Edward Mathew Erger passed away peacefully at his Michigan home on March 24, 2022 surrounded by family and fur friends. He was born on March 19, 1943 in Hamtramck, Michigan to Joseph and Katherine Erger. Big Ed, as he was affectionately known, was blessed with two great loves in his life – his wife Barbara Payne Erger of 44 years who preceded him in death in 2009 and his wife Rosalie Kimmerly Erger whom he married in 2014 and who remained devotedly by his side until his passing. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister Marie Erger and his brother Joseph (Barbara) Erger. In addition to his wife Rosalie, he is survived by his daughters Michelle (Blair) Ferrier of Austin, TX and Melissa Erger Amaral of Cookeville, TN; his sons Edward (Heather) Erger of Edwards, CO and Eric (Sara) Erger of Cookeville, TN; stepchildren Tara (Jason) Dent-Reeves of Benton Harbor, MI, David (Valarie) Dent of St Joseph, MI, and Amy Dent of Stevensville, MI; grandchildren Ian (Mikaela) Ferrier, Gavin & Aubrey Erger, Annika & Aidan Amaral, Lettie Reeves, and Brendan, Natalie, & Ashley Dent; great grandson Aemon Ferrier; honorary son Matt (Wendy) Hamilton of Sparta, TN; fur friends Maggie and Ally Shannon; and a host of granddogs. Ed was a United States Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War era and proudly served 6 years in the Air Wing as a mechanic and crewman, also passing a passion for that noble tradition on to his son Eric. His pride for and love of his country was second only to his pride and love for his family. He was an avid collector of coins and guns and loved passing these treasures, and the stories behind them, on to his children and grandchildren. He was a home builder and the owner of Sound Construction in Cookeville, TN for many years, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a devoted parishioner of the Catholic Church. For those who knew Ed he will be remembered for his twinkling blue eyes and mischievous smile, his ability to fix just about anything, his penchant for accidents and superhuman pain tolerance, his devotion to his family, and his pride for his children and his grandchildren who lovingly called him Grumpa. He taught his children to be self-sufficient, to value their heritage and their families, and to spend time with them in nature camping, fishing, and hunting. In fact, their countless travels and camping trips, many of which could serve as material for a National Lampoons Vacation movie, will keep his family belly laughing and honoring his memory with a sip of blackberry brandy and slice of cheese pizza for generations to come. There will be a private mass at All Saints Catholic Church in Fremont, MI and a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date in Cookeville, TN. Ed's family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Spectrum Health Hospice & Palliative Care of Grand Rapids, MI. Friends may share memories and condolences with the Erger family at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Homes – Fremont Chapel. 231-924-0800 To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Edward Mathew Erger, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Private Services Friday, March 25, 2022