FUNERAL IN THE ORCHARD

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Contributed by Ronald J. Sortor enchantedforest@centuryinter.net

originally published in Curtisville 1866-1976.

                        FUNERAL IN THE ORCHARD

    John Goodfellow was a wanderer and a loner.  He died unknown in the Ann 
Arbor area.  Becuase of lack of identification, his remains were taken to Ann 
Arbor and put in salt brine to be used for experimental purposes at the 
University Medical School. 

Justus Spencer of Oscoda, a brother-in-law, somehow 
heard of John's death and claimed the body.  The body was shipped by train to 
South Branch where it was met by James Heilig and Mort Wilkson. Jim recalled 
that it was a scary trip for a couple of young fellows as they had to sit on 
the pine coffin during the trip home. 

Eva Goodfellow Heilig identified John's 
remains by a three-cornered scar on the forehead that John received in a 
childhood swinging accident.  Because the body was not embalmed and the weather 
was warm the funeral was speedily held in the Heilig orchard. 

A piano, 
weighing 840 pounds, was carried to the orchard for funeral music.  During the 
service, a sudden thunder shower came up and the piano was hurriedly carried 
inside by the brawn strength of Charles Curtis, and John and James Heilig.


Published "Curtisville 1866-1976," 

Curtisville:  Curtisville Civic 
Association, 1976

Permission for use here given by: Arbutus Milholin