Hugh K. Hersha, Sr., 79, of East Jordan, passed away on March 7, 2017, surrounded by the family he loved.

He was born on February 27, 1938, in Ellsworth, the son of Frank and Jessie (Kinner) Hersha. 

Hugh served in the United States Navy in the 1950s.  On September 17, 1960, in Central Lake, he married Elaine J. LaVanway.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine; four sons, Hugh Jr, Frank (Julie), Mac and Jim (Nancy); nine grandchildren, Nicolas, Brittney (Zach), Jesse, Kari (Bryan), Kevin (Brandy), Kyle, Amber (Mark), Kiersten, and Mariah; and six great-grandchildren, Calin, Marek, Kailer, Riyah, Macbeth, and Christopher.  Also surviving Hugh are two brothers, Elra and Ray; five sisters, Virginia, Fawn, Beverly, Darlene and Lorraine; and many nieces and nephews.

Hugh was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey, and sisters, Donna, Frankie, Lorretta Jean, and Alberta.

Next to his family, Hugh’s great love was hunting and fishing.  He spent many hours in the woods and on the lake passing that love along to his sons and grandchildren.  In addition to his family, sharing that love of the woods were many special hunting companions including his longtime friends, Tom and Jeff Bergman.  Many special memories were made during their hunting trips, especially to Bear Camp in Canada and bobcat and coyote hunting in the winter.  In his younger days, Hugh also loved racing cars and was successful winning his fair share of races at Northern Michigan Raceway.

Funeral services will be held  on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in East Jordan. 

Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc..  Memorials may be directed to the Ellsworth Community Scholarship Fund, c/o Charlevoix County Community Foundation, PO Box 718, East Jordan, MI  49727.

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