Rev. Clare M. Tosch

Rev. Clare M. Tosch, age 93 passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Candlestone Assisted Living in Midland. The son of the late Harry A. and Julia (Mapes) Tosch was born on April 21,1924 in Capac, Michigan where he was raised and educated, graduating from Capac High School. On April 4, 1948 he married the former June Schoenhals in Brown City, Michigan. After 68 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on May 6, 2016. Rev. Tosch received his college and theological training at Fort Wayne Bible College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1948 he was granted probationary membership to the Conference and given a full appointment to the Cloverdale-Maple Grove circuit of three churches. After two years, he was appointed to the Francis Street Mission Church in Jackson and in 1956 was ordained as an elder and given membership in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The Tosch's served other churches in Blissfield/Ogden Center, Pigeon Salem. The EUB Conference then merged with the Methodist Church and Clare's remaining churches were with the United Methodist Church of Saginaw, West Michigan Avenue; Milan Marble Memorial, Sanford; and Cheboygan St. Paul's. Rev. Tosch also served as a Trustee for the Detroit Conference Retirement Homes, was past Vice President of Michigan C.R.O.P Board of Managers, past President of Conference Board of Pensions, and Dean of Camping. Clare was also active with local clergy associations and other denomination boards and agencies. He served as interim pastor in four churches following his official retirement from the United Methodist Church.

Clare had a lifelong passion of woodworking. He enjoyed boating, his yard, flowers, photography, and his numerous collections. He was an avid reader and never tired of exploring and studying God's Word. He enjoyed his agricultural heritage his entire life and reflected upon it frequently.

Rev. Tosch is survived by his son, James (Karen) Tosch of Freeland; daughter, Karen (Ralph) Herzberg of Saginaw; grandchildren, Matthew (Christine) Nash, Stephen (Kelley) Nash, Jeffrey (Jaime) Tosch, Bethany (Katie) Toschlin, Bradley Herzberg, and Todd Herzberg; five great-grandchildren; sister Alice (Greg) Cutler; sisters in law, Barbara Tosch, Ruth Ann (Lyle) Mahaffy; brother in law, Clarence (Evelyn) Schoenhals . In addition to his parents and wife Clare was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Nash; brother, Ray Tosch.

The family of Rev. Tosch wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to dear friends Jim Gray, John Swartz, Joy and Dorothy Arthur, and to the staff at Candlestone Assisted Living.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

First United Methodist Church
315 W. Larkin St.
Midland, MI 48640

Wednesday, August 16, 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

First United Methodist Church
315 W. Larkin St.
Midland, MI 48640

Wednesday, August 16, 2017
11:00 AM

First United Methodist Church
315 W. Larkin St.
Midland, MI 48640