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 Local obituaries for the week of July 8, 2001 Sunday, July 8, 2001 Jack Armstrong Jack F. Armstrong, 83, life-long resident of Meade Township and Bad Axe, died Friday, July 6, 2001 at Courtney Manor Nursing Center in Bad Axe. Mr. Armstrong was born April 8, 1918 in Meade Township to the late James F. and Charlotte (Todd) Armstrong. He and Miss Eunice Sparling were united in marriage June 7, 1939 at First Presbyterian Church in Bad Axe. The couple celebrated 62 years of marriage this past June. Mr. Armstrong was an active member of Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church, serving as Ruling Elder of the session and as a session Elder to the Finance Committee. He was a graduate of Bad Axe High School, Class of 1937; past member of the Bad Axe Lions Club; he worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad; ST&H Oil Company; Carmet Corp; and was self employed, owning and operating Armstrong's Total Service. Mr. Armstrong enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, cooking and tending to his flowers, and attending Sunday Night Bible Study with his wife Eunice. Surviving are: his wife, Eunice Armstrong; one daughter, Ann Marie Armstrong of Rochester Hills; three sons, Jack F. Armstrong Jr. and his wife, Ruth, of Saginaw; James G. Armstrong and his wife, Dorothy, of Stanton; and Paul I. Armstrong and his wife, Barbara, of Saginaw; eight grandchildren, Daniel Armstrong, Christine Rich, Kimberly Armstrong, James Armstrong Jr., Amanda Armstrong, Sarah Armstrong, Jason Armstrong, and Jill Wood; six great-grandchildren, Paige Armstrong, Heath Dusten Wood Jr., Christian Armstrong, Andrew Armstrong, Megan Rich, and Ashley Rich. Mr. Armstrong was preceded in death by his step-father Frank Hall; one half-brother, Francis Hall; two step-sisters, Lula Toner and Ola Toner; and two step-brothers, Howard Hall and Willard Hall. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 9, 2001 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Bad Axe. The Rev. Jan Gerard Dykshoorn, pastor, will officiate. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe, and 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Monday at the church. An expression of sympathy may be offered to Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church, or to Huron Memorial Hospital Hospice. Gloria Barron Gloria D. "Joy" Barron, 78, of Kinde passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2001 in Huron Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was born on March 29, 1923 in Stamford, Conn., daughter of the late Peter and Ethel Drever. She was united in marriage to Jimmy Barron on Feb. 14, 1942. He preceded her in death on Nov. 22, 1997. Joy was an equestrian as a child and continued to enjoy horses throughout her life. She was an avid reader, a sports fan, especially enjoying the Dallas Cowboys and the Boston Celtics, and a shopper who enjoyed buying shoes and bracelets. She enjoyed traveling, and was proud to have visited all of the continental 48 states. She was devoted to her husband Jimmy of 55 years, and loved her children and grandchildren very much. Joy is survived by: her daughter, Sandy Kent and her husband, Jerry, of Kinde; a son, Peter Barron and his wife, Hilda, of Arlington, Texas; three grandchildren, Sam Kent and his wife, Tracie. of Kinde, Meredith Berkman and her husband, Eric Berkman M.D., of Houston, and Tammy Clancy and her husband, Todd, of Port Austin; one great-grandchild, Aiden Berkman; two step great-grandchildren, Clark and Sally Clancy; honorary grandchildren, including Jill Meeks of Atlanta, Ga., Shari Etzel of Bad Axe, Laura Polega of Unionville, Allyn Parsons of Atlanta, Ga., and Lenny Fisher of Kinde; two sisters, Eileen Powell of Bedford, N.Y., and Doris Armstrong and her husband, Jack, of Jupiter, Fla.; one sister-in- law, Margie Hall and her husband, Warren, of Bedford, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews, and many other friends. She was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Drever; and a nephew, Gary Powell. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Nephew Gregory Hall will officiate with burial at New River Cemetery. Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2001, and 9 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the North Huron Elementary School Library. Kirk Bensinger Kirk R. Bensinger, 47, of Ubly, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2001 due to injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born April 11, 1954 in Bad Axe to A. Evelyn (Ludlow) Bensinger and the late Clayton Bensinger. He married Betty McIntosh on Feb. 20, 1977 in Caro. Kirk graduated from Ubly High School in 1972. He went to Ferris State University and received an associate's degree in electrical power technology. He was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Michigan and New York. He was a salesman for Gordon Food Services for 20 years, retiring in 1998. He owned Samuel Mancino's Italian Eatery in Bad Axe since 1994. He was a member of the Business Professional Association, former member of the Jaycees and of the Ubly First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed trucking locally and worked for Supreme Trucking Company of Detroit for one year. He was employed as a salesman for Lipari Foods of Warren. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed boating, card playing and traveling. Kirk is survived by his wife, Betty, of Ubly; two daughters, Bryanne Bensinger of Allendale, and Brooke Bensinger of Ubly; one brother, Lytle Bensinger and his wife, Cindy, of Carmel, Ind.; two sisters, Bonnetta Wright and her husband, Donald, of Ubly, and Marjorie Silkworth and her husband, Lynn, of Vero Beach FL; three brothers-in-law, Floyd McIntosh and wife, Linda, of Cass City; Carl McIntosh and wife, Shirley, of Williamston; and Clarence McIntosh and wife, Karen, of Davisburg; one sister-in-law, Judy Britt and her husband, William, of Cass City; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; one sister, Marilyn; and in-laws, Lorn and Belva McIntosh. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at the Zinger- Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. The Rev. Ellen Burns, pastor of Ubly United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Valley Cemetery with graveside military honors by the Ubly Veterans Groups. Visitation will be Monday, July 9, 2001 from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m. Memorials requested to the Family Discretionary Fund. Edward Monzo Edward Monzo, 78, of Annapolis, Md. died Friday, June 29, 2001 of cancer at his home. Mr. Monzo was born April 14, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pa. He served in the Navy during World War II. He retired from Union Carbide Corp. in 1991. He married Helen Rose Smaglinski on June 29, 1957 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parisville. She died Dec. 11, 1994. Edward is survived by: one son, Chris and his wife, Tracy; two daughters, Nancy Weiss and her husband, Stewart, all of Annapolis, and Mary Ellen Thorp of Alexandria, Va.; four grandchildren, Frank IV and Britney Thorp, Adam Weiss, and Madelyn Monzo; four sisters-in-law, Edwina Lackowski of Bad Axe; Ernestine Romzek and her husband, Irvin, of Ruth; Gertrude Lawrence and her husband, John, of Saginaw; Theresa McElgunn and her husband, Robert, of Emmet; one brother-in-law, Bernard Smaglinski and his wife, Susan, of Harbor Beach. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 3, 2001 at the John Taylor Funeral Chapel in Annapolis. Cremation followed the service. Interment will be private. Heather Toth Heather Toth, 14, of Minden City died Friday, July 6, 2001. Heather was a seventh grader at Ubly Junior High School and loved the outdoors. She was an avid fan of stock car racing and was a member of her father's pit crew. Surviving are her parents, Teresa and Michael of Minden City; one brother, Eric, at home; grandparents Ralph and Linda Chamberlain of Webberville and Donald and Beverly Toth of Grand Island, Fla.; great- grandparents Nina Baughan and Ralph Chamberlain, both of Williamston, Katherine Toth of Painesdale, and Mary Laparie of Bay City; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at Rowley Wesleyan Church, 3720 Rowley Rd., Williamston. The Rev. Duane F. Allison will officiate. Interment will follow in Rowley Cemetery, Williamston. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Gorsline- Runciman Co. Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle St. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the family. Monday, July 9, 2001 Keith Holdship Mr. Keith K. Holdship, 89, of Ubly, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2001, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. He was born on June 24, 1912, in Ubly, to the late Dr. William B. and Georgia Ives (Faye) Holdship. He married Geraldine McNamara on June 21, 1940, at St. John's in Ubly. Keith was a graduate of Ubly High School and attended Alma College. He was a farmer and a postmaster. He was a buyer of property rights for the Michigan State Highway Department and a chemical salesman for Occidental Chemical. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church of Ubly, Ubly Fox Hunters Club and the Bad Axe Knights of Columbus Council No. 1546. He was also a cast member for all of the Alabama Jubilee productions. He enjoyed sports and visiting with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, of Ubly; two sons, Michael and his wife, Carolyn, of Cadillac, Richard and his wife, Richelle, of Ubly; two daughters, Jean Beltz of Clinton Township, Patricia Oistad of Midland; five grandchildren, Brooke Garber and her husband, Zack, David Beltz, Mark Holdship and his wife, Patti, Dr. Matthew Holdship, M.D. and Jennifer Tremain, Lisa Chumbler and her husband, Dan; three step grandchildren, Danielle and Christopher Cook, Leigh Oistad and his wife, Dawn; six great-grandchildren, Isabel and Jonah Garber, Michael and Holly Holdship, Chloe and Olivia Chumbler; two step great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Haley Oistad; one brother, Dr. E.C. Holdship and his wife, Dian, of Bad Axe. He was preceded in death by one sister, Constance Bukowski; one brother, Merrill "Pete" Holdship. Funeral mass will be at noon on Wednesday, July 11, 2001, at St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a rosary at 7 p.m. by the Bad Axe Knights of Columbus Council #1546 and a vigil for the deceased at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Both services will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Visitation will be from 3 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are requested to go to the Ubly Community School's Athletic Department basketball program. Lewie Knoblock Lewie Knoblock, 75, of Kinde died Saturday, July 7, 2001, at Providence Hospital in Southfield. He was born on Sept. 14, 1925, in Hume Township, son of the late Felix and Celia (Kanaski) Knoblock. Lewie married Jannette Krajenka on April 16, 1955, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2000. Lewie was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin, the Knights of Columbus, and was a founding member of the St. Michael's Ushers Club. He was a lifelong farmer in Hume Township and also enjoyed carpentry. He is survived by four children, Leonora Baughman and her husband, Jene, of Commerce Township, Leonard Knoblock and his wife, Natalia, of Port Austin, Joseph Knoblock and his wife, Venessa, of Okawville, Ill., and Felicia Knoblock of Kinde; six grandchildren, Wesley and Adrianne Baughman, Polina and Lev Knoblock and Katie and Alexis Knoblock; one sister, Lottie Puvalowski of Bad Axe; two brothers, Sylvester Knoblock of South Lyon and Albin Knoblock of Washington, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Leo, and one sister, Evelyn Essenmacher. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 p.m. today followed by a parish scripture service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will be conducted from noon until 9 p.m. today, and from 9 until 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Clement Przemytski Clement S. Przemytski, age 79, of Bad Axe, died Sunday, July 8, 2001, at his home, following a short illness. Mr. Przemytski was born on Aug. 11, 1921, in Port Huron. He was the son of the late Stephan and Augustia (Putze) Przemytski. Clement and Miss Ruth Hubbard were united in marriage on Sept. 15, 1961, in Detroit. Mrs. Przemytski proceeded her husband in death Sept. 4, 1997. Mr. Przemytski moved to Bad Axe in 1936. He was employed at Sharland Distributing Co., Smith Distributing Co. and Draves Distributing Co. as a delivery man and for a time worked for Spandex Inc. He retired in 1983. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post No. 2236 in Pigeon. Clem enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, hunting, fishing and woodworking. Surviving are his two daughters, Barbara Schmidt and her husband, Michael, of St. Petersburg, Fla., Clema Przemytski Gardner and her husband, Daniel, of Bad Axe; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Una Fenner and her husband, Willard, of Roscommon, Mary Mitchel and her husband, Bud, of Port Huron; three half sisters, Flora Prill and her husband, Tom, of Bad Axe, June Pardee of Port Huron, Cynthia Meldrum of Bad Axe; one half brother, William Hubbard of Croswell; special friend, Carol Johnson of Mayville; and several nieces and nephews. Clement was proceeded in death by one sister, Evelyn Przemytski; one brother, Alex Przemytski; one half brother, Robert Hubbard. According to Mr. Przemytski's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services. Cremation has taken place. Interment of his cremains will take place beside his wife Ruth at Verona Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to Huron Memorial Hospital Hospice. MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe was in charge of the arrangements. Meta Reithel Meta Alma Reithel, 83, of Sebewaing died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 8, 2001, at her home. She was born on March 27, 1918, in Kilmanagh, daughter of the late Carl and Alma (Gettel) Lutz. She was united in marriage to Ralph C. Reithel on April 19, 1941, in Sebewaing. He preceded her in death on Aug. 12, 1999. Meta was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing, the Ladies Aid and Couples Club. She was also a member of the Farm Bureau, the Birthday Club, several card clubs, and the Unionville-Sebewaing Area Senior Citizen's Organization. She was a leader with the 4-H for forty years. She was also an avid quilter and loved to bowl. Surviving are one daughter, Carol Truemner and her husband, Rodney, of Sebewaing; three sons, Donald Reithel and his wife, Susan, of Alma, Wayne Reithel and his wife, Sallie, of Whitmore Lake, Warren Reithel and his wife, Connie, of Sebewaing; ten grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; one brother, Edgar Lutz and his wife, Marion, of Sebewaing; one sister-in- law, Ethel Lutz of Pigeon; one brother-in-law, Merle Roller of Bay City; many nieces and nephews and many special friends. She was preceded in death by one sister, Vernita Roller and one brother, Raymond Lutz. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2001, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Gerald Meyer, vacancy pastor will officiate with burial in the Northlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Dinkel- Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church building fund, parking lot fund, the 150th Anniversary fund or Radio Mission Fund. Charles Thayer Charles Francis Thayer, 56, of Caseville and Sterling Heights, died in his sleep Saturday morning, July 7, at his Caseville home after suffering a probable heart attack. He was born on Feb. 3, 1945, in Bad Axe to Charles and Mary (Clancy) Thayer and lived down state most of his life. On Sept. 11, 1965, he was united in marriage to Annette M. Lalonde in Clawson. Charlie was employed as a machinist at Master Precision Tool and Die near Detroit for the past 17 years. His residence was Sterling Heights but his heart was in Caseville. He spent all of his spare time in and around Caseville, hunting, fishing, and boating. He also enjoyed reading, history, and his family. Surviving are his children, Charles Thayer and his wife, Michelle, of Pinnebog, Michelle Krause and her husband, Michael, of Rochester; three grandchildren, Renee, C.J. and Kevin; his parents, Charles and Mary Thayer; and his sister, Sheila Thayer of Kalkaska. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Root. In keeping with his wishes there will be no public visitation or funeral service. A private service and interment will be conducted for his immediate family and friends. Arrangements made by the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville. Tuesday, July 10, 2001 Ronald Clor Ronald Jerome Clor, 57, a resident of Clinton Township, died suddenly, Sunday, July 8, 2001, in St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Clinton Township. Ronald was born on May 3, 1944, in Harbor Beach, the son of Nicholas and Juanita (Stacer) Clor. Ronald was a 1962 graduate of Ss. Peter and Paul High School in Ruth. He was employed for 35 years at RonArt Industries in Detroit where he was a foreman. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family, flying, racing cars, walks on the farm and campfires, all with his family. Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Rosalee (Mausolf); sons, Kent and his wife, Sandra, of Macomb Township, Darren and his wife, Jeannie VanTiem, of Clinton Township; very special grandchildren, Nicholas Kent and Jake Alexander Clor; sister, Mary Jane Bismack of Roseville; and several nieces, nephews and many friends. Ronald was predeceased by his sister, Doris Ann White. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2001, at the Murphy and Hauss Funeral Directors, 47477 Romeo Plank in Macomb Township. The Rev. Fr. Bob Meissner will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Ralph Mueckenheim Ralph D. Mueckenheim, 88, of Forestville passed away Monday, July 9, 2001, at the long term care unit of the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. A memorial service will be conducted in August and a complete obituary will be printed at that time. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Arrangements are being handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach-A Golden Rule Funeral home. Wednesday, July 11, 2001 Dorothy Wessels Dorothy T. Wessels, 72, of Bad Axe was called home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at the Huron Medical Care Facility following an extended illness. She was born on Sept. 23, 1928, in Greenleaf Township, daughter of the late Stanley and Velma (King) Wills. She married Donald C. Wessels on Oct. 6, 1945, in Greenleaf Township. She had attended the Holbrook Rural School and Cass City High School. She was a member of the "Happy Neighbors" Farm Bureau Group and the Bad Axe First Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Donald C. Wessels of Bad Axe; four sons, Joseph W. Wessels of Greenville, Robert J. Wessels and his wife, Teri, of Waterman, Ill., Donald J. Wessels and his wife, Marjorie, of Bad Axe, Steven C. Wessels and his wife, Marcia, of Waterman, Ill.; two daughters, Eva Jane Reid and her husband, Robert, of Baltimore, Ohio, Judith Ann Myers and her husband, David, of Harrison Township; two brothers, Lee Wills and his wife, Violet, of Cass City, Harold Wills and his wife, Karen, of Cass City; one sister, Arlene Lowe and her husband, Gerald, of Deford; one sister-in- law, Iola Devine of Bad Axe; 21 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one grandson, Kenneth Wessels. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2001, the Bad Axe First Baptist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jay Barsaleau, pastor. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 1 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe, or from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. Memorials may be offered to the Gideons or the Bad Axe First Baptist Church. Thursday, July 12, 2001 – None posted Friday, July 13, 2001 Marianne McGee Marianne I. McGee, 69, of Sebewaing died Thursday, July 12, 2001, in Bay City. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. A complete obituary will appear in the Huron Daily Tribune at a later date. Arrangements are being conducted by the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. Mary Strawska Mary M. Strawska, 85, of Forestville passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2001, in the Harbor Beach Community Hospital following a brief illness. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 16, 2001, in St. John Catholic Church in Forestville with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune. 1