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 beginning December 23, 2001 Sunday, December 23, 2001 Douglas Hagle Douglas L. Hagle, 27, of Kinde died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001 in Kinde. He was born on April 29, 1974 in Harbor Beach to Harvey and Denise (Lewandowski) Hagle. Douglas graduated from North Huron High School in 1992 and worked at Farmer's Co-op gas station in Kinde. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He is survived by his parents, his daughter Kelsey "Peanut" Nicole Hagle, and a brother, Justin Hagle. A memorial service will take place at MacAlpine Funeral Home Gage Chapel in Kinde at 7 p.m. today. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. George Layer George R. Layer, 62, of Harbor Beach died unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001, at his home of a heart attack. Born in Harbor Beach on Oct. 25, 1939, he was the son of Irene (Winkel) Layer and the late George Layer. George and Cherylene Sander were united in marriage on July 23, 1966, in Saginaw. Cherylene preceded him in death on Nov. 20, 1986. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach. George is survived by his children, Julie Layer of Harbor Beach, Carey Mills and her husband, Daniel, of Brimley, Beverly Layer of West Branch, Richard Layer and his wife, Jenelle, of Harbor Beach, and Raymond Layer of Delaware, Ohio; two grandchildren, Taylor and Katelyn Mills; his mother, Irene Layer, of Harbor Beach; one sister, Jean Ruppel and her special friend, Jim Krohn, of Elkton; and a brother, Leroy Layer and his wife, Corby, of Longmont, Colo. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, in Zion Lutheran Church, Harbor Beach, with The Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. A scripture service will take place at 8 p.m. today in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, where visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Monday. Clarence "Tom" Liversedge Clarence Thomas Liversedge, 88, of Paisley died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001. He was born in Charleston, W.Va. and moved to Paisley from Caseville in 1987. He was a trucking dispatcher and a Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Doris E. Liversedge of Paisley; three sons, Lawrence T. Liversedge of Lakeside, Ariz., Clarence William Liversedge of Waddell, Ariz., and Gerald Robert Liversedge of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; two daughters, Loretta Lavina Kings of Leesburg, Fla., and Becky A. McCanham of Bad Axe; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis. Clarence Nimtz Clarence F. Nimtz, 83, of Sebewaing died Thursday evening, Dec. 20, 2001, at Bay Medical Center in Bay City following a lengthy illness. He was born Aug. 7, 1918, in Kilmanagh, son of the late Fredrick and Nathalia A. (Hessler) Nimtz. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth C. Essler on Nov. 13, 1936, in Kilmanagh. Clarence had been a farmer in the Sebewaing area until 1945. He then was employed at Sebewaing Light and Water Department for 32 years before retiring in 1978. After his retirement from the Light and Water Department, he was a driver for Gettel Motors in Sebewaing for 20 years. He was a member of New Salem Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth, of Sebewaing; two sons, Bryce R. Nimtz and his wife, Kay, and Weldon Nimtz, all of Sebewaing; three grandsons, Larry, David and Duane Nimtz; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Frieda Rievert of Sebewaing; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Clara Nitz, on Aug. 12, 2000. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 23, 2001, at New Salem Lutheran Church. The Rev. William Mayhew will officiate with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to noon today at Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. He will lie in state from 1 p.m. until the time of services Sunday at the church. Memorials may be made to the church. Monday, December 24, 2001 Frieda Damm Frieda I. Damm, 95, of Bad Axe and formerly of Pigeon, passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, at the Huron Medical Facility in Bad Axe. She was born in Kilmanagh on April 19, 1906, daughter of the late Charles and Cecilia (Lentner) Gettel. She attended and graduated from the Kilmanagh School. On June 27, 1975, she was united in marriage to Roy Otto Damm, who preceded her in death on Sept. 16, 1980. During their years together during the late 1970's, the couple spent their winters in Florida. Mrs. Damm was a homemaker throughout her lifetime. She is survived by a brother, Alvin Gettel and his wife, Ann, of Harbor Beach and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four sisters and six brothers. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon with the Rev. Ray Kretzschmer, retired United Methodist pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials for Mrs. Damm may be made to Scheurer Hospital or the charity of the donor's choice. Freddie Measel Freddie L. Measel, 62, of Harbor Beach went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, at his home. He was born on March 1, 1939, in Roseville, the son of the late Wilbert and Sophia (Lyson) Measel. He and Geri Konkel were united in marriage on April 4, 1959, in Harbor Beach. Freddie was an employee of the Huron County Road Commission for 34 years before retiring in March 2001. He was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Freddie is survived by his wife, Geri Measel of Harbor Beach; two daughters, Catherine Wolfe and her husband, Charles, of Ft. Gratiot and Loretta Elliot and her husband, Mark, of Harbor Beach; two grandchildren, Shane and Jessica; one sister, Sharon Jacobs and her husband, Bill, of Panama City, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Vie Jacobs of Port Huron; his God child, Frances Jacobs of Port Huron; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. To each of our numerous friends, we thank you for your support and comforting words during Freddie's illness. This has been a very sad and difficult time. To those of you who stopped to see Freddie or called, thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to brighten his day. Freddie enjoyed helping others in their time of need. He was a wonderful husband, great father and proud grandfather. He will always be in our hearts and with us in spirit. His laughter, wit, sense of humor and singing each and every morning will be missed. We know the sky will be a little brighter today because heaven has a new star in it! Above all, we know he is at peace because God came to take him home. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Gerald Kukla, pastor officiating. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Internment will be at the church cemetery. A parish service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church or school or St. Jude's Hospital. Freddie's family will have a memory book at the funeral home and a luncheon will follow the service. Take a moment to write a special memory of Freddie, funny story or anything you want to share with the family. If you do not have time that day, please write and send it to his wife. Frank Galubenski Frank B. Galubenski, 77, of Harrison and formerly of Kingston, died unexpectedly in his home Saturday, Dec. 22, 2001. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wilmot with the Rev. Rick Bokinski and Sr. Ruth Adamites officiating. Internment will be in the church cemetery. There will be a vigil service at 2 p.m. today at Kranz Funeral Home in Kingston. Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund. Tuesday, December 25, 2001 - None posted on Christmas Day Wednesday, December 26, 2001 C. Marie Carson Catherine Marie Carson, 86, of Harbor Beach passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at the St. Mary's Living Center in Grand Rapids following a long illness. Born in Harbor Beach on Nov. 12, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Theresa (Ultsch) Walsh. She and Charles Carson were united in marriage on Feb. 17, 1944, in Harbor Beach. Charlie preceded her in death on Aug. 6, 1984. Marie was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach and the Altar Society. Surviving are her daughter, Anne Carson of Rockford; two sisters, Margaret Ann Ney of Bad Axe and Virginia Schmalz of Vero Beach, Fla. She was preceded in death by a sister, Ella Mae Roe, and a brother, Frank Walsh. A funeral mass will be held at at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church of Harbor Beach with the Rev. Gerald Kukla, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A parish vigil service will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Harbor Beach Lighthouse Preservation Society. Joseph Dobson Joseph K. Dobson, 81, of Filion died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, at St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw. He was born May 25, 1920, in Filion to the late Joseph and Frances (Kantook) Dobson. Joseph and Beatrice Matelski were united in marriage on March 25, 1942, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Kinde. Joseph worked as a carpenter all of his life. He served in the United States Army during WWII in the European Theater. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing. He liked drinking coffee with his friends at the Peppermill and McDonald's Food & Family Center. He is survived by his wife Beatrice; two daughters, Shirley Kubacki of Cass City and Rose Marie Pletcher and her husband, Robert, of Fostoria, Ohio; one son, Ronald J. Dobson of Filion; five grandchildren, Lori Kubacki of Sandusky, Larry Kubacki of Saginaw, Tammy Nold and her husband, Christopher, of Finley, Ohio, Jason Pletcher and his wife, Karen, of England, and Tawnya Pletcher of Fostoria, Ohio; three great- grandchildren, Jordon Nold, of Finley, Ohio, Maykla Pletcher and Mckenzie "KK" Pletcher of England; two sisters, Josephine Duda and her husband, Jerry, of Texas, and Eleonor Musser of Detroit; three brothers, Stanley Dobson, John Dobson, and August Dobson, all of Detroit; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe with Fr. John Killop of Sacred Heart officiating. Cremation will follow the service at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, with the scripture service at 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund. Helen Hazel Helen Margaret Hazel, 91, of Harbor Beach passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, in the Fraser Villa Living Center in Fraser as a result of colon cancer. She was a former resident of Warren, and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was born in Harbor Beach on Feb. 13, 1910, to the late Rubert and Marie (Hunter) Reid. She and Max Thompson of Parma were united in marriage in Harbor Beach on Sept. 1, 1934. He preceded her in death on May 11, 1971. On Aug. 10, 1980, she married her high school sweetheart, Russell Hazel, of Harbor Beach in Warren. He preceded her in death on Jan. 17, 1987. Helen graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 1927 and received a general teaching degree from Eastern Normal College in 1929. She also earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Wayne State University in 1956 and 1960. Her teaching career, with second and third grades being her favorites, included service in the Keego Harbor, Farmington, and Van Dyke districts between 1929 and 1968. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Education Society, the Michigan Retired Public School Teachers' Association, the Harbor Beach Women's Club, the Harbor Beach Garden Club, the Grice House Heritage Association, and the Harbor Beach First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her son, Dennis Reid Thompson and his wife, Nancy, of Sterling Heights; two grandchildren, Steven Ray Thompson of Osaka, Japan, and Susan Opal Thompson Schigur of Broomfield, Colo.; twin great-granddaughters, Cali Camille Schigur and Ella Bea Schigur; two stepsons, Donald James Hazel and his wife, Cathy, of St. Clair Shores and Richard Lee Hazel and his wife, Judy, of Clio; four step-grandchildren, Donald Hazel Jr. of Roseville, Dianna Hazel of St. Clair Shores, and Matthew Hazel and Cheryl Hazel Moore of Flint; three step great-grandchildren, Justine Spence, Tyler Moore, and Madison Hazel of Flint. Helen was preceded in death by two sisters: Harriett Delacourt, and Miriam Hartshorn. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. The Rev. Theresa Cutler will officiate. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Macomb Community College Foundation. Thursday, December 27, 2001 Donald Franzel Mr. Donald G. Franzel, 69, of Cadillac, formerly of Argyle, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, at Courtney Manor of Bad Axe. He was born May 18, 1932, in Tyre to the late Peter and Mae (Cleary) Franzel. He married Arvella Miller on May 28, 1955, at St. Edward Catholic Church of Kinde. Donald was a graduate of Kinde Country School and farmed with his family until 1952. He then served in the U.S. Army until 1954. He worked in carpentry and was a truck driver in Michigan. He resided in Cadillac from 1983 to 2001 when he returned to the Bad Axe area. He enjoyed story telling and visiting with friends. Donald is survived by two sons, Randy Franzel and his special friend, Debbie Rolston, of Filion, and Gary Franzel of Bad Axe; one daughter, Kathleen Carriveau of Bad Axe; one brother, James Franzel and his special friend, MaryAnn of Rockport, Texas; one sister-in-law, Eleanor Franzel of Argyle; two nieces, Diane Engel and her husband, Mitchell, and Elaine Kish and her husband, John; one nephew, Larry Franzel; and a close friend, Jim Webb of Cadillac. He was preceded in death by one brother, Jerome Franzel; and one sister, Charlotte Franzel. A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Argyle with military honors. The Rev. Kevin Maksym, associate pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Stanley Wasielewski Mr. Stanley S. Wasielewski, 82, of Ubly passed away Tuesday morning, Dec. 25, 2001, at Courtney Manor of Bad Axe. He was born Sept. 30, 1919, in Tyre to the late Frank and Marian (Hauke) Wasielewski. He never married. Stanley was a graduate of Ubly High School. He farmed with the family until 1981. He was a lifelong member of St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. He enjoyed hunting and playing cards. Stanley is survived by a sister, Helen Wasielewski of Rapson; a brother, Harry Wasielewski of Lakeview; and two nieces, Cindy Patino and her husband, Mike, of Grand Rapids and Linda Ousterhouse of Grand Rapids. He was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Wasielewski. A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. The Rev. Kevin Maksym, associate pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Ignatius Cemetery of Freiburg. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly is handling arrangements. Friday, December 28, 2001 Cyrus Phillips Cy Phillips, 69, of Bad Axe died Thursday morning, Dec. 27, 2001, at Huron Medical Center after a very brief illness. He was born Nov. 13, 1932, in Battle Creek, son of the late Rector and Nellie (Gunner) Phillips. Cy Phillips and Shirley Fitzgerald were married May 4, 1957, in Angola, Ind. He was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe and Past Grand Knight of the Bad Axe Council No. 1546 of the Knights of Columbus. Cy was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as a weapons platoon sergeant in Alaska. He retired in 1995 from NutraSweet (Monsanto) in Harbor Beach. Cy was a former boxer who loved to travel. He enjoyed swimming, golf, bowling and hunting. Surviving are his wife, Shirley; two sons, Brad Phillips and his wife, Sandy, of Clarkston, and Rick Phillips of Tucson, Ariz.; four daughters, Patricia Rambo and her husband, Craig, of Bad Axe, Susan Casey and her husband, Patrick, of Gaylord, Cindy Woodke and her husband, Jeff, of Port Hope, and Deborah Leppek and her husband, Douglas, of Safford, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren, Randi Guigar, Kelli Weitenberner and Christi Vaerten, all of Bad Axe, Jared Leppek of Ruth, Travis Leppek of Bad Axe, Ryan Phillips of Clinton Township, Roger Phillips and Andrea Phillips, both of Clarkston, Cadet Corporal Michael Casey of West Point, N.Y., Kyle Casey of Gaylord, Jessica Woodke, Cassie Woodke and Joey Woodke, all of Port Hope, and Nicole Phillips of Tucson, Ariz.; five great-grandchildren, Peyton Guigar, Parker Guigar, Lane Weitenberner and Madison Vaerten, all of Bad Axe, and Matthew Leppek of Ruth; one brother, Gene Phillips; and one sister, Hazel Rogers, both of Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Phillips; and one great-grandchild, Hailey Nicole. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. The Rev. John Killop, pastor will officiate. Cremation will follow. The Bad Axe Council No. 1546 of the Knights of Columbus will conduct a rosary at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A parish scripture service by Fr. Killop will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the H.W. Weitenberner Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Visitation will take place after 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Ervin Briolat Mr. Ervin Briolat, 66, of Ubly passed away Friday morning, Dec. 28, 2001, at his home. Arrangements are being handled by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. A tentative Monday funeral is being planned. A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune. Esther Taylor Esther E. Taylor, 77, of Sand Point died Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2001, at her home while under hospice care. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. Arrangements are being handled by Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville. 1