Bruce Harold Edler

November 20, 1934 - March 29, 2026

Bruce H. Edler was born in Pigeon, Michigan to Harold and Clara (Hanshaw) Edler. The family moved to Millington between 1936-38 and Bruce has lived there ever since. Bruce graduated from Millington High School in 1952 and worked for Hahn's Bakery during his high school years. Afterwards, he went to work for Millington Screw Products where he met the love of his life, the former Wanda J. Babcock. They were wed on May 8, 1954 (Bruce liked to say May 11th) and would have celebrated 70 years at the time of Wanda's passing Feb 10, 2024. Together they raised three children, Melody (Don) Payea, Butch (Laurae) Edler, and Bruce H. Edler Jr.

Bruce started working at A.C. Spark Plug in Flint in 1954 and retired after 41 years in 1995. During those years, he coached his son's little league teams, adult softball teams, and played softball himself for the Millington Herald.

After retiring, Bruce and Wanda enjoyed their Gladwin cabin for many years, spending their time fishing, pontooning, campfires, family, friends, and (of course) the occasional beer. He also enjoyed deer hunting, trap shooting, working in the yard. His family would tell you that he would never say “no” to a good poker game. Bruce was a life-long member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Millington, a lifetime member of Richville Conservation Club and Vassar Eagles.

Along with his children, Bruce is also survived by his grandchildren, Mike (Amber) Ward, Stephanie Oliver, Kris Edler, Nick (Jessica) Edler, Tara (Nate) Hecht, Bruce Edler III, his fiancé’ Shelby Paul, and Eric Payea.

Also, his great grandchildren, Makenzie (Mason) Newcombe, Emilee Sackman, Cassisie Sebert, Ryker Ward, Nash Hecht, Remy Hecht, Tristan Paya Stevens, and Olivia Payea. Bruce was also eagerly awaiting first great-great grandson, due in April.

Bruce is also survived by one sister, Cheryl (Wayne) Leix, sister-in-law Lorine Edler, and brother-in-law Clare Wheeler, and many very special nieces and nephews. He also thought the world of his very special girls, Kathy Stein and Stacie Ward, who took such good care of him in his later years.

Bruce is preceded in death by his wife (Wanda Edler), parents (Harold and Clara Edler), sister (Beverly Rose Wanamaker), brother (Ronald Edler), sister (Maddie Wheeler), infant sister (Marilyn Edler), brother-in-law (Donald Rose), brother-in-law (James Wanamaker), father-in-law (Hazen Babcock), mother-in-law and step father-in-law (Bernice and Ray Bush), brother-in-law (Gerald Babcock), brother-in-law (Jimmy Babcock), sister-in-law (Dolores Smithmeyer), grandson (Travis Payea).

The family would like to say a special thank you to Nancy Ames, Nichole Ostrander, and Brian Draga from American Home Care and Hospice for all help and care with our dad. 

Cremation has taken place per Bruce’s wishes, visitation will be from 2-4 on Friday, April 17th, 2026, at Hanlin Funeral Home in Millington followed by a (private) family graveside farewell.

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Bruce and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. Address: 4823 Main Street, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

Hanlin Funeral Homes - Serving Since 1928