John had a mechanical mind and throughout his life he worked in the automotive industry as well as owned his own business. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. John also enjoyed bowling and was named “Bowler of the Week” in the Midnight League at Stardust Lanes. He was a tinkerer by nature and enjoyed working on and fixing anything. He will forever be remembered for his hard work ethic and for the love he had for his family and friends.

Surviving are his brother, Lyle (Bernice) Tolfree of Merrill, son-in-law, Larry Hamling of Saginaw; sister-in-law, Thelma Tolfree of Merrill. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Hamling; and seven siblings.

Military Honors will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021, at the W. L. Case & Company, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill, Michigan under the auspices of the United States Army and VFW Post 7302 Hemlock/Merrill. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.