2125 Twelve Mile Road, Berkley, Michigan 48072 | Main: (248) 398-6500 | Fax: (248) 398-0733 | Email: info_sawyerfuller.com
As a young man growing up in the Detroit area, Edward Sawyer tried many different jobs. One of his jobs included working for Harris Funeral Home in Detroit. This job got Mr. Sawyer interested in the funeral industry. After learning the trade, he decided it was time to open his own funeral home. He met his wife, Ileene, and together, in 1938, they opened Sawyers Funeral Home on Catalpa Drive in Berkley.
Seeking a better location and an opportunity to expand their business, Ed and Ileene moved to a location on Coolidge Highway, still in Berkley. In 1944, just before the end of World War II, an old farmhouse located on Oakwood Boulevard (12 Mile Road) became available. Because of its location across the street from Roseland Park Cemetery, Ed and Ileene believed this would be the ideal location for a funeral home and a good place to raise their young daughter and son. They bought the farmhouse from the Cromie family and moved the business to its current location.
In 1950, Mrs. Sawyer enrolled in Wayne (State) Universitys Mortuary School and was one of the first women in Michigan to receive a funeral directors license. Joining her husband at the firm, she quickly became an integral part of the success of the funeral home. She did everything at the funeral home form meeting with families, directing funerals, and keeping the books.
In 1953, a young man named, Bill Fuller, came to work for Ed and Ileene. It was not long before he developed a passion for the Sawyers’ daughter, Yvonne and the shiny limousines owned by the funeral home. Bill and Yvonne were married in 1955 and moved to California while Bill served our country in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge, the Fullers moved back to Berkley and started working at the funeral home again. In early 1965, Bill received his funeral director’s license and continued his career with the firm.
Bill and Yvonne purchased the business from her parents in 1975 and it officially became known as Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home. The Fullers continue to operate the funeral home to this day.
Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home has been a long time fixture in Berkley and the north Woodward communities. The staff has grown a reputation as caring and honest professionals and has over 250 years of combined funeral service experience. Bill and Yvonne are also the proud grandparents of four grandsons, three of which are eagle scouts, and perhaps one of those boys will be in the next chapter of the 70+ year history of the funeral home.
Our caring, compassionate and professional staff are devoted in helping you honor the memory of your loved ones. Our integrity and commitment ensures the highest quality of service provided to you, your family and friends.
Yvonne L. Fuller
-Daughter of founder Ed Sawyer and wife of current owner, William Fuller
-Over 60 years of funeral service experience
-Aids in day-to-day operations of the funeral home
William H. Fuller, Jr.
-Owner and Director of Sawyer-Fuller funeral home
-Over 50 years of experience
-Licensed from Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Gerald A. Mahrle, Jr.
-Vice President of Sawyer-Fuller funeral home
-Over 30 years of funeral service experience
-Member of the Sons of the American Legion-Berkley
Frank J. Fletcher, Sr.
-Over 40 years of funeral service experience
-Pre-need insurance agent and counselor
-Member of Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis Club
Thomas M. Basel
-Over 25 years of funeral service experience
-Graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's in Mortuary Science in 1983
Peter Jensen
-Over 10 years of funeral service experience
-Graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's in Mortuary Science in 2004
-Member of Berkley Lodge 536 of Free & Accepted Masons
Nathaniel Webster
-Started working at Sawyer-Fuller funeral home in 2006
-Current Central Michigan University Student
-Musician, playing bass guitar.
Michael L. Schuneman
-Over 20 years of funeral service experience
-Graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's in Mortuary Science in 1987
-Member of the Lions Club
Daniel Mahrle
-Started working at Sawyer Fuller Funeral Home in 2009
-Member of the Troy Fire Department since 2005
In 1953, while still attending Berkley High School, Bill was hired by the funeral home to help on ambulance runs, cut the grass, paint the building, and assist with funerals. Bill left the funeral home for a few years when he joined the U.S. Navy, working as an electrician. After three years in the Navy, he returned to Michigan and resumed working at the funeral home while attending college and then Mortuary School. Once he received his license in 1965, he became full-time staff member at the funeral home. Ten years later he purchased the business from the Sawyers, and acquired his current title as president of Sawyer Fuller Funeral Home.
Although she grew up around the funeral home, Yvonne did not start working there until 1964. She helped with keeping the books, greeting families, and answering phone calls. In the late 70s, Yvonne started volunteering at the Detroit Zoo where she worked as a docent untill the late 80s. During this she continued to help at the funeral home until 1986--at which point she purchased the Flower Cart, a small flower shop in Berkley. She contiuned to work closely with the Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home for the next 14 years, untill she sold the Flower Cart in 2000. Since then she has resumed her previous role of helping out around the funeral home with administrative duties.
Gerald, better known as Jerry, was hired by the firm while still attending Berkley High School where graduated in 1973. He has been a funeral service counselor over 30 years--as well as a Pre-need insurance agent. He became the Vice-President of the firm in 2000. Jerry is married to his wife, Carol, and they reside in Berkley. He is a member of the Berkley Sons of the American Legion and enjoys golf, muscle cars of the 60s and 70s, and motorcycling. He also has been involved with the Berkley Cruisefest Parade for the last 13 years.
Frank was hired by the firm in 1998, with a background as an owner and operator in funeral service. He has over 40 years of professional experience in funeral service, holding offices at the district and state levels of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. He is also a Pre-need insurance agent and counselor. Some of his hobbies include, golf, and ballroom dancing. He is a life member of the Knights of Columbus, and he was past president of the Building Association of Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis Club of Eastpointe. He served as the civil service commissioner for the city of Eastpointe for five four-year terms. The most important things to Frank are his family and the families he serves. He lives his life with an attitude of LOVE, LAUGH, and LIVE.
Tom received his mortuary license in 1984, a year after graduating from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mortuary Science. Tom is an unwavering supporter of the Maize and Blue, and on Saturdays in the fall, if he is not at work, he is sure to be watching the Wolverines. He is married to his wife, JoAnne and is a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Knights of Columbus, where he is able to actively engage with other members of the community. Tom's experience and likeable personality has been an asset to Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home since he began working there in 2005.
Peter was born in Pusan, South Korea, and moved to Michigan with his family in 1996. He graduated from Tawas Area High school in 2001. After graduation, he attended Wayne State University, where in three years he received his Bachelor's Degree in Mortuary Science. In 2005, a year after graduating, he began working at Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home. He also is a Free & Accepted Mason, Berkley Lodge 536. He enjoys spending his time off in the outdoors, camping, hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, or snowboarding.
Mike graduated from North Branch High school in 1984. For two years after high school he attended pre-mortuary school at Ferris State University. From Ferris, he went to Wayne State University for another few years to get his mortuary science degree. In 1988, after a one year apprenticeship, Mike officially received his license and moved to the east side of Detroit where he worked as a funeral director for 20 years. He joined Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home in 2008, where he has been a valuable member ever since. He also is a member of the Lions Club, and he enjoys playing golf, cards, and fishing. To Mike there is nothing more important than family, and thats why he spends most of his free time with his wife, Lori, watching their son, Eric, at his sporting events and other activities.
Nate grew up in Royal Oak, graduating from Dondero High in 2004. In addition to working at the Funeral Home, he is attending school at Central Michigan University. He is an artist at heart, and this comes out when he is playing bass guitar. He also is an avid traveler, having seen most of the Unites States and Europe. Nate has been with Sawyer Fuller Funeral Home since 2006.
Starting at the Funeral Home in 2009, Dan is the newest member of the Sawyer-Fuller funeral home family. He is not only a local to the area, having been born and raised in Royal Oak, but also a natural to the business since both his father and older brother are also funeral directors. He graduated high school in 2004, and shortly after, became a member of the Troy fire department. He is the son of longtime Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home Vice President, Jerry Mahrle.
Seeking a better location and an opportunity to expand their business, Ed and Ileene moved to a location on Coolidge Highway, still in Berkley. In 1944, just before the end of World War II, an old farmhouse located on Oakmont Boulevard (12 Mile Road) became available. Because of its location across the street from Roseland Park Cemetery, Ed and Ileene believed this would be the ideal location for a funeral home and a good place to raise their young daughter and son. They bought the farmhouse from the Cromie family and moved the business to its current location.
Sawyer Fuller Funeral Home | Main: (248) 398-6500 | Fax:(248) 398-0733 | Email: info_sawyerfuller.com
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