Maurice Cotter
December 08, 1918 - January 27, 2016
Obituary
Cotter, Maurice E. Saginaw Township, Michigan Passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at HealthSource - Saginaw. He was 97 years old. Maurice Cotter was born December 8, 1918 to the late Edward and Cassie (Morrison) Cotter in Buffalo, New York. Maurice and his family moved to Michigan when he was 5 years old, and was raised in Bad Axe, Michigan. Maurice was a graduate of Saginaw Business Institute, and then he worked for the Saginaw News as a bookkeeper. He was then drafted into the Army, and proudly served his country during World War II. After his services with the military he returned to Saginaw and married Barbara J. Stransky on August 15, 1950, she preceded him in death on August 29, 1996. He then worked for the Saginaw News until his retirement in 1983. During his retirement he continued his career with H&R Block and volunteered for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) and Habitat for Humanity. Maurice enjoyed gardening, collecting rocks and shells, gardening, and entertaining the neighborhood children with many magic tricks. He held a membership with the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 212. Maurice is survived by his daughter, Kerre Cardwell; son, Michael (Deborah) Cotter; three grandchildren: Jessica (Chad) Roundy, Jennifer Cotter and Trevor Cardwell; two great grandchildren; many extended family and dear friends and neighbors. Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son-in-law, Scott Cardwell; a brother and sister. FUNERAL: A funeral service for Maurice will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 Ames United Methodist Church, 801 State St., Saginaw, MI. Pastor Scott Lindenberg will officiate. Private burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to Saginaw Habitat for Humanity or Ames United Methodist Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com
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Memories
DG
Delores Gale
Other •
Mr. Cotter was the magician for the Saginaw Downtown Lions Club Annual Christmas Party for the city schools' children for many, many years. He was a delight to watch and no matter what you age, amazed everyone. As an adult, you think you should be able to figure out the tricks, but I for one never did!
He seemed to have lived a very full life, and on behalf of the Saginaw Downtown Lions and all the children who saw his magical fetes, thank you Mr. Cotter.
Delores Gale
Saginaw Downtown Lions Board Member
MM
Melissa Mohr
Other •
Many great memories of Barbara & Maurice when they came down to Nebraska to visit Grandma and Grandpa!
DG
Denise Mohr Mentzer- Bill's granddaughte
Other •
I only remember Maurice from years ago- but was always such a nice guy and would take time to talk to me when he and Barbara were visiting her father Bill. GOD's speed Maurice!!
NT
Noni Thiesen
Other •
Maurice was always a joy to be around! He always had a smile and enjoyed teasing and making others happy. I will always remember how he made sure my mom and I made it to midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, even though we all had already been to Christmas services at the Methodist Church. He took us and stayed up late with us because he knew it was important to us. I wish we could have lived closer so we could have spent more time with him over the years. Our sympathy and prayers are with his family.
Noni Johnson Thiesen (Margaret Stransky's youngest daughter)