HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning August 3, 2003 Contributed 2003 by Carol Morrison for use in the USGenWeb Archives. USGENWEB 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 USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Sunday, August 3, 2003 Eli B. Cook Eli B. Cook, 81, of Bad Axe, died Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at the Veterans Hospital in Detroit. He was born Aug. 19, 1921 in Highland Park to the late Minnie and Russell Cook. He served in the United States Infantry and was a member of VFW Post No. 6965. Surviving is his son, Russell Cook, of Battle Creek; twin brother, Enos M. Cook, of Ubly. "Uncle Bud" will be missed by many nieces, nephews, family and friends who survive him, especially his unofficial adopted son, Tommy. A memorial service will be conducted in his honor on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003, at the home of Enos and Marjorie Cook. Pearl G. Sharpsteen Pearl G. Sharpsteen, 84, of Sebewaing, passed away Friday morning, Aug. 1, 2003, at Tendercare of Cass City following a two-month illness. She was born Dec. 15, 1918 in Highland Park, daughter of the late Ernest E. and Ambrosia (Bresee) Edwards. She was united in marriage to Robert E. Sharpsteen on Dec. 25, 1935 in Highland Park. He preceded her in death on Sept. 25, 1989. Pearl was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles and reading. Surviving are one sister, Ruth Tsacoumangos, of Clearwater, Fla.; two nieces, Phyllis Sharpsteen, and Beverly Dressler and her husband, Victor, all of Sebewaing; two dear friends, Lorna Highducheck, of Sebewaing and Helen Ellison, of Bay City; two grand-nieces; four grand-nephews; several great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Ray McGee will officiate with inurnment in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Trinity United Methodist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Dinkel- Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. Stanley "Fisher" Szeszycki Stanley "Fisher" Szeszycki, 88, of Port Austin, died Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. He was born Oct. 30, 1914 in Grindstone, son of the late Anthony and Mary (Horetski) Szeszycki. He married Stella "Sally" Maurer on Jan. 30, 1937 at Holy Trinity Church at Smith's Corner. Stanley managed the Port Austin Market for many years. He co-owned Sally's Flower Shop in Port Austin and painted and decorated. Stanley was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Stanley is survived by his wife, Sally, of Port Austin; his son, Stanley Fisher and his wife, Crystal, of Port Austin; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Viola Ignash, of Kinde, Regina Kowalski, of Kinde, and Gertrude Thayer, of Imlay City; one brother, Pat Fisher, of Imlay City. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janice Landress; his son, Tony Fisher; two brothers, William and Walter Szeszycki; and his sister, Francis Hiesserson. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Officiating will be Fr. Robert Pare. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be a vigil at 7 tonight at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Joseph Suchy Sr. Joseph Suchy, Sr., 81, of Port Austin, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, at Harbor Beach Community Hospital in Harbor Beach. He was born on March 1, 1922 in Woodside, Penn., son of the late John and Mary (Tusinksy) Suchy. He married Helen Mary Smith on Aug. 12, 1947 in Winchester, Va. Joe worked in the Pennsylvania coal mines for 19 years until 1963 when he moved to Hamtramck and began working for General Motors. He retired from GM in 1986 and moved to Port Austin in 1991. Joe served in the United States Army during World War II. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the Medal of Victory and the Purple Heart. He was a member of the VFW in Uniontown, Penn., and of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Joe took great pride in his vegetable garden and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Port Austin; two children, Stephen Suchy and his wife, Marilyn Schumacher, of Port Austin, and Barb Detloff and her husband, Al, of Spruce; seven grandchildren, Dave Detloff, Stephanie Walker and her husband, Mike, Adam Schumacher, Yvette Garland and her husband, Teja, Josh Suchy, Justin Suchy and Jordan Suchy; two great-grandchildren, Ethan Garland and Sierra Schumacher. He was preceded in death by three children, Joseph Jr., John and Lorraine Suchy; two brothers, Frank and John; and one sister, Ann. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Fr. Robert Pare will officiate. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. There will be a vigil conducted at 7 p.m. Monday at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Carlton Winchester Carlton D. Winchester, 83, of Gagetown, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, after a long illness, at Tendercare Nursing Facility in Cass City. He was born July 15, 1920 at home in Elmwood Township, Gagetown, to Carl L. and Jessie (Andrews) Winchester. Carlton never married. Carlton graduated from the Frenchtown School. He was a crop farmer. He loved gospel music. Carlton enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and making candy. Carlton is survived by his brothers: William Winchester, of Gagetown, Gerald Winchester and his wife, Betty, of Gagetown; sisters: Gwendolyn Sommers, of Bad Axe, June Farnum and her husband, Willis, of Owendale; brother-in-law, John Lorenz; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Althea Lorenz, Norma Fournier, Beulah Hobart, Jane Hudson and an infant sister, Margaret; brothers: C.L. Winchester, James Winchester and John Winchester. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, in Kranz Funeral Home of Cass City with Pastor R. Bryan Crampton, of Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene. Frances Kilburn Frances Kilburn, 86, of Deford, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, in her home after a long illness. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, at Kranz Funeral Home in Kingston with Pastor Stu Roy officiating. Interment will be in Kingston Cemetery in Kingston. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Deford Christian Academy. Monday, August 04, 2003 J.C. Pitcher J.C. Pitcher, 77, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at the home of his daughter, Jan, in Oak Park, following a three-month illness. He was born Dec. 6, 1925 in Sebewaing, son of the late John H. and Clara (Holland) Pitcher. He was united in marriage to Madelyn (Jackie) Johnston on June 21, 1950. She preceded him in death on Feb. 22, 1991. He took over the Ben Franklin Store in Sebewaing from his parents in 1965 and operated it until he sold the store to his son, John, and retired in 1990. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. J.C. was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, former member of the Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce, had served on the Sebewaing Fire Department for 25 years and was a member of the Sebewaing V.F.W. Post No. 4115. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman. He is survived by two daughters, Jan Wicks, of Oak Park, Paula Orr and her husband, David, of Coral Springs, Fla.; one son, John Pitcher and his wife, Angela, of Sebewaing; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Fr. John Weis will officiate with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight and from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. Dorothy Smith Dorothy Stine Smith, 90, of Cass City, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, in Crestmont Convalescent Home in Fenton. She was born on July 31, 1913 in Cass City to George Herman and Mabel Rachel (Gleasure) Stine. She married Edward Carmack Smith on July 4, 1931 in Pontiac. He died on May 10, 1989. Dorothy left Cass City to work as a nurse in Pontiac for 20 years, where she met and married Edward. They lived in Westland before moving back to Cass City in 1976. She was a member of the Cass City Church of Christ. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane Wheeler and her husband, Lyle, of Fenton; grandchildren, Stephen Wheeler and his wife, Michelle, of Muskegon, Mark Wheeler and his wife, Susan, of Davison, Penny Wheeler, of Brighton, Brian Wheeler, of Brighton, John Wheeler and his wife, Susan, of Brighton, Robert Wheeler and his wife, Cheryl, of West Liberty, Ohio, Patsy Lambert, of Heartland, William Wheeler and his wife, Karen, of Pinckney, Betsy Krupansky and her husband, David, of Brighton; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Rev. Bruce E. Stine and his wife, Otelia, of Seattle, Wash.; sisters-in-law, Roberta Stine, of Cass City, Elizabeth Stine, of Essexville, Jean French, of Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter; infant sister; brothers, Harrison and Garrison Stine; sister, Delores Smith; brothers-in-law, Jesse French and George Smith. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with Mr. Lyle Clarke, of the Cass City Church of Christ, officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Pallbearers for Mrs. Smith are her grandsons, Stephen, Mark, Brian, John, Robert and William Wheeler. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Cass City Church of Christ or the American Cancer Society. Stella Susalla Stella Susalla, 92, of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at the long term care unit of the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Sigel Township on Sept. 6, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Josephine (Puvalowski) Ulfig. On Nov. 8, 1926, Stella was united in marriage to Henry Susalla in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parisville. He preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 1999. Stella was a member of the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Helena and the Altar Society and enjoyed quilting. She is survived by two daughters, Alice Mausolf and her husband, Jerome, of Harbor Beach, and Nancy Messing, of Warren; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren; sister, Genevieve (Chester) Oparka, of Bad Axe; sister-in-law, Helen Ulfig, of Bad Axe. Stella was preceded in death by a sister, Florence Susalla; son-in-law, Melvin Messing; four brothers, Edward, Frank, Walter, and Steve Ulfig. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, in St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Helena with Fr. Andrzej Boroch, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A parish vigil service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church. Tuesday, August 5, 2003 Elmer Krauss Elmer J. "Amby" Krauss, 76, of Sebewaing and Tampa, Fla., died unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, in Sebewaing. He was born Jan. 27, 1927 in Sebewaing, son of the late Elmer A. and Mabel (Lutz) Krauss. He graduated from Sebewaing High School in 1944. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He then returned to Sebewaing and was employed by Dembowske Sales. He moved to St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1951, and began his real estate career. Amby was a realtor in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla. for over 50 years. He developed Joe's Creek in St. Petersburg and Tampa East and Tampa West Industrial Parks in Tampa, plus numerous other ventures. He married Rosann Freeman in 1952. Surviving are Rosann Krauss, of St. Petersburg, Barbara Klecher, of Tampa, Virginia Miller and her husband, Bob, of St. Pete Beach, Fla., Don Krauss and his wife, Mary, of Battle Creek; and several nieces, nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by infant son, Michael Krauss. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, at the Ministry Center of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Ray McGee will officiate with entombment to take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 2 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. He will lie in state at the Ministry Center from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Bay Shore Camp or Wisconsin Lutheran College. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Ann Wismer Ann E. Wismer, 93, of Rochester Hills, died Aug. 2, 2003. She was the loving wife of the late Gerald and the loving mother of the late Dr. Gary L. and Joanne Wismer. She was the dear sister of Josephine and the late Bryce McCreedy. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters. Funeral services were conducted on Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, in Rochester. Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive in Rochester handled the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Howard Essenmacher Howard F. Essenmacher, 79, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at his home with hospice care surrounded by his family. He was born on July 23, 1924 to the late William and Agnes (Lorkowski) Essenmacher. Howard and Catherine Messing were united in marriage on Sept. 3, 1947 in Sts. Peter and Paul Church of Ruth. He was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, where he served as President of the Usher Club, a member of the Liturgy Committee, a former member of Parish Council, is a life member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 3823 of Ruth. He served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and was a Farm Bureau member. Howard loved cards, enjoying many euchre clubs. He loved watching the Tigers play baseball and all other sports. Howard loved playing with his children and his grandchildren. Howard is survived by his wife, Catherine; sons, Ernest Essenmacher and his wife, Deborah, of Ubly, Leo Essenmacher and his wife, Jean, of Harbor Beach; daughters, Jane Suida and her husband, Gary, of Harbor Beach, Monica Booms and her husband, Mark, of Harbor Beach, Barbara Miller and her husband, Michael, of Harbor Beach, Mary Sweeney and her husband, Bernie, of Harbor Beach, Colette Neumann and her husband, Mark, of Zeeland, and Julie Ruhl and her husband, Brian, of Harbor Beach; one brother, Arthur Essenmacher and his wife, Agnes, of Harbor Beach; three sisters, Edna Krueger and her husband, David, of Harbor Beach, Verna Wood, of Harbor Beach, and Eleanor Geiger and her husband, Bernard, of Ruth; 33 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Joseph Essenmacher; two brothers, Donald and David Essenmacher. Funeral Mass for Howard will be Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach, with a parish vigil service to follow at 8 p.m. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home and starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday in the church. Wednesday, August 6, 2003 William Hoffman William Hoffman, 73, of Coldwater and formerly of Elkton, died Sunday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2003, at his home. He was born May 8, 1930 in Bad Axe to the late Mervin and Evelyn (Wagner) Hoffman. Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He had worked at the Coldwater State Home for 27 years, retiring in 1984 as a supervisor. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria (Meserve) Hoffman and also his second wife, Lillian "Joyce" (Bradshaw) Hoffman. He was a member of the Coldwater Elks Club and the Coldwater American Legion Post No. 225. He enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, cars, motorcycles, NASCAR, watching football and spending time at the lake. Surviving are his son, Tom Hoffman, of Galesburg; his daughters, Jane Hoffman, of Galesburg, Julie Adolphson and her husband, Alec, of Glasgow, Mont., Kathy Cooney and her husband, Donald, of Kalamazoo; a step-son, Terry Osborn and his wife, Debra, of Bellevue; 2 step-daughters, Julie Kinney and Melonie Pancoft, both of Coldwater; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy Warnke, of Elkton; brother, Robert Hoffman, of Pennsylvania. The family has requested no visitation or service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or the Michigan Federation for the Blind. Friends may sign the guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Thursday, August 7, 2003 Harold Plester Harold E. Plester, 74, of Harbor Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, at Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Harbor Beach on Feb. 16, 1929, he was the son of the late Charles and Amelia (Winkel) Plester. Harold was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Navy for three years. On Aug. 11, 1956, Harold and Eunice Miller were united in marriage in the Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach. He was a retired employee of the Huron County Road Commission, retiring in 1987 as foreman of the Harbor Beach Division. He worked for 22 years with the road commission. Harold was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach and the Harbor Beach Lions Club and was a life member of the VFW Post 9344 of Harbor Beach. He is survived by his wife, Eunice Plester, of Harbor Beach; his children, Duane Plester and his wife, Sara, of Lapeer, Donald Plester and his wife, Brenda, of Harbor Beach, Branda Heleski and her husband, Randy, of Ruthbert, Ga., Douglas Plester and his wife, Cheryl, of Port Hope; nine grandchildren; twin sister, Virginia Braun and her husband, Leo, of Port Hope. Harold was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Psczolkowski and Lucille Burnette. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2003, in the Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be conducted by the Harbor Beach VFW. A scripture service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from noon until the time of the services on Friday at the church. Friday, August 8, 2003 Bertha Hughes Bertha E. "Beth" Hughes, 79, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, peacefully at her home. She was born in Bloomfield Township near Harbor Beach on June 11, 1924, the daughter of the late Henry and Mabel (Grills) Marks. On Aug. 8, 1942, she was united in marriage to Benjamin Hughes in Bad Axe. Ben preceded her in death on June 30, 1996. Beth was a former employee of Hamill Manufacturing in Ubly and was a former cook in local restaurants. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting and was known as the "artist with a needle". She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the Quilting Ladies and enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Mary Beth Wills, of Sandusky, Frank Hughes, of Avoca, Gary Hughes and his wife, Karen, of Marlette, Barbara Jewell and her husband, Jerry, of Warren, Joanne Seltz and her husband, Carl, of Harbor Beach, and Roger Hughes and his wife, Kathy, of Traverse City; 19 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Beatrice Davis, of Bad Axe, Janet Winowiecki, of Royal Oak and Shirley Lawhorn, of Harbor Beach. Beth was preceded in death by a grandson, Thomas Wills; a brother, Jerry Marks; and three sisters, Doris Harbin, Pearl Marks, and Artheal Hollister. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2003, in Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Verona Township Cemetery. A scripture service will be at 8 p.m. on Saturday in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturday in the funeral home and from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the church. Gino Carillo Gino A. Carillo, 67, of Cass City and formerly of Bad Axe, died Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, in Saint Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003, in Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with Scott Mills, of St. Pancratius Catholic Church, officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. 1