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 April 22, 2001 Sunday, April 22, 2001 James Briggs James Elton Briggs, 93, of Bad Axe passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2001, at Huron Memorial Hospital. Mr. Briggs was born June 15, 1907, near Adrian in Sand Creek to the late Wilbert and Elsie (Abbott) Briggs. Jim began working at the local general store at age 18. After graduation from the Sand Creek High School class of 1927, Jim worked as a cost-clerk for Bostwrick-Brun, and supplemented his income by "peddling papers". He worked whatever jobs necessary to put food on the table and clothes on his back. Jim attended aviation school in Chicago during the Great Depression. He and a friend built their own successful, all-wooden plane powered by a Model A Ford motor. He owned an electrical store in Adrian for 13 years. Then, Uncle Sam called Jim to duty in the Navy, and he was promoted to chief electrician on a repair ship in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Jim was a plant engineer for 12 years at the Vernors Ginger Ale Co., and a member of the Detroit Society of Engineers. He also worked for the Thos. D. Murphy Co. for 20 years, selling promotional items for businesses, such as pens and calenders. Mr. James Briggs and Miss Carol M. Clark, were united in marriage on May 24, 1944, in San Diego, Calif. Together they owned and operated the Wilson Photography Studios, which became the Briggs Studio, until 1971, when they sold the business. Surviving is his wife, Carol; one daughter, Faye Frye of Adrian; three sons, David Briggs and his wife, Beverly, of Conroe, Texas, Lonny Briggs of Hacinda, Calif., and Dwight Briggs and his special friend Tina Hind of Bad Axe; 11 grandchildren; one step-grandson; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Vena Newson of King, N.C. He was preceded in death by one son, James Orval Briggs; one infant granddaughter, Jamie; and two sisters, Edna Hume and Aletha Lamerson. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2001, at the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jerry Sutton officiating. Visitation was from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and will be 2 to 3 p.m. today at the church. Memorials may be offered to the family. Monday, April 23, 2001 Virgil Messing Virgil J. Messing, 62, of Ruth passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2001, in Courtney Manor in Bad Axe following a short illness. Virgil was born on April 30, 1938, the son of the late Wilfred and Wanda (Skorka) Messing. Virgil was a milk hauler for more than 25 years and a former employee of the Booms Silo Co. of Harbor Beach. He was also a farmer in Sherman Township. He enjoyed the outdoors and nature. He planted several thousand seedling trees over many years. Virgil was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church and was very devoted to his religion. He led the rosary on several occasions in many area Catholic churches. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 3823 in Ruth. He is survived by four brothers, Donald Messing and his wife, Judy, of Trenton, Kenneth Messing of Ruth, Lowell Messing and his wife, Dolores, of Bad Axe and Dexter Messing and his wife, Theresa, of Cass City; several nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Gerald Kukla, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A rosary led by several of Virgil's friends will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday followed by a parish vigil service at 8 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 8:30 p.m., all at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at the church. Geraldine Orebaugh Geraldine Alice Orebaugh, 88, died Thursday, April 19, 2001, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. She was born on Feb. 5, 1913, in Detroit, the daughter of the late Edward and Pearl (Raliegh) Henry. On April 18, 1936, Miss Geraldine Henry and Mr. Victor Orebaugh were married in Detroit. They were married 54 years. Victor preceded Geraldine in death in 1991. Geraldine was a homemaker and enjoyed reading and listening to music. She is survived by one daughter, Vicki Mancini and her husband, Ronald, of Kinde; three sons, Donald Orebaugh and his wife, Linda, of Traverse City, Michael Orebaugh and his wife, Lynda, of North Branch and Patrick Orebaugh and his wife, Joycee, of Yale; 10 grandchildren, Kirk Orebaugh and his wife, April, Kevin Orebaugh and his wife, Jennie, Lisa Banghart and her husband, Gary, Tim Orebaugh and his wife, Sherry, Michelle Traver and her husband, Rob, Mark Mancini and his wife, Theresa, Matt Mancini and Dawn, Holly and Shawn Orebaugh; 12 great-grandchildren, Denny Wentworth, Kayley and Taylor Orebaugh, Shelby and Ian Orebaugh, Hannah, Liam and Noelle Mancini, Ashley and Baby Orebaugh, Samantha and Alex Traver; many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and many cousins. Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Orebaugh; one daughter, Roberta Ann Orebaugh; two sisters, Marion Young and Virginia Henry; two brothers, Edward and James Henry. Cremation took place at Sunset Valley Crematory. A memorial service will take place at 2:30 p.m. on April 27, 2001, at the White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. Memorials may be offered to the American Cancer Society at 1111 S. Henry St., Bay City, MI 48706. Tuesday, April 24, 2001 Wilfred Kramer Mr. Wilfred "Fritz" Kramer, 78, of Palms and former owner of Kramer Implements of Palms, died Monday morning, April 23, 2001, at his residence under hospice care. He was born on Aug. 13, 1922, in Palms, the son of the late Bernard and Sophia (Morell) Kramer. He married Shirley J. Thompson on Oct. 21, 1950, at St. Patrick Church in Palms. She preceded him in death on Aug. 1, 1993. He was a graduate of Snay Country School. He owned the Wilfred H. Kramer Sales & Service, Minneapolis Moline White Dealership from 1953 to 1975. He had a Belarus Deutz Tractor Dealership from 1975 to 1985. He continued doing Minneapolis Moline Antique Tractor repairs and collecting until October 2000. His motto was "We repair, talk, sell and collect" Minneapolis Moline Products. He was a lifelong member of the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council No. 3823, was an usher at St. Patrick Church and a member of the Men's Club. He was a member of the Prairie Gold "Rush" Antique Club and a member of the Minneapolis Moline Collectors Club. He attended the club meetings annually and attended tractor and antique shows throughout the United States. He enjoyed billiards, card playing and repairing and talking about antique Minneapolis Moline tractors. He is survived by two sons, Steven J. Kramer and his wife, JoAnn, of Deckerville and Scott B. Kramer and his wife, Charlene, of Ruth; one brother, Alden Kramer of Ruth; two sisters, June Creguer and her husband, Dougle, of Minden City; and Kathryn Cleland of St. Clair; eight grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Nell Thompson of Nevada, Germaine Thompson of Minden City and Sara Lee Thompson of Minden City; and one brother-in-law, Robert Thompson of Port Huron. He was preceded in death by one brother, Orville E. Kramer. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2001, at St. Patrick Church in Palms. The Rev. Steve Gavit, pastor of SS. Peter & Paul of Ruth and Sister Theresa Carlow, pastoral administrator of St. Patrick Church of Palms will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a rosary by the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council No. 3823 at 7 p.m. today and a parish wake service at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, both at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Avenue in Minden City. Visitation is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Barbara Shanks Barbara A. Shanks, age 67 years, of Harrison Township and formerly of Elkton passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2001. She was born on Oct. 15, 1933. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She is survived by her daughter, Karen and her husband, Gerry Buchta, and their son, Jerod, of whom she lived with for the past seven years; daughter, Terry and her husband, Guy Laplaunt, and her children, Jeanette and Matthew; daughter, Sherry, and her children, Robert, Steven and Brandon; one sister, Virginia and her husband, Henry Villaire. Barbara was predeceased by her daughter, Deborah Shanks; mother, Dorthy and father, Joseph Karisny; father, Lucious Wells; grandson, Adam; great-grandson, Ryan. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at 11 a.m. at Harold Vick Funeral Home at 140 South Main Street in Mount Clemens. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2001. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Wednesday, April 25, 2001 John G. Brown John Gerard Brown, 52, of Huntington Beach Calif., formerly of Harbor Beach, beloved son of E. Patricia and the late Royden Brown of Harbor Beach, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2001. He was born in Harbor Beach on Nov. 11, 1948. Mr. Brown worked on building and construction as a carpenter. He is survived by his very dear friend, Laura Macklin, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; two brothers, James and David Brown of Harbor Beach; a niece, Jaimi Brown of Harbor Beach; a great-nephew, Vinnie Brown of Clinton Township; and a great-niece, Chelsei Brown, of Clinton Township. Burial will take place Friday, April 27, 2001, at Mount Kelly Cemetery in Dearborn. Alice Buchholz Alice Elizabeth Buchholz, 88, of Pigeon passed away Sunday, April 22, 2001, at the Scheurer Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Pigeon. She was born in Bay Port on Aug. 12, 1912, the daughter of the late Walter and Mary (Sturm) Baur. She graduated from the Turner School in 1926. On November 21, 1931, she was united in marriage to Ervin August Buchholz at the Cross Lutheran Church parsonage. He preceded her in death on January 15, 1991. Mrs. Buchholz was active in the life of Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Women's Society. She is survived by a daughter, Vivian Buschlen and her husband, Clifford, of Lawrence, Miss.; a son, Ronald Buchholz and his wife, Janet, of Warsaw, Ind.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Clara Henne and her husband, Ralph, of Bay Port and Bertha Strieter of Bay Port; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Baur. The Funeral Service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2001, at the Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon with the Rev. Raymond E. Orth, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation is from noon to 9 p.m. on Monday at Meyersieck- Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon and from noon until 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Cross Lutheran Church. Memorials for Mrs. Buchholz may be made to the Cross Lutheran School building fund. Ida Jaskowski Mrs. Ida Jaskowski, 76, of Ubly, formerly of Minden City, died Monday, April 23, 2001, at her residence. She was born Nov. 28, 1924, in Detroit. Daughter of the late Emilio and Olimpia (Olivara) Peyrolo. She married Ray F. Jaskowski on Aug. 11, 1944, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Detroit. He preceded her in death on March 6, 1989. She was a graduate of Northeastern High School. She was an assembly worker at Midland Steel in Detroit for a few years. She moved to Minden City in 1973. She worked at various companies in Sanilac and Huron Counties. Mrs. Jaskowski was a parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parisville since 1973. She was a member of Rosary Sodality and active in the annual Parisville Picnic. She was an avid bingo player, a casino patron, liked to crochet and play cards with her friends. She is survived by five daughters, Mary Ann Fleury and her husband, Paul, of Milford, Janice Slosek of Fraser, Ann Wasierski of Ubly, Theresa Smigill and her husband, Scott, of Deckerville; Deb Mausolf of Minden City; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Teramino and her husband, Joseph, of Phoenix, Ariz. and Hilda Andary and her husband, Paul, of Sterling Heights. She was preceded in death by one brother, Mario Peyrolo. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2001, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. The Rev. Charles Hammond, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 12:30 until 9:30 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 until 10 a.m. on Friday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. There will be a rosary by the St. Mary Rosary Sodality at 7:00 p.m. and a Parish Wake service at 8 p.m. on Thursday by Fr. Hammond. Both services will be at the Funeral Home. Thursday, April 26, 2001 Blanche Dropiewski Blanche M. Dropiewski, 96, of Harbor Beach passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2001, in the Sunny Acres Nursing Center near Bad Axe following an extended illness. She was born in Sand Beach Township on May 24, 1904, the daughter of the late Henry and Martha (Wehner) Wipping. Blanche and Edward Dropiewski were united in marriage on June 14, 1927, in Harbor Beach. Edward preceded her in death on Dec. 19, 1962. She was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church and its Altar Society in Harbor Beach and a life member of the Daughters of Isabella of Bad Axe. Blanche is survived by a son, Larry Dropiewski of Bloomfield Hills and Tucson, Ariz.; two daughters, Vivian Guitar and her husband, Raymond, of Clinton Township and Estelle Murray of Clinton Township; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2001, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Gerald Kukla, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. A parish vigil service will be at 8 p.m. and a daughter of Isabella Rosary at 8:30 p.m. on Friday at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the church. Viola Jarvis Viola Amanda Jarvis, 87, of Pigeon, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2001, at the Huron Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. She was born in Huron County on Feb. 2, 1914, daughter of the late Lewis and Helena (Edler) Mitchell. On February 20, 1937 she was united in marriage to Howard Jarvis at the St. Paul Lutheran Church parsonage in Linkville. He preceded her in death on Jan. 12, 1986. As a child, Viola was baptized at the St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh and confirmed at the Christ Lutheran Church in Owendale. Mrs. Jarvis was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Berne. She was a homemaker throughout her lifetime and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Her survivors include a daughter, Joyce Kretzschmer and her husband, Lawrence, of Howell; three sons, Richard Jarvis and his wife, LouAnn, of Mount Pleasant, Dennis Jarvis of Pigeon, and David Jarvis and his wife, Joyce, of Anaheim, Calif.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Lucille Hahn of Unionville; three sisters-in-law, Genny Mitchell, Beatrice Sternberg, and Ruth Jarvis; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Betty Jarvis; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Elmer, Lloyd, and Harrison Mitchell. The Funeral Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2001, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Berne, with the Rev. James A. Gorsegner, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and noon to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, A Golden Rule Funeral Home in Pigeon and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Berne. Memorials for Mrs. Jarvis may be made to the St. John's Lutheran Church or the Huron Medical Care Facility. Ila Kiehl Ila J. Kiehl, 81, of Bad Axe passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2001, in the Bay Special Care Facility in Bay City following a long illness. Born in Harbor Beach on Sept. 28, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Mable (Ogle) Roberts. Ila and August Kiehl were united in marriage in 1937 in Harbor Beach. Together they farmed in Sigel Township near Verona. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe, the Verona Hills Golf Club and the Seven Springs Golf Club in Newport Richey, Fla., where they spent many winters. Ila is survived by her husband, August Kiehl of Bad Axe; by two daughters, Noreen Wright of Port Huron and Constance Kiehl of Bad Axe; two grandchildren, Deb and Jeffery Wright. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry and James Roberts; four sisters, Cecilla Rollin, Eileen Grills, Elsie Soule and Lois Pawlowski. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2001, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe with the Rev. Kenneth D. Lueke, pastor officiating. Cremation took place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City and internment will be in the Verona Township Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of services on Saturday. Ramsey Funeral home in Harbor Beach is handling arrangements. Friday, April 27, 2001 Patrick Hall Patrick Lee Hall, 62, passed away suddenly at his home in Hillsdale on Wednesday, April 25, 2001. He was born and raised on the family farm in Austin. Patrick attended Freiburg and Ubly Schools and worked most of his life in construction in the Detroit area. He is survived by his wife Nancy; two sons, Mike and Chris; two daughters, Kim and Kelly; 11 grandchildren; and stepchildren Donna, Wesley, Vickie, and Brian. Funeral services will be conducted on 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2001, at the Taylor Chapel of the Howe- Peterson Funeral Home. Visitation is from noon to 9 p.m. Friday. Arrangements are being conducted by Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 9800 S. Telegraph Road Taylor, MI 48180. George Young George A. Young, 72, life-time resident of Bad Axe, died April 24, 2001, at Southcrest Hospital in Tulsa, Okla. He was born May 18, 1928, in Elkton, son of the late Arthur and Minnie (Bell) Young. On Oct. 9, 1948, Mr. George Young and Miss Rhea Edith Armstead were united in marriage. George graduated from Elkton High School. He was a foreman at the Huron Daily Tribune for more than 40 years. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, flying, and his family. Surviving is his wife, Rhea; two daughters, Janet O'Brien and her husband, Thomas, of Tulsa, and Sharon Andrews and her husband, James, of Tulsa; one son, Gary Young and his wife, Diane, of Bad Axe; one sister, Audrey McBride and her husband, Bob, of Mount Morris; two brothers, Clayton Young and his wife, Helen, of Elkton, and John Young of Harbor Beach; six grandchildren, Tiffinay O'Brien, Christina O'Brien, Greg Young, Kurt Young, Joshua O'Brien, and Nathan O'Brien; and one great-grandson, Brent Jimpkoski. George was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Lavenski; one brother, Gordon Young. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2001, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Pastor J.T. Mabe will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, and 10 to 11 a.m. before time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the family. Dorothy Zatell Dorothy Zatell, 88, former resident of Lathrup Village in Detroit, died Thursday, April 26, 2001, at Courtney Manor Nursing Center in Bad Axe. She was born March 19, 1913, in Detroit to the late Ernst and Fredericka (Maltz) Hauck. On Aug. 17, 1940, Miss Dorothy Hauck and Mr. Vincent Zatell were united in marriage. They were married more than 55 years when Mr. Zatell preceded her in death on July 30, 1977. Dorothy was a member of St. Bede Catholic Church in Southfield. She attended college in Detroit. She was a member of the Women's Club of Lathrup Village, the Garden Club; was a painter, reader and taught painting classes, and wrote for the Birmingham Eccentric Observer. Surviving is one son, Jeffrey Zatell and his wife, Denise, of Bad Axe; three grandchildren, Christine Zatell of Macomb Township, Melinda Zatell and Joe Zatell; two great grandchildren; and two sisters, Virginia Marks and her husband, Edward, of Florida, and Jean Conant of Arizona. A Funeral Scripture Service will be conducted at 6 p.m. today, April 27, 2001, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on today at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Alzheimer's Association, 17220 W. Twelve Mile Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48076 and Courtney Manor Nursing Home, 1167 East Hopson Road, Bad Axe, MI 48413 1