HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning February 16, 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, February 16, 2003 Russell Boldt Russell A. Boldt, 79, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at Courtney Manor Nursing Center in Bad Axe. He was born on Jan. 9, 1924 in Mount Clemens, son of the late Albert and Ella (Bramer) Boldt. On Oct. 7, 1950, Russell and Evelyn Klug were united in marriage in Palms. Together they farmed in Sherman Township until his retirement. Russ was a guitar player and enjoyed playing music for others at weddings and special events. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach and the Lutheran Laymen's League. He was a former usher and choir member and a member of the Farm Bureau. Russ is survived by his wife, Evelyn Boldt, of Harbor Beach; children, Robert Boldt and his wife, Janice, of St. Clair Shores and Debbie Brown and her husband, Paul, of Flint; daughter-in-law, Connie Boldt of Harrison Township; six grandchildren, Michelle and Jarret Boldt, Michael and Nicholas Boldt and Julie and Kurt Brown; brother, Clarence Boldt and his wife, Geraldine, of Harbor Beach; sister, Shirley Dimick and her husband, James, of Menton, Ohio. Russell was preceded in death by a son, Richard Boldt, who died in 1999; and a daughter, Pamela Boldt in 1963. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Mark Girardin officiating. Burial was in Rock Falls Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Courtney Manor or the Leukemia Foundation. Edward Kundinger Jr. Edward Kundinger Jr., 84, of Sebewaing, while surrounded by his family at his home left to be with his Lord on Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on July 18, 1918 in Caro, son of the late Edward C. and Elsa (Gall) Kundinger. He moved to Sebewaing and graduated from Sebewaing High School in 1935. He attended Michigan State University and studied chemistry before being employed by Michigan Sugar Co. in Sebewaing, where he worked for 42 years, retiring in 1983. "Eddie" was considered to be "the best boss I ever had" by many of his co-workers. He was united in marriage to Florence Engelhardt on Oct. 2, 1948 in Kilmanagh. Ed was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was involved in various community activities, including the Sebewaing Little League and served two consecutive terms on the Sebewaing Village Council. He was an avid sports enthusiast. He was an American Bowling Congress member, a loyal fan of the Michigan State University football team and enjoyed golfing in various leagues past his 80th birthday. Most of all, he was a loving father who always had time for his children. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Florence, of Sebewaing; two daughters, Connie Sonntag and her husband, Larry, of Bay City and Becky Ruben and her husband, Elliot, of Minneapolis, Minn.; one son, Todd Kundinger and his wife, Gail, of Midland; 10 grandchildren, Tad, Tessa, Evan, Chris, Tyler, Anthony, Layne, Breanne, Ally and Adam; one great- grandchild, Carter; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Eisengruber; one brother, Karl Kundinger. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sebewaing. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Radio Mission Fund or the Alzheimer's Association. George Schulte George Anthony Schulte, 80, lifelong resident of Port Hope, died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, in St. Petersburg General Hospital in Florida. He was born on Aug. 31, 1922, in Harbor Beach to the late Edward J. and Catherine T. (Kramer) Schulte. George was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township. He served in the United States Navy for two years. He sailed the Great Lakes for 39 years with the Merchant Marines. George was inducted to the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum. He was a charter member of Amvets Post 115 in Port Hope. He was a member of the Port Hope Grindstone Sportsman's Club and the Knights of Columbus in Bad Axe. He loved to play cards. He is survived by one brother, Francis R. Schulte and his wife, Nona, of Port Hope; four sisters, Agnes L. Freeman of Madeira Beach, Fla., Mildred J. Newell of Nashville, Tenn., Mary E. Gallagher and her husband, John, of Nashville, Tenn., Theresa A. Kautz and her husband, Keith, of Ferndale; many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Melvin and Anthony Schulte; one sister, Catherine Carabin. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township. Visitation is from 1 to 9 p.m. today at MacAlpine Funeral Home Gage Chapel in Kinde. There will be an Amvets White Clover service at 6 p.m. There will be a scripture service at 7 p.m., and the Knights of Columbus will present a rosary at 8 p.m. Memorials may be offered to the Amvets. Monday, February 17, 2003 Stefania Szarapski Stefania Pauline Szarapski, 103, of Cass City, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, in Autumnwood of Deckerville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City with the Rev. Steve Fillion officiating. Interment is in Novesta Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City. Memorials may be made to St. Pancratius Catholic Church. Tuesday, February 18, 2003 William Rudy William Boleslaw Rudy, 80, of Cass City, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, at his residence following a brief illness. William was born on Dec. 10, 1922 in Detroit, the son of the late Boleslaw and Anna (LaBuhn) Rudy. He was united in marriage to Irene Warchock on June 28, 1947 at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly. William was a sergeant in the United States Army in Europe during World War II. They farmed together in Austin Township for 40 years. He was also employed for 7 years at Argyle Metal Finishing. He then retired from Snover Stamping in 1992. After his retirement, they moved to Cass City. He was a member of St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City. William is survived by his wife of 55 years, Irene; five sons, Donald and his wife, Linda, of Snover, Kenneth and his wife, Diane, of St. Johns, David and his wife, Melissa, of Holland, Gerald and his wife, Michelle, of Tacoma, Wash., and Gary and his wife, Jeanette, of Bay City; one daughter, Darlene Tetter and her husband, William, of Sandusky; one brother, Joseph and his wife, Adeline, of Bad Axe; one sister, Rita Nowc of St. Clair Shores; 16 grandchildren, Keith Rudy and his wife Melissa, Jennifer Smalley and her husband, Brent, Amanda Anderson and her husband, Dr. Kevin, Alana and Alissa Rudy, Pamela Hill and her husband, Stephen, Michael Tetter, Jessica, Brian, Kevin, and Sarah Rudy, Rene and Samantha Rudy, and Kayla, Matthew, and Erica Rudy; several nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Julie Tetter; one sister, Eleanor Dominick; two brothers-in-law, Valentine Dominick and Norman Nowe. The funeral mass for William B. Rudy will be 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. The Rev. Steve Fillion, pastor of St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City, will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the Thumb Veteran's Organizations. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery of Ubly. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. tonight at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly and from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials requested to the Family Discretionary Fund. Hannah Hunter Hannah Leigh Hunter, 16 months, of Kingston, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, in Covenant Health Care Cooper, Saginaw. Funeral services conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, with the Rev. Ron Hutchinson of Silverwood United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery near her great-grandparents. Pallbearers for Hannah are: Bob Hunter, Ron Hunter, Dave Nicol and Chad Raymond. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Wednesday, February 19, 2003 Marie McLeod Marie Bridget McLeod, 97, of Bad Axe, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, at Tuscola County Medical Care Facility after a short illness. She was born March 26, 1905 in Hume Township, daughter of the late Charles and Helena (Etzler) Deman. She married James McLeod on Nov. 7, 1937 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. He preceded her in death in 1952. Mrs. McLeod was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. She graduated from Country Normal, got her teaching certificate and taught many years in the rural country schools around Kinde. She later served as bookkeeper at Sacred Heart Parish in the 1960s and also worked at Haley's Dress Store in Bad Axe. She is survived by one daughter, Mary White-Jones of Bad Axe; two granddaughters, Stacy Ann White of New Jersey, Yarnell Wilson and her husband, Tom, of Bad Axe. Private cremation services have been conducted through the H. W. Weitenberner Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Arnold Reibling Arnold I. Reibling, 81, Elkton area farmer, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. He was born on June 13, 1922 at the home of his parents, the late Erwin and Lillian (Steinman) Reibling in Chandler Township. On Dec. 7, 1946, he was united in marriage to Goldie E. Buschlen at her parent's home in Detroit. She preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 1998. They lived and farmed in Chandler Township all their married life, spending their winters in Arizona after retiring. He was a member of the Elkton United Methodist Church and a World War II Army veteran serving on the front lines in Germany. He is survived by his son, Vaughn Reibling of Ubly; daughter, Darcel Neil and her husband, Walter, of Holland, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Casie and Jamie; three brothers, Calvin Reibling and his wife, Lela, of Elkton, Dwight Reibling and his wife, Marion, of Sturgis, Edsel Reibling and his wife, Mary, of Florida; three sisters, Ilene Kuhl of Elkton, Leona Bixler and her husband, Virgil, of Fort Worth, and Emma Rohrs of Phoenix, Ariz. Preceding him in death were three brothers, Fred, David and Lyle Reibling. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. The Rev. Pete Crawford, pastor of the Elkton United Methodist Church will officiate with burial in Chandler Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday and after 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Elkton United Methodist Church. The guest book may be signed at www.CFCelkton.com. Thursday, February 20, 2003 Harry Karg Harry E. Karg, 88, of Harbor Beach, passed away at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003. Born in Bloomfield Township on May 24, 1915, he was the son of the late Frederick and Hannah (Schelke) Karg. Harry and Ada Thayer were united in marriage on Nov. 6, 1937 in Deckerville. Together they farmed in Bloomfield Township. Harry was a member and former treasurer of the Bloomfield Lutheran Church and is currently a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach. He was also a director of the Board of Education of the Swayze School for many years and was a member of the Port Hope Retirees and the Farm Bureau. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and going to auctions, farming and crop touring. Harry is survived by his wife of 65 years Ada Karg of Harbor Beach; children, Keith Karg and his wife, Marilyn, of Harbor Beach, Kenneth Karg and his wife, Karen, of Bad Axe, Elaine Krueger and her husband, Larry, of Southfield and Fred Karg and his wife, Kathy, of Harbor Beach; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Alfred, Walter and Lawrence Karg; five sisters, Bertha List, Ollie Learman, Helen Wollen, Ella Mertschenski and Martha Karg. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, in Zion Lutheran Church of Harbor Beach with the Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the Rockfalls Cemetery in Harbor Beach. A scripture service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight and from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Terry Potter Terry W. Potter, 64, of Sand Point and formerly of Otisville, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, at his residence. Terry was born on Jan. 30, 1939 in Flint, the son of Calvin and Virginia (Wilder) Potter. He resided in the Caseville area the past two years coming from Otisville. Terry married Carolyn (Taylor) Wise on Jan. 9, 1978 in Las Vegas. He was self employed contractor for many years before retiring in December 1999. He was a member of the Caseville area Eagles, Lions Club and the Pigeon Conservation Club. Terry was an avid duck hunter and fisherman. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Terry Potter Jr. of Saginaw, Dianna Slusarzyk and her husband, Tom, of Clio, Laura Remenecz and her husband, Joe, of Burt, Larry Potter and his wife, Raleen, of Clio, Laurie Griffin and her husband, Tom, of Clio, Stephen Wise and his wife, Terri, of Burton; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; parents, Calvin and Virginia Potter of North Branch; brother, Phil Potter and his wife, Marge, of Clio; sister, Martha McDowell and her husband, Rick, of North Branch; several nieces, nephews and many close friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at the O'Guinn Family Funeral Home in Clio with Pastor Rob Prince officiating. Burial will be in Thetford Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. today and on Friday and from noon until the time of service Saturday. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospital Neurological Unit or Pigeon Conservation Club. Friday, February 21, 2003 Irene Bezemek Irene Bezemek, 85, of Ubly, passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at the Huron Medical Care Facility. Irene was born on July 22, 1917 in Paris Township to the late Theodore and Theresa (Gosdzinski) Wrubel. She married Leonard T. Bezemek on Oct. 11, 1941 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. He preceded her in death on Oct. 1, 2001. Irene attended the Maurer School. She was a former member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Parisville and has been a member of St. John Catholic Church in Ubly since 1946. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, quilting, dancing, playing cards, and visiting with family and friends. Irene is survived by two daughters, Marie Bezemek of Ubly, Leona Thayer and her husband, John, of St. Johns; two sons, Ken Bezemek and his wife, Marilyn, of Burt, Thomas Bezemek and his wife, Diane, of Ubly; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Sylvia O'Parka and her husband, Chester Jr., of Waterford; one sister-in-law, Grace Lemanski of Westland; one brother-in-law, Orville Bezemek of Westland. Irene was preceded in death by one son, Alvin on Jan. 9, 1960; two brothers, Zigmund and Ervin Wrubel; two sisters, Margaret Wrubel and Gertrude Berchule. Funeral mass for Irene Bezemek will be at noon on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday at St. John Catholic Church. Frederick Krease Frederick Carl Krease, 67, of Port Austin, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw. He was born on April 20, 1935 in Port Austin, son of the late Fred and Gertrude (Yaroch) Krease. Fred is survived by four sons, Patrick Krease and his wife, Cheryl, of Grand Blanc, David Krease of Linden, Andrew Krease of Flint, and Kevin Krease of Flint; three daughters, Marianne Krease of Jackson, Jane Hardacre and her husband, Robert, of Defiance, Ohio and Valerie Alessandro and her husband, Joe, of Pomfret, Conn.; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, John "Jack" Knoblock of Bad Axe and Robert Knoblock of Sterling Heights; two sisters, Marie Romes and her husband, Clarence, of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Joan Driscoll and her husband, Ed, of Dexter; and several nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Krease. A funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Officiating will be Fr. Robert McKeon. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Herbert Rapson Herbert Lyle Rapson, 56, of Milford and formerly of Bad Axe, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, in Wayne County. He was born in Bad Axe on Feb. 9, 1947 to Paul and Violet (Carmichael) Rapson. Herbert served in the U.S. Army, where he earned two purple hearts. He retired from the U.S. Post Office after 17 years of service. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed yard work and woodworking. Herbert is survived by his wife, Wendy Garagiola; one daughter, Michelle Scoviac and her husband, Jay, of Port Austin; two sons, Jason Rapson and his wife, Jennifer, of Mason, Scott Rapson and his wife, Michelle, of Fowlerville; grandchildren, Dean Scoviac, Kara, Caitlin, Zachary, Jozef, and Symantha Rapson; one sister, Dianna Kropp and her husband, Harold, of Pigeon; ex-wife, Sandra Rapson of Bad Axe; stepson, Michael Garagiola; stepdaughter, Samantha Garagiola. He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother, Donald Paul Rapson. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Jan Dykshoorn will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Emma Sawyer Emma B. Sawyer, 96, of Harbor Beach and formerly of Port Hope, passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, in the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Port Hope on July 11, 1906, she was the daughter of the late Fredrick and Annie (Kesterke) Scherret. On June 11, 1948, Emma and William Sawyer were united in marriage in Detroit. He preceded her in death on Nov. 19, 1970. Emma was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope. She is survived by nephews and cousins. Emma was preceded in death by her brother, Fredrick Scherret. Funeral services for Emma will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, in the St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope with the Rev. Gregory Eilers, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the Marquardt Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at the church and from 1 p.m. until the time of services on Saturday. Jack Reinke Jack Reinke of Bad Axe died at home Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. MacAlpine Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, which are incomplete at this time. A complete obituary will be in Sunday's edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. 1