Bert Proehl

Bert J. Proehl, age 84, of 11010 T.65 Road, Rapid River, died Wednesday afternoon, December 15, 2004, at his home in Rapid River with his loving family at his side.
Bert was born September 15, 1920, at the family home in Rapid River, the son of Albert and Beda (Berg) Proehl, who preceded him in death. He was raised in the Rapid River area and attended and graduated from the Rapid River schools. Following his years in school, Bert owned and operated the Turan and Proehl sawmill for a few years before going to work for the Harnischfeger Corporation. On June 10, 1944, Bert married the former Jeanne Gendron at the St. Martin Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rapid River. Together the couple made their home at the Proehl family farm where they lived and raised their family. Bert continued to work for the Harnischfeger Corporation and during his employment the couple spent some time in the country of Iran where Bert worked for Machine Sazi for Harnischfeger International. In addition to working for Harnischfeger, Bert and Jeanne also worked the family dairy farm for the past 50 years. Bert worked for the Harnischfeger Corporation till his retirement after 31 years. Bert served for the Masonville Township zoning board for many years; he also served as the treasurer for the St. Martin Evangelical Lutheran Church as well as the past President for the church council. Bert was one of the original members of the Rapid River Lion