×

Bertrum ‘Bert’ Joseph Doutree

BARK RIVER — Bertrum “Bert” Joseph Doutree, 95, passed away Wednesday evening, Feb. 12, 2020, at Emmons Adult Care in Bark River.

He was born in Schaffer, Mich., on Sept. 28, 1924, son of Pierre and Mary Ella (Sayen) Doutree. Bert was raised in the Schaffer and Perronville area, attended St Anne’s Grade School in Escanaba. He was married to Eunice Way on May 7, 1949. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2014.

Bert served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943-1946, serving in Ardennes, Rhineland, Northern France and fighting in the “Battle of the Bulge” and working as an artillery mechanic. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, W/3 Bronze Battle Stars and Good Conduct Medal. Bert had the privilege of going on the U.P. honor flight to Washington D.C. on his birthday.

He was a skilled diesel mechanic, with more than 37 years experience, working with multiple companies over the years such as L&L Trucking, Olson Trucking and CW Transport.

Bert loved traveling, spending time outdoors like going to the cottage on Ostrander Lake and running the projector at the Hilltop Drive-in Theater. He also enjoyed playing cards and was always fixing anything that was broken or needed attention.

He is survived by his children, Allen Doutree of Gladstone, Christine Mofield Alward of Flushing, Mich., Brenda (Bob) Gardiner of Wilsonville, Ore., Donna (George) Dunlap of Escanaba and Lisa (Brian) Pascoe of Wilsonville, Ore.; grandchildren, Jeff (Duana) and Marie Mofield, Tom Dunlap, Traci (Reggie) Lantagne, Andy (Karin), Brad (Anna) and Sarah Doutree, Jason and Heather Pascoe; nine great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Bert is preceded in death by his parents, Pierre and Mary Ella (Sayen) Doutree; wife, Eunice (Way) Doutree; brothers, Russell, Russell Jr.; and sisters, Norma and Lulubelle.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. There will be a time of remembrance at 3 p.m. and military rights will follow at 4 p.m.

Burial will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. at Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.