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. Local obituaries for the week of August 19, 2001 Sunday, August 19, 2001 Mattie Gardner Mattie Christin Gardner, infant daughter of Jason and Jodi (Dufty) Gardner of Pigeon, died shortly after birth Sunday, August 12, 2001, at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Private services will be conducted for the family. Arrangements made by Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. Dr. James Haley Dr. James Lewis Haley, 54, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Monday, Aug. 6, 2001, in California. He was born on Feb. 27, 1947. Dr. Haley had been a physician with Kaiser Permaneme Health Care since 1987. From 1978 to 1987 he had a family medicine practice in the clinic next to Huron Memorial Hospital. After graduating from Bad Axe High School in 1965, Dr. Haley went on to earn bachelor and master degrees in engineering from the University of Michigan, as well as a MS from Stanford University and a doctorate from Michigan State University. Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon; two sons, Kirk and Brent of Walnut Creek, Calif.; his mother, Bernice; his brother, George of Berkeley, Calif. Jim loved his family, friends, colleagues, patients, jazz and telling stories. We invite you to share your memories of him at a memorial service at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, 2001. Memorials may be made to the Bad Axe Public Library, Huron Memorial Hospital or the American Diabetes Association. Marshall Rutkowski Marshall Rutkowski, 73, of Carleton, and formerly of Ubly, passed away Friday, August 17, 2001, in St. Joseph Hospital of Ann Arbor after an extended illness. He was born July 6, 1928 in Austin Township to the late John and Lucy (Ostentoski) Rutkowski and foster parents Stanley and Frances Rutkowski. He married Beatrice "Bea" Longuski on June 16, 1951 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Ubly. Marshall attended St. Mary Elementary School in Parisville and graduated from Austin Township Country School. He was a former member of St. Eugene Catholic Church and a member of the St. Eugene Alumni. He was also a former usher and past president of St. Eugene's Credit Union Board. He was a former St. Eugene's Little League baseball coach. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Ubly. He retired as a tool maker of Detroit Diesel in 1990 after 39 years. He was a part-time driver for Manhiem Auto Auction for five years. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed traveling, the Michigan Lotto and visiting with family and friends. Marshall is survived by his wife of 50 years, Beatrice "Bea" Rutkowski of Carleton; two sons, John Rutkowski and his wife, Joann, of Ubly, and Mark Rutkowski of Tucson, Ariz.; three daughters, Mary Alice Bondie and her husband, Bob, or Carleton, Joy Rutkowski of Milford, and Julie Robideau of Walled Lake; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one step-grandson; three brothers, Jacob Rutkowski and his wife, Ena, Richard Rutkowski and his wife, Pat, and Marion Rutkowski; eight sisters, Shirley Piontkowski and husband, Henry "Hank"; Reta Wehner and her husband, Larry; Marlene Bukowski and her husband, Ron; Ilene Topolinski and husband, Tim; Betty Eckenswiller and her husband, Gerald; Kay Van Erp and her husband, Bill; Darlene Rutkowski; and Carol Lamke. He was preceded in death by one son, Lee; and one grandson, John Paul Rutkowski. Funeral mass will be 3 p.m. Monday, August 20, 2001, at St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A prayer service will be today at 1:30 p.m. in the Arthur Bobcean Funeral Home, 1142 Monroe Avenue, Carleton. Visitation will be today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arthur Bobcean Funeral Home, and on Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. In lieu of flowers, offerings are requested to go to the St. Joseph Dialysis Unit or Family Discretionary Fund. Monday, August 20, 2001 Ruth Hornbacher Ruth E. Hornbacher, 80, of Sebewaing died Saturday evening, Aug. 18, 2001, at Bay Medical Center in Bay City following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 11, 1920, in Sebewaing, daughter of the late Gustave A. and Emma A. (Bachman) Nitz. She was united in marriage to Willard E. Hornbacher on Aug. 25, 1943, in Bach. He preceded her in death on Dec. 31, 1994. Ruth was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh. She loved to bake and listen to music. Surviving are two daughters, Frances Engelhardt and her husband, Orin, of Sebewaing, Mary Ann LaCourse and her husband, Jerry, of Kawkawlin; one son, James Hornbacher and his wife, Barbara, of Sebewaing; seven grandchildren, Larry Engelhardt and his wife, Nancy, Kristine Marker and her husband, Rob, Susan Irion and her husband, Lonnie, Jeff LaCourse and his wife, Rhonda, Troy LaCourse and his wife, Lisa, Anissa Kuhl and her husband, Jason, Brian Hornbacher; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur G. Nitz and his wife, Inez; three nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by one grandson, infant Willard James LaCourse. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh. The Rev. David Lukefahr will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to St. John handicapped accessible fund or the charity of the donor's choice. Tuesday, August 21, 2001 Lawrence Krueger Lawrence Krueger, 84, of Hudson, Fla. died Friday, Aug. 17, 2001, at Tarpon Bayou Center in Fla. He was born in Harbor Beach. He moved to Florida in 1976 from Port Hope. He retired as a firefighter with the Detroit Fire Department and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Elks, the Eagles, the Grindstone Port Hope Sportsman Club and AMVETS. Survivors include his wife, Eileen; three daughters, Patricia Quinn of Wixom, Mary Beth Ogg of Englewood, Ohio, and Susan Krueger of Lapeer; and two grandchildren. Arrangements were made by National Cremation Society in New Port Richey, Fla. Adolph Licht Adolph "Barney" Licht, 82, of Elkton went to be with the Lord Sunday, Aug. 19, 2001. He died at Ingham Medical Center, Pennsylvania Campus, Lansing. He was born on May 12, 1919, in Oliver Township at the home of his parents, the late William and Dorothea (Roeber) Licht. Barney graduated from Elkton High School in 1936 and entered the U.S. Army in 1942. He served in India during World War II, returning home in October 1945. On May 13, 1946, he was united in marriage to Agnes Schronick in Baltimore, Md. They made their home and raised three children in Elkton. Agnes preceded him in death on Feb. 7, 1992. Barney was employed at the Elkton Co-op Elevator Company and served as manager until it merged with the Co-operative Elevator Company in Pigeon. He was with the Elkton facility for more than 37 years, retiring in 1983. He was a faithful member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, past president of the Elkton Rotary Club, receiving the Paul Harris Community service award. He served on the Elkton Village Council and was mayor for a number of years. Surviving are two daughters, Sandra Smoker and her husband, Ron, of Mason, Nancy Wick and her husband, Jim, of Suttons Bay; a son, James of Middleburg, Va.; three grandchildren, Joni and Jason of Mason and Jeremy of Dulles, Va.; two brothers, Werner Licht and Al Licht and his wife, June; sisters, Louise Ziegler, Meta Elftman and her husband, Ed, Leona Beck and her husband, Nels; brother-in-law, Walt Bendrey; many nieces and nephews; caregivers, Chris Peyerk, Hayley, and Nathan Peyerk. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Hilda Nieschultz, Delores Bendrey, Lydia Licht; and a brother, Ervin Licht. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon. St. Theresa Fox and Fr. George Seror will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Elkton. Military honors will be conducted by the Elkton VFW Post. A parish scripture service will be conducted at 7 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. Visitation will be from 2:30 to 9 p.m. today and after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the chapel. Memorials may be given to the Laker FFA Scholarship Fund, American Cancer Society or his church. Joseph Maurer Joseph T. Maurer, 78, of Elkton died Sunday morning, Aug. 19, 2001, at his home while under hospice care. He was born on Aug. 12, 1923, in Rapson to the late John and Caroline (Sabastian) Maurer and grew up in the Smith Corners area. In June of 1945, he entered the U.S. Army and served in Africa during World War II. On May 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to Phyllis G. Phillips at the Bad Axe Methodist Church. Mr. Maurer farmed in the early years of his life. He was employed at Hamill Manufacturing for 17 years and retired from U.S. Manufacturing in 1989. In 1991, they moved to Elkton from the Bad Axe-Filion area. Surviving are his wife, Phyllis; a son, Ronald Maurer and his wife, Marlo, of Elkton; two daughters, Jeannette Brade and her husband, Gene, of Bad Axe, Nancy Maurer and her special friend, Keith Nevin; a step son, Jacob Herndon and his wife, Linda, of Bad Axe; two step daughters, Cindy Stamello and her husband, John, of Spokane, Wash., Vivian Koroleski of Gagetown; seven grandchildren; six step grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; three brothers, Fred Maurer and his wife, Christine, of Brown City, Jack Maurer, and Robert Maurer and his wife, Selma, of Filion; and a sister, Ina Quinn and her husband, Lester, of Marlette. Preceding him in death was a sister, Iva Maurer; and a brother, Vincent Maurer. Private services are being conducted for the family at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. The Rev. DeWeerd Smith, pastor of Community Wesleyan Church will officiate with graveside honors by the Elkton VFW at Riverside Cemetery in Elkton. Memorials may be given to the family. Eva McMullen Eva Irene McMullen, 78, lifelong resident of Bad Axe, died Sunday morning Aug. 19, 2001, at Courtney Manor Nursing Home in Bad Axe. She was born on Dec. 21, 1922, in Bad Axe to the late Albert and Jennie (Shad) Rifenbark. She was a homemaker, enjoyed her plants and visiting with family and friends. She was a graduate of Bad Axe High School. She is survived by two daughters, Evelyn Erb of Elkton, Patricia Bland of Bad Axe; nine grandchildren; one brother, Virgil Rifenbark and his wife, Dorothy, of Bad Axe; four sisters, Grace Cove, Helen Cove, Virginia Bucholtz and Joyce Hacker, all of Bad Axe; and several nieces and nephews. Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Harvy; one brother, Duane Rifenbark; one sister, Alice Younglove; and a special friend, Jack Armstead. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe with the Rev. Pete Crawford, pastor of the Elkton United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Huron Memorial Hospice or Elkton United Methodist Church. Donald Cowie Donald A. Cowie, 87, died on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2001. Donald was a former resident of Bad Axe and also retired from Detroit Edison. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth (Eland) of Washington Township; children, Joy Hotton of Palm Bay, Fla., Marilynn Meyer and her husband, Henry, of Washington Township, Phyllis Sullivan of Novi, and Robert Cowie and his wife, Virginia, of Grand Blanc; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren; brother, Raymond Cowie, of Palm Bay, Fla. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, 2001, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 8600 27 Mile Road, Washington Township. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Michigan or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. For further information call Wujek-Calcaterra and Sons, Inc. in Shelby Township at (810) 677-4000. Wednesday, August 22, 2001 Virginia Woodward Virginia J. Woodward, 83, of Bingham Township, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe following a short illness. She was born on Oct. 9, 1917, in Flint, daughter of the late David and Manda (Carpenter) Bunker. She married Merrit Woodward on May 1, 1943, in Owosso. He preceded her in death on Sept. 19, 1996. Mrs. Woodward was a member of the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church. She attended nursing school in Goodrich and worked at Lapeer General Hospital, Port Huron General Hospital, and in the operating room at the former Hubbard Hospital in Bad Axe. She was active in her church and in working in ceramics. She is survived by one daughter, Mary Kay Schantz and her husband, Dale, of Ubly; one brother, Arthur Bunker and his wife, Mary, of Mount Clemens; two grandchildren, Chris Schantz and his wife, Pam, of Bad Axe, Carmen Schantz, of Bad Axe; three great-grandchildren, Courtney, Jordan, and Dylan Schantz of Bad Axe; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Bernard Bunker. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, 2001, at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Officiating will be Rev. Jerry Sutton, pastor of the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Memorials may be offered to the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church or the Women's Missionary International. Thursday, August 23, 2001 Veronica Mullin Veronica Catherine Mullin, 89, of Bad Axe died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility after a long illness. She was born on June 13, 1912, in Gagetown, daughter of the late Daniel and Kate (Bartholomew) Mullin. Miss Mullin never married. She was an employee of Michigan Bell Telephone Company from 1926 until her retirement in 1974. Miss Mullin was a parishioner at St. Agatha's Catholic Church in Gagetown. Surviving are one nephew, Charles Grady and his wife, Nancy, of Bad Axe; four great-nieces, Mrs. Debra Talaski and her husband, Roger, of Bad Axe, Mrs. Phyllis Baxter and her husband, Robert, of Bad Axe, Mrs. Pennie Rienas and her husband, Russell, of Deford, and Mrs. Theresa Chapman and her husband, Ron, of Missouri; three great-nephews, Richard Grady of Westland, Ronald Grady of Bad Axe, and Patrick Ross and his wife, Sue, of Waterford; and many great-great-nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, 2001, at the H. W. Weitenberner Funeral Home in Bad Axe by Sister Joan of St. Agatha's Catholic Church in Gagetown. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Veronica Truchan Veronica Truchan, 87, of Caseville died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001, at Sterling House in Swartz Creek. Verna, as her family and friends know her, was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 1995. Verna was born in 1914 in Rossiter, Pa., one of ten children to John and Anna Thomas. Verna met and married John Truchan in Flint in 1938, and together they owned and operated Truchan Cleaners and Tailors on North Saginaw Street for more than 30 years. They retired in 1970 and split their time between Sun City, Ariz. and Caseville. They were longtime members of All Saints Catholic Church in Flint and St. Rochs in Caseville. Verna was the consummate homemaker and hostess, whose cottage at Caseville overflowed with friends, family, good food and activity. She was an accomplished baker, pinochle player, quilter, crocheter, seamstress, and in her later years, oil painter. She is survived by her brother, Mike; three sons, Frank and his wife, Virginia, of Swartz Creek, James and his wife, Helen, of East Jordan, John and his wife Anne, of Swartz Creek; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She has left a legacy of love and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Disease Association East Central Michigan Chapter, 3957 Beecher Rd., Flint, MI 48532 and the American Diabetes Association, 30600 Telegraph Rd., suite 2255, Bingham Farm, MI 48025. Memorial services will be at All Saints Catholic Church in Flint on Friday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. Final interment will be at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until service time. Friday, August 24, 2001 Diane Vuillemot Diane Vuillemot, 51, of Verona Township died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001. She was born Jan. 3, 1950, in Bad Axe to the late Henry and Marion (Smith) Vuillemot. Diane enjoyed puzzle books, rides, and spending time with her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Smith of Bad Axe; two brothers, John Vuillemot and his wife, Ruth, of Elkton, Earl Vuillemot and special friend, Christine Smith, of Bad Axe; three sisters, Elaine Vuillemot of Bad Axe, Pearl Bucholtz and her special friend, Mark Hatch, of Bad Axe, Rose Mary Blackstock and her husband, Bill, of Flint; 12 nieces and nephews; and 21 great-nieces and great-nephews. Diane was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret May Vuillemot; and brothers, Joseph Vuillemot, Eugene Vuillemot, Lewis Vuillemot, and James Vuillemot. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Gordon Gossman from Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene will officiate. Burial will be at Verona Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 until 9 p.m. today. Memorials may be offered to family discretionary fund. Edward Kozfkay Edwards Kozfkay, 80, of Harbor Beach passed away Friday, Aug. 24, 2001, in William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak following a short illness. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. A vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. 1