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thedrifter
05-12-07, 09:36 AM
PUBLISHED: Saturday, May 12, 2007
Many expected to attend Marine's funeral

By LINDA GITTLEMAN
Gratiot Managing Editor

National coverage of Marine Master Sgt. Michael Wert's death when trying to rescue two kids from drowning last week has left local officials trying to prepare for what may be an onslaught of visitors on Saturday.

Wert, 35, was born and raised in Alma and his funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Alma United Methodist Church.

A motorcycle group of about 200 members is expected, along with an untold number of Marines, friends, relatives, strangers and television.

Wert's brother Matt said he didn't know how many people the church could hold but he expected more than that to attend the funeral.

Alma City Manager Phil Moore said that from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday East Downie Street from Pine Avenue to Woodworth Avenue will be closed. Gratiot Street from East Superior to Hastings will also be closed at that time.

He's hoping to set up the television trucks on Downie and the motorcycles further down the street, but those plans are subject to change, Moore said.

Extra police officers are lined up to work, he said.

"There's no way of gauging how many people will attend," Moore said. "I just don't know. (But Wert's death) has touched something in people."

Matt Wert said people from all over have contacted family members and, "I'm grateful for that."

People who knew Wert said his attempting to rescue the children was typical of him.

"All three of us grew up encouraged to help others - to reach out to others,"Matt said. "He died that day as a hero. Not only a hero but a Marine. He lived by the motto, 'Always faithful' and that's how we'll remember him."

Wert's wife Debbie (O'Boyle) and their three children arrived in Alma Thursday, as did Wert's body, Matt Wert said. A memorial service was held Wednesday in North Carolina, where Wert was stationed.

Wert's family has requested that no cameras be allowed in the church, although the media would be welcome, said the Rev. Phil Friedrick of the Alma United Methodist Church.

Representatives of the families of the two kids Wert was attempting to rescue were at the memorial service on Wednesday and a representative is expected to attend Saturday's funeral, he said.

He too said he doesn't know how many people will attend, "but we're going to do our best."

Ellie