Morris Ames Petiprin of Unionville, age 84, met his Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Northwood Meadows in Cass City with his loving family by his side. Morris was born April 4, 1930 on the family homestead in Unionville, the son of the late Loyd & May (Ames) Petiprin. As a schoolboy, he took notice of Helen Timko, a neighbor girl who had fallen off of her bike. Morris would spend the rest of his life loving that girl that caught his eye at such a young age. He graduated from Caro High School with the Class of 1948, and was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart on July 23, 1949 at the Bethel United Methodist Church. Morris was a lifelong farmer, and dedicated his life to caring for his land. His winters were spent at Defoe Shipyard in Bay City for several years, where he learned the art of welding, a skill he would take with him in his time at Buick Fisher Body in Flint and GM Steering Gear in Saginaw. His family fondly remembers a man that could build or fix anything made of wood or metal. Morris loved the game of softball and was a coach for the Akron United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong and active member of the Bethel Church where he served as a Sunday School Teacher for teenagers and led its Methodist Youth Fellowship. Morris was also a leader for the Toppers 4-H group, and took several camping trips with large groups of children who still remember fondly the fun that was had. He enjoyed being on the water, boating, water skiing, duck hunting and fishing. Morris was a member of Tuscola County Farm Bureau and was at one time part of the Bay City Boat Squadron. He enjoyed traveling and could often be found in a pickup camper that he built himself for family trips. Morris and Helen spent decades traveling to Florida in the winter, and especially enjoyed their home in Bradenton. He will be deeply missed by his family, neighbors and friends.
Morris is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Helen; three children and their spouses, Cheryl & Craig Wilder of Unionville, Christopher & Nita Petiprin of Caro, Rodney Petiprin and special friend, Rose, of Caro; twelve grandchildren and their spouses, Jeff Adams, Joey & Julie Adams, Chris & Jamie Wilder, Joel Wilder, Kristti & Jason Bush, Farrah Church, Robin & Douglas Ostrander, Brian & Amy Petiprin, Shayna & Thomas O’Connor, Jennifer & Daven Wardynski, Valerie & Tala Sakala, Tina & Mark Becker; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Morris was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Catherine Petiprin; one granddaughter, Tiffany Petiprin; and one brother, Loyd J. Petiprin.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the Sutton-Sunshine United Methodist Church in Caro with Rev. Dorothy Thon officiating. Burial will follow at Almer Township Cemetery in Caro. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Bethel United Methodist Church or the Petiprin Family Discretionary Fund, c/o Helen Petiprin, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.