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 June 30, 2002 Sunday, June 30, 2002 Cathryn Hess Cathryn M. Hess, 91, of Sebewaing died unexpectedly Thursday evening, June 27, 2002, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. She was born Nov. 19, 1910 in Sebewaing, daughter of the late Louis and Mary C. (Wilke) Denner. She was united in marriage to Carl E. Hess on Aug. 19, 1940 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. He preceded her in death on March 12, 1987. Cathryn was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid. She had been a Sunday School teacher for 20 years, a member of the choir for many years, and a member of the L.W.M.L. and the Valpariso Guild. Surviving are one son, Charles L. Hess of Redwood Shores, Calif.; one daughter, Mary Hatch of Issaquah, Wash.; two grandsons, Thomas and Christopher Hatch of Issaquah, Wash.; one sister-in-law, Alma Denner of Sebewaing; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth and Mel Reiss, Wesley Parth and Dorothy Pahssen, all of Frankenmuth and Bill Parth of Saginaw. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Carl, Richard, Frederick and Robert Denner; and one sister, Clara Beck. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2002, at Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home of Sebewaing. The Rev. Albert Bahr will officiate with burial in the Silverlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or the Immanuel Lutheran Church Music Fund. John Schall John A. Schall, 52, of Gagetown died Friday, June 28, 2002, in his home after a long illness. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with Debra L. Kranz, funeral service celebrant, officiating. Interment is in Grant Township Cemetery in Gagetown. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Dorothy Sprague A memorial service for Dorothy Peterson Sprague will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2002, at the United Protestant Church in Port Austin. Monday, July 01, 2002 Angela Lynch Angela Fauri Lynch, 98, of Bad Axe, retired librarian, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at home. She was born April 1, 1904 in Mansfield Township, Iron County, Michigan. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Angela Fauri. She attended the Mansfield School and graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1921. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Western State University and her Masters Degree in library science from the University of Michigan. She taught in Republic, Ironwood, Crystal Falls, Port Austin, Bad Axe, and Harbor Beach. She retired in 1969. Her career in education spanned forty-two years. Miss Angela Fauri married Richard W. Lynch on August 5, 1929, in Crystal Falls. He preceded her in death on November 8, 1978. Preceding her was also a son, John F. Lynch, and her sister, Lodovine Fauri Burling. She was also preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Bad Axe, the American Association of University Women, and the Michigan Education Association. She enjoyed reading, was an avid bridge player, and was well traveled. Mrs. Lynch is survived by her two sons, Richard F. and his wife, Rosilind, of Spring Lake, and Patrick J. and his wife, Patricia, of Columbia, Md.; one granddaughter, Judith Ann of Muskegon; two grandsons, Michael R. and his wife, Tracey, and Michael P. and his wife, Toni, and their son, Michael, her only great- grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. A mass of resurrection took place Friday, June 28, 2002 at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Crystal Falls. Fr. Ray Zeugener officiated. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. Arrangements are being handled by MacAlpine Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Crystal Falls or the Bad Axe Public Library. James Allen Williston James A. Williston, 76, of Bad Axe passed away Saturday morning, June 29, 2002, at his home following a probable heart attack. He was born in Flint on March 21, 1926 at the home of his parents, the late Harlan "Bill" and Marie (Bohms) Williston. Jim enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served on the USS West Virginia in the South Pacific for four years during World War II. After his time in the service, he joined his family in Bad Axe, where they had moved from Bay City while Jim was overseas. He, along with his father and family, started Bill Williston & Sons Auto Parts in Bad Axe. He later completed high school and earned an associates degree in business form Northeastern School of Commerce in Bay City. On November 22, 1952 he was united in marriage to Jessie I. McDowell at the first Presbyterian Church of Bad Axe. Jim and his brothers operated the family business until he retired and it closed in 1987. He was a member of the Chandler Presbyterian Church, Elkton VFW Post No. 6013, Bay Port American Legion Post NO. 533, and past president of the Upper Thumb chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He was also a life member of the Verona Lodge No. 365 F&AM, Huronia Chapter NO. 81 OES, Bad Axe Commandery No. 53 KT, Huron Shrine Club, Scottish Rite Valley of Bay City, Elf Khurafeh Temple of Saginaw and the Lebanon Chapter NO. 125 Royal Arch Masons of Michigan. Surviving are his wife, Jessie; two daughters, Janet Legacy and her husband, Thomas, of Perry, and JoAnne Stitt and her husband, Robert, of Ypsilanti; five grandchildren, Brent, Cherissa, George, Carly and James. Also surviving are three brothers, Bill Williston and his wife, Clara, of Bad Axe, Wade Williston and his wife, Lillian, of Essexville, and Dave Williston and his wife, Nancy, of Bad Axe; three sisters, Shirley Pasant of East Lansing, Phyllis Clutter of Willamette, IL and Janet Saikin and her husband, Henry, of Glenview, IL; and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Harland, preceded him in death. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday July 2, 2002 at the First Presbyterian Church, Bad Axe. The Rev. Jan Dykshoorn, pastor, and the Rev. Frank VanValen will officiate. A Masonic memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. today at the church. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be given to Shriner's Children's Hospital, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, or the donor's choice. Arrangements are being handled by Champagne Funeral Home, Elkton. Words of condolence or tribute may be sent to www.CFCelkton.com. Tuesday, July 2, 2002 J. Grant Brown Grant Brown, 86, of Cass City died unexpectedly Sunday, June 30, 2002 in Lapeer General Hospital. He was born January 8, 1916 at home in Cumber. He was a lifelong area resident. He married Alison Gracie Milligan on August 22, 1942 in Cass City. She preceded him in death on October 16, 1986. Grant worked for Douglas Funeral Home during high school and a few years after. He was a dairy farmer until 1963 when he sold the cows. Afterward he became a crop farmer with his son Jim. Grant was a member of the Cass City First Presbyterian Church and the Farm Bureau. He has wintered in Bradenton for nearly 30 years. Grant loved his work, playing cards, traveling, and especially spending time with family and friends. Grant is survived by his children: Shirley McIntosh and her husband, Carl, of Williamston, and James Brown and his wife, Judy, of Cass City; five grandchildren, Brent McIntosh and his wife, Laura, of New York City, NY, Beth Eiler and her husband, Christian, of Royal Oak, Michelle Hill and her husband, Marc, of Pigeon, Lori Brown of Cass City, Eric Brown of Cass City; special friend Margaret Burns of Cass City; sister-in-law, Agnes Milligan of Bad Axe; one niece, two nephews and their spouses. Funeral services will be at 11a.m. Thursday, July 4, 2002, at Cass City First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. David Blackburn of Cass City First Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Michael Black of West Locke Wesleyan Church of Williamston officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City. Memorials may be made to Cass City First Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society. Marjorie Larivee Marjorie D. Larivee, 83, of Forestville passed away Monday, July 1, 2002 in the long- term care unit of Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Detroit on April 1, 1919, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Jeanetta (VanDyke) Diebel. She and Raymond Larivee were united in marriage on April 25, 1942 in Detroit. Marjorie was a volunteer for the Braille Transcribers and was the Village of Forestville Treasurer for four years. She is survived by her husband Raymond Larivee of Forestville and her children: Marilyn Teeple of Forestville and Kenneth Larivee of Detroit; also by seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren. Marjorie was preceded in death by two sisters, Etta Diebel and Geana Sides. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2002 in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with the Rev. Theresa Cutler officiating. Burial will be at noon on Friday in the White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Marie O'Neil Marie Elizabeth O'Neil, 92, of Cass City died Saturday, June 29, 2002 in Sunny Acres Nursing Center, Bad Axe. She was born Nov. 1, 1909 in Detroit to William and Laverne (Bone) Delling. She married John C. O'Neil on April 7, 1934 in Detroit. He preceded her in death on November 5, 1964. Marie was the 11th person hired at Walbro Manufacturing in Cass City. She retired after working more than 20 years. Marie was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers. She liked to garden, spend time at the lake, and spend time with her grandchildren. Marie is survived by her daughter, Carol Ann VanErp and her husband, Joseph, of Bad Axe; grandchildren, Daniel VanErp and his wife, Kay, Michael VanErp and his wife, Kim, Denise Drake and her husband, Paul, Jeffrey VanErp and his wife, Gigi, Rodney VanErp and his wife, Michelle, and David VanErp; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son, Richard Charles O'Neil, who died November 7, 1996; three sisters, Helen Marquet, Cecilia Monfils and an infant sister; two brothers, William Delling and Donald Delling. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2002 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Sheridan Corners, with the Rev. Kevin Maksym officiating. Interment is in St. Columbkille Cemetery. There will be a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday in church. Memorials may be made to St. Columbkille Church Building Fund for landscaping of the addition or Huron Memorial Hospice. Arrangements are being made by Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City. Glenn Sageman Glenn Arthur Sageman, 79, of Port Hope died Sunday, June 30, 2002 in Huron Township. He was born Sept. 9, 1922 in Sigel Township to the late Joseph and Olga (Reinke) Sageman Sr. He married Winifred Heilig in 1949. Glenn was a veteran of World War II where he drove trucks in Asia. He worked in farming and excavating, retiring from Willie Farms. Glenn is survived by his wife, Winnie; one son, Richard Sageman and his wife, Deborah, of Verona Township; one daughter, Karen Shrader and her husband, Steven, of Saginaw; three brothers, Winston Sageman of Bad Axe, Wallace Sageman and his wife, Marie, of Bad Axe, Earl Sageman and his wife, Mary Alice, of Pigeon; one sister Harriet Britt and her husband, Kenneth, of Bad Axe; four grandchildren, Scott Shrader, Megan Shrader, Misty Lynn Sageman, and Richard William Sageman, ten brothers-in-law, seven sisters-in-law and their families. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold T. Sageman and Joseph Sageman, Jr. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2002 at MacAlpine Funeral Home-Gage Chapel in Kinde. The Rev. Jan Dykshoorn will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in New River Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Gertrude D. Thompson Gertrude D. "Gertie" Thompson, 82, resident of Clarkston and former resident of Bad Axe, died Sunday, June 30, 2002. She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Walker and her husband, Russell, of Clarkston and Arlene Thompson of Clarkston; four grandchildren, Stacey Walker and her special friend, Mark McVigar, of Waterford, Christopher Walker and his wife, Amy, of Waterford, Angela Beach and her husband, Sunny, of Ann Arbor, and Sarah Smith and her special friend, Jon Huertas, of Hollywood, Calif.; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Annalise Walker; one sister, Pauline Harris of Bad Axe; two brothers, Glenn Wahl and his wife, Sharon, of Port Austin and Kenneth Wahl and his wife, Mary, of Bay City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen G. Thompson; two brothers, Doug Wahl and Dewey Wahl; and her sister Wanda Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2002, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Robert Garrett will officiate. Burial will be at Colfax Cemetery in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 3 until 7 p.m. today at the Lewis E. Wint & Son TRUST 100 Funeral Home in Clarkston, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Davisburg Senior Center. Bernice Haun Bernice Haun, 81, of Gagetown, formerly of Detroit, died Wednesday, March 6, 2002 in St. John's Senior Community in Detroit. A memorial services will take place at noon Saturday, July 6, 2002 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Gagetown. Interment is in St. Agatha Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Wednesday, July 3, 2002 Elaine Oparka Elaine F. Oparka, 69, of Harbor Beach passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2002 at HealthSource of Saginaw. Born in Harbor Beach on May 19, 1933, she was the daughter of the late George and Cecilia (Moy) Wruble. She and Alfred Oparka were united in marriage on Feb. 7, 1959 in Harbor Beach. Alfred preceded her in death on April 3, 1986. Elaine was a former employee of Sandman Grocery for more than 20 years. She enjoyed being with her granddaughters and watching them play in various sporting events. Elaine was an avid Pirate fan. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Elaine is survived by her children, Tom Oparka and his wife, Cindy, of Harbor Beach, Dave Oparka of Lapeer and Cathy Cook and her husband, Larry, of Harbor Beach; five granddaughters, Angie Nowiski, Erica Oparka, Abbie Oparka, Kristi Cook and Alyson Cook; one brother, Larry Wruble of Sterling Heights; and a foster son, Charles Wruble. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Clarence Wruble. A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2002, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Church with the Rev. Gerald Kukla officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Gordon W. Wheeler Gordon W. "Gordie" Wheeler, 55, of Grand Blanc passed away Monday, July 1, 2002 in Flint. He was born November 4, 1946 in South Carolina, the son of the late Wayne and Flossie (Mardlin) Wheeler. Gordon served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for 23 years in experimental engineering at GM Truck and Bus. Gordon loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He is survived by his wife, Kim; a daughter, Kristie Yacheson and her husband, Lee, of Warren; a son, Greg Wheeler of Florida; one step- daughter, Melissa Smith and her husband, Chris, of Brown City; one brother, Dennis Bartle and his wife, Rita, of Cass City; five grandchildren, Alisha Brown, Anthony Yacheson, Sierra Wheeler, Jeremy Streeter, and Thomas Wight; and his best friend, Richard "Bear" Grifka. He is preceded in death by a step-son, Jeremy Snow. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2002 at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home with the Rev. Ellen Burns of Ubly United Methodist Church officiating. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory of Bay City. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Coats Funeral Home, 3141 Sashabaw Rd. in Waterford and from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. until the time of service at Zinger- Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Donald Alexander Donald Alexander, 65, of Sebewaing passed away Tuesday evening, July 2, 2002, at Bay Medical Center in Bay City. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2002, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home, Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, at the funeral home. Simon Schmitt Simon H. "Smitty" Schmitt, 62, formerly of Bad Axe passed away April 17, 2002 in Elgin, Ill. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, April 20, 2002 at the Laird Funeral Home of Elgin, Ill. Interment was private. Information provided by the Zinger- Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Thursday, July 4, 2002 – Independence Day Holiday (no obituaries posted) Friday, July 5, 2002 Walter King Walter John King, 84, a former long time resident of Center Line and Caseville, died Thursday, July 4, 2002 in Shelby Nursing Center in Shelby Township. Walter was born September 24, 1917 in Detroit. He worked as a millwright at Chrysler 8 Mile Stamping Plant for 42 years. In his retirement he had been active with senior citizens groups. He is survived by two daughters: Lorraine Bianchini and her husband, Raymond, and Barbara King; one son, Jerrold King and his wife, Lori; five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna. A funeral mass will take place at noon Saturday, July 6, 2002, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens, with Fr. Mike Cooney officiating. There will be a rosary service at 7 p.m. Friday at Ford Funeral Home, Center Line. Visitation will be 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Capuchins. Iris Hartshorn Iris Hartshorn, 96, former owner of the Irwin Hotel, Bad Axe passed away Saturday, June 1, 2002, at Sunny Acres Nursing Center. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, July 6, 2002, at the First Presbyterian Church, Bad Axe. Arrangements by Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. 1