HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan

Copyright © 2001 by Carol Morrison. This copy contributed for use in 
the MIGenWeb Archives.  

 

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Local obituaries for the week beginning May 5, 2002


Sunday, May 5, 2002


Arthur Bergman 
Arthur P. Bergman, 79, of Pigeon passed away Thursday, May 2, 2002, at Scheurer 
Hospital in Pigeon.  He was born in Pigeon on June 28, 1922, son of he late William H. 
and Clara Anna Stanwood Schnieber Bergman.  Mr. Bergman was a 1940 graduate of 
Pigeon High School and served with the United States Army in Iran and Italy following 
World War II. He received his bachelor of science degree from Michigan State College in 
1953, his master of arts degree from Michigan State University in 1959, and master of 
agriculture degree from Texas A & M University in 1974. While living in Texas in the 
1970s, he worked as a field agent in the agricultural feed industry. After returning to 
Michigan, he worked as a real estate agent for Clarence Rausch in Frankenmuth, later 
managing the business after the untimely accidental death of Mr. Rausch. In the late 
1980s, he moved back to Pigeon, where he established the Bergman Real Estate and 
Appraisal office.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Pigeon Post No. 
2236, a former member of the Frankenmuth American Legion, and a former member of 
the Michigan Real Estate and Appraisers Association.  He was a member of the St. Paul 
Lutheran Church in Linkville, where he was active in the life of the church, serving as 
vice president of the congregation as well as serving on the fellowship hall construction 
committee.  He is survived by three children, Bruce Bergman of Archer, Fla., Timothy 
Bergman of Gainesville, Fla., and Spicea Gergman of Gainesville, Fla.; four grand-
children; his former wife, Lola Sawyer-Bergman; three sisters, Linda Bergman Weslock 
Talbot and her husband, Virgil, of Saginaw, Margaret Carlson and her husband, Donald, 
of Georgia and Pauline "Polly" Eichenger and her husband, Martin, of Midland; two 
brothers, William Bergman and his wife, Melna, of Birch Run and Gerald Bergman and 
his wife, Deanna, of Saginaw; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Emilie 
Carter of South Carolina.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Beatrice Soberay and a 
brother, Robert.  The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 
2002, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Linkville with the Rev. Lee C. Wenskay 
officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. 
Tuesday at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon and from 10 a.m. until the 
time of service Wednesday at the church.  Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran 
Church in Linkville. 

Robert Kingsland 
Robert D. Kingsland, 55, of Gagetown, formerly of Lincoln and Harrisville, died 
Monday, April 29, 2002, at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City.  Born on July 28, 
1946, in Bad Axe, he was raised there, moving to Lincoln in 1960, Harrisville in 1964, 
and graduated from Alcona High in 1965.  During the Vietnam War, he served in the 
U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969, then moved to Gagetown. He was a journeyman 
electrician and was employed in Sebewaing for many years.  He was a member of the 
Tuscola County Conservation Club, Tuscola County Archers, Vassar Golf and Country 
Club, PACE International Union Local 6-0111 and was an avid bowler.  He is survived 
by a son, Daniel Kingsland of Cass City; his mother, Flossie Matuzak of Harrisville; five 
sisters, Carol Franklin of Lincoln, Mary Gedro and her husband, David, of Caro, Julie 
Matuzak of Mount Clemens, Bonnie Gildea and her husband, Larry, of Gobels, and 
Melinda Romero and her husband, Tom, of Alpena; a brother, David Lee Kingsland and 
his wife, Carol, of Greenbush; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in 
death by his father, Edward "Bud" Matuzak; and a brother, Frederick Amos Kingsland 
III, in 1965.  Funeral services took place on Saturday, May 4, 2002, at Gillies Funeral 
Home in Lincoln with the Rev. Hays Wiltshire officiating. Burial was in Twin Lakes 
Cemetery, Lincoln.  Memorials may be made to First Baptist building fund or the 
American Heart Fund. 

Charles Robinson 
Charles Harvey Robinson, 97, of Pigeon (Caseville Township) passed away Friday, May 
3, 2002, at Tendercare of Cass City.  He was born in Charlotte on Aug. 7, 1904, son of 
the late Edwin and Jeannette (Webb) Robinson. On Dec. 3, 1927, he was united in 
marriage to Beatrice C. Hutton in Detroit. She preceded him in death on June 25, 1995.  
Mr. Robinson attended the School of Engineering at Michigan State University, and prior 
to his retirement in 1966, he was a methods and accounting manager at A.T.T. (formerly 
Western Electric).  He was a member of the telephone company Pioneer Club, the Wally 
Byham Airstream Travel Club and was a 32nd degree mason with the North Woodward 
#551 F&AM. He enjoyed square dancing and traveling with his wife. His hobbies also 
included silversmithing and photography, and he enjoyed reading, including the Bible.  
Mr. Robinson was an active supporter of Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon, the Sloan 
Kettering Cancer Institute, and the Commonwealth Boys Town. He supported the 
ministries of Norman Vincent Peale and Robert Schuler's Crystal Cathedral. Prior to his 
retirement, he attended Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church and recently attended 
Calvary Baptist Church in Caseville.  He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, 
Kathleen Elaine and Donald Wyzlik of Harrison; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert 
Charles and Donna L. Robinson of Pigeon; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 
two great-great-grandchildren; two stepbrothers, Frank "Bud" Buffenbarger and Bob 
Buffenbarger and his wife, Elaine; a stepsister, Lilla Southerner and her husband, Sam; 
and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Webb 
Robinson and a stepsister, Bernice Gilbert.  The funeral service will be conducted at 11 
a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon with 
the Rev. Michael Goforth officiating. Burial will be in Caseville Township Cemetery.  A 
Hubbard Winsor No. 420 F&AM service will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  
Visitation will be 6 to 9 tonight, noon to 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. until the time of 
service Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer 
Society or Calvary Baptist Church. 

Monday, May 06, 2002     


Margaret Bollaert 
Margaret (Elandt) Bollaert, 86, passed away Monday, April 29, 2002, in Trenton.  She 
was born Oct. 29, 1915, to the late Henry Sr. and Mathilda (Uller) Elandt.  She is 
survived by a son, Arthur Bollaert and his wife, Chris, of Minnesota; two daughters, 
Catherine Habel of Detroit and Georgette Rudoni and her husband, Michael, of Traverse 
City; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth Cowie of 
Washington and Dorothy Pokora of Ubly; four brothers, Frank Elandt and his wife, Nita, 
of Detroit, Ray Elandt and his wife, Susan, of Arkansas, Henry Elandt Jr. and his wife, 
Dorothy, of Bad Axe, and Ed Elandt and his wife, Cathy, of California.  She was 
preceded in death by her husband, George; and three brothers, Leonard, William and 
John.  Funeral services took place on Friday, May 3, 2002, at the Ralph Ridge Funeral 
Home in Trenton. 

Robert Lefler 
Robert "Buck" E. Lefler, 64, of Cass City died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 3, 
2002, in his home.  He was born July 10, 1937, at home in Decker to Aaron and Violet 
(Janek) Lefler. He married Doris M. Miller on May 15, 1965, in Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church in Bad Axe.  Buck was a self-employed master carpenter. He was a cabinetmaker 
and also a mason. Buck served in the U.S. Army after the Korean War. Buck was a 
member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and the quiet and 
beauty of the woods. He enjoyed tinkering with and repairing boats, cars and other 
things. Buck loved his family and he especially loved spending time with his grandsons.  
Buck is survived by his wife, Doris; son Aaron Lefler of Mayville; grandsons Jarred, 
Jacob, Zachary and Christian Lefler; brothers Clinton A. Lefler and his wife, Sally, of 
Columbus, Ohio, Everette W. Lefler and his wife, Marcia, of Rochester Hills, Aaron 
Ernest Lefler of Clear Lake, Fla., James Lefler and his wife, Beth, of Cass City, and 
Richard Lefler and his wife, Darlene, of Auburn Hills; sisters Marie Ulatowski of Cass 
City, Irma I. Steed and her husband, Bill, of Hudson, Fla., Virginia Lefler of 
Birmingham, and Anna M. Abbey and her husband, Robin, of Lapeer; sister-in-law 
Norma Kolsaa and her husband, Frank, of Williamston; and many nieces and nephews.  
His parents preceded him in death.  Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. 
Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with the Rev. Dale 
Mitchell of Pleasantview Free Methodist Church in Mayville officiating. Interment will 
be in Johnson Cemetery in Lamotte Township in Sanilac County. Military rites will be 
directed by the Cass City VFW Post No. 3644.  Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 
to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the 
Family Discretionary Fund. 

Mary Ellen Piaskowski 
Mary Ellen Piaskowski, 78, of Cass City died Sunday, May 5, 2002, in the Tuscola 
County Medical Care Facility in Caro.  Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. 
Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City with the Rev. 
Steve Fillion officiating. Interment will be in the Elkland Township Cemetery in Cass 
City.  Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. today, and 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at 
Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.  
Memorials may be made to St. Pancratius Catholic Church. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2002    

Ethel Meyer 
Mrs. Ethel Marie Meyer, 92, of Palms passed away Sunday, May 5, 2002, at Hartland 
Fostrian of Flushing after a long illness.  Ethel was born on Nov. 25, 1909, in Palms, 
daughter of the late Andrew J. and Ellen A. (Mitchel) Feury. She married John "Jack" A. 
Meyer on July 16, 1928, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms. He preceded her in 
death on Nov. 6, 1970.  Ethel attended Deckerville High School. She became Postmaster 
in Palms in 1945 and retired in 1985 after 43 years of service. She was a lifelong member 
of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms and a lifelong resident of the Palms area.  Ethel is 
survived by one son, Andrew J. Meyer and his wife, Helen, of Rockwood, Tenn.; four 
daughters, Joyce M. Gwisdalla of Ubly, Ellen "Pat" Trepkowski and her husband, Bob, of 
Zephyrhills, Fla., Jacqulyn "Jackie" Sage and her husband, Bob, of Grand Blanc, and 
Marilyn J. Sawrey and her husband, Bill, of Rockford, Tenn.; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-
grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Henrietta Feury of 
Ubly; and many nieces and nephews.  Ethel was preceded in death by one sister, Elsie 
Mahon; three brothers, Russel, Lee and Frank Feury; and a son-in-law, Eugene 
Gwisdalla.  The funeral mass will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2002, at St. 
Patrick Catholic Church of Palms. The Rev. Steve Gavit, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul 
Catholic Church of Ruth and Sr. Theresa Carlow, pastoral administrator of St. Patrick 
Catholic Church of Palms, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.  There 
will be a parish vigil service at 8 p.m. Wednesday by Sr. Theresa Carlow at the 
Smigielski Funeral Home in Minden City.  Visitation will be 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. 
Wednesday at the funeral home and 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. 

Daniel Orr 
Daniel R. Orr, 51, of North Branch died Monday, May 6, 2002, at McLaren Regional 
Medical Center.  Danny was born on May 3, 1951, in Detroit, the son of Marjorie (Ross) 
and Daniel S. Orr.  Danny graduated from North Branch High School in 1972. He was 
very active in the North Branch United Methodist Church where he was a member of the 
choir. Danny worked for Precision Threaded Products, and he enjoyed driving his 
Mustang.  Danny is survived by his mother, Marjorie, of North Branch; sisters Suzanne 
Chappel and her husband, Paul, of Cass City, Michelle Straight and her husband, 
Timothy, of Bad Axe, and Kimberly Curran and her husband, Daniel, of Charlotte; nieces 
and nephews Christopher, Ashlie, Amanda, and Nicholas Chappel, Jordan, Justin and 
Benjamin Straight, and Emily, Andrew, Natalie and Dustin Curran.  He was preceded in 
death by his father, Daniel S. Orr, on June 8, 1999.  Funeral services will take place at 11 
a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2002, at the North Branch United Methodist Church with the Rev. 
Wayne Ferrigan officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery in North Branch.  
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. this evening and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Blackburn 
Chapel-Martin Funeral Home in North Branch.  Memorials may be made to the North 
Branch United Methodist Church or the Orr's Museum. 

Marlene Tschirhart 
Marlene J. Tschirhart, 46, of Port Hope passed away Monday, May 6, 2002, at her home 
with hospice care following a year-long illness.  Born in Bad Axe on June 28,1955, she 
was the daughter of Albert Thoms and the late Doris (Gover) Thoms.  Marlene was a 
graduate of Harbor Beach Schools and Michigan State University, earning her master's 
degree in social work. She was a former employee of Huron Behavioral Health in Bad 
Axe and a current employee of the Huron Intermediate School District, working in the 
schools of Huron County.  Edward Tschirhart and Marlene were united in marriage on 
June 20, 1981, in Port Hope. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in 
Harbor Beach, being a former school board member and library board member. Marlene 
was active with Special Olympics and soccer. She also was former 4-H leader.  Marlene 
is survived by her husband, Edward Tschirhart of Port Hope; sons Michael and Joshua 
Tschirhart, both of Port Hope; three brothers, Carl Thoms and his wife, Colleen, of Bad 
Axe, Alan Thoms and his wife, Kathy, of Page, Ariz., and Leo Thoms and his wife, 
Lynne, of Hillsboro, Ill.; two sisters, Judith Devereaux and her husband, Jim, of Cadillac 
and Shirley Tautolo and her husband, Pelly, of Lincoln Park; her father and stepmother, 
Albert and Dorothy Thoms of Port Hope; a stepbrother, Warren Stoeckle and his wife, 
Jan, of Bay Port; two stepsisters, Sandra Schuette and her husband, Ernest, and Karen 
Shuler, both of Holt; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.  Funeral services will 
take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2002, at Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach 
with the Rev. Mark Girardin and the Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Burial will be in 
the Forest Bay Cemetery in Harbor Beach.  A scripture service will take place at 7:30 
p.m. Wednesday in Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach.  Visitation will be 6 to 9 
p.m. this evening and 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and 
from 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the church.  Memorials may be given 
to Special Olympics or Zion Lutheran School. 

Douglas Stirrett 
Douglas L. Stirrett, 56, of Bad Axe died Sunday, May 5, 2002, at his home.  He was born 
Oct. 22, 1945, in Bad Axe, son of Maxine (Buschlen) and the late Clifford Stirrett.  
Douglas married Joyce Lemanski on Aug. 30, 1969.  In 1964, he graduated from Bad 
Axe High School where he played football for Coach Claude Marsh. He retired from 
MDOT after 28 years as an inspector. He owned Stirrett Janitorial with his wife.  Douglas 
enjoyed woodworking and tree cutting, cooking and sharing peanuts and popcorn with 
friends. He was a very active member of the Bad Axe Lions Club.  He is survived by his 
wife, Joyce; his mother, Maxine; a son, Tom Tolitsky of Camp LeJeune, N.C.; three 
brothers, Larry Stirrett and his wife, Judy, of Sandusky, Wayne Stirrett and his wife, 
Carol, of Attica and Robert Stirrett and his wife, Lynn, of Bad Axe; and several nieces 
and nephews.  Douglas was preceded in death by his son, Troy.  Funeral services will 
take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad 
Axe. The Rev. Jan Dykshoorn of the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church and the Rev. 
William Wright of the Bad Axe First Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in 
the Colfax Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be 3 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 
a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to the Family 
Discretionary Fund. 

Sue Wilcox 
Sue Wilcox, 52, died Thursday, May 2, 2002, in Houston, Texas.  She was born Feb. 20, 
1950, in Michigan.  Sue will be remembered for her strong spirit and her willingness to 
give of herself to others. She was not only a grandmother to her own granddaughter, 
Sabrina Villegas, but to the neighborhood children as well.  In addition to her 
granddaughter, she is survived by her daughter, Tina Villegas; son Jeff Wilcox; sister 
Jean Kociba; and brothers Ron, Charlie and Bob Greene.  Memorial services honoring 
Sue's life took place on Monday, May 6, 2002, in the Chapel of Forest Park-The 
Woodlands Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas.  

Wednesday, May 8, 2002 – None

Thursday, May 9, 2002

Elaine McIntyre
Elaine McIntyre, 53, of Bad Axe died Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at Huron Medical 
Center.  She was born July 26, 1948, in Saginaw to Betty (Lewis) Miller and the late 
Thomas George Miller.  Elaine and Duane McIntyre were united in marriage on May 16, 
1970.  Elaine graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1966. She earned an associates 
degree from Delta College in computer programming. She worked for Citizens All-
American Insurance Co. for several years.  She enjoyed spending time with her 
granddaughter, Hanna, gardening, reading, sewing and knitting. She was a member of 
Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Elaine is survived by her husband, Duane; one daughter, 
Rhonda Van Erp of Cass City; a granddaughter, Hanna; three sisters, Janet Crandall of 
Bad Axe, Sandy Prill of Bad Axe and Debbie Espurvoa and her husband, Sam, of San 
Antonio, Texas; one brother, Tom Miller and his wife, Laura, of Rochester Hills; 12 
nieces; four nephews; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews.  She was preceded in 
death by a sister, Cheryl Meinhold.  Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. 
Saturday, May 11, 2002, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe with Fr. John 
Killop officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.  A scripture service will 
take place at 7 p.m. Friday at McAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe.  Visitation will be 7 
to 9 p.m. this evening, 1 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral 
home.  Memorials may be made to the Huron County Relay for Life. 

Friday, May 10, 2002

William Kuhn 
William J. "Bill" Kuhn, 61, of Kinde died Dec. 19, 2001, at Lawnwood Medical Hospital, 
Fort Pierce, Fla., following a long illness.  A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. 
Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog.  Memorials may be 
given to the charity of the donor's choice.  Words of tribute or condolence may be sent at 
www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's Huron 
Daily Tribune. 

Thomas McGee 
Thomas M. McGee, 54, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., formerly of Elkton, died Friday, May 3, 
2002, at his home.  A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 
2002, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon.  Memorials may be given to the 
Caseville American Legion or the Elkton VFW.  Words of tribute or condolence may be 
sent at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com.  A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's 
Huron Daily Tribune. 

Wanda Smith 
Wanda A. Smith, 92, of Pigeon died Friday morning, May 10, 2002, at her home in 
Country Bay Village in Pigeon.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, 
May 13, 2002, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkton.  Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. 
Sunday at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton.  A complete obituary will appear in 
Sunday's edition of the Huron Daily Tribune or visit www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. 

Jean Terbrack 
Jean M. Terbrack, 68, of Harbor Beach passed away Friday morning, May 10, 2002, at 
Covenant Cooper Hospital in Saginaw following a short illness.  A funeral mass will take 
place at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2002, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church 
in Harbor Beach with burial in the church cemetery.  A parish vigil service will take 
place at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home.  Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. 
Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.  A complete 
obituary will appear in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune or it can be seen at 
www.RamseyFH.com 





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