William F. "W.F" "Red" Close

CLOSE, William F. 'W.F.' 'Red' - Age 86, of Linden, died Sunday, July 6, 2003 at Genesys Health Park. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at Linden Presbyterian Church, 119 W. Broad St., Linden. Rev. Donald Neuville and Rev. Parker Smith officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Linden. Visitation will be held 7-9 PM Monday and 2-5 & 7-9 PM Tuesday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden. Those desiring may make contributions to the Linden Kiwanis, Linden V.F.W., Linden Presbyterian Church Linden Masonic Lodge, Linden Eastern Stars or the charity of one's choice. W.F. was born September 22, 1916 in Byron, the son of Fred E. and Georgia (Badgero) Close and lived at Lobdell Lake all of his life. He graduated Linden High School, Class of 1933 and worked at Chevrolet Flint Sales Department from 1934-1942. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946. Honorably discharged as a Captain, he returned to Chevrolet Flint as a Car Distributor. In 1948, he and his mother opened Close Chevrolet Sales in Linden; he remained in business until his retirement in 1979. W.F. married Alberta Dinkel on June 27, 1953 in Howell; she preceded him in death on March 5, 1990. Mr. Close was a member of Linden Presbyterian Church for 74 years, a charter member and past president of Linden Kiwanis, where he had perfect attendance for 50 years. W.F. was a charter member of The Even Dozen Investment Club in Linden, a life member of Linden Masonic Lodge #132, Linden Eastern Stars #175, Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge, Saginaw Elf Khurafeh, and Flint Elks #222. His memberships also include, Fenton Shrine Club, Durand Chapter #139, Royal Arch Masons of Michigan, Commandery 021 Knights Temlar-Durand, Linden Historical Society, Linden V.F.W. #4642, where he was past commander, the American Legion in Munising and National World War II Memorial. He was a founder and Director of the First National Bank of Fenton, now Citizens Bank. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Allan and wife Audrey Dinkel; cousins, Sara Mohn, Georgia Hewitt, Coleen Rickert and George Badgero; nieces and nephews. He leaves many friends who cherish receiving his Christmas Cards, mailed from Christmas, MI, the many birthday cards and frequent phone calls to friends across the United States.