Shirley M. “Percy” Jewell

LEWISTON TOWNSHIP / PORTAGE – Shirley M. “Percy” Jewell, age 80, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Tivoli Health Care in Portage, following a long battle with cancer.

Shirley was born on February 23, 1931 in New Haven Township, the son of Floyd and Mae (Gibson) Jewell.  He served in the U. S. Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War.  Upon his return, he met his future wife, Gladys Hoege.  They were married in October of that year.  Shirley worked 55 years for the Ford Garage in Portage.  He started out with Whitney Ford, and later it became Hill Ford.  He passed on his work ethic to his special great nephew, Tony Dixon.  Shirley enjoyed working on cars and driving new Fords.  He and Gladys enjoyed country music and made many trips to Nashville.  They also enjoyed eating out and attending shows at the Crystal Grand Theatre.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys;  his sister, Wanda Lee Wills;  his nephews, Scott Konkel and Mark Konkel;  a great niece, Lorean Konkel;  his brother-in-law, Ken (Helen) Hoege;  nieces and nephews, Rusty (Debra) Hoege, Randy Hoege, Robyn (Bob) Mason, and Rhonda (Dan) Ederer;  many great-nieces and nephews;  other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with the Rev. Craig Wolfgram officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Caledonia Township.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2012 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.