HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan

Local obituaries for the week beginning November 17, 2002


Contributed 2002 by Carol Morrison for use in the USGenWeb Archives.

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Sunday, November 17, 2002


Lorene Ballagh 
Lorene Ballagh, 88, of Pigeon died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at the Huron County Medical 
Care Facility in Bad Axe.   She was born May 8, 1914, in Filion to the late Herbert and 
Evelyn (Gratton) Armstrong. She married Morgan Ballagh Dec. 25, 1936. He preceded 
her in death in May 2001.   Lorene graduated from Kinde High School in 1931. She went 
on to earn a degree from Central Michigan University. She was a teacher for 33 years. 
She taught at North Huron Elementary and rural Hagle School. She was a member of 
Kinde Presbyterian Church, the Women's Association, and Michigan Association of 
Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, poems and cards.   Lorene is 
survived by one daughter, Rosemary Hill and her husband, James, of Essexville; one 
granddaughter, Anne Hill, and her special friend, Chad Sepos and his son, Chad, of Bay 
City; one grandson, Scott Hill of Bay City; one brother, Woodrow G. Armstrong and his 
wife, Nellie, of Fort Meyers, Fla.; one niece, Evelyn Bronson and her husband, Del, of 
Homeland, Calif.; two nephews, D. Paul Armstrong and his wife, Gloria, of Coral 
Gables, Fla. and David Armstrong and his wife, Janet, of Bad Axe.   She was preceded in 
death by her husband, Morgan; an infant son, Leonard Dale Ballagh; an infant brother, 
Leonard Armstrong; two sisters, Gertrude Armstrong as a young child, and Phyllis 
McVety.   Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at Kinde 
Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Whitney Dempsey will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax 
Township Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today at the MacAlpine Funeral 
Home -Gage Chapel in Kinde and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.   Memorials 
may be offered to the Kinde Presbyterian Church, Country Bay Village, or the Huron 
County Chapter of MARSP. 

Helen Blaine 
Helen Blaine, 82, of Bad Axe and formerly of River Rouge, died Saturday morning, Nov. 
16, 2002, at her home.   She was born March 13, 1920, in Brule, Wisc.   She married 
Raymond Blaine Oct. 7, 1944, in Detroit. He preceded her in death on April 30, 1999.   
Helen was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, 
watching television, loved animals, sending cards, and visiting family and friends.   She 
is survived by several nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Tomlinson and 
Rosey Blaine.   A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, at 
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe with Fr. John Killop officiating. Burial will be 
in the church cemetery.   A scripture service will take place at 7 p.m. Monday at the 
MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 
to 9 p.m. Monday and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.   Memorials 
may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

Margaret Flores 
Margaret V. Flores, 60, of Bad Axe died Friday evening, Nov. 15, 2002, at St. Mary's 
Medical Center of Saginaw following a brief illness.   She was born Feb. 14, 1942, in 
Pigeon at the home of her parents, the late Antonio and Angelina Flores.   Margaret lived 
in Huron County all her life. In her earlier years, she worked as a waitress at several area 
restaurants. Most recently, she was employed at Thumb Industries in Bad Axe.   She 
faithfully attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe.   Surviving are three 
brothers, Richard Flores and his wife, Fran, of Lapeer, Florentino Flores and his wife, 
Jeanne, of Flint and David Flores and his wife, Julie, of Elkton; six sisters, Molly 
Oseguera of Davison, Betty Trevino of Pigeon, Josephine Guiterrez of Flint, Angie 
Brown and her husband, Berry, of Flint, Jane Rome of San Diego, Calif., and Mary 
Bustos of Powell, Wy.; and many nieces and nephews.   A funeral service will be 
conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in 
Elkton.   Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the funeral 
chapel.   Memorials may be directed to the family.   Friends may sign the guestbook at 
www.CFCelkton.com. 

Donald Pangborn 
Donald "Blink" Pangborn, 63, of Sparks, Nev., and formerly of Bad Axe, passed away 
Monday, Nov. 11, 2002, in Nevada, following an extended illness.   He was born on Sept. 
12, 1939, in Verona Township, son of the late Kenton Pangborn and Theresa (Arch) 
Pangborn-McDonald.   He was a member of the Bad Axe High School Class of 1957. He 
served three years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Essex aircraft carrier with his brother 
Gary. He was a welder for many years.   Donald is survived by two daughters, Chris 
Tabbi and her husband, Sam, of Chesterfield Township, Patty Bayerski and her husband, 
David, of Warren; two sisters, Shirley Case and her husband, Stub, of Bad Axe, Carol 
Hill and her husband, Ed, of Bad Axe; one brother, James Pangborn and his wife, Cindy, 
of Grosse Pte. Farms; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.   He was 
preceded in death by one brother, Gary Pangborn; and one nephew, Jeff Hill.   Private 
services will be conducted with interment in Colfax Township Cemetery in Bad Axe. 
Arrangements are through the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. 

Helen Price 
Helen Blaylock Price, 84, of Caro passed away Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at her daughter's 
residence in Bad Axe.   Helen was born on May 26, 1918, in Bad Axe. She lived in 
Huron County until 1960.   The former Helen Kolberg married James Blaylock on Feb. 
29, 1936. He preceded her in death in May 1961. She then married Melvin Price in 1987. 
He preceded her in death in 1994.   While living in Bad Axe, she was employed for years 
at the Bean Pot, and upon moving to Fairgrove, she owned and operated J & H 
Restaurant. Helen then worked until her retirement as an attendant nurse at the Caro 
Regional Center. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting, 
dancing, playing cards, and crocheting.   She is survived by three sons, James Blaylock of 
Burton, Robert Blaylock and his wife, June, of Flint and William Blaylock and his wife, 
Carolyn, of Caro; two daughters, Arlene Becking of Bad Axe and Sharon Kastraba and 
her husband, Charlie, of Caro; one daughter-in-law, Sue Blaylock of Davison; 19 
grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mabel Isler of Caro and Jewel Schray 
of Lansing; several nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her husbands; 
two sons, Thomas and Fred; eight siblings, Walt Kolberg, Edna Popham, Olga Patterson 
Thorton, Richard Kolberg, Elmer Kolberg, Albert Kolberg, Ervin Kolberg and Alfred 
Kolberg.   The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at St. Paul 
Lutheran Church of Caro with Pastor Cameron Steele officiating. Burial will be in the 
Verona Township Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today at the Collon 
Funeral Home of Caro and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church.   
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Huron Memorial Hospice. 

Ernest Prill 
Ernest E. Prill, 71, of Madison Heights and formerly of Huron County, died Thursday, 
Nov. 14, 2002, after a long struggle with cancer.   He is survived by his wife, Betty; a 
son, Steve Prill, and his wife, Sue; a daughter, Linda Prill and her friend Jan; two 
grandchildren, Trevor and Sarah; two sisters, Gloria Schad and her husband, Ted, and 
Phyllis Page; two brothers, Maynard Prill and his wife, Maryann, and Benny Prill and his 
wife, Betty; a sister-in-law, Dee Skorski; many nieces, nephews and friends.   Mass of 
Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at St. Louise Catholic Church 
in Warren.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Hopcroft Funeral Home in 
Madison Heights.   Information is supplied by MacAlpine Funeral Home. 

Roy Talaski 
Mr. Roy Thomas Talaski, 41, of Rochester and formerly of Rapson, passed away 
unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, while doing what he enjoyed, hunting with his 
family.   Roy was born on June 5, 1061, in Harbor Beach to Elmer and Darlene Talaski. 
Roy was employed at DeAngeles Construction Co. of Woodhaven. He lived his life to the 
fullest and was very dedicated to his daughters and family. They will all miss him.   Roy 
is survived by two daughters, Kylee Schrader Talaski and Kelsey Capling, both of Bad 
Axe; parents, Elmer and Darlene Talaski of Bad Axe; three brothers, Roger Talaski and 
his wife, Debbie, Ricky Talaski and his wife, Linda, Ronald Talaski and his wife, Brenda, 
all of Bad Axe; four sisters, Lori Dubs and her husband, Tony, of Kinde, Lynn Engelhart 
and her husband, Dennis, of Lake Orion, Lana Lopiccola and her husband, Jim, of 
Sterling Heights, and Lois Talaski of Bad Axe; special friend, Kristine Kegel of 
Rochester; and nieces and nephews.   Funeral mass for Roy Talaski will be at 11 a.m. 
Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. The Rev. John Weis, 
pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.   There will be a parish vigil 
service at 7:30 p.m. today at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly.   Visitation 
will be from 1 to 9:30 p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. 

Monday, November 18, 2002


Virginia Collings 
Virginia E. Collings, 88, of East Lansing, mother of the Rev. Margaret Passenger of 
Pigeon, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002.   She was a longtime teacher in the East Lansing 
Public Schools.   She is also survived by another daughter, Rebecca S. Switzer of 
Georgetown, Texas; and four grandchildren.   A memorial service will be conducted on 
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, at Edgewood United Church in East Lansing.   

John Gage 
John (Chet) Gage, 66, of Bad Axe died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at Courtney Manor after 
a long illness.   He was born July 12, 1936, in Bad Axe, son of the late John W. and Anna 
(Vesich) Gage.   Chet was a graduate of Bad Axe High School. He played football for the 
Hatchets and was an avid Bad Axe football fan.   Surviving are three sons, John Gage and 
his wife, Kristina, of Arlington, Texas, Eric Gage and his wife, Danette, of Georgetown, 
Texas, and Kevin Gage and his wife, Amy McLaughlin, of Portage; one daughter, Kellie 
Garrett, Arlington, Texas; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-
grandchild; four sisters, Goldie Robinson and her husband, Orin, Nellie Parr, Helen 
Mitchell, and Linda Fladzinski and her husband, John, all of Bad Axe.   He was preceded 
in death by one daughter, Andrea Gage; and two brothers, Robert and Theodore Gage.   
Private cremation services were directed through the H. W. Weitenberner Funeral Home 
in Bad Axe.   A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. 

Elizabeth Hennes 
Elizabeth Jean Hennes, 94, of Huron Dunes near Port Austin died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, 
at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe.   She was born Jan. 16, 1908, at the home of her 
parents, the late Theodore and Alice (Graham) Hennes in the Upper Peninsula in Lake 
Linden.   Miss Hennes was a schoolteacher in the Detroit School System retiring in 1970. 
She moved to a cottage at Huron Dunes a short time later.   She was a member of St. 
Roch Catholic Church in Caseville.   Surviving are several nieces and nephews.   A 
funeral mass will be conducted 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at St. 
Bonaventure Catholic Church in Detroit. Burial will take place at Mt. Elliott Cemetery in 
Detroit.   Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 10:30 on Thursday 
at the church.   Memorials may be given to the Capuchin Missions.   Friends may sign the 
guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. 

Edward Lasceski 
Edward Lasceski, 88, of Kinde, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at his home.   He was born 
April 18, 1914, in Dwight Township, son of the late George and Veronica (Ignash) 
Lasceski.   He married Gertrude Ventline on Oct. 17, 1933, at St. Mary's Catholic Church 
in Dwight Township. She preceded him in death on March 11, 1997.   A lifelong resident 
of Hume Township, Edward attended the Morrison Country School in Dwight Township. 
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he participated as an usher for 
many years. Edward welcomed family and friends into his home and loved to spend time 
with his children and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed farming, milking cows, 
playing cards, sightseeing throughout the area and watching over the crops in the field.   
He was a loving father of seven children, Sylvester Lasceski and his wife, Gloria, of 
Centerline, Irene Perrine of Shelby, Ohio, Leonard Lasceski of Port Austin, Marie 
Lemanski and her husband, Robert, of Bad Axe, David Lasceski and his wife, Genevieve, 
of Kinde, Frank Lasceski and his wife, Marie, of Ubly, Theresa Horetski and her 
husband, Leonard, of Port Austin; beloved grandfather of 23 grandchildren, Allen 
Lasceski and his wife, Cindy, Gregory Lasceski and his wife, Nancy, Annette Sagert and 
her husband, Randy, Danny-Joe Laceski and his wife, Tammy, Scott Lasceski and his 
wife, Tabitha, Stacy Chmelko and her husband, Ken, Sheri Peyrek and her husband, 
Dean, Gabriel and Demetrius Lemanski, Blanda Hattie and her husband, Chad, Brian 
Lasceski and his wife Becky, Mark Lasceski and his wife, Erin, Kevin Lasceski, Renee 
Bowen and her husband, Nick, Eric Lasceski, Tammy Sache and her husband, Jerry, 
Tracey Jones and her husband, Barry, Trudy Bushway and her husband, Earl, Tina and 
Tricia Lasceski, Pam, Patti, and Tom Horetski; 15 great-grandchildren, Chad and Alex 
Lasceski, Jason Furgason, Austin, Brandon, and Bradey Lasceski, Dean Peyrek, Brice 
Creech, Chelsea and Justin Lasceski, Ashley Bowen, Megan and Lauren Lasceski, 
Madison Bushway, and Quinn Mangan; four step great-grandchildren, Tim, Mark, and 
Paula Grobleski and Amber Bowen; and one sister, Mary Ann Murawski of Reese.   
Edward was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Jack Perrine; six brothers, Paul, John, 
Harry, Mike, Gordon, and Raymond Lasceski; two sisters, Sade Makowski and Gertrude 
Polega.   Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, at St. Mary's 
Catholic Church in Dwight Township. Fr. Mieczyslaw Oniskiewicz, pastor, will officiate. 
There will be a vigil at 7 p.m. tonight at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde.   
Visitation will be from 1 until 9 p.m. today and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the 
funeral home. 

Raoul Marquis 
Raoul J. "Ralph" Marquis, 93, of Gotts Corner near Caseville died Sunday, Nov. 17, 
2002, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility.   He was born July 21, 1909, in 
Keegan, Maine to the late Joseph and Amanda (Caron) Marquis.   Mr. Marquis and his 
wife Clare (Kuczmarski) lived in Bristol, Conn. where he had been employed at New 
Departure-Hyatt Division of General Motors for 46 years, retiring in 1971. After retiring, 
they began spending winters in Florida. Clara preceded him in death in July 1979. While 
in Florida, he met Vera (O'Connor) Bushey. They were united in marriage June 19, 1982, 
at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog. He moved to the Caseville area at that time and 
they continued to spend their winters in Florida until recently when their health began to 
fail.   He was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church and former member of St. Stanislaus 
Catholic Church in Bristol, Conn. Ralph enjoyed watching football, hockey and major 
league baseball, especially the Yankees. He was also an avid golfer and card player.   
Surviving are his wife, Vera; his niece, Connie Penda and her husband, James, of Bristol, 
Conn.; two stepsons, Maurice Bushey and his wife, Catherine, and Louis Bushey and his 
wife, Yvonne, all of Caseville; 12 step-grandchildren; 18 step-great-grandchildren.   
Preceding him in death was his son, David Marquis in 1981; his sister, Jeannette Cyr; and 
step grandson, Todd Bushey.   A funeral mass will be conducted 11 a.m. on Nov. 20, 
2002, at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnbeog. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic 
Cemetery in Bristol, Conn.   Visitation will be from 9:30 until the time of services on 
Wednesday at the church.   Memorials may be given to St. Felix Catholic Church in 
Pinnebog or St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bristol.   Friends and family may sign the 
guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2002


Ruth Becker 
Ruth E. Becker, 62, of Port Austin formerly of Pigeon and Detroit, passed away 
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw.   She was born in Port 
Huron on May 13, 1940, the daughter of the Rev. Ernst and Evelyn Lois (Westphal) 
Henkelmann.   On July 11, 1981, she was united in marriage to Alfred Karl Becker at 
Truth Lutheran Church in Detroit.   Following her graduation from Pigeon High School, 
Ruth graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Highland Park School of Nursing, and 
with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Wayne State University School of Nursing in 
1967. She worked at Highland Park Hospital as a nurse as well as administrative 
coordinator, and she was a nursing instructor at Sinai Hospital in Detroit. At Bon Secours 
Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Mrs. Becker worked as nursing education instructor for seven 
years, and then worked in the computer department for three years, retiring in May 1994. 
She was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Kinde.   She is survived by her 
husband, Alfred Karl Becker, of Port Austin; her mother, Evelyn Henkelmann of Pigeon; 
a brother, the Rev. Frederick Henkelmann and his wife, Raylene, of Linton, N.D.; nieces 
and nephew, Sarah, Matthew and Rachel; cousins, Jack and Irma Clauser of 
Mechanicsburg, Penn.   She was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Marie in 1960; and 
her father the Rev. Ernst Henkelmann in 1991.   The funeral service will be conducted at 
11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Kinde, with the 
Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Cross Lutheran Cemetery in 
Pigeon.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at 
Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon and from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 
11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Kinde.   Memorials for Mrs. 
Becker may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. 

Timothy Deming 
Timothy D. Deming, 59, of Bad Axe, the current president of the Upper Thumb Habitat 
for Humanity, passed away at his home on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002.   He was born on 
Dec. 7, 1942, in Ravenna, Ohio, son of Maxwell and Margaret (Boling) Deming.   Mr. 
Deming was active in the Upper Thumb Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the 
Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church where he was currently serving as an elder on the 
Session as well as the Session liaison to the finance committee.   He is survived by one 
daughter, Alison Deming and her fiance, Paul Bucek, of Royal Oak; mother, Margaret 
Deming of Novi; one brother, Terry Deming and his wife, Susan, of Livonia; two sisters, 
Nancy Becker and her husband, Michael, of Ogden Dunes, Ind. and Irene Rochette and 
her husband, David, of Ann Arbor.   He was preceded in death by his father, Maxwell 
Deming.   Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at the Bad 
Axe First Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jan Dykshoorn, pastor.   
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the service time at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the church.   
Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity.   Arrangements are being conducted 
by the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. 

Hazel Finkel 
Hazel H. Finkel, 90, of Port Hope passed away Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, at Maplewood 
Manor Nursing Center in Clio.   She was born on May 24, 1912, in Port Hope the 
daughter of the late Albert and Grace (Scheve) Young.   On Nov. 12, 1932, Hazel was 
united in marriage to Harold Finkel in Port Hope. He preceded her in death on April 13, 
1983.   Hazel was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope and was active in 
many of its organizations including the Sewing Circle, Married Couples, the Ladies Aid 
and Auxiliary and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She also enjoyed being 
with her family and playing cards.   Hazel is survived by her children, William Finkel and 
his wife, Linda, of Lake Orion, Marilyn Frizzle and her husband, Donald, of Sturgis, 
Diane Roberts and her husband, Walter, of Clio; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-
grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Walter Schave of Port Hope; 
sister Eleanor Pleiness of Harbor Beach.   Hazel was preceded in death by a daughter, 
Harriet Schave on July 7, 2002; and two brothers, Harold and Edwin Young.   Funeral 
services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, in St. John Lutheran Church Port 
Hope with the Rev. Gregory Eilers, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the Port Hope 
Cemetery. A scripture service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Ramsey Funeral 
Home, Harbor Beach.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 
to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services 
on Thursday at the church. 

Betty Porter 
Betty L. Porter of Placentia, Calif. passed away on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, surrounded 
by family at her home.   Betty was born in Pigeon on Nov. 12, 1944, to Frederick and 
Olga (Schuette) Renn.   She married Jerry D. Porter on May 16, 1964, at Cross Lutheran 
Church in Pigeon.   She was employed as a bookkeeper and was a member of Lamb of 
God Lutheran Church in Anaheim.   Betty is survived by her husband, Jerry; children, 
Tami Crosser and her husband, Dave, of Placentia, Calif., Andrea Sandoval and her 
husband, John, of Glendale, Ariz., Jerry of Anaheim, Calif.; grandsons, David, Tim, 
Brian, Josh, and Jake; brothers, William Renn and his wife, Sandra, of Pigeon, Kent of 
Emmett; sisters, Karen Anklam of Elkton, Joyce Jarvis and her husband, David, of 
Anaheim, Calif., Debra and her husband, Thomas, of Pigeon; and many nieces and 
nephews.   A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday Nov. 20, 2002, at Lamb of 
God Lutheran Church in Anaheim, Calif.   A memorial service will be conducted at 2 
p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon.   Memorial 
contributions may be given to Cross Lutheran Church. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2002


Kathleen Conrad 
Kathleen Collis Conrad, 86, of Cass City formerly of West Bloomfield, died Tuesday, 
Nov. 19, 2002, in Tuscola County Medical Care Facility in Caro.   Funeral services will 
be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at Simpson Modetz Funeral Home Riverside 
Chapel in Waterford with Pastor Tony Randolph of Faith Baptist Church in Waterford 
officiating. Interment is in Novesta Township Cemetery in Cass City.   Visitation will be 
from 11 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.   Memorials may be made to St. Jude's 
Hospital.   Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City. 

Sharon Sobczak 
Sharon Sobczak, 60, of Kinde, died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, at University of Michigan 
Hospitals in Ann Arbor.   She was born on July 2, 1942, in Harbor Beach, daughter of 
Gertrude (Maschke) and the late Arthur Fuerst.   Sharon grew up in Port Hope and 
graduated from Port Hope High School. She enjoyed fishing, the casinos and spending 
time with her grandchildren.   She is survived by three children, Steven Wagner and his 
wife, Aimee, of Manistee, Wendy Simmons and her husband, Joseph, of Milan, and 
Richard Sobczak and his wife, Kimberly, of Newnan, Ga.; seven grandchildren, Jillicia 
Wagner, Justin Schlager, Jacob Simmons, Conner Simmons, Kristen Sobczak, McKenzie 
Sobczak, and Tana Sobczak; her mother, Gertrude Fuerst of Port Hope; brother, 
Arlington Fuerst and his wife, Sharon, of Dryden; two nieces, Julie and Stacy; and one 
nephew, Ryan.   Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2002, at the 
Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley crematory in 
Bay City.   Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 
Friday at the funeral home. 

Helen Taylor 
Helen M. Taylor, 87, of Kingston, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, in Rendon's Young at 
Heart Adult Foster Care Home.   Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, 
Nov. 22, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Kingston with the Rev. Terry Butters of 
Kingston United Methodist Church officiating. Interment is in Kingston Cemetery in 
Kingston.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on 
Thursday, and from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday before the service.   Memorials may be made 
to Kingston United Methodist Church Building Fund. 

Carl Wright 
Carl Edward Wright, 92, of Cass City, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, in Hills and Dales 
General Hospital in Cass City after a short illness.   Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on 
Friday, Nov. 22, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with the Rev. George Ward 
of Cass City United Methodist Church officiating.   Interment is in Elkland Township 
Cemetery in Cass City.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 
p.m. on Thursday.   Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels or Cass City United 
Methodist Church building fund. 

Thursday, November 21, 2002

William McDowell 
William "Bill" McDowell, 78, of Bad Axe passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, at 
the Huron Medical Care Facility following an extended illness.   He was born on Oct. 13, 
1924, in Bad Axe, son of the late Carl and Janet (Patterson) McDowell.   He married Lois 
Stirrett on Oct. 1, 1955, in the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. She preceded him in 
death on Oct. 17, 1994.   He was a member of the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church 
where he served as an Elder on the Session, a member of the Verona Lodge No. 365 of 
the Free and Accepted Masons, and a volunteer on the Bad Axe Fire Department. He was 
a serviceman for Detroit Edison from which he received a 35 years of service award.   
William is survived by two daughters, Tracy Revoir and her husband, Paris, of Olathe, 
Kan., Kristi Karn and her husband, Craig, of Denver, Colo.; one sister, Jessie Williston of 
Bad Axe; one grandson, Ryan Revoir of Olathe, Kan.; two granddaughters, Hannah and 
Lauren Karn of Denver, Colo.   Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on 
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be 
the Rev. Jan Dykshoorn, pastor. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery. A Masonic service 
will be at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe.   Visitation will be 
from 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the service time at 
11 a.m. at the church.   Memorials may be offered to the Bad Axe First Presbyterian 
Church, Huron Memorial Hospice, the Masonic Temple, or the University of Michigan 
Department of Neurology. 

Margaret Sizemore 
Margaret C. Smith Sizemore, 73, died Sunday evening, Nov. 17, 2002, at Gulf Breeze 
Hospital in Florida.   She was born Oct. 31, 1929, to the late Fred and Martha Smith in 
Hume Township.   She married Clifford Sizemore in 1953.   She is survived by her 
husband, Clifford; five children, Connie Jones, Betty Jo Short and her husband, Lee, Jim 
and his wife, Patty, all of Florida, Fred and his wife, Debbie and Kenneth and his wife, 
Lynn, both of Georgia; one brother, Henry Smith and his wife, Elma of Bad Axe; one 
sister, Clara Selk and her husband, Henry, of Sturges, S.D.; several nieces and nephews; 
seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by a brother, 
Robert Smith.   Funeral services will take place in Florida with burial in Georgia. 

Friday, November 22, 2002


Daniel Brunet 
Daniel "Dan" John Brunet, 46, of Vassar, formerly of Brookshire, Texas, passed away 
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at his parents home in Vassar.   Dan was born on Oct. 3, 1956, 
in Saginaw and was the son of Harry and Donna Brunet. His mother preceded him in 
death on Nov. 4, 2002.   For the past twenty years he was a resident of Brookshire, Texas 
where he operated a fiberglass architectural company. The past five years he has battled 
multiple myeloma cancer. He was a graduate of Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port (Laker) High 
School, class of 1976.   Dan is survived by his father, Harry; brothers and sisters, Vicki 
Faber and her husband, Brad, of Corunna, Michael Brunet and his wife, Jean, of Caro, 
Laurie Slate and her husband, Gary, of Hesperia, Matthew Brunet of Katy, Texas; 
grandmother, Betty Holeman of Saginaw; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and 
cousins.   A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at the Hanlin 
Chapel for Funerals in Vassar. Pastor Douglas Stockwell will officiate.   Visitation will 
be from noon until the time of service at the chapel.   The family would like to especially 
thank Hospice of Hope of the Frankenmuth Lutheran Home Care for their loving support 
and care this past week.   The family requests that no flowers be sent. Memorials in his 
name may be made to Hospice of Hope or the American Cancer Society. 

Amada Garcia 
Amada T. Garcia, 78, of Sebewaing died late Wednesday evening, Nov. 20, 2002, at Bay 
Medical Center in Bay City following a one-week illness.   She was born Sept. 13, 1924, 
in McQueeny, Texas, daughter of the late Ramon and Josefa (Vega) Torres.   She was 
united in marriage to Albino Garcia on April 16, 1944, in New Braufels, Texas. He 
preceded her in death on May 19, 1975.   She was a member of Holy Family Catholic 
Church in Sebewaing.   She is survived by five daughters and four sons, Mary Gentle and 
her husband, Matt, of Bay City, Felix Garcia and his wife, Elena, of New Braufels, 
Texas, Maria Garcia, Sophie Lutz, Gloria Vasquez, Juan Garcia and his wife, Gina, 
Margie Gettel and her husband, Mark, all of Sebewaing, Albino Garcia Jr. and his wife, 
Janie, of Austin, Texas, Raymond Garcia and his wife, Deb, of Auburn; 21 
grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mercedes Villaneuva of New Braufels, 
Texas; and many nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by three brothers, 
Julio, Pedro and Eleno Torres.   The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. 
on Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Sebewaing. Fr. George 
Serour will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.   Visitation will be from noon to 
9 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral 
Home in Sebewaing. She will lie in state from 9:30 until the time of service on Monday 
at the church.   Memorials may be made to Family Discretionary Fund. 

Dorothy Kieft 
Dorothy E. Kieft, 73, of Rochester and Bay Port, died Thursday morning, Nov. 21, 2002, 
at her home in Bay Port following a year-long illness.   She was born Nov. 26, 1928, in 
Saginaw, daughter of the late William H. "Bud" and Susan Mary (Kleinfeld) Doerfner.   
She was united in marriage to Richard L. Kieft on July 1, 1950, in Saginaw.   She was a 
graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry.   
She was a member of the Women's National Farm and Garden Club of which she just 
received a 30 Year Membership Award. She also was in the Rochester Symphony 
Orchestra for several years. She enjoyed gardening and dried arrangements.   She is 
survived by her husband, Richard, of Rochester and Bay Port; two sons and two 
daughters, Julia H. Kieft of Bay Port, Richard Lynn Kieft and his wife, Lyn, of 
Westminster, Calif., Brian Kieft and his wife, Karen, of South Lyons, and Sharon 
Elizabeth Kaiser and her husband, Cary, of St. Clair Shores; two grandchildren, Jeffrey 
Jostock and his wife, Veronica, and Jeremy Steven Blankenship; two great-
grandchildren, Savannah and Justin Jostock; one sister, Frances Mudeking and her 
husband, Donald, of Dearborn; one brother, William H. Doerfner Jr. of Perry; and 
numerous nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Jean 
Smith and Susan Ann Sobel.   A private committal service will take place in the spring at 
the Old Bay Port Cemetery near Bay Port.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday 
and from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. 
Cremation will take place at the Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City.   Memorials may 
be made to Garden Club Scholarship Fund. 

Vern Smith 
Vern Smith, 58, lifelong resident of Bad Axe, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at his home.   
He was born Aug. 26, 1944, in Bad Axe to the late Herbert and Eunice (Gaffney) Smith.   
He was married to Judy Apley on Oct. 2, 1991.   Vern worked as a welder for Pigeon 
Manufacturing for 26 years. He enjoyed John Deere, hunting and wildlife. He liked 
working outside and spending time with his grandchildren.   He is survived by his wife, 
Judy Smith; one son, Kevin Apley and his wife, Donna, of Bad Axe; two daughters, 
Debbie Delong and her husband, Eric, of Columbiaville, Teresa Castle and her husband, 
Al, of North Branch; six granddaughters, Rebecca, Miranda Marie and Isabelle Apley, 
Tiffany and Ashley Delong and Megan Castle; three grandsons, Austin Kevin Apley, 
Ryan Delong, Zachary Castle; two step-grandchildren, Ashley and Shawn Czewski; one 
brother, Paul Smith of Bad Axe; and two sisters, Pat Gerber of Bad Axe and Margaret 
Taylor of Mio.   Vern was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Woolner; a 
granddaughter, Tabitha Woolner; and two brothers, Art and Walt Smith.   Funeral 
services will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad 
Axe. The Rev. Donald Stroud will officiate.   Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today at 
the funeral home.   Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. 

Victoria Longuski 
Victoria Longuski, 92, of Ubly passed away Thursday evening, Nov. 21, 2002, at the 
Huron Medical Care Facility of Bad Axe.   A funeral mass is being planned for Monday.   
Arrangements are being handled by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. 

John Shpilia 
John Shpilia, 86, of Caseville died Thursday morning, Nov. 21, 2002, at his home while 
under hospice care.   A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 
2002, at St. Roch Catholic Church.   An Eagle memorial service will be conducted at 
6:30 p.m. on Sunday and a parish scripture service at 7 p.m. at the Champagne Funeral 
Chapel in Caseville.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. on 
Sunday at the funeral chapel and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the 
church.   Memorials may be directed to United Hospice or the church. 



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