Earl Kenneth Jarvis

Earl Kenneth Jarvis, 81, of Alpena passed away peacefully February 18, 2019 under the care of Vitas Healthcare in Lecanto, Florida.

He was born in Ocqueoc Township November 11, 1937 to the late Andrew Earl and Lydia Louisa (VanAtten) Jarvis. After graduating from Onaway High School in 1956, Earl began his 46-year sailing career on the Great Lakes. He started as a dishwasher, and quickly worked his way up to becoming the youngest steward sailing on the Great Lakes. In 1955, Earl was a Golden Gloves Regional Champion. Earl married his loving wife Doris June 2, 1956 and spent 62 loving years together. While living in Alpena, they had four children. Earl and Doris became snowbirds, going to Inverness for the winters where Earl enjoyed playing golf. He volunteered for the Citrus Sheriff’s Crime watch for 20 years. During his retirement, Earl enjoyed restoring Massey Harris tractors and traveling to many tractor shows and parades. He was also involved with many organizations and clubs, and he cherished his time with his family. Earl loved going to the hunting camp and teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to hunt. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved laughter.

Earl was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard Jarvis; sisters, Evelyn Smith and Audrey Gerding; brothers-in-law, Robert Bobola, Jerry Dunbar, Ralph Freel and Kenneth Gerding; and sisters-in-law, Emma Jarvis, Carol Bobola and Pat Bobola.  

Earl is survived by his loving wife, Doris; his children, David Jarvis of Inverness, Douglas Jarvis and his wife Katie of Millersburg, Donna Kaiser of East Tawas and Darlene Tourjee of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a sister, Eleanor Freel; a sister-in-law, Rose Dunbar; a brother-in-law, Tom Bobola and his wife Sue; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be held at Bannan Funeral Home of Alpena May 18, from noon until a celebration of Earl’s life at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Joseph Muszkiewicz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Earl’s name be made to the hospice organization of your choice.