HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Copyright © 2001 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. HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Obituaries for the week of January 7, 2001 Sunday, January 7, 2001 Arthur Brandow Arthur C. Brandow, 76, of Harbor Beach passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, following an apparent heart attack. Born in Harbor Beach on Nov. 16, 1924, he is the son of the late Clarence and Ermina (Emling) Brandow. He and Afanasia Krywich were married on Jan. 13, 1955, in Yuma, Ariz. He was retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 26 years. Art was a member of the Faith Bible Baptist Church of Harbor Beach and was devout in his faith and enjoyed being with his children and family. He was always willing to help anyone, being very kind-hearted. He is survived by his wife, Afanasia Brandow, of Lexington; one son, Timothy Brandow of Lexington; one daughter, Fran Brandow of Mattawan; three grandchildren, Ashley Boskovich, James Boskovich and Alexandra Boskovich; one brother, Leslie Brandow of Harbor Beach; and two sisters, his twin, Artella Thomas of Pt. Charlotte, Fla., and Evelyn Mutart of St. Clair Shores. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2001, at the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with the Rev. Brian Stutz, pastor of the Faith Bible Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Verona Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home. Aileen Bushey Aileen E. Bushey, 82, resident of Caseville, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. She was born Sept. 27, 1918, and was of Finnish ancestry. Miss Aileen Antella and Mr. Thomas Bushey were united in marriage on July 19, 1936, in Negaunee. They lived in Detroit a number of years, then moved to Pinnebog in 1974. Mr. Bushey preceded his wife in death on June 24, 1995. Aileen worked for the Burroughs Corp. in Detroit. She liked to read and garden. Surviving are several loving nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2001, at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog. Fr. John Weis will officiate. A scripture service will be at 7 p.m. today at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Felix Catholic Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Rose Pawloski Mrs. Rose D. Pawloski, 77, of Davison and formerly of Harbor Beach, died Thursday evening, Jan. 4, 2001, at William Beaumont Hospital, Troy. She was born Jan. 27, 1923, in Parisville, daughter of the late August and Otylia (Uller) Abraham. She married Stanley Wojciechowski on Feb. 16, 1946, at St. Mary Catholic Church of Parisville. He preceded her in death on April 27, 1986. She married John Pawloski at St. John Catholic Church of Davison. He has preceded her in death. She resided in the Parisville area in her youth and lived in Huron County for many years before living in Davison. Recently, she lived at the Harbor House in Harbor Beach before returning to Davison. She is survived by four daughters, Margaret Gilbert and her husband, Gerald, of Caseville, Collette Plamondon and her husband, Bruce, of Kalkaska, Colleen Dangel and her special friend, Tom, of Grand Blanc, and Trina Cope of Waterford; four sons, Lonnie Murphy and his wife, Gloria, of Kalkaska, Cameron Wojciechowski and his wife, Barbara, of Fenton, David Wojciechowski and his wife, Ruth, of West Virginia, Gary Murphy and his special friend, Beckie, of Davison; 18 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers, August Abraham and his wife, Agnes, of Minden City, and Sylvester Abraham and his wife, Arline, of Bad Axe; five sisters, Elizabeth Zurek of Detroit, Rita Shaw and her husband, George, of Elkton; Frances Heleski of Harbor Beach, Margaret Alent of Ubly, and Molly Depcinski and her husband, Eugene, of Bad Axe. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Stanley Wojciechowski and John Pawloski; a son, Gerald; and five brothers, John, Adam, Anthony, Joseph and Eugene. Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2001, at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly. The Rev. Anthony Czajkowski, pastor of St. John Evangelist of Davison, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Visitation is from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. William Rodgers William T. "Whimp" Rodgers, 77, of Port Austin died Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born April 26, 1923, son of the late Howard and Isa (Heath) Rodgers. He and Beverly Nayback were married on March 10, 1995. William was employed by D & S Services in Cass City and loved to operate the crane. He was a member of many organizations, including the American Legion Post No. 0303 in Florida, the Grindstone-Port Hope Sportsman Club, the VFW of Kinde and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 025. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; five step- children, Kim Schultz and her husband, Dennis, of Montrose, Cindy Berens and her husband, Craig, of Hazel Park, John Nayback and his wife, Debbie, of Aurora, Ill., Benjamin Nayback and his wife, Tammy, of Warren; Jeffery Nayback and his fiance, Anne Marie Bielkie, of Clinton Township; 12 step-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Pearl Rodgers of Boston and Dorothy Rodgers of Sault Ste. Marie; and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Tom Rodgers. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2001, at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. The Rev. Robert P. Garrett will officiate. Burial will follow at the Port Austin Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the funeral home. Frances Upton Frances Upton, 94, of Port Austin died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, at Huron Memorial Hospital, Bad Axe. She was born Aug. 21, 1906, in Parisville, the daughter of the late Frank and Helen (Schefka) Warczak. Miss Frances Warczak and Mr. Charles Upton were united in marriage on Feb. 14, 1931. She moved to Port Austin in 1959 from Roseville. Mr. Upton preceded his wife in death on Aug. 21, 1940. She was a member of St. Michael's Church. Frances was a beautician for 55 years. She was active in the Senior Citizens Group and a member of the U & I Club. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also liked to sew, crochet, knit, quilt, play cards and was a Tigers fan. Surviving are one daughter, Joan Yaroch of Port Austin; two sisters, Gertrude Partika of Port Austin and Edna Hager of Aurora, Colo.; five grandchildren, Miriam Parrone and her husband, Paul, of East Rochester, N.Y., Rebecca Hirn and her husband, James, of Bad Axe, Anne Brown and her husband, Ken, of Grand Prairie, Texas, Elizabeth Yaroch of Ann Arbor and Ellen Yaroch of Bad Axe; seven great-grandchildren, Bridget and Michael Parrone, James Mitchell and Madison Hirn, Addison Brown, and Meghan and Lauren Ordus; and several nieces and nephews. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; a sister, Margaret Lucik of Arizona; and one son-in-law, Fred Yaroch of Port Austin. Funeral Mass will take place at 2 p.m. today, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, at St. Michael's Church in Port Austin. Fr. Michael Bell will officiate. Visitation will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. today at the church. Cremation has taken place as requested by Frances. Memorials may be given to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen on Mount Elliot in Detroit through the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Hollie Elliott Hollie S. Elliott, 30, of Sebewaing, a health care worker, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m., today, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2000, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. Arrangements are being handled by the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. Monday, January 8, 2001 Viola Lerash Viola J. Lerash, 88, lifelong resident of Kinde, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2001, following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 6, 1912, in Grindstone City, daughter of the late Thomas and Katherine (Zagorski) Rice. Miss Viola J. Rice and Anthony (Tony) Lerash were united in marriage on June 1, 1937, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde. Mr. Lerash preceded his wife in death on Jan. 3, 1975. Viola was a parishioner of St. Edward's Catholic Church and a member of the Ladies Sodality and the Kinde VFW Post No. 4003 Women's Auxiliary. She was employed at the Kinde General Store and retired after 32 years as clerk for the Kinde Post Office. She enjoyed visiting with her friends and relatives, playing bingo and cards, sewing and crocheting. Surviving are two sisters, Gertude Lerash of Kinde and Helen Bodis of St. Clair Shores; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Lerash was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; and an infant son, Frederick. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001, at St. Edward's Catholic Church, Kinde. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A rosary by the St. Edward's Ladies Sodality will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home Gage Chapel, Kinde, followed by a prayer service by the Kinde VFW Women's Auxiliary. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. this evening, 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Bernard Recker Bernard A. Recker, 66, of Alma passed away at his home Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001. He was born June 29, 1934, in Alma to Vernon Sr. and Beatrice (Sumner) Recker. He married Kathleen Kipfmueller in June 1953. She preceded him in death in 1972. He then married Elaine Fox in January 1973. She preceded him in death in September 2000. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church. He had worked at Central Michigan University Public Safety Department, retiring after 26 years of service and most recently was a courier for the Bank of Alma. He also was a farmer all of his life. He is survived by three sons, August (Gus) Recker and his wife, Lucy, of Ubly, Steve Recker and his wife, Kim, of Alma, and Tom Recker and his wife, Theresa, of Shepherd; one daughter, Sue Jensen and her husband, Mike, of Vestaburg; three stepsons, Charles, Robert and Ronald Haywood, all of Lansing; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his mother, Beatrice Recker, of Alma; four brothers, Ronald Recker and his wife, Alice, of Macosta, Duane Recker and his wife, Sandra, of Alma, Jerry Recker and his wife, Colleen, of St. Louis, and Vernon Recker, Jr., and his wife, Linda, of St. Louis; and a sister-in-law, Carol Goodwin of Alma. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon, Sr.; and a brother, Donald Recker. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001, at St. Patrick's Church in Irish Town, near Shepherd, with Fr. Rob Howe and Deacon John Wilberding officiating. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery. There will be a scripture service at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Berry Funeral Home, 106 Wright Ave., in Shepherd. Visitation will be 7 to 9 tonight and 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Gratiot Area Hospice or the Leukemia Foundation. Tuesday, January 9, 2001 Bernard Oberski Mr. Bernard Daniel Oberski, 81, of Ruth died Monday morning, Jan. 8, 2001, at Courtney Manor of Bad Axe. He was born Feb. 13, 1919, in Parisville, son of the late Daniel and Clara (Fisher) Oberski. He married Rita Priemer on Feb. 3, 1940, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Ruth. He was a graduate of the country school. He farmed with his family and retired in 1972. He was a former parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Smith Corners and has been a parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church of Parisville for 60 years. He was a former member of their Ushers Club. He enjoyed card playing and visiting with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Rita, of Ruth; three sons, Daniel Oberski and his wife, Rosemary, of Shelby Township, Dale Oberski and his wife, Grace, of Sterling Heights, and Mark Oberski and his wife, Teresa, of Ruth; two daughters, Debra Dorr and her husband, Michael, of Louisville, Ky., and Mary Lynn Bahar and her husband, Mory, of Georgetown, Mass.; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Dr. James Oberski, D.D.S. and his wife, Janet, of Grosse Pointe Farms. He was preceded in death by one brother, Dr. Elmer Oberski; and one sister, Edith Scoviac. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001, at St. Mary Church of Parisville. The Rev. Charles Hammond, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. There will be a parish wake service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Visitation will be 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Glenn Smithers Glenn J. Smithers, 66, of Lake Township died Monday, Jan. 8, 2001, at his home. He was born Aug. 28, 1934, in Bad Axe, son of the late Glenn Sr. and Thelma (Hebner) Smithers. He attended Bad Axe High School. Glenn was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1957 to 1959. On Aug. 30, 1984, Donna Miller Boston and Glenn Smithers were married in Flint. Glenn enjoyed fishing for walleye and perch and hunting for deer and playing cards with family and friends. He was employed by Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac-General Motors of Flint. Surviving are three stepdaughters, Melinda Ostrander and her husband, Gary, of Linden, Marsha K. Boston of West Virginia, and Melody F. Boston and her husband, Wayne Petry, of West Virginia; two stepsons, Joe M. Boston and his wife, Debra, of Mount Morris and Malcolm J. Boston and his wife, Maria, of Pennsylvania; four sisters, Lucille Smithers of Westland, Vernita Armstead Sherman of Floral City, Fla., Mary Michalski and her husband, Ronald, of Pigeon, and Katherine Hunger of Westland; three brothers, Orville "Pat" Smithers and his wife, Karen, of Elkton, Robert Smithers and his wife, Marlene, of Bad Axe, and Gerald Smithers and his wife, Carol, of Bad Axe; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe with the Rev. Richard Shuart officiating. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. this evening, 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or Huron Memorial Hospice. John McDermott John McDermott, 57, of Owendale died Sunday afternoon, Jan. 7, 2001, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Funeral services will be conducted at noon Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001, at Champagne Funeral Home, Elkton. Visitation will be after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. John Wagner John A. Wagner, 76, of Cass City died Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, in his home. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with the Rev. Gerald Meyer of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church officiating. John will be buried next to his wife, Virginia, in Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia. Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. Wednesday, January 10, 2001 Elmer Kubacki Elmer F. Kubacki, 73, of Ubly passed away on Monday, Jan. 8, 2001, at home under hospice care. He was born on Sept. 7, 1927, at home in Ubly to the late Frank and Frances (Peruski) Kubacki. He married Lillian Fisher on Feb. 17, 1953, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Frieburg. Elmer attended Ubly High School. He was a founding and honorary member of the Ubly Fox Hunter's Club. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Ubly where he was an usher. Elmer farmed for many years and also worked at the Bach Elevator, Thumb Farm Service of Ubly, and he retired from Gemini Plastics in 1992. He played baseball for the Tyre Tavern and loved crop checking, hunting, bowling and visiting with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Lillian of Ubly; eight daughters, Marilyn Bezemek and her husband, Ken, of Burt, Carolyn Schultz and her husband, Mark, of Bad Axe, Jane Kubacki, D.V.M., and her husband, Ken Baranski, of Cass City, Julie Watson and her husband, Steve, of Bad Axe, Luann Zeller and her husband, Jim, of Gulliver, Deann Kubacki of Howell, Janet Lipskey and her husband, Dale, of Minden City, Paulette Halifax and her husband, Craig, of Ubly; 16 grandchildren; one great-grandson, Aaron; mother-in-law, Vera Fisher of Bad Axe; two sisters-in-law, Irene Peters of Pontiac and Jean Fisher of Bad Axe; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Ronald; one baby brother, Eugene; one baby sister, Marie. Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon on Friday, Jan. 12, 2001, at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly. Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. There will be a parish wake service at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Visitation is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, 1 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday and 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Huron Memorial Hospice or the family discretionary fund. Natalie Merriman Natalie Lynn Merriman, 19, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 9, 2001, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on June 23, 1981. Natalie fought against cancer with the same intensity that she lived life. No one could have kept the spirit the way Natalie did. She never gave up. Natalie was a talented and competitive athlete. No matter what sport or level of competition, she always drove herself to excel. She had a special love for basketball but appreciated all sports. While attending Deckerville Schools, she participated in girls basketball, volleyball, softball and track. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Drunk Driving and the student council. She was a student aide, class officer and she was a member of the St. Clair Lady Skippers Amateur Athletic Union basketball team. After graduating from high school, she attended Saginaw Valley State University. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Palms. Natalie will be sadly missed by her parents, Randy and Dora Merriman; brothers, Eric and Michael; special family member, Heather, all of Deckerville; grandparents, Kathryn Cleland of St. Clair and Willis and Ilene Merriman, of Deckerville; special cousins, Kelly Cleland and Christie Brown; special friends, Shelly Park, Jessie Kolar, Sister Theresa Carlow; many aunts, uncles, cousins and other friends. Natalie was preceded in death by her grandfather, Howard Cleland; aunt Gladys. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2001, at the St. Patrick Parish Center in Palms. Fr. Steven Gavit and sister Theresa Carlow will officiate. Burial will be in Downing Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Bradley D. Apsey Funeral Home in Deckerville. Memorials may be made to the Natalie Merriman Scholarship Fund, the St. Patrick's Building Fund or to the family's discretion. Norma Wettlaufer Norma M. Wettlaufer, 101, of Colfax Township died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001, at Sunny Acres Nursing Center. She was living at home until a few weeks ago. She was born on Sept. 18, 1899, in Chandler Township to the late Jacob and Sarah (Beaver) Schultz. On April 2, 1925, she was united in marriage to Daniel Wettlaufer at the Colfax Missionary Church. He preceded her in death on May 10, 1958. Mrs. Wettlaufer farmed with her husband in Colfax Township until his death. She continued farming until she was 86. It was not unusual to see her in the fields, on a tractor, winnowing hay or working the ground while in her 80s. She is survived by her son, Donald, of Colfax Township; three grandchildren, Kathy Dinsmore and her husband, Laird, of Mayville, Janice Alexander of Rochester and Grant Toner and his wife, Donna, of Colfax Township; 10 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Vivian Toner; grandson, Todd Toner; two sisters, Leta Wilson and Verda Wilson; two brothers, Alton and Earl Schultz. Funeral services will by conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2001, at the Community Wesleyan Church in Elkton. The Rev. DeWeerd Smith, pastor, will officiate with burial in the Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton and after 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Thursday, January 11, 2001 Raymond Polega Raymond Polega, 72, of Dwight Township died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. He was born on June 24, 1928, in Dwight Township, son of the late Frank and Gertrude (Lasceski) Polega. He and Viola Peyerk were married on June 30, 1948. She preceded him in death on Aug. 4, 1998. Raymond was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township, the Ushers Club, the Holy Name Society and the Kinde Senior Citizens. He enjoyed winning at cards and farming in Dwight Township. He is survived by his children, Kenneth Polega and his wife, Barbara, of Port Austin, Dale Polega and his wife, Lynn, of Bad Axe, Deborah Checkle and her husband, Michael, of Warren, Beverly Polega of Macomb Township, and Bradley Polega and his wife, Laura, of Unionville; grandchildren Jeremy, Laura and James Polega, Ryan, Cory and Shayna Polega, Adam and Aaron Checkle, and Laken Polega; his mother-in-law, Edna Peyerk of Bad Axe; in-laws Clarence Peyerk and his wife, Lois, of Bad Axe, Genevieve Hupfer and her husband, Mathias, of Florida, Joseph Peyerk and his wife, Vivian, of Port Austin, Sylvester Peyerk and his wife, Margie, of Utica, Donna Geiger and her husband, Robert, of Texas, James Peyerk and his wife, Janis, of Cass City, Bernice Yockim and her husband, Don, of Warren, Janet Danielski and her husband, Tom, of Sterling Heights, Mary Meharg and her husband, Gary, of Yale, Suzanne Stanton and her husband, Dale, of Emmitt, Rita Jackson and her husband, Richard, of Bad Axe, Alvin Peyerk and his wife, Nancy, of Ruth, Barbara Rifenbark and her husband, Rick, of Bad Axe, David Peyerk of Bad Axe, and Magdeline Goretski of Filion. He was preceded in death by his son, John; his brother-in-law, Eugene; and his stepbrother, Harry Goretski. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township. The Rev. Mietek Oniskiewicz will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be a scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. this evening, 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Frederick Profit Frederick James Profit, 73, of Cass City died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001, in St. Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw. He was born April 28, 1927, in Elkland Township to Clare and Gladys (Millmine) Profit. He married Donna Kessler on May 13, 1968, in Elkton. She died Jan. 29, 2000. Fred retired from Cass City Public Schools as custodian after 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and riding motorcycles. He loved wildlife, especially birds. Fred enjoyed spending time around the campfire with family and friends. Fred is survived by his children, Dennis Kessler and his wife, Nancy, of Cass City, Alexander Kessler and his wife, Carol, of Cass City, and Pamela Berridge of Taylor; grandchildren Rachel Koepf and her husband, Clem, Richard and Adam Kessler, Christopher Revis, and Ronald, Jason, Rebecca and Kelly Berridge; a great-grandson, Ryan Allen Koepf; a great-granddaughter, Kayla Rose Koepf; and several nieces, nephews and caring friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Profit. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2001, in the Cass City Missionary Church with the Rev. David Edwards officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City, and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Friday, January 12, 2001 Ronald Brahmer Ronald James Brahmer, 56, of Westland died Monday, Jan. 8, 2001. He was born Oct. 27, 1944, in Marlette, son of Elmer and Beatrice Brahmer. He was employed as a florist. He is survived by his wife, Edna; two sons, Tim Brahmer and Todd Brahmer and his wife, Kris; a daughter, Heidi; two grandchildren, Miranda and Seth; a sister, Jean E. Wolschleger and her husband, Bill; and two brothers, Robert Brahmer and his wife, Judi, and Douglas Brahmer and his wife, Deb. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Marilyn Micklovich. Funeral services took place today at St. Theodore of Cantebury Church in Westland. The Rev. Gary Michalik officiated. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Ubly in the spring. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Henry Ford Hospice. Arrangements were handled by John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home in Garden City. Gerald Diefenbach Gerald James Diefenbach, 73, of rural Cass City died Wednesday evening, Jan. 10, 2001, at Hills and Dales General Hospital in Cass City. He was born Feb. 2, 1927, at the home of his parents, the late Leonard and Flossie (Elenbaum) Diefenbach, in McKinley Township. On April 2, 1946, he was united in marriage to Annabelle Hahn at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Unionville. Gerald lived in western Huron County all his life and farmed in Grant Township. He also was employed as a mechanic at Schultz's Garage in Unionville for many years. He was a member of the Faith Gospel Tabernacle and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing on the open water and the ice, and most especially playing with the grandkids. Surviving are his wife, Annabelle (Pal); his daughter, Kathy Skipinski and her husband, Tom, of Washington; special niece, Mary Jamieson and her husband, David, of Owendale; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Brenda, Brian, Devin, Jeremy and Tiffany; two great-grandchildren, Skylar and Samantha; his brother, Lyle Diefenbach and his wife, Shirley, of Oakdale, La.; and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Gerald; and his sister, Wava Hallock. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001, at Faith Gospel Tabernacle, Bad Axe. The Rev. Michael Beeler, pastor, will officiate with burial in Grant Township Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 9 p.m. today at Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton, and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to the church. Samuel Miller Samuel V. Miller, 84, of Port Austin died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. He was born on Oct. 10, 1916, in Detroit, son of the late Peter and Nellie (Sniezyk) Miller. He and Lottie Krajenka were married on Sept. 28, 1937, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township. She preceded him in death on Dec. 21, 1999. Samuel was a member of the U & I Club in Port Austin and St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing and playing cards. He is survived by his children, Deanna Juback and her husband, Henry, of Wyandotte, Reginald Miller and his wife, Rose, of Durand, and Aaron Miller and his wife, Peggy, of Harbor Beach; his grandchildren, Bruce and his wife, Karen, Brian and his wife, Mary, Alan and his wife, Wendy, and Glen Juback and his wife, Theresa, Michael and Mary Miller, and Felicia, Dustin and Patrick Miller; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Eleanor Fox of Gagetown; one brother, Leonard Miller of Caro; three sisters-in-law, Irene Tschirhart of Bad Axe, Emily Szeszycki of Warren, and Helen Lemanski of Madison Heights; one brother-in-law, Lewie Knoblock of Kinde; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will take place at noon Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. The Rev. Michael J. Bell will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A rosary will take place at 8 p.m. this evening at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Peter Schipinski Mr. Peter Paul Schipinski, 98, of Filion died Thursday morning, Jan. 11, 2001, at Huron Memorial Hospital. He was born March 20, 1902 in Poland, son of the late Matthew and Sophia (Goniwicha) Schipinski. He married Lottie Gebowski and she preceded him in death. He married Martha Prange on May 6, 1936 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Dwight. She preceded him in death on Jan. 16, 1994. He attended the country school. All his life he loved farming with horses. He is survived by his special friend, Faye Gilbert, of Filion; five daughters, Rose Fredette and her husband, Richard, of Whitmore Lake, Theresa Augustine and her husband, Raymond, of Parma, Ohio, Jenny Krozek and her special friend, Al Grant, of Bad Axe, Jo Ann Peruski of East China Township, and Edna Lemanski and her husband, George, of Ubly; four sons, Joseph and his wife, Joann, of Roseville, Elmer and his wife, Ann, of Sterling Heights, Edward and his wife, Theresa, of Filion, and Daniel and his wife, Crystal, of Utica; one brother, Roy Schipinski and his wife, Agnes, of Filion; 23 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by eight sisters; two brothers; two infant children; and one grandson, Stephen Schipinski. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Rapson. The Rev. John Weis, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. There will be a rosary service by the Rev. Stanley Surman at 7 p.m. tonight at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Visitation will be 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. today and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Floyd Shirkey Floyd B. Shirkey, 83, of Deford died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001, in Marlette Community Hospital. The funeral Mass will take place at noon Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001, at St. Pancratius Catholic Church, Cass City, with the Rev. Paul Bala officiating. Interment will be in Novesta Township Cemetery. Veterans' services will be under the direction of the Cass City VFW Post No. 3644. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to United Hospice of Marlette. 1