HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning October 12, 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, October 12, 2003 Bertha Banda Bertha E. Banda, 87, of Pigeon, formerly of Caseville and St. Clair Shores, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2003, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon after a brief illness. No services are planned. Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home of Pigeon conducted the arrangements. Harlan Huett Harlan J. Huett, 74, of Pigeon, passed away Friday, October 10, 2003, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. He was born in Summerton, Arizona on January 30, 1929, son of the late Floyd B. and Ruth I. (Markham) Huett, and was a 1947 graduate of Oroville High School in Oroville, California. He served with the United States Air Force during the post WWII era. He was united in marriage to Dolores J. Robinson at White Lake in 1950. She preceded him in death in January of 2001. Mr. Huett owned and operated Woodland Motel in Bay Port from 1971 to 1974, and Bay Port Tube Shop from 1978 to 1981. He is survived by three children, Pamela J. Sears and friend, Ryan Sprague, of Bay Port; David Huett and friend, Kimberly Miller, of Caseville, Lynn Huett, of Pigeon; five grandchildren, Robby Sears and Courtney, Craig and Tina Sears, Jason Sears and Ashley, Heather Huett and Jeff, and Krissi Sears and Matt; three great grandchildren, Bryce Sears, Jaelyn Talaski, and Colin Sears; four sisters, Carmen Caughey, Deloris Roderick and her husband, Jerry, Genevieve Sullivan and her husband, Charles, all of California, Deanna Smith and her husband, Pat, of Oregon; a brother, Floyd Huett and his wife, Elaine, of Arizona; many nieces and nephews. Mr. Huett requested no funeral service take place. Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, conducted the arrangements. Herlanda McPhail Herlanda Lydia "Ewald" McPhail died Sunday, September 8, 2003, after a lengthy illness. Mrs. McPhail was a life long resident of Huron County and married Jay D. McPhail who died in 1947. She never remarried, but began her career of teaching at Little Turner Canboro and Pigeon Elementary School until she retired. She received her degree from Central Michigan University. Herlanda was survived by her daughters, Roberta Clark, of Elkton, Margaret Miller, of Annapolis, Maryland.; son, Roger and his wife, Jeannie, of Cass City; sister, Mrs. Naomi Shuart, of Bad Axe; many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Margaret (McPhail) Finzel resides in Florida. The family wishes to thank Jan and Pearl who cared for her in her home with devoted nursing care. In addition, our appreciation is extended to everyone that touched her life in a caring, loving manner in medical care or friendship. Immanuel Ropp Immanuel "Jay" Ropp Jr., 77, resident of Bad Axe, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2003, at Huron Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. He was born October 5, 1926, son of the late Manuel Ropp Sr. and Anna Ropp. Jay and Audrey Bugenski were united in marriage on October 10, 1953 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Kinde. Jay graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1945. He was employed with the former A & P, Steiner's Upholstery, Roy English Oil Station, Neeb Corp., for 27 years, and Thumb Tool and Die for 12 years. He enjoyed gold and Little League. Mr. Ropp is survived by his wife, Audrey; one son, Kelly Ropp; one daughter, Kristen Ropp; three grandchildren, Alexander, Kendra and Alicia Ropp; one sister, Ardis Arvey and her husband Herbert; one sister-in-law, Nancy Ropp; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and Ronald Ropp. In keeping with Mr. Ropp's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral services or visitation. A memorial service will take place at a later date. MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be offered to the Little League or a charity of the donor's choice. Katherine Tomich Katherine S. Tomich, 87, of Saginaw, died Wednesday morning, October 9, 2003, at Tendercare of Cass City. She was born on February 15, 1916 in St. Louis, Mo., daughter of the late Paul and Anna (Stefanek) Valeck. Katherine attended schools in Brookfield Township. She married Michael Tomich on March 2, 1950. He predeceased her in 1981. Mrs. Tomich was a former member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Saginaw and the Eagles. Surviving are her children, Virginia Haley and her husband, Ervin, of Sebewaing, Wayne Tomich and his wife, Joan, of Gagetown, Melvin Tomich and his wife, Sandra, of Saginaw, Richard Tomich, of Jacksonville, Florida., Michael Tomich, of Gagetown; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph Valeck and his wife, Helen, of Bay City, William Valeck and his wife, Betty, of Saginaw; sister-in- law, Mae Valeck, of Reese. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Michelle Tomich; two brothers, Paul and John Valeck; one sister, Anna Pyler. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2003, at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, 9940 Saginaw St., Reese. Mrs. Tomich's son-in-law, Elder Ervin Haley of Community of Christ Church, Bay Port, will officiate. Cemetery committal services will take place at 1 p.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Gagetown. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Community of Christ Church in Bay Port. Monday, October 13, 2003 Helen Kerr Helen May (Rapson) Kerr, 87, resident of Bad Axe, died Saturday, October 11, 2003, at her home in Bad Axe under Heartland Hospice Care. She was born November 30, 1915 in Verona Township, Bad Axe. Helen was the daughter of the late George Herbert and Susannah "Annie" (Piper) Rapson. Her parents moved from Verona Township to Alberta, Canada. Miss Helen May Rapson and Allen V. Kerr were united in marriage on March 12, 1936 at Olivet Lutheran Church in Detroit. Allen preceded his wife in death on May 15, 1972. They met at William and Minnie (Rapson) Kerr's home three miles east of Bad Axe, the first Thomas Rapson homestead. Helen attended the rural Pangborn School, Bad Axe Elementary and High Schools, graduating in the class of 1934. She was a very active member of the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed gardening and traveling. She was active in the Bad Axe Historical Society and was especially interested in genealogy. Mrs. Kerr authored and published three books, the Rapson Family Tree in 1978, the Kerr Family Tree in 1979 and the Colfax Township Cemetery book in 1998. Helen enjoyed spending time visiting with her family and friends. She is survived by three daughters, Lorraine Kerr, of Bad Axe, Carole Tschirhart and her husband, Ronald, Sr., of Troy, and Elizabeth "Beth" Stoddard and her husband, Ernest, of Sand Point; four grandchildren, Ronald Tschirhart, Jr. and his wife, Molly (Curtis) of Troy, Kerri (Tschirhart) Yuchuck and her husband, James II, of Livonia, Kimberly Stoddard, of Grand Rapids, and Brent Stoddard, of Wolverine; six great-grandchildren, Joseph Stoddard, of Grand Rapids, Michael, Erica, and Jeffrey Tschirhart, of Troy, James D. III and Kathryn "Katie" Yuchuck, of Livonia; one sister, Jessie (Rapson) Conquergood, of Alberta, Canada; and one brother-in-law, Lloyd Pitcher, of Filion; and many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Allen Kerr; parents, George Herbert and Susannah (Piper) Rapson; special aunt and uncle, William and Minnie (Rapson) Kerr; one sister, Esther (Rapson) Pitcher, of Filion; three brothers, Leslie and Alice (Johnson) Rapson, of Alberta, Canada, Paul and Violet (Carmichael) Rapson, of Bad Axe, and Chester Rapson, of Alberta, Canada; two brothers-in-law, Keith Conquergood, of Alberta, Canada, Marvin and Anna (Stadwick) Kerr, of Warren; and one sister-in-law, Betty (Kerr) and Thomas Crick, of Warren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2003, at the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jan Dykshoorn, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Ronald Hoffman, Harold Kropp, Rick Long, Dennis Mienke, Brent Stoddard, Ronald Tschirhart, Jr., and James Yuchuck, II. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be offered to Heartland Hospice, Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church or the Bad Axe Historical Society. Tuesday, October 14, 2003 Margaret Shuart Margaret E. Shuart (Kilpatrick), 83, of Grand Ledge and formerly of Port Austin, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2003, in Lansing. Margaret was a former resident of Port Austin where she was a member of the U & I Club. She was an avid bingo and card player, enjoyed reading, traveling and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren, who thought she was awesome. She is survived by her son, Cecil Shuart and his wife, Julie, of Bad Axe, daughter, Beverly Schultz and her husband, LeRoy, of VonOrmy, Texas; son-in-law, Richard Johnson, of Grand Ledge; daughters-in-law, Lorraine Shuart, of Henderson, Nevada, Darla Shuart, of Grand Rapids; 23 grandchildren; 47 great- grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane H. Shuart; children, Lucretia Johnson, Andrew and Kerry Shuart; brothers and sisters, Jim, Pat, Angus, Jack, Julia Tumey and Bill. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2003, at the Peter and Murray Funeral Home in Grand Ledge, with the Rev. Lyle Heaton, of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be conducted at Riverside Cemetery, Grindstone City. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Wednesday, October 15, 2003 Verna Krohn Verna V. Krohn, 95, life time resident of the Oliver and Chandler Township area, died Monday afternoon, October 13, 2003, at her home following an apparent heart attack. She was born on December 29, 1907 at the home of her parents, the late Ezra and Tillie (Wing) Kreh in Chandler Township. On December 27, 1928, she was united in marriage to Clarence A. Krohn at the Evan parsonage in Pigeon. After they were married, they lived on a farm in Oliver Township until 1946 when they moved across the road to the farm they had in Chandler Township. Mr. Krohn preceded her in death on January 9, 1976. Mrs. Krohn was a farm wife all her married life. She helped on the farm as well as raising her three sons. She loved to cook and bake. She was still canning things from the garden, including a batch of sauerkraut she has brewing in the kitchen, ready for the jar. Surviving are two sons, Warren J. Krohn and his wife, Grace, and Earl J. Krohn, both of Elkton; six grandchildren, John Krohn, Brad Krohn, Linda Herman and her husband, Alan, Jan Stoeckle and her husband, Warren, Kristie Krohn and Jill Gordon and her husband, Brian; seven great-grandchildren, Justin, Joshua, Jordan, McKenzie, Zachary, Laura and Jessica; two brothers, Harold Kreh, of Portage and Robert Kreh and his wife, Joan, of Clio; and two sisters, Beatrice Nichols, of Clio and Inez Vought, of Naples, Florida. Preceding her in death were one son, Gene I. Krohn; two sisters, Iva and Edna; and three brothers, Ervin, Oscar and Walter. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2003, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. The Rev. Reggie Courless, pastor of the Elkton Missionary Church, will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and after 10 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be given to Huron County Nature Center, the church, or the donor's choice. Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Mildred Marquardt Mildred "Millie" Ida (Lange) Marquardt, 75, of Avoca, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 14, 2003. She was born on July 16, 1928 to the late George and Mary Lange. She married James Ernst Marquardt on October 22, 1949 in Port Hope. He preceded her in death on April 3, 1993. Mildred, along with her husband, farmed in Yale since 1962. She also worked in different factories throughout the years. She was a caregiver to the elderly and cleaned homes. She was a member of Emmanuel Redeemer Lutheran Church, Yale. Mildred enjoyed farming, gardening, baking and crocheting. She loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a hard worker and a very kind spirited person who would do anything for you. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Ivan Marquardt and his wife, Brenda, of Kimball, Janice Pilon and her husband, Roger, of Avoca, Stanley Marquardt and his wife, Brenda, of Port Huron; ten grandchildren, Michelle Crane and his wife, Keith, Tammy Holzberger and her husband, Joe, Jeffrey Marquardt, Roger, Matthew, Eric and his wife, Ashley, Thomas, Suzanne, and Jennifer Pilon, and April Marquardt; six great-grandchildren, Shelby, Lindsey, and Kylee Crane, Joey and Jenna Holzberger, and Colton Pilon; brother, Ted Lange and his wife, Bertha, of Port Hope; sister, Margaret Weippert and her husband, Harold, of Colorado; sister-in-law, Elsie Lange, of Roseville; brother-in-law, Bill Marquardt and his wife, Gert, of Canton; sister- in-law, Virginia Marquardt, of Marlette; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Reinhold, Albert and Arthur Lange. Her family has chosen to honor the memory of "Millie" and invite people to visit and share from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2003, at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Avoca, and attend funeral services at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2003, at Emmanual Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Yale. The Rev. Edward Schaewe will officiate. Visitation is at 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church. Burial will be in Springhill Cemetery, Greenwood Township. Memorials are suggested to Wishes of the Family. John Tenbusch John B. Tenbusch, 83, of Minden City, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2003, unexpectedly in his sleep at his home. John was born on April 26, 1920 in Minden City to the late John and Frances (Clor) Tenbusch. He married Rose Schmitz on November 27, 1940 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. She preceded him in death on September 1, 1995. John graduated from the Pumpkin Center School and was a school board member for many years. He was a lifelong farmer. He was a lifelong member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth, where he was a past parish council member and retired usher of 28 years. He was a member of the Elm Creek Farm Bureau. He was employed by Michigan Sugar Company for 40 years as a pile operator. He enjoyed euchre and all card games, visiting with family and friends, watching shipping at the Soo Locks, visiting various casinos, and watching game shows on TV. John is survived by one son, John Tenbusch Jr. and his wife, Kathy, of Minden City; three daughters, Bonnie Siemen and her husband, Larry, of Harbor Beach, Mary Ann Stacer and her husband, Charles, of Ruth, Janie Dixon, of Saginaw; 27 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one brother, Edward Tenbusch, of Grosse Pointe; one sister-in-law, Bea Tenbusch, of Ruth. John was preceded in death by his wife, Rose, of more than 50 years; four infant children; two brothers, Alphonse, Sr. and Albert Tenbusch; two sisters, Loretta Braun and Hyacinth Sadro. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2003, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Ruth. The Rev. Steve Gavit, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, from 1 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday. There will be a rosary at 8 p.m. tonight by the Ss. Peter and Paul Ushers Club and a parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday by Fr. Steve Gavit. Both services will be at the funeral home. Memorials requested to the Family Discretionary Fund. Edward Woytalewicz Edward "White" Woytalewicz, 87, formerly of Caseville, died Thursday, October 9, 2003, in Troy Beaumont Hospital in Troy. He was born on February 2, 1916 in Parisville, the son of the late Joseph and Veronica Woytalewicz. Edward was a past member of St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville. He was a member of the American Legion and Caseville Retirement Club. He was a past member of the Caseville Eagles. He is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa, of Washington Township; his son, Ronald, of Metamora; and two daughters, Sandy Steakley and her husband, Ronald, of Washington Township and Carol Raikes and her husband, Daniel, of Warren; grandchildren, Adam, John, Brian, Tracy, Richard, Kelly and Daniel II; five great- grandchildren, Samantha, Matthew, Tyler, Parker and Kiley. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, October 11, 2003, at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church in Washington Township. Interment was at St. Mary's Cemetery in Kinde. Thursday, October 16, 2003 John Mroczek John Mroczek, 82, of Kinde, died Tuesday, October 14, 2003, at his home while under hospice care. He was born on June 1, 1921 in Poland to the late John and Antoinette (Marzec) Mroczek. He came to the United States with his parents and sisters in September 1922 through Ellis Island, New York. He lived in Detroit until 1932, when he moved to the farm near Kinde where he lived the rest of his life. He graduated from Kinde High School in 1939 and served in the United States Army during World War II. On November 20, 1948, he married Elizabeth Majewski in Rapson. Mr. Mroczek was very active in the community and he was proud of his volunteer work, especially for veteran's affairs and senior citizens. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Kinde for more than 70 years, where he was an usher, choir member, lector and chairman of many festivals for the church. He ran a family farm with beef and dairy cattle all his life, retiring in 1982. He also worked at Universal Engineering for 17 years in Bad Axe, was a school bus driver for North Huron Schools for 10 years and sold Aflac Insurance. He loved to play euchre and visit with family and friends. He was a member of the U & I Club in Port Austin, the Kinde Senior Citizens and a past member of the American Legion Post 499 of Port Austin. John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; five children, Mary Engelhardt and her husband, Wayne, of Northborough, Massachusetts, Patricia Mroczek, of Flushing, David Mroczek and his wife, Bonnie, of Kentwood, Jim Mroczek and his wife, Evelyn, of Spring Hill, Tennessee. and Catherine Fischer and her husband, William, of Flushing; six grandchildren, Tricia and Matthew Engelhardt, of Northborough, Massachusetts, Sarah and Amanda Mroczek, of Kentwood, and Elizabeth and Robert Fischer, of Flushing; one brother, Edward Mroczek and his wife, Marie, of Kinde; one sister-in-law, Genevieve Roggenbuck, of Port Hope; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by six sisters, Josephine Gach, Sophie Cheslak, Mary Moore Eustace, Lottie Schott and two infant sisters in Poland. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2003, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight. Fr. Mieczyslaw Oniskiewicz will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. A parish scripture service will be offered at 7 p.m. today at MacAlpine Funeral Home - Gage Chapel in Kinde. Visitation is from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 until 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to St. Mary's Catholic Church of Kinde. Beatrice Sweeney Beatrice M. Sweeney, 83, of Ubly, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2003, unexpectedly at Northwood Meadows in Cass City. Beatrice was born on October 3, 1920 in Cass City to the late James and Matilda (Meyer) Garety. She married Dolan Sweeney on August 31, 1940 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Sheridan. He preceded her in death on August 9, 1988. Beatrice was a 1938 graduate of Cass City High School. She summered at the Huron Dunes in Port Austin. She farmed with her family until 1982. She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, needlework, gardening, crosswords and jig saw puzzles. Beatrice is survived by five daughters, Delores Smalley and her husband, Ron, of Ubly, Dorothy Peterson and her husband, Bruce, of Westland, Marilyn Walsh and her husband, Roderick, of Ubly, Florine Krueger and her husband, Harold, of Reese, Elaine Newberry and her husband, Ernest, of Otter Lake; five sons, Harold Sweeney, of Cass City, Howard Sweeney and his friend, Jill Vanacker, of Gladwin, Lynn Sweeney and his wife, Pam, of Ubly, Larry Sweeney and his wife, Dorothy, of Ubly, Robert Sweeney and his wife, Carol, of Ubly; 26 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Sweeney, of Imlay City, Sister Elaine Garety IHM, of Monroe; one brother, William Garety and his wife, Dorothy, of Saginaw; five sisters-in-law, Bertha Sweeney, Anna McIntosh, Lucille Sweeney, Virginia Sweeney, Janet Garety; numerous nieces and nephews. Beatrice was preceded in death by her daughter, Marjorie Sweeney, in 1954; three brothers, John, Peter and Patrick Garety; six sisters, Marie Murray, Caroline Garety, Sister Martha Garety IHM, Patricia Garety, Gertrude Garety and Albina Sweeney. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2003, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church of Sheridan. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a Christian Mothers rosary at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Visitation will be from 2 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Friday, October 17, 2003 – submitter out of town. Sorry! 1