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 18, 2002 Sunday, August 18, 2002 Eugene Guitar Eugene A. Guitar, 81, of Warren and formerly of Ruth, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002. Mr. Guitar was a member of the St. Jane Frances Seniors. He was the beloved husband of the late Angeline A. (nee Leppak) and the late Albina. He was the loving father of Allen and his wife, Karen, Darrell and his wife, Darlene, Pamela Balas and her husband, Christopher; and many loving stepchildren. He was the proud grandfather, great- grandfather and brother to many. He was the dearest son of the late Nicholas Guitar. Funeral services took place Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002 with a 9:30 a.m. mass at St. Cletus Church, Ryan Road. Visitation took place Friday at the Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. funeral home in Sterling Heights, where a scripture service also took place. Interment took place at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation. Share memories with the family at the funeral home's on-line guest book at WujekCalcaterra.com. Monday, August 19, 2002 Irvin A. Janowiak Irvin A. Janowiak, 80, of Livonia passed away Friday, Aug. 16, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Madelen; children, Deborah Owen and her husband, Robert, Jan Janowiak, Daniel Janowiak, Rodney Janowiak, Gregory Janowiak and his wife, Jamie, Maureen Frazee and her husband, Vernon, and Laura Janowiak; grandchildren, Bridget, Hilary, Alexandrea, and Julia; three sisters, Irene Kowalski, Eleanor Smith, Marie Oleksiak; and Herbert Janowiak. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002 at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, Plymouth. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia. Memorials may be made to Angela Hospice or charity of choice. Anthony Trigona Anthony "Dino" Phillip Trigona, 67, of Port Austin died Friday evening, Aug. 16, 2002 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw. He was born Jan. 5, 1935, in Johnstown, Pa. to the late Angelo and Angeline (Shorto) Trigona. He served in the United States Army in Korea. He enjoyed acting at the Port Austin Community Playhouse and singing karaoke. Anthony is survived by his fiancee, Margaret Morelli; one daughter, Dena Vowell and her husband, Gary, of Plain City, Ohio; two sons: David Trigona and his wife, Brandy, of Unionville, and Dan Trigona of Port Austin; former wife Mary F. Trigona; six grandchildren; one sister, Pauline Zelko and her husband Dr. Daniel of Burton; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. A memorial service was at 11 a.m. today at the MacAlpine Funeral Home-Gage Chapel of Kinde with Fr. Robert Pare of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Port Austin, officiating. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory, Bay City. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund. Tuesday, August 20, 2002 Arlene Kawecki Arlene Kawecki, 65, of Ubly passed away Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at her home after a two-year battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 4, 1936, in Detroit to the late Arsene and Madeline (Brady) Gostiaux. Arlene married Leonard Kawecki on May 3, 1958, in Capac. They lived in Detroit before moving to their home in Ubly. She was a high school graduate of Cass City Night School in 1983. She also served on the Cass City School Board in the early 1980's. She worked at Pizza Villa and Wildwood Farms as a cook. She also worked at Mr. Chips and most recently at Little Caesars as a manager. She is survived by her husband, Leonard; two sons, Jeffrey Kawecki and his wife, Brenda, of Ubly, and Mark Kawecki and his wife, Maureen, of Cass City; five grandchildren: LeAnn, Jessica, Alexandra, Kristen, and Shannon; one brother, Arsene "Tip" Gostiaux and his wife, Fran, of East China; one sister, Gerry Cuilo and her husband, Pete, of Flaglar Beach, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her 17-day-old sister Lily Marlene. Arlene loved her family and friends. Cremation will take place by the Cremation Society of Michigan. William E. McDonald William E. McDonald, 78, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, in Venice, Fla. He was a Filion resident until 1988 when he moved to his present home in North Port, Fla. William was a pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II, retiring as a commander. He was an active Mason as long as his health allowed. He was in R.A.M. Chapter 125, B.A. Commandry No. 52, Grand Encampment, Ky., Elf Khurafeh Shrine Temple, and the Huron County Shriners Club. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jeanne (Telfer) McDonald; sons, Michael and his wife, Nancy, of Wyoming, Mich., Ian and his wife, Michelle, of Sault Ste. Marie; 4 grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Edith Blongh and her husband, Bill, of Sarasota, Fla. A private family memorial is being planned. Wednesday, August 21, 2002 Elizabeth Fabian Elizabeth (Day) Fabian, 92, of Grand Blanc and formerly of Huron County, passed away Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at the Genesys Convalescent Center in Grand Blanc. She was born on March 12, 1910, in Colfax Township, daughter of the late George Alonzo and Margaret C. (MacDonald) Day. She married John Joseph Fabian on June 8, 1946, in New York, N.Y. He preceded her in death on March 18, 1973. Mrs. Fabian worked as a registered nurse for many years. She was a second lieutenant during World War II, serving in the Women's Army Corps. She was a member of the Oakwood Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Fabian of Grand Blanc; two sisters, Helen Fuller of Kinde and Mary I. Day of Bad Axe; three sisters-in-law, Eva Day of Bad Axe, Anna Plessinger of Grand Junction, Colo. and Elizabeth Fabian of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Murdoch and Sherman Day; and one sister, Beatrice Day. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Officiating will be Elder Dale Day of the Oakwood Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until the service time Thursday at the funeral home. Alvin Finkel Alvin W. Finkel, 70, of Port Hope passed away Tuesday Aug. 20, 2002, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe with hospice care following an extended illness. Born in Port Hope on Jan. 31, 1932, he was the son of Ella (Hintz) Finkel and the late Walter Finkel. Alvin was united in marriage to Shelva Weiss on June 22, 1957, in Port Hope. She preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 1967. On Nov. 11, 1967, he and Sharon Koglin were united in marriage in Port Hope. He was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed playing cards, playing pool and softball. Alvin was a member and Elder of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Finkel, of Port Hope; his children, Lori Kowaleski and her husband, Jeffery, of Port Hope, Ricky Finkel and his wife, Faye, of Port Hope, Randy Finkel and his wife, Denise, of Harbor Beach, Shannon Popour and her husband, Garth, of Port Hope; eight grandchildren, Kristen and Connor Kowaleski, Corey and Ryan Finkel, Jacob and Devin Finkel, and Caitlyn and Trent Popour; his mother, Ella Finkel, of Bad Axe; a brother, Marvin Finkel and his wife, Diane, of Port Hope; two sisters, Gloria Brown and her husband, Frank, of Bad Axe and Joann Muter and her husband, Fred, of Port Hope; and by several nieces and nephews. Alvin was preceded in death by a granddaughter. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2002, in St. John Lutheran Church of Port Hope with the Rev. Gregory Eilers, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Port Hope. There will be a scripture service for Mr. Finkel at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home and from 1 p.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the St. John's School or church. William Rickert William F. Rickert, 57, of Harbor Beach passed away Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at his home following an apparent heart attack. He was born on Aug. 28, 1944, in Harbor Beach to Naomi Winn Rickert and the late Arthur Rickert. Bill enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling and darts. He is survived by his children, Michele Rickert and Chad Rickert, both of Port Huron; his mother, Naomi Rickert of Harbor Beach; two sisters, Donna Dorsch of Harbor Beach and Darlene Muntz of Bad Axe. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 2002, at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor of the Zion Lutheran Church officiating. The burial site is undetermined. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home. Wilbur Severn Wilbur A. Severn, 81, of Harbor Beach passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, in Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit following a short illness. He was born in Elkton on Aug. 15, 1921, the son of the late Charles and Eleanor (DeVinney) Severn. Wilbur and Twila Havers were united in marriage on Feb. 17, 1944, in Harbor Beach. Wilbur was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army Air Force in England. He was a retired builder and former owner/operator of the Severn Oil Co. in Harbor Beach. Wilbur is survived by his wife, Twila Severn of Harbor Beach; children, Gary Severn and his wife, Carol, of Gross Pointe Park, Cheryl Rooker and her husband, Don, of Farmington Hills and Dawn Schwartz and her husband, Kevin, of Lum; three grandchildren; three sisters, Avis Ponton of Lynchburg, Va., Doris Thompson of Beverly Hills, Fla. and Enid Langley of Vassar. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter and Neil. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2002, at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Clarence VanConant, pastor of the United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Rock falls Cemetery in Harbor Beach. Visitation is from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 1 p.m. until the time of the service Friday at the funeral home. Thursday, August 22, 2002 Robert Danks Robert George "Bob" Danks, 70, of Pigeon passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Laurel's of Mount Pleasant. He was born in Pigeon on June 23, 1932, son of the late John and Elizabeth (Diener) Danks. He graduated in 1950 from Pigeon High School. On July 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Roberta J. Guisbert at the Cass City Methodist Church. Mr. Danks worked at the Pigeon A&P Grocery Store meat department as manager. Following that, he and his wife owned and operated Sand Crest Grocery from 1970 to 1985. Mr. Danks also worked construction throughout his lifetime, and from 1985 until his retirement in 1993 he was construction foreman for Robert Smith Builders. He enjoyed and loved his family. He was also an avid hunter. Mr. Danks was an active, faithful member of the Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon. He is survived by his wife, Roberta J. of Pigeon; three daughters, Georgia Eierman and her husband, Richard, of Leesburg, Ind., Gwendolyn Ovcen and her husband, Randal, of Loxahatchee, Fla., and Linda Reed of Livonia; eight grandchildren, Nathan, Scott, Aaron, Brett, Lindsey, Stacey, Courtney and Zachary; three great-grandchildren, Trenton, Haylie and Alexus; a brother, John E. "Jack" Danks and his wife, Katherine, of Okeechobee, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Mildred Danks of Saginaw; a brother-in-law, Harvey Weiss of Pigeon; several nieces and nephews; many friends, including dear friends, Bob and Joyce Smith. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brooke; two brothers, Raymond and Roland; and a sister, Donna M. Weiss. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 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 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home of Pigeon and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. Memorials for Mr. Danks may be made to either Cross Lutheran Church or Cross Lutheran School. Annabelle Diefenbach Annabelle L. "Pal" Diefenbach, 74, of Grant Township died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. She was born on May 21, 1928, in Unionville in the home of her parents, the late Arnold and Rose (Gotham) Hahn. On April 2, 1946, she was united in marriage to Gerald Diefenbach at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Unionville. They lived in Huron County all their married lives. He preceded her in death in Jan. 10, 2001. Annabelle was a very active member of Faith Gospel Tabernacle, Bad Axe. Her church was very important to her. Honesty, generosity and trust were her by words. She enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and visiting. Surviving are her daughter, Kathy Skipinski and her husband, Tom, of Washington; special niece, Mary Jameson and her husband, David, of Owendale; six grandchildren, Jenifer, Brenda, Brian, Devin, Jeremy and Tiffany; two great-grandchildren, Skylar and Samantha; her sister, Mabel Hase and her husband, Art, of St. Clair Shores; two brothers, Larry Hahn and his wife, Lynn, of Sebewaing and Allen Hahn and his wife, Karen, of Unionville; many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were a son, Gerald; four brothers, Arnold, William, Charles and Frank Hahn; five sisters, Donna Fritz, Arlene McCallum, Betty Wing, Mamie Taylor and Lorelei Holmes. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 2002, at Faith Gospel Tabernacle. The Rev. Michael Beeler, pastor and James Willet will officiate with burial in Grant Township Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton and after 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the church. Words of condolence or tribute may be sent to www.CFCelkton.con. Irene Obee Mrs. Irene E. Obee, 85, of Port Huron and formerly of Palms, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at St. John Hospital of Detroit. Irene was born Feb. 17, 1917, in Minden City to the late August and Rose (Cook) Moy. She married Henry Obee on Oct. 26, 1935, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms. He died this morning, Aug. 22, 2002, at Autumnwood of Deckerville. Irene was a graduate of Deckerville High School. She was a pitcher for the Minden City High School women's baseball team. She was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms and a member of the League of Catholic Women. She enjoyed crosswords, reading and gardening, especially roses. Irene is survived by two sons, John Obee and his wife, Janice, of Farmington Hills, and Thomas Obee and his wife, Diane, of Columbus, Mich.; five grandchildren, James Obee, Valerie McCarthy and her husband, Joseph, Paul Obee and his fiancee, Kim Morency, Sarah Obee and Rachel Obee; three sisters, Dorothy Kursinsky of Sandusky, Bertha Andrich of Sandusky, and Virginia Gabriel of Clinton Twp.; one brother, Raymond Moy of Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters-in-law, June Moy of Greenville and Genevieve Ceseski of Harbor Beach. Irene was preceded in death by her two infant children, Joseph and Mary; one brother, Chester Moy; and two sisters, Edna Schoen and Grace Moy. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms. The Rev. Steve Gavit, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Ruth, and Sr. Betty Zeestraten, 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 7 p.m. Friday at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Avenue in Minden City. Visitation will be from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Friday, August 23, 2002 Helen Mason Helen C. Mason, 91, of Caseville died Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2002, at Sunny Acres Nursing Center near Bad Axe. She was born on April 30, 1911, in Detroit to the late Edward and Clara (Creagan) Gibbons. On July 30, 1932, she was united in marriage to Rollin T. Mason in Mount Clemens. He preceded her in death on Aug. 26, 1985. Mrs. Mason was a reporter and journalist for the Detroit Free Press for eight years, leaving to raise her family. She became a ghost writer for several magazines while at home. After her husband retired in 1973, they moved to Caseville. Helen was a member of Caseville United Methodist Church and was very active in the Tip of the Thumb Leisure Ministries until her health failed in the late 1980s. Surviving are four daughters, June Mason of Pigeon, Shirley Carter of Fullerton, Calif., Karen Bell and her husband, Richard, of Lathrop Village, and Edith Mason of Bad Axe; three granddaughters, Carrie, Courtney, and Christine; and one sister, Rita Jones of Farmington Hills. She was preceded in death by one grandson, John Carter. A funeral service will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at the Caseville United Methodist Church. The Rev. Michael Quayle, pastor, will officiate with burial in Caseville Township Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at church. Memorials may be given to the Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church. Henry Obee Mr. Henry "'Harry" F. Obee, 94, of Deckerville and formerly of Palms, passed away Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at Autumnwood of Deckerville. Harry was born Dec. 29, 1907, in Tyre to the late Frank and Lucy (Swartz) Obee. He married Irene Moy on Oct. 26, 1935 at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms. She preceded him in death on Aug. 20, 2002. Harry attended the Harbor Beach High School. He was a peppermint farmer and an independent crane operator. He was a parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he was an altar server in the later years of his life. He loves trees, crosswords, jig saw puzzles, gardening, reading and scrabble. Harry is survived by two sons, John Obee and his wife, Janice, of Farmington Hills, Thomas Obee and his wife, Diane, of Columbus; five grandchildren, James Obee, Valerie McCarthy and her husband, Joseph, Paul Obee and his fiancee, Kim Morency, Sarah Obee, Rachel Obee; one sister, Genevieve Ceseski of Harbor Beach; one brother, Eugene Obee of Grand Rapids; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kursinsky and Bertha Andrich, both of Sandusky; June Moy of Greenville, Virginia Gabriel of Clinton Township; one brother-in-law, Raymond Moy and his wife, Edith, of Atlanta, Ga. Harry was preceded in death by two infant children, Joseph and Mary; two sisters, Eleanor Stokus, and her husband John, and Irma Obee; one brother, Victor Obee; two sisters-in-law, Grace Moy, and Edna Schoen and her husband, Alfred; four brothers-in-law, Clifford Kursinsky, Wendell Andrich, Chester Moy and Christ Gabriel. Funeral mass for Harry Obee wõll be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Palms. The Rev. Steve Gavit, pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Ruth, and Sr. Betty Zeestraten, 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 7 p.m. on Friday at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Avenue in Minden City. Visitation is from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church only. Memorials requested to Mercy Marydale, 3147 10th Ave., Port Huron, 48060. Virginia Pickens Virginia A. Pickens, 69, of North Branch, died Thursday, August 22, 2002, in Metamora Manor Adult Foster Care Home after a short illness. Funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2002, at Kingston United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Terry Butters officiating. Interment is in Kingston Cemetery in Kingston. Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Kranz Funeral Home in Kingston. Memorials may be made to Kingston United Methodist Church. 1