Company History

Each generation of Cases has seen a greater call for services and met that with increased education, training and compassion. Their founder, Frederick Eli Case, a pioneer Saginaw businessman, opened a livery to serve our growing population.     His son, Winfred L. Case, joined his father in F. E. Case and Son Livery and Funeral Service and became one of Michigan’s first licensed funeral directors in 1901, holding state license number 58. At that time, education for funeral directors entailed pre-medical studies and W. L. obtained his at Detroit Medical College. He was also a graduate of Arthur Hill High School. After the death of his father in 1919, Winfred changed the business name to W. L. Case and Company. Later generations in funeral service have had to complete extensive education and training programs to receive licensure in Michigan. Many Saginawians still remember W. L. as a gentle, dignified man of great humor and compassion. When times were hard, especially during the Great Depression, he was known to provide services without payment. In addition, he was an anonymous benefactor to many in need and contributor to many worthy area causes. He was active in many community organizations including the Fordney Club and the West Side Businessman’s Association.       His son, Fred W. “Fritz” Case, graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1920 and received his mortuary training at the University of Michigan, joining with his father in 1938. Fred recalled the years of the polio outbreak as one of the greatest challenges to his career and later likened it to the concerns over AIDS and HIV infections. In his younger years, he had been a talented badminton player, winning the Valley Doubles Championship in 1935 and a state tournament. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing and many trips to Montana and Wyoming. He had been a life member of the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Wm. B. Mershon Chapter of Trout Unlimited. He was well-known for his beautiful rhododendron gardens. Fred learned to ski in his middle years and continued to ski until his early 70’s. He was active in various community organizations including the Pioneer and Fordney Clubs and served on the Board of Directors of Saginaw Savings and Loan for many years.