HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning April 13, 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, April 13, 2003 Doris Kunisch Doris E. (Ruebelt) Kunisch, 82, of Alexandria, Va. and formerly of Sebewaing, passed away on Friday evening, April 11, 2003, at the home of her daughter, Colleen Martinez, in Alexandria, Va., following a lengthy illness. She was born Sept. 23, 1920 in Flint, daughter of the late Floyd and Louise (McKay) Dutcher. She was united in marriage to Collier C. Ruebelt on May 4, 1941 in Sebewaing. He preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1980. She then married Norman F. Kunisch. They had resided in Gaylord and then Essexville before Norman passed away on July 10, 1997. Doris then moved to Alexandria, Va. to be near her daughter. Doris had been employed at Luke's Market in Sebewaing as a cashier for many years. She was a former member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Sebewaing. She enjoyed sewing and crafts. She is survived by two daughters, Colleen Martinez, of Alexandria, Va., with whom Doris made her home, and Karen Chumley, of Wheatridge, Colo.; two grandchildren, Latolah and J.C.; also two stepsons and one stepdaughter and spouses, William and Aileen Ziehm Kunisch of Sebewaing, James and Marge Kunisch, of Gaylord, and Peggy and Rocky Hansen of Greenville; several step grandchildren. Cremation has already taken place in Alexandria, Va. A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2003, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. Fr. George Serour of Holy Family Catholic Church will officiate. Inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home in Sebewaing. Memorials may be made to the Huron Memorial Hospice. Mary Ross Mary M. Ross, 78, of Bad Axe, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2003, at her home following an extended illness. She was born on July 10, 1924 in Augusta, Maine, the daughter of the late Burleigh and Frances (Purinton) Martin. She married Todd (Andrew) Ross on Sept. 8, 1945 in Augusta, Maine. He preceded her in death in October of 1989. She was a former member of the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church, the Child Study Group Club 4, Bad Axe, and the Bad Axe Bridge Club. She grew up and summered in Ocean Point, Maine. She is survived by one daughter, Gail Ross of Bad Axe; one son, Christopher Ross and his wife, Marilyn, of Chassell; four grandchildren, Michael, Karen and Peter Ross of Chassell, and Susan Ross of Minneapolis, Minn.; two sisters-in-law, Ann Ross of Holt and Beverly Martin of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; four nieces, Pam Allen and her husband, Doug, of Yarmouth, Maine, Joan Uppendahl of South Yarmouth Port, Mass, Connie Schultz and her husband, Bob, of Findlay, Ohio, Jane Murdock and her husband, Rick, of Charlotte; four nephews, Burleigh Martin and his wife, Donna, of Milton, Mass., Tim Martin and his wife, Peggy, of Milton, Mass., Scott Ross and his wife, Margo, of Charlotte and Phillip Martin and his wife, Kathy, of Brunswick, Maine. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Interment will be in Forest Grove Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. Memorials may be offered to the Bad Axe Public Library or the Ocean Point Colony Trust in Maine. Arrangements are being handled by the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Monday, April 14, 2003 – No obituaries reported Tuesday, April 15, 2003 Marie Edwards Marie A. Edwards, 89, of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday evening, April 13, 2003, in the Evangelical Home of Port Huron following a short illness. Born in Ruth on April 24, 1913, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary Ann (Schumm) Linley. She was a graduate of the Harbor Beach Community Schools in 1931, and a member of the United Church of Christ in Forestville. She was a former Sunday school teacher and a member of the ladies aide and helped organize the Church Women United. Marie was also active in the Port Hope Retirees Club. On Dec. 8, 1935, Marie Linley was united in marriage to Wilfred Edwards in Detroit. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1975. Marie married Ralph Mueckenheim on Oct. 5, 1997 and he preceded her in death on July 9, 2001. Marie is survived by her children, William Edwards and his wife, Maureen, of Lexington, Marjorie Arndt and her husband, Allen, of Harbor Beach, Nancy Kloska and her husband, Mike, of St. Clair Shores, and Dennis Edwards and his wife, Barbara, of Lexington; daughter-in-law, Joyce Edwards of Palms; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Edwards, in 1989; grandchild, Lori Kloska; two great-grandchildren, James Czaja and Kaylee Barnett; sister, Florence Fritche; and five brothers, Roy, Richard, Harvey, Walter, and Earl Linley. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach with burial in the Rockfalls Cemetery. The Rev. Barry Sheldon, pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lexington, will officiate. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight, from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Harbor Beach Community Hospital, East Huron Ambulance Service or Huron Memorial Hospice. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 Walter Dronsella Walter E. Dronsella, 83, of Sebewaing, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe following a three year illness. He was born Feb. 1, 1920 in Brookfield Township, son of the late John and Philamina (Layer) Dronsella. He was united in marriage to Ruth D. Wissner on May 10, 1941 in Kilmanagh. Walter had been a farmer in the Sebewaing area for many years. He also had been employed during the campaigns at Michigan Sugar Company in Sebewaing for many years. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh, had held many church offices and was a member of St. John Lutheran Laymen's League. He is survived by his wife, Ruth D. Dronsella, of Sebewaing; two daughters, Virginia Toman and her husband, Richard, of Royal Oak, Mabel Knowlton and her husband, Cedric, of Zephyrhills, Fla.; three sons, Daryl Dronsella and his wife, Joy, of Jefferson City, Tenn., Arthur Dronsella and his wife, Carol, of Gagetown, Dennis Dronsella and his wife, Marjorie, of West Bloomfield; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Hannah Keller, of Royal Oak; one sister-in-law, Martha Dronsella, of Sebewaing; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five sisters, Emma Fukes, Edna Gremel, Ida Stobar, Anna Menzel and Ella Kroszner; and one brother, John Dronsella. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2003, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh. Vacancy Pastor, Lee C. Wenskay, will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Katherine Freeman Katherine M. Freeman, 67, of Troy, died peacefully with her family present on April 14, 2003 after a brave fight with cancer. She is survived by her children. Teresa Carr and her fiance, Mike, of Bad Axe, Kenneth Freeman and his wife, Mindi, of Oxford, and Tami Theunick and her husband, Jim, of Oxford; grandchildren David, Rachel, Neal, Emily, Dean, Cody, Lauren and Wilson; good friend, Joanne Mack, of Indian River; and many loving friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Faye Zellak; stepfather, Marion "Buck" Huber; and dear sister, Janet Rynearson. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2003, at Bossardet Chapel Lynch and Sons Funeral Directors, 39 W. Burdick, Oxford, two blocks west of Lapeer Rd. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. Carl Zick, Jr. Carl H. Zick, Jr., of Davison, 71, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at McLaren Regional Medical Center. He was born in Huron County on Aug. 15, 1931, the son of Carl H. and Sarah (McPhail) Zick. He has been a resident of the Davison area since 1980. He married Judith Moran on March 11, 1968. She preceded him in death on April 23, 1995. Carl answered the call of his country serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Panama. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Davison and the F.O.E. Aerie #3589 of Davison. He was employed by General Motors Pontiac S.O.P. Division, retiring in 1993. He is survived by his guardian angel and best friend, Pat Weidenhammer, of Davison; children, Molly Meyer and her husband, Forrest, of Davison, Beth Harrison of Flint, Katie West, of Edon, Ohio, and Phillip Harrison and his wife, Eden, of Clio; grandchildren, Danee', Ryan, Michael, and Philicia; brother, Alfred Zick; sister, Mildred Nowski; brother-in-law and best friend, Bob Mills, of Mt. Morris; and many other relatives and close friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Annetta. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 706 W. Flint St., Davison. Pastor Randall Schultz will officiate. Burial will be in St. Robert Catholic Cemetery, Flushing. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight and from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Hansen Funeral Home in Davison. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church. Thursday, April 17, 2003 Ernest Hebert Ernest F. Hebert, 90, of Chandler Township near Elkton, died Monday evening, April 14, 2003, at his home. He was born May 23, 1912 in Lake Township at the home of his parents, the late John and Harriett (Mousseau) Hebert. On Jan. 19, 1933, he was united in marriage to Bernice Leneway at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog. She preceded him in death on Sept. 8, 1962. On Jan. 29, 1966, he married Margaret Kuhl, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon. Ernie was the first police officer in Caseville, the job also included DPW superintendent, repairing water mains, streets and sidewalks. His first patrol car was a 1941 Kaiser that he purchased himself for $1,800. While on patrol one day, he was called to Sand Point to quiet down some rowdies. According to Ernie, one of the subjects didn't see things Ernie's way and began choking him. Ernie said, he was able to get his weapon and told the subject that if he didn't quit choking him, he would shoot him. Someone came and assisted and the disturbance ended. He also served as fire chief, checked the village water pressure daily and read the water meters. Ernie served Caseville 16 years from 1942 to 1958. He was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church, Caseville. Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and music. He could play the banjo, tenor violin, guitar and the accordion. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two sons, Kenneth of Las Vegas, Nev., Dale and his wife, Prisella, of Caseville; twelve daughters, Pat Young and her husband, John, of Harbor Beach, Evelyn Samuel and her husband, Robert, of Prudenville, Margie Opanasenko of Lansing, Joann Senter and her husband, Robert, of Port Austin, Joyce Deering of Caseville, Geraldine Bassett and her husband, Paul, of Grand Blanc, Audrey Boehmer and her husband, Gary, of Dearborn Heights, Judy Shadburn of Fall River, Mass., Elaine Evans and her husband, Steve, of Bloomington, Ill., and Carol, Sharon and Wanda Hebert all of Mount Pleasant; 106 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Amelia Oberine of Saginaw, and Bonnie Castle of San Diego, Calif. He was preceded in death by two sons, Ernest A. and Alfred; a grandson, Jason; and an infant son. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2003, at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville. The Rev. Fr. Kenneth Yaroch, pastor, will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. There will be no visitation on Easter Sunday. Memorials may be given to the family. Mollie Lorentz Mollie Lorentz, 89, of Sebewaing, died early Wednesday morning, April 16, 2003, at Brian's House in Essexville following a lengthy illness. She was born on July 4, 1913 in Sebewaing, daughter of the late David and Charlotte (Spielman) Schaeffer. She was married to George Lorentz on Sept. 29, 1949 in Bad Axe. He preceded her in death in July 1961. Mollie had been employed at the former Sebewaing Industries for 20 years before retiring in 1975. She was a member of New Salem Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her grandchildren, crocheting, card playing and bingo. Surviving are two daughters, Genavie Martens and her husband, Ronald, of Unionville, Doloris Marker and her husband, James, of Munger; daughter-in-law, Janet Ebel of Saginaw; grandchildren, Kathleen Schafer and her husband, John, Peggy Hoppe and her husband, Michael, Karen Hines and her husband, Brian, Richard Martens and his wife, Roseanne, Dave Martens and his wife, Robin, Eugene Martens and his wife, Nicole, Frederick Marker and his wife, Linda, Janice Barrett and her friend, Al Wheeler, Laura Poirier and her husband, Randy, James Marker II and his wife, Rhonda, Darlene Kratz and her husband, Robert, Jerry Alan Ebel and his friend, Sherrie; 30 great-grandchildren; 8 step great- grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; 11 step great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Gerald Ebel; one brother, David Schaeffer; and one sister, Charlotte Blondel. The funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2003, at New Salem Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. William Mayhew will officiate with burial in Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to New Salem Lutheran Church, Brian's House or the donor's choice. Friday, April 18, 2003 Kay Killion Kay Killion, 79, of Elkton and formerly of Ionia, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw following a brief illness. She was born on May 5, 1923 in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Frank and Lillian (Robinson) Mitchell. Mrs. Killion was part owner and operator of William Morris and Son and was very active in the Professional Business Women's Association. She was an avid gardener who loved her family very much. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt. She is survived by her children, James Killion and his wife, Gretchen, of Ionia, Cheryl Haley and her husband, Randy, of Elkton; four grandchildren, Chris Killion, of Ionia, Julie Killion, of Ionia, Casey Haley and his wife, Carmen, of McNeal, Ariz., Marla Kopah and her husband, Anthony, of Port Austin; three great-grandchildren, Tristen Kopah, Ashley and Haley Killion; two brothers, Donald Mitchell and his wife, Julia, of Brennen, Wash., Eugene Mitchell and his wife, Donna, of Grand Rapids; five sisters, Maxine Hicks of Paradise, Calif., Joyce Williams, of Gowan, Joanne Lines and her husband, Bill, of Hoodsport, Wash., Pat Hoppough and her husband, Jerrold, of Leroy, Eva Wicks, of Costa Mesa, Calif.; sister-in-law, Virginia Mary, of Grand Ledge; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwight; brother, Harold; sister, June Weiers; an infant sister; grandson, Danny Killion. Private graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, April 19, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Ionia, with the Rev. Robert C. Nixon officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation (for terminally ill children) in memory of Kay E. Killion. Envelopes are available at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Cook Chapel, Ionia. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com. Grace Young Grace S. Young, 74, of Elkton, died Thursday morning, April 17, 2003, at the home of her daughter while under hospice care. She was born Feb. 20, 1929 in Memphis and moved, when she was a child, to a farm just west of Rescue in Grant Township with her parents, the late Wilbert and Gladys (Duffield) Ellis. On April 7, 1951, she was united in marriage to Charles H. Young at the Church of the Nazarene, Gagetown. Grace and Charlie raised their family on a farm southeast of Elkton where they lived all their married life. Charlie preceded her in death Dec. 10, 2002. Grace had many hobbies, including putting together puzzles, reading, raising house plants, flowers, and gardening. She was also very talented with a crochet hook, lovingly making afghans and pillows for her kids, grandkids and others. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Gagetown. She is survived by seven children, Linda Wetter of Yale, Sally Sweeney and her husband, Brian, of Ubly, Leonard Young of Flint, Elaine Long and her husband, Don, Edward, Robert and Ronald Young, all of Bad Axe; 13 grandchildren, Janice, Paula, Roger, Sarah, Eddie, Imagene, Leonard, Jason, Sylinda, Steven, Cari, Robbie, and Matthew; three great-grandchildren, McKayla, Isabella, Blake; brother, Winton Ellis and his wife, Violet, of Lupton; sister-in-law, Betty Ellis of Gagetown. She was preceded by son-in-law, Harry Wetter; two brothers, Lyle and Floyd Ellis; two sisters, Edna Ellis and Ilene Nutt. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2003, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Memorials may be given to the Cancer Society or Hospice. 7