Lawrence M. Fidler

Lawrence Fidler, age 95, of Ithaca, passed away at Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, with his family by his side, on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.

Lawrence was born in Marion, Michigan, on September 15, 1921, the son of Mahlon and Elma Elizabeth (Stahl) Fidler.  His mother preceded him in death when he was 9 years old, and at the age of 13 he resided with Pearl and Dean Hill on their family farm on Wisner Road in Emerson Township.  He married Ardis Priest on April 11, 1942.  Ardis preceded him in death on October 9,1994.  In 1943, Lawrence opened Fidler Poultry in Ithaca, delivering fresh and frozen poultry to Pontiac and Flint, working with his brother, L.G.  In 1959, Lawrence closed the doors of the poultry business and acquired the family farm, which was previously owned by his grandfather, George Stahl, from Dean and Pearl Hill.  He became a successful farmer in the Ithaca area, later purchasing three other farms.  Lawrence retired from farming at the age of 62.  His talent in carpentry by repurposing old lumber was enjoyed by his family, friends, and throughout the community.

Lawrence is survived by his children, Larry (Pat) Fidler, Gary (Jerilyn) Fidler, Steve (Laura) Fidler, Judy (Lynn) Gould, and Shirley Hyde; 18 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and his sister, Claribel Turner.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joseph; his brothers, Warren, Arthur, and L.G.; and his sisters, Doris Fidler, Winnefred Nash, Marjorie Smaltz, Marion Grost, and Helen Sampson.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 10, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating.  Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 9 and from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday.  Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.