Ervin Jay Clore
Ervin Jay Clore, father, grandfather, brother, and husband was called away from this world in the early morning hours of July 4, 2026.
He left behind two sons: Brian (Tracy) Bushong, and Kevin (Amanda) Bushong of Gladwin; daughter, Michelle (Tim) of Traverse City; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; siblings: Vic (Cindy) Clore and Alfred (Diane) Clore; and several nieces and nephews. Ervin was born Nov. 2, 1943 in Gladwin, MI, to Floyd E. And Evelyn Clore, who preceeded him in death.
Those who knew Ervin knows he was not only a giant in stature, but a giant in heart, character and morals. His no nonsense style of communicating left some quivering in fear, yet he would stop the tractor and dismount to move the nest of killdeer out of harm’s way from his planter. His straightforward out of the box thinking and need for constant perfection in anything he did made him the early age “google” of his time. Friends, children, neighbors, family knew to come to Erv if they needed an answer to something or guidance on how something needed to be done to be done right.
He loved applying his knowledge to agriculture continuing on the family tradition of operating a small family farm like his dad and granddad did before him on the same ground they had worked for so many decades before him. He started work for homestead tool and machine, a subsidiary of Robinson Industries, in 1966 and left only upon his retirement almost 50 years later.
Retirement gave him the time to enjoy the things that gave him the most pleasure, tractor shows, snowmobiling, driving around the back roads to see if he could find anyone else’s fields to “critique”, and offering rides to many of his Amish friends in need. He will be so dearly missed by so very many friends, neighbors and family, no one person will ever fill the very big shoes he left behind but with all of the memories that he has left each of us as a community will sure be better off if we try.
Honoring his wishes cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Christian Church, in Gladwin. Come as you are, no formal attire. The family of Ervin Clore thanks the community so much for the outpouring of condolences. He touched so many people’s lives, they are so proud to call him father, grandfather, brother, husband. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome. com.