Obituaries Week of October 1, 2000, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Copyright © 2000 by Carol Morrison. This copy contributed for use in the MIGenWeb Archives. MIGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed MIGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the MIGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is located at http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/huron/hdt/obitu ary/01oct00.txt ___________________________________________________________ __ HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local Obituaries Week of October 1, 2000 Kenneth Burkhard Kenneth W. Burkhard, 44, of Bad Axe and Harbor Beach passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000, in Courtney Manor in Bad Axe following a long illness. Our dear son and brother was born on June 19, 1956, in Harbor Beach to Delbert and Grace (Holdwick) Burkhard. Ken was a graduate of Harbor Beach Community Schools in the Class of 1974. Ken had various jobs, working for the Booms Silo Co. and was currently with the Huron County Road Commission. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach. He loved to hunt, fish, golf and spend time with his many friends and nieces and nephews who will sadly miss him. Ken is survived by his parents, Delbert and Grace Burkhard of Harbor Beach; two sisters, Cheryl Kritzman and her husband, Mike, of Bad Axe, and Karen Mixter and her husband, Doug, of Lyons; three brothers, Larry Burkhard and his special friend, Chris, of Tucson, Ariz., Doug Burkhard and his wife, Bev, of Harbor Beach, and Duane Burkhard and his special friend, Jean, of Lewiston; his godparents, Uncle Pat Jurgess and Aunt Donna Burkhard; nieces and nephews, Ryan, Dawn, Dereck, Curtis, Cory, Katie, Jimmy and Rickey; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alex and Edith Burkhard and Bernard and Cicil Holdwick. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, in Zion Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Port Hope. A scripture service will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, a Golden Rule Funeral Home. Visitation will be 7 to 9 tonight and 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, and from noon until the time of services at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Anthony Fisher Port Austin Councilman Anthony C. "Tony" Fisher, 51, died Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000, at Huron Memorial Hospital, Bad Axe, after a long battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 14, 1949, at Hubbard Hospital, Bad Axe, son of Stanley and Stella (Maurer) Fisher. He was a parishioner at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Port Austin, serving as editor of the 100th anniversary history book, a 1967 graduate of Port Austin High School, and a member of the Port Austin Goodfellows. Mr. Fisher was serving his third four-year term on the Port Austin Village Council and was Mayor-ProTempore. He was the chairman of the Police Committee, vice chairman of Finance and a member of the Personnel and Public Buildings and Grounds Committee. He also served as secretary of the Planning Commission for eight years. During his service to Port Austin he was instrumental in the start up of the Bad Axe-Port Austin Regional Water Authority. He served as vice chairman of the Port Austin Winter Carnival for 10 years in the 1970s and presently was serving as chairman of the February 2000 Carnival. Mr. Fisher was the founder, chairman and chief administrator of the Port Austin Softball Tournament, an annual event from 1972 through 1990 which raised over $32,000 for local park improvements. He was the director of the Huron County Bicentennial in 1976. Mr. Fisher was a former sports reporter and government reporter at the Huron Daily Tribune, being promoted to editor in 1983. He received several writing excellence awards from the Hearst Corp., finishing third in the nation in sports writing at the Tribune. In later years, Mr. Fisher served as editor of The Newsweekly and was co-owner of Fisher's Market, a family-owned grocery store in Port Austin. Surviving are one son, Anthony J. (A.J.) Fisher of Port Austin; one daughter, Candice Fisher of Westland; his parents, Stan and Sally Fisher of Port Austin; one brother, Stanley Fisher, Jr., and his wife, Chrystal, of Port Austin; and his fiancee, Diane Ellicott of Bad Axe. He was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Landress. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Port Austin. The Rev. Michael Bell, pastor, will officiate. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be 4 to 9 p.m. today at the H.W. Weitenberner Funeral Home, Bad Axe, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Port Austin Area Historical Society or the Port Austin Reef Light Association. Donovan Hockin Donovan J. Hockin, 80, of Caseville died Monday afternoon, Oct. 2, 2000, at Tendercare Nursing Facility, Cass City. He was born Sept. 10, 1920, in Torch Lake Township, Antrim County, to the late Joseph and Lela Mae (Boals) Hockin. In 1951, he was united in marriage to Willadean Strayhorn in Detroit. She preceded him in death in 1984. Mr. Hockin was a U.S. Marine during World War II, serving in the South Pacific. After the service he became a commercial diver in the construction trade, working under water throughout the United States. In his 30 years, he worked on everything from the Mackinaw Bridge to oil rigs in the ocean. He then started his own trucking business, retiring in 1985. He lived most of his life in Cheboygan and the Caseville area. Surviving are two sons, David Hockin and his wife, Chris, of Caseville, and Gary Hockin and his wife, Barbara, of Milan, Ohio; four grandchildren, Kristen Hockin of Ohio, and Michael, Daniel and Bryan Hockin of Caseville; his brother, Louis Hockin of Pontiac; and two sisters, Josephine Bush of Ortonville and Emma Grant of Royal Oak. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. In keeping with his wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. Burial will be in the Caseville Township Cemetery. A private service will be conducted for the family at a later date. Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were handled by Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. John Ezack John E. "Jake" Ezack, 79, of Harbor Beach passed away Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000, in Autumnwood of Deckerville following a short illness. He was born March 6, 1921, in Harbor Beach to the late Edward and Agnes Ezack. He sailed on the Great Lakes working for the U.S. Steel Co., and he was a retired employee of the Active Industries, Inc., of Elkton, retiring in 1984 after many years of employment. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Jake was a member of the American Legion Post No. 197 of Harbor Beach for 50 years. He was an avid sports fan and knew the history and statistics of area and professional athletes. He is survived by several cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Ezack, in 1941. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000, in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with the Rev. Fr. Gerald Kukla, pastor of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home. Selma Grifka Mrs. Selma B. Grifka, 85, of Ubly died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000, at Huron Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born Oct. 30, 1914, in Ubly to the late John and Frances (Gosdzinski) Pionk. She married Enoch Grifka on March 2, 1935, at Holy Trinity Parish in Smith Corners. He preceded her in death on April 28, 1967. Selma was a graduate of Country School, and she was a waitress in Bad Axe and Detroit. Selma and her husband farmed all of their lives while managing to raise six children. She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a member of the Altar Society. She was an avid quilter, loved to garden, play cards and visit with her friends. She will be missed by many. Selma is survived by three daughters, Beatrice Ross and her husband, Cliff, of Ubly, Eleanor Franzel of Ubly, and Alice Pallas and her husband, Fred, of Ubly; three sons, Joe Grifka and his wife, Beatrice, of New Baltimore, Richard Grifka and his wife, Beverly, of Ubly, and Elmer Grifka and his special friend, Cindy, of Argyle; 21 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four brothers, Jim Pionk of Bad Axe, Elmer Pionk and his wife, Louise, of Ubly, Archie Pionk and his wife, Marie, of Ubly, and Ignatz Pionk of Bad Axe; and two sisters, Susie Peruski of Bad Axe and Rose Lemanski of Minden City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Enoch; three brothers, John, Sylvester and Clarence Pionk; two sisters, Anna Susalla and Lucy Osentoski; and one great-grandchild, Derek Peters. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Argyle. The Rev. Stephen Fillion will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a parish wake service at 8 p.m. tonight at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Visitation will be 1 to 9:30 p.m. today and from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Altar Society or St. Joseph Building Fund. Frank Miller Frank I. Miller, 91, of Caseville died Monday, Oct. 2, 2000, at Huron Memorial Hospital in Bad Axe. He was born Sept. 6, 1909, in Sigel Township at the home of his parents, the late John and Lucy (Rumptz) Miller. On Nov. 19, 1932, he was united in marriage to Agnes Andreski at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Port Austin. Frank worked at Chrysler Corp. in Detroit for 14 years before moving to Kinde to farm in 1946. In 1951 he took a position with Caseville Lumber, retiring in 1974. He was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church, a former member of the Caseville Eagles, and was a loving, caring father and grandfather. Surviving are his wife, Agnes; three daughters, Edna Klueger and her husband, Joseph, of Caseville, Ruth Weber and her husband, Paul, and Mary Jane Bue and her husband, Jerry, all of Mount Clemens; six grandchildren, Donna, Janet, Kevin, Tammy, LeAnn and Kelly; 12 great-grandchildren; his sister, Clementine Szymanski of Port Austin; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two grandsons; two sisters; and four brothers. The funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000, at St. Roch Catholic Church. The Rev. Fr. Dennis Kucharczyk, pastor, will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. There will be a parish wake service at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. Visitation will be 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and after 10 a.m. Thursday at the church. Florence Vollmer Florence Martha Vollmer, 95, of Pigeon passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2000, at the Scheurer Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Pigeon. She was born Oct. 27, 1904, in Linkville, daughter of the late Henry and Anna (Binder) Errer. On July 8, 1926, she was united in marriage to Charles F. "Carl" Vollmer in Bach. In 1937, Mr. and Mrs. Vollmer purchased the Heasty Hotel in Pigeon, changing the name to the Vollmer Hotel. Mrs. Vollmer continued to operate it after Mr. Vollmer's death on Sept. 27, 1944, through 1954. From 1954 to 1961, Mrs. Vollmer was manager for the Scenic Golf and Country Club in Pigeon. Mrs. Vollmer was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Berne, and the Ladies Aid and Women's Society. She was a member of the Scheurer Hospital Auxiliary, the Pigeon Worthwhile Club, the American Cancer Society, and the Pigeon Historical Society. She also was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. Mrs. Vollmer loved and enjoyed her grandchildren. She also loved to raise roses and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds at her window. She is survived by a daughter, Delores DeGrow and her husband, Maynard, of North Branch; two grandsons, Thomas DeGrow and his wife, Linda, of Midland and William DeGrow and his wife, Mary, of Okemos; three great-grandsons, Kristopher DeGrow and his wife, Tracy, and Seth DeGrow of Pennsylvania, and Patrick DeGrow of Lansing; two great-great-grandsons; a special godchild and niece, Jean Errer Gransden and her husband, Ronald, of Pigeon; twin sisters, Loeda Murphy and her husband, Edward, and Luella Shaw and her husband, Alex, of Bad Axe; a sister-in-law, Stella Errer; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four sisters, Edna Bittner, Christina Korman, Irene Heck and Lilly Pobanz; and three brothers, Carl, Otto and Wilbert Errer. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000, at St. John Lutheran Church, Berne, with the Rev. James A. Gorsegner, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery, Winsor Township. Visitation will be 12:30 to 9 p.m. today at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church or Scheurer Hospital. Mary MacAlpine Mary Katherine MacAlpine, 65, of Bay Port passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000, at her home. She was born in Wyandotte on Nov. 3, 1934, the daughter of the late Floyd and Katherine (McHenny) Hawkins. On July 13, 1963, she was united in marriage to Bruce R. MacAlpine in Owendale. He survives her. Mrs. MacAlpine was a beautician who owned and operated Town & Country Hair Fashions in Pigeon for more than 40 years. During her early working years she worked for Clairol. She also was a cosmetology instructor, maintaining her instructor's license throughout the years. She was a homemaker who was very proud of her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She is survived by her husband, Bruce R. of Bay Port; sons John MacAlpine of San Diego, Calif., and Steven MacAlpine and his wife, Catherine, of Auburn; daughters Katherine Pionk and her husband, James, and Betsy Benda and her husband, Greg, of Pigeon; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrew, Zachary and Natalie; a sister, Patricia Scott and her husband, Lee, of Kansas City, Mo.; a brother, Charles Hawkins and his wife, Jean, of Dearborn Heights; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Kotyuk. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000, at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon with the Rev. Raymond E. Orth, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery in Winsor Township. Visitation will be 2 to 9 p.m. today and 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon, and from noon until the time of services Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Cross Lutheran Bible School and Sunday School, or the charity of the donor's choice. Mildred Pochert Mildred M. Pochert, 87, of Port Hope passed away Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000, in the long term care unit of Harbor Beach Community Hospital following a short illness. She was born in Port Hope on Jan. 17, 1913, to the late Charles and Stella (Hoffman) Schave. She and Theodore Pochert were united in marriage in St. John Lutheran Church, Port Hope, on Aug. 18, 1934. Together the couple farmed in Gore Township for many years. Theodore preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 2000. Mildred was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and was formerly active in the church's choir, the Sewing Circle, the Blue Water Farm Bureau, Port Hope Retirees and the Sweet Sixteen Euchre Club. Mildred enjoyed working out-of-doors in her flower and vegetable garden, and she enjoyed watching the birds that came to her bird feeder. She is survived by her children, Suellen Emerick and her husband, Ray, of Port Hope, Keith Pochert and his wife, Patricia, of Lansing, Phyllis Oparka and her husband, Calvin, of Shelby Township, Audrey Pochert of Roseville, Norma Safran and her husband, Mark, of Clinton Township, and Kathleen Mausolf and her husband, Ronald, of Port Hope; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Earl Schave of Port Hope; and two sisters, Alma Stange of Warren and Dorothy Binkel of Port Hope. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Schave; and two sisters, Florence Young and Margaret Ender. Funeral services for Mildred will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000, in St. John Lutheran Church with the Rev. Henry Malone, vacancy pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Port Hope Cemetery. A scripture service will take place at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. this evening and from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, and from noon until the time of services Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church Keyboard Fund, School Trust Fund, the Alzheimer's Fund or the charity of the donor's choice. Elizabeth Andreski Elizabeth Andreski, 83, of Port Austin died Friday morning, September 29, 2000, at Courtney Manor. She was born Nov. 16, 1916, in Gagetown, the daughter of the late Alex and Ida (Rehs) Kosinski. Elizabeth and George Andreski were married June 30, 1936, at St. Michael's Catholic Church by Fr. Krumka. George preceded her in death, Jan. 24, 1978. Elizabeth was member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the St. Michael's Holy Rosary Sodality. She enjoyed baking, cooking and cleaning. She is survived by one daughter, Dolores Kubacki and her husband, August, of Livonia; seven grandchildren, Darrell Kubacki and his wife, Carol, of Canton, Sheryl Vachon and her husband, Paul, of Florida, Dwane Kubacki and his wife, Phyllis, of Canton, Shirley Mersino and her husband, Steve, of Canton, Sally Gorman and her husband, Edward, of Novi, Sharon Dillon and her husband, Bill, of Georgia, Darren Kubacki and his wife, Frances, of Livonia; 15 great-grandchildren, Heather Kubacki of Canton, David, Kimberly and Jennifer Vachon of Florida, Julie, Katie and Lindsey Kubacki of Canton, Bradley, Amanda and Brian Mersino of Canton, Eddie Mary, and Eileen Gorman of Novi, Joshua Dillon of Georgia; four sisters and several nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by three sons, Gerald, Richard and George Andreski, Jr.; one sister, Mary Andreski; two brothers, Eugene and Rudy Kosinski. In keeping with her wishes, cremation will take place with a memorial service at a later date. Memorials maybe made to St. Michael's Catholic Church. Arrangements are being handled by MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe. 1