Floyd W. Umlor

Floyd William Umlor was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life. Whether he was on the farm or doing construction work, he enjoyed the feeling that came after a hard day's work. Floyd was the kind of man who always greeted strangers with a smile. With his jovial attitude and keen sense of humor, he left an impression on all who knew him.

In 1926 the United States was enjoying a period of peace and prosperity. As Calvin Coolidge lead our nation, Americans enjoyed relaxing while listening to the new NBC radio station, or reading books from the very popular "Book of the Month Club". Although almost anyone who lived in 1926 remembered the year as joyous and peaceful, perhaps no one recalled it quite as fondly as Marcus and Cora (Allen) Umlor of Conklin, Michigan . In that year the couple celebrated the June 16th birth of their son Floyd William Umlor.

Growing up as the eleventh of eleven children in the Umlor family, Floyd was never without a playmate; however, life on the family farm left very little time for leisure. In order to support the Umlor brood, his parents worked as farmers and had orchards in the Conklin area. Since he was young, farming was a way of life for Floyd. Growing up, the family was members of the St. Joseph Church of Wright where Floyd also went to school and would often serve as an altar boy. As soon as school was out, he would return to work on the farm before later working at his cousin's apple storage doing orchard work including storing and sorting apples. When Floyd grew up, he eventually decided to leave farming to work construction. Working primarily with cement, one of his major projects was building the new facility at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Although his career may have caused Floyd to venture from his roots in farming, he was always a farmer at heart. Throughout his life he enjoyed reading the newspaper and he always paid particular attention to the weather. Farming was in his blood, and like all farmers, he was always interested in what the weather would bring him.

Although work was very important to Floyd, family always remained his top priority. When his father passed away, he continued to live at home and care for his mother. After his mother's passing, he remained in the farm home, which he continued to own up until his death. When Floyd was not enjoying his time at home, he loved to travel. During his life time, he and relatives ventured to exotic locales such as Alaska and Hawaii . While taking trips across the US , he loved to sample local cuisine. Floyd loved eating and did not believe in waiting for a special occasion to enjoy a good meal. However, it was another hobby that would lead Floyd to true happiness. He loved to dance and would often attend dances at the West Side Complex in Grand Rapids . On one fateful evening, a lady named Ann Lemon was also in attendance at the dance hall. The couple soon became acquainted and what started as a strong friendship quickly developed into a romance. After a traditional courtship, Floyd proposed and they were to be married. As a couple, they followed their love for dancing many places. Ann was a member of the Creston Post of the V.F.W. and they would often frequent the hall to dance and spend time with friends. Unfortunately, Floyd struggled with a variety of health issues throughout his life, and the past couple of years were particularly difficult for him. However, with Ann's love and support he was able to enjoy the final years of his life. Ann remained at his side as his full time caregiver.

After 79 years of a life filled with love, Floyd William Umlor died unexpectedly on Thursday August 11, 2005. He left beloved fiancée about to be wed, Ann Lemon. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law Herman and Frieda Umlor, his brother-in-law Glen Schoenborn, several nieces and nephews, his good friend Rita Bartnick, Ann's family who he considered his family Richard and Nancy Green and Robert and Joann Green. Mr. Umlor reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michgian Dr. N.W. where relatives and friends may meet his family Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. and where a bible vigil service will be held Monday evening at 7 P.M. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 11 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Please meet at church) in Wright with Rev. Leo Rosloniec as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Please go to www.lifestorynet.com to read Floyd's life story, leave a memory or sign the on line register book.