HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning May 4, 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, May 4, 2003 Lawrence Claerhout Lawrence M. "Joe" Claerhout, 78, of Unionville, died Friday morning, May 2, 2003, at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born on Nov. 21, 1924 in Bay City, son of the late John and Catherine (Beeckman) Claerhout. He was married to Maxine M. Badour on Jan. 5, 1946 in Essexville. She preceded him in death on Sept. 10, 1991. Joe had been a farmer in the Unionville area for many years. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Sebewaing, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Eagle's Club and the American Legion in Bay City. Surviving are two daughters, Linda Jacobs and her husband, Greg, and Catherine Gaeth and her husband, Gordon; three sons, Joseph Claerhout and his wife, Suzie, David Claerhout and his wife, Laurie, all of Unionville, and Donald Claerhout and his wife, Sheri, of Sebewaing; 11 grandchildren; one great- grandson; special friend, Pearl Monroe, of Unionville; two sisters, Rose Hutter and her husband, Andy, of Bay City, Irene Maternoski and her husband, Richard, of Krakow, Wisc.; one brother, Leo Markel and his wife, Rose, of Reese; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Larry Claerhout; one grandson, Matthew Claerhout; four sisters; and three brothers. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Sebewaing. Fr. George Serour will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. He will lie in state at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. There will be a scripture service conducted at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Memorials may be made to United Hospice of Marlette, American Cancer Society or the charity of the donor's choice. Phyllis Clark Phyllis M. Clark, 80, of Colfax Township, died Saturday, May 3, 2003, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility following a long illness. Mrs. Clark was born Jan. 2, 1923 to the late Fred and Nellie Liedke, formerly of Port Hope. She and Arthur W. Clark were united in marriage on Nov. 8, 1941 at the Port Hope Methodist parsonage. Mrs. Clark was preceded in death by her husband in January 1997. Mrs. Clark was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. She lived in Meade Township until 1952 when they moved to Colfax Township and farmed until retirement in 1984. Mrs. Clark and her husband opened their home to several foster children and foster adults over the years. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, crocheting, and baking. She was employed at the Huron County Medical Care Facility for many years. Surviving are three daughters, Beverly Vandervennet and her husband, Fred, of Bad Axe, Ladonna Fagan and her husband, Patrick, of Livonia, and Judy Pray and her husband, Robert, of Otisville; a son, Ronald A. Clark and his wife, Randie, of Bad Axe; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn Harris and her husband, Don, of Bradenton, Fla., Connie Krueger and her husband, Raymond, of Harbor Beach; three brothers, Edward Liedke and his wife, Mary, of Bradenton, Fla., Alfred Liedke and his wife, Esther, of Harbor Beach, and Robert Liedke and his wife, Betty, of Pigeon. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. The Rev. Kenneth Lueke, pastor, assisted by Mr. Ray Sting, will officiate. Interment will take place at Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today, and from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home of Bad Axe, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. An expression of sympathy may be offered to Our Savior Lutheran Church Building Fund, the Huron County Medical Care Facility, or the Multiple Sclerosis Association. Hazel Seeley Hazel J. Seeley, 90, of Cass City, died Friday, May 2, 2003, in Tuscola County Medical Care Facility. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2003, at Cass City United Methodist Church with the Rev. George Ward officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to Cass City United Methodist Church. Monday, May 5, 2003 Jack Ward Jack F. Ward, 74, of Bad Axe, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2003, at Covenant Health Care-Cooper in Saginaw, following a short illness. He was born on July 2, 1928 in Detroit, son of the late Frederick and Marie (Hoy) Ward. He married Ann M. Gergely on June 17, 1950 in St. Rita Catholic Church in Detroit. He retired from Detroit Edison with over 40 years of service. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe, the Bad Axe Senior Meal Site, the U & I Club of Port Austin, the Thursday Night Euchre Club at Wilcox Park in Bad Axe, and a former member of the Michigan Steelheaders. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and playing cards. He is survived by his wife, Ann Ward, of Bad Axe; five sons, Michael Ward, of New Haven, Bruce Ward and his wife, Jennifer, of Waterloo, Wis., Allan Ward and his wife, Susan, of Victorville, Calif., Ken Ward and his wife, Machelle, of Salt Lake City, Utah, Scott Ward, of Bad Axe; two daughters, Janice Kraus and her husband, Karl, of Bad Axe, Patti Deneen and her husband, Roy, of Bad Axe; two brothers, Robert Ward and his wife, Mary Jo, of Caro, James Ward, of East Jordan; one sister, June Ward, of Clearwater, Fla.; ten grandchildren, Carrie Barrette and her husband, Chris, Joe Bator, Brooke Bator, Troy Deneen, Chad Ward, Brandon Ward, Kaleena Ward, Grace Ward, Nicholas Ward, and Alexxis Ward; one great-grandson, Kyler Barrette; and several nieces and nephews. A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Officiating will be Fr. John Killop. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A parish scripture service will be offered at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Kaufman Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 tonight, from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Tuesday, May 6, 2003 Russell Braden Russell Lee Braden, 69, of Bad Axe, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2003, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe following an extended illness. He was born on Sept. 9, 1933 in Bad Axe, son of the late Russell D. and Beulah (Pangborn) Braden. He married Dorothy Weber on Nov. 24, 1956 in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He owned and operated the former Braden Oil Company, Inc. of Bad Axe, retiring in 1996. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe, the Grindstone-Port Hope Sportman's Club, and Michigan Petroleum Association. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Braden, of Bad Axe; two sons, Daniel Braden and his wife, Roxanne, of Bad Axe, Bradley Braden and his wife, Christy, of Elkton; two daughters, Sandra Kinney and her husband, Raymond, of Bad Axe, Susan Deering and her husband, Darrin, of Bad Axe; five grandchildren, Rebecca Kinney, Alison Braden, Benjamin Braden and Emily Deering, all of Bad Axe, Sydney Braden, of Elkton; two nieces, Ruth Ann Etzler, of Bad Axe, Debbie Heiskill, of Houston, Texas; one nephew, David McPhail and his wife, Janie, of Fond Du Lac, Wis.; one brother-in-law, Jack Etzler, of Bad Axe. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Jacks and Virginia Etzler. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Father John Killop and Mr. Arnold Messing will officiate. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. A parish scripture service will be offered at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the American Lung Association. George Mosey George F. Mosey, 84, of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2003, at his home following an apparent heart attack. Born in Sand Beach Township near Harbor Beach on Jan. 8, 1919, he was the son of the late Frank and Katherine (Wengert) Mosey. George was a lifelong Sand Beach Township farmer and was formerly employed with the Wagner Ready Mix of Harbor Beach. He is survived by a brother, Kenneth Mosey and his wife, Gladys, of Harbor Beach; sister, Ruth Nowiski, of Port Huron; eight nephews; and five nieces. He was preceded in death by a brother, Merle Mosey; a brother-in-law, Ore Nowiski; and a nephew, Mark Mosey. George's wishes were to have a private family graveside service at Rockfalls Cemetery, Harbor Beach. There will be no visitation. Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach is handling arrangements. Helen Lorentzen Helen G. Lorentzen, 90, of Saginaw and formerly of Cass City, died Sunday, May 4, 2003, in her daughter's home. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at Cass City United Methodist Church, with the Rev. George Ward of Cass City United Methodist Church and the Rev. Doug Loeffler of State Street United Methodist Church officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City and from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Kranz Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Cass City United Methodist Church, State Street United Methodist Church in Saginaw, or American Cancer Society. Wednesday, May 7, 2003 – No obituaries reported Thursday, May 8, 2003 Esther McLean Esther Irene McLean, 86, of Zephyrhills, Fla., died on Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2003, at East Pasco Medical Center after a short illness. Esther was born on Feb. 11, 1917 to the late Frank and Lucy Grekowicz in Harbor Beach. On Nov. 14, 1942, she was united in marriage to Wallace McLean at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Wallace preceded her in death in January of 1986. Esther and Wallace started a general store in Argyle in 1948. They moved the store operation to Ubly in 1968 and continued until Wallace's death. Esther has resided in Zephyrhills, Fla. for the last 10 years. Esther is survived by her son, John and his wife, Diane, of Ubly; her daughter, Penny Lynn McLean, of Ubly; three grandchildren, Joric McLean, of Phoenix, Ariz., Ellisa McLean, of Saginaw, and Danielle McLean, of Ubly; one brother, William Grekowicz and his wife, Collete, of Ubly; four sisters, Sr. Gracelia Grekowicz IHM nun of Monroe, Midge Fain and her husband, Jim, of Glendale, Ariz., Eileen Graff and her husband, Richard, of Grosse Pointe, Georgene Gorzen and her husband, Joel, of Glendale, Ariz.; one sister-in-law, Deanna Trepkowski and her husband, Richard, of Ubly; and many nieces and nephews. Esther was proceeded in death by two brothers; and three sisters. Memorial services will be conducted in Ubly and for Esther's extended family in Phoenix, Ariz. at a future date. Esther Perkins Esther Perkins, 86, longtime resident of Bad Axe, died Wednesday morning, May 7, 2003, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. She was born Dec. 6, 1916 in Port Hope, daughter of the late Emil and Frances (Fuhrman) Schelke. Esther married Owen Perkins on April 18, 1935. He preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 1989. Mrs. Perkins was a member of the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene, in which she was very active and served on the church board. She was employed at the Dibble's store for 20 years at the candy counter. She enjoyed reading and visiting with family and friends. Esther is survived by two daughters, Shirley Silveira and her husband, John, of Cape Cod, Mass., Gloria Coiner and her husband, Paul, of Bad Axe; one son, Owen Perkins, of Bad Axe; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Schelke, of Bad Axe, and Elsie Schelke, of Sun City, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Kelli MacDonald and her husband, Sean, William Silveira and his wife, Trisha, Lisa Liddell, Leslie Maurer and her husband, Donald, Dan Coiner and his wife, Tara, Christian Coiner; six great-grandchildren, Meaghan and Kyle MacDonald, Katlyn and Eric Silveira, John Paul Liddell, Danielle Maurer; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen; one sister, Emma McIntyre; three brothers, Lawrence Schelke, Alfred Schelke and Clarence Schelke. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Brian Crampton will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene Building Fund or charity of the donor's choice. Friday, May 9, 2003 Annabelle Fatalski Annabelle Fatalski, 71, of Westland, formerly of the Port Crescent area, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2003. She was born June 28, 1931 in Hume Township, the daughter of the late John and Nellie McCarren. Lunch will be served at noon on May 31, 2003 at Our Savior Lutheran Church basement in Bad Axe. Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2003 at Colfax Township Cemetery in Bad Axe. Pastor Kenneth Lueke will officiate. In lieu of flowers an expression of sympathy may be offered to North Huron High School class of 2007. Annabelle was valedictorian of the 1949 class. Please notify Grace at (989) 269-7716 if you are coming for lunch by May 22. Leona Grates Leona Grates, 94, of Port Austin, died Friday, May 9, 2003, at her son's home in Sand Point. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. A complete obituary will appear in the Sunday edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. Richard VanValkenburgh Richard L. VanValkenburgh, 41, passed away Thursday evening, May 8, 2003, at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's edition of the Huron Daily Tribune or at www.CF 1