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 August 4, 2002 Sunday, August 4, 2002 Milton Kreh Milton G. Kreh, 88, of Pigeon passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002 at Hills & Dales General Hospital in Cass City. He was born in Pigeon on March 16, 1914, the son of the late Levi and Maude (Baughman) Kreh. On Nov. 12, 1935 he was united in marriage to Isabelle J. Heron in Pigeon. She preceded him in death on Dec. 2, 1996. Mr. Kreh worked as a bumper and painter for Pigeon Motor Sales for 40 years. He was active with the Top of the Thumb Leisure Ministries and also served on the board of the Pigeon Historical Society. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and was inducted into the M-46 Horseshoe Hall of Fame. Along with Mary Leipprandt and Ray Schweitzer, Mr. Kreh played in a trio at the opening of the WLEW radio station. He was a faithful, active and dedicated member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Pigeon where he was a former Sunday School teacher as well as Sunday School superintendent. He and his late wife, Isabelle, were also church custodians for many years. He is survived by his daughters, Donna Krohn and her husband, Ron, of Elkton, Ruthann Ewald and her husband, Don, of Caseville, Phyllis Crotser and her husband, Tim, of Bay City; a son, Ronald Kreh, and his wife, Cathy, of Clinton Township; 12 grandchildren; 10 great- grandchildren; a sister, Mildred Germaine of Davison; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Arthur, Elmer, Martin and Roy; and a sister, Lavina Lacey. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, 2002 at the Salem United Methodist Church in Pigeon, with Pastor Michael T. Sawicki officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Monday at the Salem United Methodist Church in Pigeon. Memorials for Mr. Kreh maybe made to the Salem United Methodist Church, the Pigeon Historical Society or the charity of the donor's choice. Bryan Power Bryan J. Power, 80, of Caseville passed away Saturday morning, Aug. 3, 2002 at Huron Medical Center of Bad Axe. He was born Oct. 31, 1921 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. Bryan moved to Detroit in the mid-1920s with his parents, the late Michael and Winifred (McGillivray) Power. After high school he worked for TransWorld Airlines and then attended the University of Detroit two years before entering the Army Air Force. He served in the 490th Bomb Group in England during World War II, returning home in 1946. On Sept. 20, 1947, he was united in marriage to Carmen A. Casai at Presentation Catholic Church in Detroit. Mr. Power was employed at Ford Motor Co. in Detroit for 30 years, retiring as a traffic supervisor in 1978. In 1979, they moved to Caseville where they had been coming for many years. Bryan was an active member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Pigeon, a life member and past Grand Knight of Council 8042 Knights of Columbus, Caseville-Pigeon where he also served as Bingo chairman over 10 years. He was a life member of the Pigeon VFW #2235, a member of the 4th degree K of C Caro Assembly, Caseville Eagles Club and the 490th Bomb Group Association. He is survived by his wife, Carmen; two sons, Terry Power and his wife, Diane, of Brechenridge, Colo., Jim Power and his wife, Terry, of Eagan, Minn.; four grandchildren, Ryan, Taryn, Kelli and Troysen; a sister, Joan Frays of Saginaw. He was preceded in death by a sister, Constance. Funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002 at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Pigeon. Sr. Theresa Fox and Fr. George Suroir will officiate with military honors by the Pigeon VFW to follow outside the church. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. A parish scripture service will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. followed by a K of C rosary at 7 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Boysville. Words of condolence or tribute may be sent at www.CFCcaseville.com Monday, August 5, 2002 - None Tuesday, August 6, 2002 George Norcross Sr. George William Norcross, Sr. 61, of Owendale died early Monday morning, August 5, 2002, at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City after a long illness. He was born May 19, 1941, to the late William and Rosie (Norris) Norcross in Owosso. On April 30, 1961, he was united in marriage to Leta Oberlitner in Owosso. She preceded him in death Dec. 3, 1998. George came to Huron County in the early 1960's and has lived in Linkville since 1989. He was employed at Huron Castings, retiring in 1988 for health reasons. He enjoyed building and fixing things and driving his race car, No. 23, at Owendale Speedway. He could always be found in the backyard wrenching on his or someone else's car. He attended Fairhaven Mennonite Church. George is survived by seven children, George Jr. and his wife, Eileen, of Deford, Sonya Monroe and her husband, Dan, of Owosso, Veronica Norcross of Owosso, Lawrence and his wife, Nita, of Birch Run, Shawn and his wife, Dawn, of Vicenza, Italy, Jacqueline Otte and her husband, Robert, of Owosso, and Scott and his wife, Jodi, of Vilseck, Germany; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers: Wendell Norcross and Carl Norcross and his wife, Patty, all of Owosso; and one sister, Netty Pattengil and her husband, Stan, of Owosso. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. The Rev. Ken Dietzel and the Rev. Wayne Keim of the Fairhaven Mennonite Church will officiate with burial in Grant Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today and after 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Words of condolence or tribute may be sent at www. CFCelkton.com. Irma Slavick Irma J. Slavick, 68, of Bad Axe passed away Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, at Covenant Medical Center Harrison in Saginaw after a short illness. She was born Sept. 13, 1933, in Filion, daughter of the late Cyril and Anna (McLaughlin) Cregeur. She married Edwin Yaroch, who preceded her in death in 1958. She and Ernie Slavick were married Aug. 1, 1960, in Dearborn. Mrs. Slavick was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. She was an avid card player, bowler, and softball fan and was a member of the Grindstone-Port Hope Sportsman's Club. The couple wintered at Port Richey, Fla. for the past several years. Surviving are her husband, Ernie; three sons, Dennis Yaroch and his special friend, Arlice Lackie, of Kinde, Gary Slavick and Kevin Slavick, both of Bad Axe; three daughters, Mrs. Laurie Horiski and her husband, Jim, of Bad Axe, Kim Slavick and her special friend, Keith Payne, of Texas, and Tracy Slavick of Bad Axe; three grandchildren, Cpl. Jim Horiski, 82nd Airborne and his wife, Stacy, of N.C., Julie Horiski and her fiance, Richard Thomas, of Lansing, and Alexis Slavick of Bay Port; three great-grandchildren, Emily, Alayna, and Kyle of N. C.; two sisters, Marjorie Randall of Bad Axe and Ailene Doe of Sturgis; and four brothers, Robert Cregeur of Bad Axe, Dougle Cregeur of Forestville, Willard Cregeur of Kinde and Jerry Cregeur of Bad Axe. She was preceded in death by one brother, Elwood Cregeur; and one sister, Mrs. Wilfred (Frances) Tschirhart. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bad Axe. The Rev. John Killop, pastor, will officiate. Cremation will follow. A Scripture Service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the H.W. Weitenberner Funeral Home in Bad Axe by Sacred Heart Pastoral Assistant Jan Rapson. Visitation is from 12 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family's choice. Wednesday, August 7, 2002 Juanita Bowman Juanita E. Bowman, 58, of Caseville died Tuesday morning, Aug. 6, 2002, at Bay Regional Medical Center, Bay City. A funeral service will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Words of tribute may be left at www.CFCcaseville.com. Richard Groth Richard Groth, 84, of Bay Port passed away Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002 at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon. Thursday, August 8, 2002 Lester Decker Lester "Bud" Decker, 81, of the Elkton/Pigeon area died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. He was born Jan. 26, 1921, in Pigeon to the late John and Hattie (Blundy) Decker. He attended the St. Paul Lutheran Church School and graduated from the Decker Rural School. Bud married Lydia Trost on Jan. 10, 1948 at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon. Bud farmed throughout his lifetime. He was an active member of Cross Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. He served on the Huron County Building committee as well as the Oliver Township Board and Zoning Board. As a member of the Huron Community Fair Board for 36 years, Bud especially enjoyed and took pride in the Huron Community Fair. He also loved watching his grandchildren and was an avid follower of all their activities. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lydia Decker of Elkton; four daughters, Linda Gardy and her husband, George, of Pigeon, Lois Decker of Fraser, Lorraine LePage and her husband, Mike, and Lori McKenzie and her husband, Kent, all of Pigeon; 10 grandchildren, Jill, Kari, and Eric Gardy, Natisha Decker, Matt, Jon, and Josh LePage, and Kristy, Jody, and Kayle McKenzie; a great-grandson, Kavin; a brother, Richard Decker of Pigeon; a sister, Vera Beyer of Bay Port; two sisters-in-law, Meta Farver and Elsie Sturm, both of Pigeon; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon, with the Rev. Dellis W. Hudson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to Cross Lutheran Church or Scheurer Hospital. Chester Jaworski Chester Sylvester Jaworski, 73, of Port Austin died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. He was born June 27, 1929, in Port Austin, son of the late Floyd and Martha (Kozlowski) Jaworski. He and Gertrude Yaroch were married on Sept. 25, 1954. Chester was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. He served two years in the United States Army. He was a lifelong resident of Port Austin. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, and gardening. Chester worked for years as a farmer and was also employed as a factory worker at Huron Castings until he retired in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude; three daughters, Debbie Petree and her husband, Ken, of Peaster, Texas, Cindy Thompson and her husband, Tom, of Silverwood, and Maureen Savedra of Milan, N.M.; two sons, Paul Jaworski and Tom Jaworski, both of Port Austin; and eight grandchildren, Tim and Stacy Thompson, Nicole and Ashley Savedra, Jason Moore, and Brandon, Jacob, and Katelyn Jaworski; nine sisters, Agnes Goretski of Bad Axe, Bernice Micklash of Centerline, Dorothy Pincoski and her husband, Leo, Helen Inda and her husband, Sylvester, Joann Pettit, Irene Breuss and her husband, Gene, Leona Servay, Lillian Gossett and her husband, Curt, and Lorraine Rice and her husband, Jerry, all of Port Austin; and three brothers, Ben Jaworski and his wife Joan, Floyd Jaworski and his wife, Dee, all of Port Austin, and Frank Jaworski and his wife, Charlotte, of Kinde. He was preceded in death by infant twin sons. A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2002, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin, with the Rev. Robert Pare officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A rosary will be led at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and there will be a vigil at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Ruth Stelter Ruth M. Stelter, 91, of Grand Blanc and formerly of Caseville, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at Genesys Convalescent Center. Mrs. Stelter was born Aug. 29, 1910, in South Bend, Ind., the daughter of Elton and Flossie (Bunker) Myers. She was a graduate of Bridgeman High School. She lived in Caseville and the Flint/Davison area for many years. She married Carl R. Stelter on Oct. 20, 1934. She is survived by her husband, Carl; a son, Hugh L. Stelter and his wife, Gretchen, of Grand Blanc; and a grandson, Dale Stelter of Grand Blanc. She was preceded in death by her brother, Hugh; and two sisters: Dorothy Barker and Rose Whitten. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Flint. Burial will be in Caseville Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Genesys Convalescent Center Activity Room. Words of condolence or tribute may be given at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. Friday, August 9, 2002 Virginia Auslander Virginia "Ginny" Auslander, 85, of Decker died unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, in Hills & Dales General Hospital in Cass City. She was born June 4, 1917, in Shabbona to Charles and Harriet "Hattie" (Morley) Meredith. She married Albert Clair "Pitt" Auslander Sept. 12, 1936, in Bowling Green, Ohio. He preceded her in death Jan. 19, 1998. Ginny was a member of the Shabbona United Methodist Church. She was a former member of the Sanilac County Fair Board, Shabbona Extension Homemaker, Shabbona Bunko Club, Hay Creek Ladies Aid, and was a longtime 4H leader. Ginny decorated cakes and made many piecrusts for the Shabbona UMC. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and embroidery. She served as host for many church functions and family reunions. Ginny, along with her husband, was caretaker of the Evergreen Township Cemetery for many years. Virginia is survived by her children, Janet Severance and her husband, Arthur, of Decker and Dale Auslander of Daytona Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Dean Severance and his wife, Laura, Tim Severance and his wife, Roxanne, Randy Severance and his wife, Deb, Sally Cooper, Beth O'Parka and her husband, Doug; great- grandchildren, Sean and Brad Severance, Brent Cooper, Nicolle Hartel and Julia Severance; sister, Wilma Donaghy of Sandusky; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Donna; brother, Morris Meredith; and grandson-in-law, Dan Cooper. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with the Rev. Ellen Burns of Shabbona United Methodist Church officiating. Interment is in Evergreen Township Cemetery. Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. today, 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Shabbona United Methodist Church Building Fund. Pallbearers for Mrs. Auslander are Dean Severance, Tim Severance, Randy Severance, Sean Severance, Brad Severance, and Brent Cooper. William Benkelman William Donald Benkelman, 73, of Cass City died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at his home in Cass City. He was born Oct. 23, 1928, in Royal Oak to Harold and Isabel (Fletcher) Benkelman. He married Barbara Ell of New York on May 2, 1952, in East Lansing. She preceded him in death Feb. 1, 1995. Bill attended Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science, now Michigan State University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. He was a captain in the U.S. Army and a veteran of the Korean War, where as a lieutenant he earned a bronze star of meritorious achievement for maintaining his unit in the highest state of readiness. In 1956, Bill joined Cadillac Plastics Co. as an outside salesman. Over the next three decades, he rose through the ranks of the company, becoming its chairman in 1984. When he retired from the company in 1988, Cadillac was the world's largest distributor of semi-finished plastic shapes. Bill also founded, developed, and built the Lodge & Spa at Breckenridge in Breckenridge, Colo. After retirement, he and Barbara moved to Cass City, where he lived on the Benkelman centennial farm on Schwegler Road. Bill is survived by his children, Jefrey Robert David Benkelman and his wife, Marilyn, of North Palm Beach, Fla., James Ell Benkelman and his wife, Susan, of Breckenridge, Colo., Cynthia Benkelman Ryerson and her husband, Anthony, of Vail, Colo.; grandchildren: Bridget, Jefrey, and Cody Benkelman of North Palm Beach, Fla., Josh Constas and his wife, Julie, of Breckenridge, Colo., Anthony Ryerson III and Sally Barbara Ryerson of Vail, Colo.; brother, Robert F. Benkelman and his wife, Lorraine, of Caseville; four nieces and one nephew. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, at Cass City First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Mark Morningstar of Sandusky Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Military honors under the direction of Cass City VFW Post No. 3644. Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. today, 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, and 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday in church. Memorials may be made to Barbara Benkelman Hospice Endowment Fund or Michigan Parkinson's Foundation. Joyce Greathouse Joyce L. Greathouse, 67, passed away Tuesday morning, Aug. 6, 2002, at Bay Shores Nursing Care Center. She was born March 2, 1935, in Ubly to the late Ralph and Elsie (Petzhold) Brown. She married Robert J. Greathouse May 29, 1954, in Mt. Clemens. Joyce was a member of Essexville Community Baptist Church. She was a cook with the Essexville-Hampton Public Schools. She was a member of the F.O.E. Ladies Auxiliary Arie No. 1010 and was also a volunteer at Bay Medical Center and the Essexville Garber concession stands. Joyce is survived by her husband, Robert J. Greathouse; four sons, Daniel Greathouse of Brighton, Derek Greathouse and his wife, Karen, of Dearborn, Darryl Greathouse and his wife, Lynne, of Freeland, and Dennis Greathouse and his wife, Jeanine, of Mt. Clemens; a stepson, Donald Alderman and his wife, Patricia, of Lincoln; eight grandchildren, Brian, Steve, Katrina, Amanda, Tera, Kristin, Debbie, and Sara Greathouse; a great-grandchild, Angelca; six step-grandchildren, Josh, Casey, and Steven Alderman and Jennifer, Joeann and Vincent Mahalak; two step-great-grandchildren, Zachary and Breanna; a brother, Earl Brown and his wife, June, of Sterling Heights; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Rosco of Mt. Clemens and Mary Lucille Coplin and her husband, Jack, of Calif.; two brothers-in-law, David Greathouse of Mt. Clemens and Donald Greathouse of Phoenix, Ariz.; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Denise Greathouse; grandson Joseph Greathouse; and two brothers, Gordon and Clifford Brown. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at the Gephart Funeral Home. The Rev. Ted Marrinan and the Rev. Dave McGarvey will officiate. Private interment will be in Floral Gardens Cemetery. The Eagles Arie No. 1010 Ladies Auxiliary Ritual will be 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and noon until the time of services Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Grace Knaus Grace M. Knaus, 82, of Meade Township died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at the home of her daughter in Saginaw. She was born Oct. 23, 1929, in Lake Township, daughter of the late Daniel and Grace McCormick. She and William Knaus were married Nov. 27, 1943, at St. Felix Catholic Church, where she served on the cemetery board. She was also a member of the Altar Society and a money counter. Grace was a charter member of the U & I club in Port Austin and a member of the UCT. She is survived by her six children, William D. Knaus and his wife, Bonnie, of Vermont, Virginia M. Buggia and her husband, Ralph, of Saginaw, Marlene R. Knaus of Royal Oak, Robert A. Knaus and his wife, Susanne, of Saginaw, David A. Knaus and his wife, Linda, of Saginaw, and Ronald J. Knaus and his wife, Janet, of Grand Rapids.; nine grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; two brothers, Leo McCormick and his wife, Helen, and James McCormick and his wife, Niler; and two sisters, Gertrude McCormick and Irene Beil and her husband, Bob. She was preceded in death by one son, Richard C. Knaus; three brothers, Charles, Willard, and Frank; and her sister, Mary. Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog. The Rev. Joseph Shabel and Sr. Mary Schwartz, S.S.J., pastoral administrator will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A vigil will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Knoblock funeral home in Kinde. Visitation will be 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Felix Catholic Church and VNA/Hospice in Caring in Saginaw. Catherine Jaynes Catherine L. Jaynes, 57, of Kingston died unexpectedly Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, in St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Kingston. Interment is in Kingston Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. 1