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 August 11, 2002


Sunday, August 11, 2002


Vera Beyer 
Vera M. Beyer, 84, of Bay Port, passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at Courtney Manor in 
Bad Axe.  She was born on Aug. 6, 1918, in Pigeon, the daughter of John and Hattie 
(Blundy) Decker. She attended the Decker School and graduated from the Winsor 
School. On Feb. 14, 1937, she was united in marriage to Ewald E. Beyer in Pigeon. He 
preceded her in death on May 19, 1989.   Mrs. Beyer helped on the family farm. She was 
a homemaker throughout her lifetime and a member of the McKinley Homemakers Club. 
An avid quilter, she was a member of the Quilter's Guild and was instrumental in 
organizing and establishing the Farmers' Festival Library quilt show. She enjoyed playing 
cards and visiting with family and friends. She was a regular participant with the 
Caseville Retirement Club.   Mrs. Beyer was a lifetime member of the St. John's 
Evangelical Church in Berne, where she was a member of the Ladies Aid for many years, 
as well as the Women's Society.   She is survived by two daughters, Kay Baker of 
Paulding, Ohio, and JoAnn Abbott and her husband, Alvin, of Pigeon; a son, Jerry Beyer 
and his wife, Linda, of Bay Port; six grandchildren, Jim Siewert of Pigeon, Beth 
Swartzendruber and her husband, Les, of Bay Port, Cindy Scarbrough and her husband, 
Brian, of Fremont, Sally Thiel and her husband, Ron, of Pigeon, Stacie Stewart of 
Paulding, Ohio, and Brenda Purves and her husband, Jason, of Clio; 13 great-
grandchildren; a brother, Richard Decker of Pigeon; several nieces.   She was preceded in 
death by a brother, Bud Decker.  The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on 
Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Berne with the 
Rev. James A. Gorsegner, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.  
Visitation is 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 the service Monday at the church.  Memorials 
may be made to St. John's or the American Cancer Society. 

Monday, August 12, 2002


Margaret Marshall 
Margaret Hope Card Marshall, 88, of Caseville died Saturday morning, Aug. 10, 2002 at 
her home while under hospice care.   She was born Jan. 25, 1914 in Port Austin to the late 
Rev. Lester and Mabel (Parker) Card.   Margaret moved around a lot with her family 
when she was young, as her father would be transferred from church to church. In the 
mid-1930s her father became ill and they moved back to Caseville where she and her 
mother operated the telephone office. Here she met and married Harold Marshall, a DNR 
officer. They were joined together Dec. 2, 1951 at the Caseville United Methodist 
Church. He preceded her in death. Margaret was employed at Caseville Lumber as a 
secretary until retiring over 20 years ago.   She was a member of the Caseville United 
Methodist Church where she played the organ and sang in the choir for many years.   
Surviving are two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.   A private service took 
place Sunday afternoon, Aug. 11, 2002 at Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. The 
Rev. Michael Quayle, pastor of the Caseville United Methodist Church, officiated with 
burial in Fairview Cemetery, Dansville.   Memorials may be sent to the Caseville United 
Methodist Church Choir Fund. 

Lloyd Schlabach 
Lloyd L. Schlabach, 83, resident of Powder Springs, Ga. died Saturday, Aug. 10, 2002.   
He was born May 26, 1919 in Thurman, Co. to the late Levi and Mamie (Schrock) 
Schlabach.   Lloyd and Janette Coulston were united in marriage July 16, 1949. Since 
1981 they have been summer residents of Filion.   Mr. Schlabach served in the U.S. 
Army from 1941 to 1945 in the 186th Infantry, Pacific Theater. He was a member of 
Western Hills Baptist Church in Kennesow, Ga. He enjoyed gardening, farming, 
woodworking, writing, painting and Bible study.   Lloyd is survived by his wife, Janette; 
four daughters: Rachel DelNero and her husband, Ron, of Hiram Springs, Ga., Ruth 
Wehde and her friend, Hugo Burdt, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jeanne Ligon and her 
husband, Don, of Woodstock, Ga., Barbara Teeslink and her husband, D.J., of Santa Fe, 
N.M.; one brother, Douglas Schlabach and his wife, Judy, of Richmond; four sisters: 
Virgie Russo of Clarkston, Irene Kosal and her husband, Ray, of Davison, Lorraine 
Kudlak of Harbor Beach, Clara Schlabach of Detroit; six grandchildren: Chad Ligon, 
David Ligon, Matthew Peaslee, and Britney DelNero, all of Georgia, Brooke Wehde and 
Brant Wehde of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded 
in death by his brother, Clyde Schlabach; and his brother-in-law, Tony Russo.   Funeral 
services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002 at MacAlpine Funeral 
Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. DeWeerd Smith will officiate.   Visitation will be from 2 to 
9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at New 
River Cemetery in Port Austin.   Memorials may be offered to the Gideons or the donor's 
choice. 

Jacob Van Dyke 
Jacob Van Dyke, 82, of St. Louis, Mo. and summer resident of Harbor Beach, passed 
away Saturday, Aug. 10, 2002, in Harbor Beach as a result of an automobile-bicycle 
accident.   He was born in St. Louis, Mo. to the late Jacob R. and Frances (Buckner) Van 
Dyke.   He and Marguerite Day were united in marriage May 31, 1946. She preceded him 
in death on Aug. 15, 1994. On Feb. 15, 1997, he married Elizabeth Stockstrom. He was a 
World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Mr. Van Dyke was a member of the 
Harbor Beach Resort Association and spent many summers in Harbor Beach. He was an 
avid pilot, sailor, snow skier, outdoorsman and businessman. He was the current 
chairman of the board of the Western Textile Co. of St. Louis, Mo.   Jacob is survived by 
his wife, Betsy Van Dyke, of St. Louis, Mo. and his children: Jacob Van Dyke and his 
wife, Rowena, of St. Louis, Mo., Matthew Van Dyke of Williamsburg, Mo., Charles Van 
Dyke and his wife, Nancy, of St. Louis, Mo., and Frances Burkham and her husband, 
Scott, of St. Louis, Mo.; stepchildren, Ann Augustine and Joe Augustine; seven 
grandchildren; and one sister, Ann Brereton and her husband, Robert.   A memorial 
service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002, at the First Presbyterian 
Church of Harbor Beach with the Rev. Theresa Cutler officiating. Cremation took place 
at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City with internment to take place at the family 
cemetery in St. Louis, Mo.   Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 
the church. Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach is handling the arrangements. 


Tuesday, August 13, 2002


Hunter Duncan 
Hunter Montgomery Duncan, 13 days, died Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, at Covenant Medical 
Center Harrison in Saginaw.   Hunter was born July 29, 2002, to Gale and Eva (Roberts) 
Duncan.   He is survived by his parents, his grandmother, Betty Roberts, and many aunts, 
uncles, and cousins.   Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at 
MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Kenneth Lueke will officiate. Visitation 
will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Burial will be at 
Colfax Cemetery.   Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. 

Raymond James Ralph 
Jim Ralph, 90, of Harbor Beach and formerly of Bay City, died Saturday, Aug. 10, 2002, 
at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe after a short illness.   He was born Aug. 4, 1912, in 
Saginaw, son of the late Joseph and Marie (Lutch) Ralph.   Mr. Ralph and Olive Martha 
Leigh were married Feb. 22, 1936, at Visitation Catholic Church in Bay City. She 
preceded him in death Aug. 24, 1994.   He was the former owner of Bay City Welding, a 
parishioner at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach, an avid golfer 
and a former Elks Club member.   Surviving are two sons: Rex Ralph and his wife, 
Jennie, of Toms River, N.J., and Joseph Ralph and his wife, Judith, of Caseville; two 
daughters: Shirley Foco and her husband, Virgil, and Patricia Hollerback, all of Leesburg, 
Fla.; one son-in-law, Richard Arnold of Marquette; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-
grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Ralph of Duluth, Minn.; 
and two half-sisters, Grace Hamilton and Lou Cruz, both of Duluth, Minn.   He was 
preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemary Arnold; five brothers, Edward, William, 
Floyd, Joseph, and Roger; and one sister, Rose.   Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at 
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. The Rev. John Killop, pastor, will officiate. 
Burial will be in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Cemetery, Harbor Beach. A scripture 
service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the H.W. Weitenberner Funeral Home 
in Bad Axe.   Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and Wednesday at 
the funeral home, and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the church.   
Memorials may be made to the family's choice. 

Wednesday, August 13, 2002


James Messing 
Mr. James W. Messing, 77, of Spring Hill, Fla. and formerly of Helena, passed away 
Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, in Brooksville, Fla. under hospice care.   Jim was born July 25, 
1925, in Ruth to the late William T. and Mary (Emming) Messing. He married Ula Rae 
Horton on June 21, 1947, in Detroit. They celebrated 54 years together before Ula Rae 
preceded him in death on June 16, 2002.   Jim served his country as an M.P. in the U.S. 
Army during World War II with the 333 regiment of the 84th Infantry Division in France, 
Belgium, and Hanover, Germany under Commander General Patton. For many years Jim 
resided in Roseville. He was employed as a die maker at Chrysler Corp. for 30 years, 
working at both the Nine Mile Press Plant and Chrysler Sterling. After retiring, he resided 
in Helena for seven years and most recently in Spring Hill, Fla. for 15 years. He was a 
former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseville and St. Anthony's Catholic 
Church in Helena. He was a current member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Spring 
Hill, Fla. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, bowling, playing horseshoes and bingo, 
gardening, and traveling.   Jim is survived by one son, Larry D. Messing and his wife, 
Betty, of Holland; two daughters, Elaine Messing and her life partner, Becky Albus, of 
St. Petersburg, Fla., and Rene Newton and her husband, Douglas, of Jackson; foster 
daughter, Paula Listman Tocco of Westland; three grandchildren, Larry Messing Jr., 
Christy Messing, and Kenneth Newton; three sisters, Cecilia Van Dalen of Palms, Mary 
Essenmacher of Harbor Beach, and Gladys Priemer of Ruth; three brothers, Norman 
Messing and his wife, Eleanor, of Bad Axe, Robert Messing of Vassar, and Clement 
Messing and his wife, Donna Belle, of Ruth; many nieces and nephews; brother-n-law, 
Larry D. Horton and his wife, Ruth, of Grand Haven.   Jim was preceded in death by two 
sisters, Genevieve Kosal and Margaret Kirsch; and two brothers, Wilfred and Charles 
Messing.   The funeral mass for James Messing will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 
2002, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. The Rev. Steve Gavit, pastor, will 
officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors. There will be a 
parish vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly by 
Fr. Gavit.   Visitation will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday and 8 to 9 a.m. Friday at the 
funeral home.   Memorials may be sent to Hernando/Pasco Hospice, 12260 Cortez Blvd., 
Brooksville, FL 34613. 

David Oberski 
Mr. David G. Oberski, 78, of Ruth after a long illness passed peacefully to his heavenly 
home on Aug. 12, 2002, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility.   David was born on 
Aug. 31, 1923, in Paris Township to the late Leo and Lucy (Czewski) Oberski. He 
married Mildred Bismack on Nov. 3, 1945, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville.   
We celebrate his life. David attended Grace School No. 1. He farmed most of his life. He 
worked at Active Industries in Elkton as a die setter for 26 years. He enjoyed playing 
drums for the Pat Hoody polka band of Port Austin for years. He was a parishioner of St. 
Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. He was a member of the St. Mary's Men's Club, the 
Fox Hunters, Farm Bureau and the Parisville Senior Citizens Group. He was responsible 
for making the Parisville dunk tank and was very active in the parish annual picnic. He 
did taxidermy for family and friends.   He loved hunting, fishing, following the Detroit 
Tigers and spending time at his pond. He loved to play euchre at every single gathering 
with family and friends. He worked very hard to provide a college education for each of 
his children, for which they are very grateful.   David is survived by his wife of 56 years, 
Mildred, who was his devoted caretaker, especially for the last 13 years; four children, 
Elaine Messing and her husband, Harvey, of East Lansing; Thomas Oberski and his wife, 
Catherine, of San Antonio, Texas, Mary Jean Yamamoto and her husband, Dennis, M.D., 
of Reno, Nev., Michael Oberski and his wife, Judy, of North Street; eight grandchildren, 
Jason Messing and his wife, Barbara, of Phoenix, Ariz., Katie Krueger and her husband, 
Brett, of San Jose, Calif., Anne Messing of East Lansing, Jill Yamamoto of Seattle, 
Wash., Kyle Yamamoto of Hanover, N.H., Kimberly, Nicholas and Katrina Oberski of 
North Street; one great-granddaughter, Kiera Messing of Phoenix; one sister, Isabel 
Wodwaska of Ruth; two sisters-in-law, Gertrude and Rita Oberski of Ubly.   David was 
preceded in death by five brothers, Julius, Ted, Albert, Roman and Isadore; three sisters, 
Anna Susalla, Victoria Wrubel and Irene Lamke.   The funeral mass for David Oberski 
will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. 
The Rev. Charles Hammond, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the church 
cemetery. There will be a Men's Club rosary at 8 p.m. today at the Zinger-Smigielski 
Funeral Home in Ubly.   Visitation is from 1 to 9:30 p.m. today and 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday 
at the funeral home.   Memorials may be sent to St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. 

Thursday, August 15, 2002


Mabel Francis 
Mabel V. Francis, 85, of Cass City died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002.   She was born on June 
26, 1917, in Deford to Harvey and Vina (Spencer) Palmateer. She married James 
Walmsley on Dec. 24, 1938, in Pontiac. He died March 7, 1945. She married Harold J. 
Francis on May 6, 1948, in Wilmot. He died on April 29, 1969.   Mabel was a postmaster 
at the Deford Post Office for many years. She was also a member of the V.F.W. 
Auxiliary of Caro for more than 50 years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and 
raising eight children. She enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren, also.   
Mabel is survived by her children, Nancy Watkins and her husband, Robert, of Ovid, 
Janet Thomas of Pompano Beach, Fla., James Walmsley and his wife, Pam, of Atlas, 
Carol Rutkoski and her husband, LaVern, of Cass City, Patsy Longuski and her husband, 
Dennis, of Cass City, Harvey Francis and his wife, Karen, of Cass City, Dennis Francis 
of Cass City and Vera Glass and her husband, Jack, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 
stepdaughter Virginia Beaulieu; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, 
Leota Anthes of Cass City, Alma Darbee and her husband, Willard, of Caro and Marion 
Frederick and her husband, Raymond, of Nevada; brother, Carl Palmateer and his wife, 
Joyce, of Cass City.   Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 
2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City, with the Rev. George Ward of Cass City 
United Methodist Church officiating. Interment is in Novesta Township Cemetery.   
Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.   Memorials may 
be made to he Rawson Memorial Library. 

Marie Ulfig 
Mrs. Marie Ulfig, 84, of Ruth passed away Tuesday evening, Aug. 13, 2002, with her 
family at her side at her residence under hospice care after a short illness.   Marie was 
born on April 10, 1918, in Ruth, daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Kosal) Rogers. 
She married Walter Ulfig on Oct. 12, 1940, in St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. He 
preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 1980.   Marie was a member of St. Mary Catholic 
Church in Parisville and St. Mary Rosary Sodality. She was a leader of the Sew & Hoe 4-
H Club for 46 years. She worked at Dott Manufacturing for 36 years before retiring in 
1999. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, growing roses and 
crocheting.   Marie is survived by her children: Joyce Alexander and her husband, Al, of 
Macomb Township, Kenneth Ulfig and his wife, Judy, of Ruth, Janice Engel and her 
husband, Paul, of Minden City; seven grandchildren, Annette Bardy, Brian Ulfig and his 
wife, Angie, Brenda Messing and her husband, Brad, Bradley Ulfig, Melissa Marks and 
her husband, Marty, Shelly Shuart and her husband, Mike, Shannon Miller and her 
husband, Sean; seven great-grandchildren, Nikole Bardy, Joshua and Dylan Ulfig, Mandi 
and Logan Messing, Paul Marks and Benjamin Shuart; three step-grandchildren, Alan 
Alexander and his wife, Crystal, Randy Alexander and his wife, Danielle, Paula 
Alexander; four step-great-grandchildren, Nathan and Chad Marks, Kayla and Zane 
Alexander; many nieces and nephews.   Marie was preceded in death by one son, Ronald, 
in 1969; one brother, Glenn Rogers.   The funeral mass for Marie Ulfig will be at 11 a.m. 
on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. The Rev. Charles 
Hammond, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.   There will be a 
rosary service at 7 p.m. Friday by the St. Mary Rosary Sodality at the Zinger-Smigielski 
Funeral Home of Ubly.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 9 to 10 a.m. 
Saturday at the funeral home. 

Friday, August 16, 2002

John Partaka 
Mr. John Partaka, 87, of Palms passed away Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at Autumnwood of 
Deckerville.   John was born Feb. 20, 1915, in Parisville to the late John and Caroline 
(Bureiza) Partaka. He married Isabel Danielski on Oct. 29, 1938, at St. Mary Catholic 
Church of Parisville. She preceded him in death on March 13, 1995.   John was a 
graduate of a country school. He farmed in Minden until 1980. He was a member of the 
Paris Township Board of Review. He was the vice president of the Ubly Community 
Schools Board of Education for 12 years. He was a parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic 
Church of Palms since 1980. He was a former member of St. Mary Parish in Parisville, as 
well as a former member of St. Mary Ushers and Men's Club. He was a lifelong member 
of the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council #3823. He enjoyed hunting, crossword 
puzzles, euchre and snowmobiling with the Huron Line Snow Goers Club.   John is 
survived by four daughters: Patricia Affer of Minden City, Joan Staroska and her 
husband, Thomas, of Columbiaville, Sherre Hendrick and her husband, Scott, of 
Saginaw, Mary Sanders and her husband, Mark, of Haslett; three sons, John Partaka of 
Minden City, William Partaka and his wife, Velma, of Oxford, Joseph Partaka and his 
wife, Barbara, of Minden City; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two step-
grandchildren.   John was preceded in death by one son, Edward; one granddaughter, 
Michelle Gobie; two brothers, William and Edward; seven sisters, Bertha Sabo, Frances 
Walegor, Emma Zmich, Clara Blocker, Martha Salowitz, Lucy Zdrojewski, Virginia 
Pariseau; one son-in-law, Ronald Affer.   Funeral mass for John Partaka will be 11 a.m. 
Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms. The Rev. Steve Gavit, 
pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church, and Sr. Betty Zeestraten, pastoral administrator of 
St. Patrick's, will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery of Parisville.   There 
will be a parish vigil service at 4 p.m. Sunday and a rosary by the Ruth Knights of 
Columbus Council #3823 at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Smigielski Funeral Home in Minden 
City.   Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the 
funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.   Memorials requested for St. 
Patrick's Building Fund or the American Cancer Foundation. 

Doris Strauch 
Doris O. Strauch, 76, of Pigeon passed away Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002, at Saint Mary's 
hospital in Saginaw following a month-long illness.   Doris Smith was born in Pigeon on 
July 21, 1926, the daughter of Archie and Beulah (Eisinger) Smith. She was baptized in 
the Methodist Church and confirmed in membership in 1946 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 
in Linkville. She was a 1944 Pigeon High School graduate.   On Nov. 24, 1945, she was 
married to Franklin V. Strauch at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They farmed near Linkville 
for much of their lifetime. They owned and operated Pigeon Lanes and Restaurant for 13 
years, beginning in 1962. Frank passed away Sept. 18, 1999.   Mrs. Strauch enjoyed 
golfing and was a member of Scenic Golf and Country Club. She was an avid bowler, 
enjoyed playing cards and crafting ceramics.   She was a faithful, active member of St. 
Paul Lutheran Church, where she had served as vice president of the Ladies Aid and was 
church secretary for many years.   Two children were born to Doris and Frank Strauch, a 
daughter, Peggy Parrish and her husband, Donald, of Owendale, and a son, Jeffery, who 
died at age 10 following a long illness; three grandchildren, Bryan Parrish and his wife, 
Eunice, and Shawn Parrish and his wife, Vickie, all of Owendale, and Brandee Parrish of 
Bay City; a step-granddaughter, Tarol Douthit and her husband, Robert, of Fla.; four 
great-grandchildren, Tyler, Shelby, Racheal and Kayla Parrish; four step-great-
grandchildren, Stephanie Thorp and Destinee, Orion and Faith Douthit; a sister, Phyllis 
Conger and her husband, Ken, of Coleman; two brothers, Ronald Smith and his wife, 
Diane, of Rochester, and Larry Smith and his wife, Gina, of Pigeon; and several nieces 
and nephews.   The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, 
at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Linkville, with the Rev. Timothy Loewe, former pastor, 
officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. 
today at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home of Pigeon and from 10 a.m. until the time of 
service Saturday at the church.   The family would appreciate memorial contributions to 
the St. Paul Lutheran Church building fund. 

Helen Wichert 
Helen E. Wichert, 81, of Bay Port died Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 14, 2002, at Scheurer 
Hospital of Pigeon from a ruptured aneurysm.   She was born May 15, 1921, in Chandler 
Twp. at the home of her parents, the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Nelson) Farver.   On 
June 26, 1953, she was united in marriage to Alford Wichert at the Elkton United 
Methodist Church and was a devoted wife and mother.   Helen was a very aggressive 
genealogist. She traced the family trees of not only her family and her husband's, but 
many of their Chandler Twp. neighbors. If you wanted to know who was who from 
home,  Helen could tell you. She would also pass the time by knitting and crocheting 
many beautiful things.   Surviving are her husband, Alford; two sons, Thomas, of Elkton 
and James and his wife, Bev, of Sandusky; six grandchildren, Heather, Terry, Chris, 
Zach, Ashley and Elizabeth; two great-grandchildren, Elyse and Sydney; three brothers, 
Floyd Farver, Henry Farver and his wife, Marguerite, all of Elkton, and Cliff Farver and 
his wife, Mary, of Oak Beach; three sisters, Flossie Maynard of Pinnebog, Ulla Snider of 
Elkton and Luella Connors of Filion; a sister-in-law, Lena Wichert of Pigeon.   Preceding 
her in death were three sisters, Bertha Gilbert, Bessie Furness and Lila Wilson.   Funeral 
services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, at the Elkton United 
Methodist Church. The Rev. William Wright will officiate with burial in Riverside 
Cemetery, Elkton.   Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral 
Chapel in Elkton.   Memorials may be given to the Elkton United Methodist Church or 
Hospitality House of Saginaw.   Words of condolence or tribute may be left at 
www.CFCelkton.com. 









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