Frederick Minster

ADRIAN - Frederick Herman Carl Minster, 96, of Manitou Beach and Grand Court went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility. Born January 29, 1913 in Wellsville, Lenawee County, MI to Albert G. and Minnie F. (Ehlert) Minster. Fred was graduated from Adrian High School with the Class of 1931. He was an entrepreneur from an early age, caddying at the Lenawee Hills Golf Course, delivering ice to households, Madison Schools bus driver, carrying water to the workers constructing US 223 from Adrian to Rome Center, and delivering oil for Burton Oil Company located at Madison Center. In the early 1950’s he and Charlie Baron purchased the Baron Minster car sales on south Main Street in Adrian. Fred sold cars until the partnership dissolved with Fred Minster moving his family to Devils Lake, Manitou Beach where he owned the Minster Boat Sales. Fred was always in search of new adventures in business when he and Vaughn Mingus created the Geneva Boat Company at Hudson, MI where fiberglass fish tanks, fiberglass speed boats and pontoons were manufactured. As owner and sales representative, Fred traveled to much of the southern Midwest selling and delivering fish tanks, pontoons and boats. Minster RV Park which he and Leta had purchased in 1938 on Round Lake became his refuge and entertainment in later years. He enjoyed relaxing, thinking, playing cards and reminiscing about what a wonderful life and family, God had given him. Fred loved learning about and sharing the Minster family history. Fred married Leta (Yeutter) Minster on Friday, October 13, 1937 in Adrian. Their daughters are Margretha (Lloyd) Harden, of Hudson, MI and Lucretia (Roger) Rutan, of Brooklyn, MI. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Wesley Harden, Waldron, MI, Margery (David) Mabus, Marshall, MI, Levi Yoakum, Josh Yoakum, Rhonda (Pete) Benfant, Cody and Austin Benfant,Brooklyn, MI, Rod (Kristin) Rutan, Kedzie and Conner Rutan, Ida, MI. Others who Fred cherished include sister-in-law, Bernice Minster, friend, Eunice Bailey, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Fred were his parents, his wife, Leta in 2000, his brothers, Martin Minster and Elmer Minster, in infancy, and his sister, Helena Adams. Fred was a member of the Cadmus Presbyterian Church and the Rome Grange, #293 (1952). At church, he served on the session, on many committees and was an elder. He and Leta entertained many foreign exchange visitors through the Rome Grange Agricultural Program (1960s) and through educational programs. Countries represented were Brazil, Italy, Africa, China, Loas and Iran. In 1972 Fred and Leta sponsored the Chansamone family from Loas during the communist invasion of that area. The seven Chansamone children continue to call Fred “Grandpa.” Fred was a Department of Social Service Volunteer for many years during which time he drove clients to their doctor appointments. The celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Wagley Funeral Home with his nephew, Jim Yeutter officiating. Burial will follow at East Rome Cemetery. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. You may also sign the register book or send condolences at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. Contributions in memory of Fred may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes are available at Wagley Funeral Home.

Frederick Minster

January 29, 1913 - February 17, 2009