Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Fate, Wilbur B. (Jr.) January 20, 1971
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Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com January 31, 2021, 2:35 pm

Sentinel-Std. - Thursday, Jan. 21, 1971

                           W. B. Fate Dies In New York

One of Ionia city's oldest businessmen in point of service, Wilbur B. Fate, 
Sr., 66, died Wednesday afternoon at St. Barnabas hospital, Bronx, N.Y. He had 
been a patient there the past few days and death was said to have been due to a 
heart attack.

He had been in business in the same location on Ionia's Main street for nearly 
35 years. In addition to conducting the grocery and meat business he had time 
for such community service projects as Lions club and the Chamber of Commerce. 
He was also active in Ionia County Fishing and Hunting club for more than 30 
years. 

Bill, as he was known, came to Ionia in 1925 and was manager of a meat market. 
He purchased the business in 1936 and added a line of groceries and since that 
time has expanded the size of the store several times. Previous to coming to 
Ionia he had been in the meat and grocery business in Remus with his father and 
brother. 

He was born in Remus, June 19, 1904.

As a progressive merchant he was one of the first to have a front and rear 
entrance and also one of the first to completely carpet his store.

Since enlarging the store into a self serve super market he was joined in 
operation of the business by his two sons, Howard D. and William J. after their 
graduation from college. 

Since the sons joined the firm the store was enlarged on three different 
occasions. The first expansion was in 1954, later in 1959 and the final one in 
1962. Stores are also operated in lake Odessa, Carson City and Middleville.

Mr. Fate was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church of Ionia, Knights 
of Columbus and a life member of Elks lodge.

Surviving are his wife, Elsie, sons, Howard and William, two stepdaughters, Ms. 
Bob Bennett of Orleans and Mrs. L.B. Struble of Lyons, brother, Harold of 
Remus, sisters, Mrs. William Narlock of Detroit and Mrs. Stanley Burandt of 
Remus; 14 grandchildren.

Funeral mass will be Monday morning at 10 o'clock at SS Peter and Paul church 
with Fr. Ron Schneider officiating.

Parish rosary will be Sunday at 7 p.m. at Leddick funeral home and K of C 
rosary will be the same night at 8 o'clock. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet 
cemetery.

The body will arrive early Friday at Leddick funeral home. A memorial fund has 
been established for SS. Peter and Paul church and St. Barnabas hospital in 
Bronx, N.Y.

Additional Comments:
Age: 66
Mass service: Monday, 25 January 1971
Mt. Olivet cemetery #D-55

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