HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning March 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, March 16, 2003 Clarence Boldt Clarence A. Boldt, 68, of Harbor Beach, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2003, at Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born on Aug. 24, 1934 in Ruth, he was the son of the late Albert and Ella (Brahmer) Boldt. On Nov. 20, 1954, Clarence was united in marriage to Gerry Cronce in Harbor Beach. Together they farmed in Sherman Township until his retirement. Clarence was a guitar player and recently taught himself to play the mandolin. He often played for the senior residents of the long term care as well as weddings, parties and yearly at the Zion German Dinner. He also enjoyed playing with other area musicians. Clarence was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach and was a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League and served his church in numerous capacities. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and loved hunting and beagle dogs. He is survived by his wife, Gerry, of Harbor Beach; children, Randy Boldt of Chickasha, Okla., Cindy Sopczynski and her husband, Michael, of Harbor Beach, Bonnie Messing and her husband, David, of Harbor Beach, Pattie Alsop and her husband, Dennis, of Lakeport, Judy Lautner and her husband, Richard, of Forestville; eight grandchildren, Mike Sopczynski, Jr., Robin, Jennifer, Peter and Travis Messing, Elizabeth and Kathrine Alsop and David Lautner; sister, Shirley Dimick and her husband, James, of Mentor, Ohio; sister-in-law, Evelyn Boldt of Harbor Beach. Clarence was preceded in death by his brother, Russell Boldt; and two grandsons, Andrew and Matthew Sopczynski. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2003, in Zion Lutheran Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. A scripture service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from noon until the time of services on Monday at the church. Marguerite Brandow Marguerite I. Brandow, 72, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2003, at her home following an apparent heart attack. Born in Port Hope on Oct. 28, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Agnes (Hartz) Friedland. On July 28, 1961, Marguerite and Leslie Brandow were united in marriage in Harbor Beach. Marguerite was a graduate of the St. Clair Community College in the licensed practical nursing class in Bad Axe. She retired from Harbor Beach Community Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Leslie Brandow of Harbor Beach; children, Jeffery Brandow of Harbor Beach, and Jill Blake and her husband, Dan, of Erie, Colo.; step children, Janet Mitch of Florida and Leslie Brandow Jr. of California; brother, Willet Friedland and his wife, Joyce, of Port Hope; sister, Dorothy Woychowski of Harbor Beach; the children of Don and Kim Siemen, who called her 'Grandma B' Ð Ryan, Whitney and Brook; sisters-in-law, Arthella Thomas of Florida and Evelyn Mutart of St. Clair Shores. Marguerite was preceded in death by a brother, Milton Friedland in 1938; two sisters, Betty Tageson in 1981 and Grace Burkhard in 1986; brothers-in-law, Arthur and Mansford Brandow. A memorial service will be at 8 p.m. today at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach with Thatcher Kitson of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Bad Axe officiating. Cremation took place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until the time of the service today at the funeral home. Clarence Choike Clarence T. Choike, 81, of Port Austin, died Saturday, March 15, 2003, at Huron Medical Center. He was born on July 20, 1921 in Detroit, son of the late Frank and Julia (Urban) Choike. Clarence married Shirley Jones on Aug. 19, 1944 in Detroit. They moved to Port Austin permanently in 1983. Clarence served in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked for many years as a marble mason and was a very accomplished handy man. He was in charge of remodeling the Fischer Theater in Detroit. Clarence is survived by his wife, Shirley; two daughters, Carolyn Choike Banas of Clinton Township and Kathleen Morkut of Kalamazoo; one sister-in-law, Louise Sypitowski; a niece, Christine Sypitowski. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy and Mildred. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. A memorial service will be conducted at a future date. Arrangements are being handled by Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Lydia Tabor Lydia Laura Tabor, 86, of Bad Axe, died Thursday, March 13, 2003, at her home. She was born on July 29, 1916 in Detroit to the late Alexander and Anna (Kretzschmar) Fennig. Lydia Fennig married Peter Tabor on Oct. 12, 1935. He preceded her in death in 1995. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. Lydia enjoyed life. She especially liked working in the yard and visiting with friends. She enjoyed traveling and collecting knick-knacks. Lydia is survived by special friends, Brian, Becky, Chelsea and Justin Lasceski of Harbor Beach; several nieces and nephews; Robert and Mary Barnes of Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; two brothers, Oswald Fennig and Gerhard Fennig; one sister, Elsie Thompson; one brother- in-law, Henry Thompson; one nephew, Gerald Thompson. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe with the Rev. Kenneth Lueke officiating. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home. Christine Talaski Christine A. Talaski, 48, of Filion, died Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw. She was born on Sept. 11, 1954 in Bad Axe, daughter of Patricia (Hagle) and the late James L. Champagne. She and Gregory Talaski were married on July 1, 1972 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township. Chris owned and operated Bad Axe Tire with her husband since 1977. She was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde, the Two Cylinder Club, the Lincoln Swamp Kennels, the Preferred Reader Club and a board member of White Tails Forever. She participated in Relay for Life and was very active, working on fish fries and dinners around the county. Chris was a big supporter of the Junior Livestock and 4-H programs. She loved playing cards and enjoyed the outdoors. A very giving and compassionate person in life, Chris very fittingly was an organ donor after her death. She is survived by her husband, Gregory of Filion; three sons, Gregory Chad Talaski and his special friend, Julie Schipinski, of Kinde, Aaron James Talaski and his wife, Tammy, of Filion, and Eric Jeffery Talaski at home; her mother, Patricia Champagne of Pigeon; three sisters, Bernadette Heleski and her husband, James, of Pigeon, Frances DeWyse and her husband, Joseph, of Essexville and Mary Thompson and her husband, Todd, of Bay City; and her brother, Leo Champagne of Caseville. Funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2003, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township. The Rev. Mieczyslaw Oniskiewicz, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A vigil will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. today at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be conducted from 1 to 9 p.m. today, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Monday, March 17, 2003 Russell Abbott Russell Abbott, 76, of Bad Axe, died Friday, March 14, 2003, at Talaski Adult Foster Care Home. He was born on March 29, 1926 in Detroit to the late Harry and Lydia (Schmidt) Abbott. Russell married Winifred Klett at First Baptist Church in Bad Axe on Aug. 26, 1994. She preceded him in death in 2002. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Pastor Brian Crampton from Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Verona Township Cemetery. Dorothy Reinker Dorothy A. Reinker, 90, of Lapeer and formerly of Sebewaing, died Saturday, March 15, 2003, at the Ferguson Convalescent Home in Lapeer following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 28, 1912 in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of the late Paul A. and Lena (Erbe) Kleve. She was united in marriage to the Rev. Edward H. Reinker on Nov. 27, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He preceded her in death on Jan. 9, 1993. Dorothy was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh, a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Lutheran Children's Friend Society, taught Sunday school for 35 years and was active in many other church organizations. She was also a former member of the Unionville-Sebewaing area Senior Citizens Organization. She is survived by three sons; Kenneth Reinker and his wife, Romell, of Cody, Wyo., Glen Reinker and his wife, Shirley, of Grand Blanc, Robert Reinker and his wife, Susan, of Olympia, Wash.; three daughters, Marilyn Riemer and her husband, Richard, of Lehigh, Kan., Elaine Horton and her husband, Richard, of Goodrich, Judy Kraft and her husband, Brian, of Sterling Heights; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Eleanor Belling; one brother, Paul Kleve and a baby great-grandson. The funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh. The Rev. Wayne Wentzel, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. She will lie in state at the church from noon until the time of service on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Hour. The family would like to express their thanks and satisfaction to the staff of the Ferguson Convalescent Home in Lapeer for their fine care and concern for their mother. Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Theresa Bambach Theresa Mary Bambach, 84, of Lansing and former resident of Huron County, died Saturday, March 14, 2003, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born on Aug. 15, 1918 in Huron County to the late Nicholas and Elizabeth (Remsing) Bambach. Theresa was raised in Huron County and moved to Lansing in 1963. She enjoyed bowling, sewing and playing cards. She was a good neighbor who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Theresa is survived by her daughter, Marjorie Simpson of Troy; two granddaughters, Kristin McEwen of Royal Oak, Jill Wright of Rochester Hills; five great- grandchildren, Allyson, Austin, Brandon, Connor and Cameron. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home-Gage Chapel in Kinde. Edward Bambach will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 until 11 a.m. on Thursday. Memorials may be offered to the charity of the donor's choice. Sondra Champagne Sondra E. Champagne, 57, of Sebewaing, died Monday morning, March 17, 2003, at Brian's House in Essexville following an eight-year-long illness. She was born on April 22, 1945 in Sebewaing, daughter of the late Harold and Kathryn (Howard) Dutcher. She was a 1963 graduate of Sebewaing High School. Sondra and Edmund P. Champagne united in marriage on Aug. 8, 1964, in Bad Axe. He preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 2000. She had been employed at the Airport Motel in Sebewaing and also had been employed at the former Pitcher's Ben Franklin Store for 22 years until the store closed several years ago. She is survived by two sons, Edmund P. Champagne Jr. and his wife, Kathy, of Owendale, Kevin M. Champagne and his special friend, Katherine Kelley, of Fairgrove; four grandchildren, Edmund Grant, Hunter Lee, Janel Nicole and Jessica Kelley; two sisters; Connie Foutch and her husband, David, of Springport and Kathy Dutcher; two brothers, Charles Dutcher and his wife, Janet, and Russell Dutcher, all of Sebewaing; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. John Heim, pastor of the Owendale United Methodist Church will officiate with burial in the Sebewaing Assembly of God Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. tonight and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Christopher Heintz Christopher Jason Heintz, 16, of Pigeon, born Dec. 5, 1986, in Warren, with trusting faith took leave to be with his heavenly Father on Monday, March 17. Chris was a sophomore at Laker High School. He loved life; he was very kind and always caring and concerned for others. He enjoyed music and his piano lessons, and was considered a computer whiz. Chris loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, snakes and turtles. While in junior high school, he was a member of the Honor Society and wrestling team. He was also a former Cub Scout and Little Leaguer. Chris was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pigeon where he was a church acolyte and was the church custodian for three months before he became ill. He leaves behind his father and mother, Mike and Peggy Heintz of Pigeon; brother, Eric and friend, Selina, of Pigeon; paternal grandmother, Emma Heintz of Pigeon; maternal grandparents, Vincent and Grace Freeman of Bay Port; aunts and uncles, Bob and Rose Christner of Brown City, Richard and Birdie Heintz of Pigeon, Tom and Diane Heintz of Florida, Pete and Carol Heintz of Pigeon, George and Patricia Heintz of Marlette, Linda and Melvin Manyen of Bay City, Dwight Freeman of Wallace, Douglas and Jana Freeman of Pigeon, Daniel Freeman of Lansing, and Susann Rowe of Pigeon; many loving and supportive cousins and school friends; and beloved dog, Sassy. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, George Heintz. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2003, at the First United Methodist Church in Pigeon, with the Rev. Margaret Passenger, pastor, and the Rev. Bob Smith, pastor of the Evangel Life Assembly of God Church in Bad Axe, officiating. Burial will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery, Winsor Township. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 tonight, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorials for Chris Heintz may be made to Family Child Life at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor or Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. Frederick Hintz Frederick J. Hintz, 81, of Caseville, died Monday, March 17, 2003, at Heartland Health Care in Bridgeport. He was born on April 20, 1921 to the late Elmer and Eleanor (Schwarz) Hintz in Detroit. On April 28, 1945, he was married to Marie M. Lobeck at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Detroit. She preceded him in death on Feb. 3, 2000. Mr. Hintz had been employed by the Hudson Motorcar Company for thirty-five years and later with Chrysler Corporation for ten years as a journeyman tool and die maker, retiring in 1984. Mr. and Mrs. Hintz moved from Eastpointe in 1987 to their vacation home near Mud Creek. He is survived by a stepdaughter, Joanna Graller of Davenport, Iowa; three stepgrandchildren; two sisters, Elaine Hintz Beckeney of Alpena, Joyce Hintz Kageff and her husband, Gordon, of Longwood, Fla.; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and dearest childhood friend, Mr. Robert Wilkins of Capac. Preceding him in death are his parents; and a brother, Elmer Hintz in 1995. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2003, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. Internment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Albert Kubacki Albert M. Kubacki, 73, of Ubly, died Sunday evening, March 16, 2003, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. He was born on Aug. 5, 1929 in Ubly, the son of the late John J. Jr. and Stella (Smalley) Kubacki. He married Mary VanErp on May 24, 1952 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Sheridan. Mr. Kubacki was a graduate of Sparling Country School. Farmed with his family until retiring in 1992. He wintered in Holiday, Fla. for a few years. He was a former member of St. John's School Board, a member of the Bingham Township Board for 20 years, was a representative of the ASCS Committee, and a member of Farm Bureau. Mr. Kubacki was a lifelong parishioner of St. John Catholic Church in Ubly, and was a member of the Lemke Body Shop Bowling Team for many years. He enjoyed playing cards and going on local crop tours. He played on local baseball teams and enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Ubly; five sons, Kevin Kubacki of Deckerville, Gary Kubacki and his wife, Mandy, of Ubly, Tim Kubacki and his wife, Debra, of Sebewaing, Craig Kubacki and his wife, Alicia, of Bay City, Randy Kubacki and his wife, Carolyn, of Glendale Heights, Ill.; two daughters, Cindy Kissell and her husband, Jay, of Vernon Hills, Ill., Dawn Booms and her husband, Andy, of Harbor Beach; seven grandchildren, Adam, Colleen, Jason, Chloe and Claire Kubacki, Elizabeth and Hannah Booms; three sisters, Luella Piskorski of Detroit, Virginia Maurer of Bad Axe, Marcella Prazuch of Mt. Clemens; one sister-in-law, Anna Kubacki of Ubly; one brother-in-law, James Lewis of Bad Axe. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond, Henry and Bernard Kubacki; two sisters, Agnes Lewis and Sylvia Kubacki. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 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 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. tonight and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. There will be a parish vigil service at 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Janette Rapson Janette I. Rapson, 82, of Harbor Beach, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2003, in the long term care unit of the Harbor Beach Community Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Harbor Beach on Nov. 10, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Leota (Sample) Blashill. Janette and William Rapson were united in marriage on May 16, 1947 in Port Huron. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Beach. She is survived by her husband, William Rapson of Harbor Beach; children, John Rapson and his wife, Bonnie, of Port Austin, Nancy Rapson of Harbor Beach; two grandchildren, Arminta Charmichal and her husband, Collin, of Waterloo, Ontario and Thomas Rapson and his fiance, Renee Gottschalk, of Port Austin. Janette was preceded in death by three children, William George Rapson, Corinne Leigh Rapson and Robert William Rapson; four brothers, Cliff, Roy, Lloyd and Glen Blashill; three sisters, Sylvia Wilson, Hilda Blashill and Velma Blashill. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2003, in the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Beach with the Rev. Theresa Cutler, pastor officiating. A private family burial will take place in the Rockfalls Cemetery, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to American Lung Association or St. Judes Hospital. Wednesday, March 19, 2003 Joann Crews Joann Crews, 82, of Lake Township near Caseville, died Tuesday morning, March 18, 2003, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility after a short illness. She was born on March 25, 1920 in Allendale, the daughter of the late Fred and Matilda (Pearson) Meyer. On Feb. 11, 1939, she was united in marriage to Francis J. "Bud" Crews in Indiana. They resided in Pontiac for many years where Bud worked at General Motors. He preceded her in death on June 11, 1991. Joann was a homemaker and along with her husband owned and operated Crews Cottages in Lake Township for 37 years. She was still very much a part of its day to day operation until her recent illness. She attended Calvary Baptist in Caseville where she served as an organist for many years. She is survived by two sons, Larry Crews and his wife, Julia, of Caseville, Gary Crews and his wife, Marsha, of Caro; seven grandchildren, Brian Crews and his wife, Mary, Brady Crews, Jill Matthews and her husband, Douglas, Jeannine Bunn and her husband, Andrew, Julie Wallace and her husband, Jason, Shari Goff and her husband, Jason, Beth Freeman and her husband, John; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Fred R. Meyer and his wife, Kathy, of Allendale; and a sister-in-law, Eleaze Meyer of Allendale. She was preceded in death by a brother, Fred John Meyer in 1996. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2003, at the Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael Goforth, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Indianfields Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and after 10 a.m. on Friday at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville. Memorials may be given to the church. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCcaseville.com. Thursday, March 20, 2003 Clemence Mausolf Mr. Clemence Mausolf, 78, of Bad Axe, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at the Aleda E. Lutz Medical Center of Saginaw. Clemence was born on May 24, 1924 in Harbor Beach to the late John C. and Amelia (Guza) Mausolf. He never married. Clemence graduated from the Kipper School. He lived in Huron County all his life. He farmed with his family and was a milk hauler for 30 years before retiring in 1976. He moved to Bad Axe in 1972 and became a parishioner at Sacred Heart. He was formerly a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. He played on the Verona softball team in his younger days. He enjoyed playing pool, euchre, visiting with friends at the barber shop, spending time with his family, and he enjoyed his vehicles. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and was an MP until his discharge. Clemence is survived by two sisters, Harriett E. Leese of Yale and Barbara Hammerle of Holland; one brother, Martin Mausolf and his wife, Doris, of Bad Axe; one brother-in- law, Clifford Jock of Detroit; many nieces and nephews; one special nephew and godson, Rodney Mausolf and his wife, Yvonne, of Bad Axe. Clemence was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Ralph and Edmund Mausolf; five sisters, Genevieve Kuntze, Frances Smart, Helen Jock, Maryann Maurer, infant Beatrice Mausolf; four brothers-in- law, Elmer Maurer, Otto Leese, Earl Kuntze and Hughie Smart; two sisters-in-law, Monica and Rita Mausolf. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Bad Axe. The Rev. John Killop of Sacred Heart Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the Our Lady of Lake Huron Cemetery in Harbor Beach. There will be a parish vigil service by the Rev. Killop at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Erma Stellmacher Erma Pratt Stellmacher, 88, of Drummond Island and formerly of Elkton, died Tuesday morning, March 18, 2003, at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie. She was born on March 31, 1914 in Saskatchewan, Canada to the late John and Shara (Meuma) Atkinson. When she was 9 years old, she moved with her family to a farm in Grant Township. She grew up on that farm and was courted by the boy next door, Josiah "Bill" Pratt. They were married in 1932, and in 1942 they had a son, Jim. Bill preceded her in death in 1955. On Sept. 2, 1968, she was united in marriage to Frank Stellmacher in Flint. He also preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 1988. Erma lived in Elkton until 1998, she then moved to Drummond Island to be near her family. Erma was a member of the Elkton Missionary Church. She is survived by her son, Jim Pratt and his wife, Connie, of Drummond Island; three granddaughters, Janice Dohring, Jane Scherret and her husband, Kevin, and JoAnn Kern and her husband, Kurt; 13 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Matthew, Kevin Jr., Tyler, Michael, Amanda, Courtney, Elizabeth, Jamie, Ashley, Breanna, Tiffany and Katelynn; three sisters, Jenny Stokes of Goodrich, Esther Rulhruff of Arlington, Wash., and Lucille Conrad of Columbus, Ohio; and brother, George Atkinson. She was preceded in death by a brother, Frank. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at the Elkton Missionary Church. The Rev. Reggie Courliss, pastor, will officiate with burial in Elkland Township Cemetery in Cass City. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to the church. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Friday, March 21, 2003 Beatrice Rathke Beatrice H. Rathke, 88, of Pigeon, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at the Scheurer Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Pigeon. She was born on Sept. 19, 1914 in Port Huron, the daughter of the late Herman and Alma L.T. (Thrun) Westphal. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master of arts degree from the University of Michigan. On Aug. 2, 1952, she was united in marriage to Herman Henry Karl Rathke at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon. He preceded her in death on July 24, 1995. She began her teaching career at Bell School in St. Clair, then taught at Campau School and Lincoln School, both in Port Huron. Mrs. Rathke taught at Pigeon Elementary School from 1952 until the early 1970's. She was a member of the Huron County Association of Retired School Employees, and along with her husband, was a member of the Farm Bureau. Mrs. Rathke was a faithful member of Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon, where she taught Sunday School for many years and was a member of the Cross Lutheran Women of the Church. She is survived by a son, Arthur H. Rathke and his wife, Debra, of Sterling Heights; three grandchildren, Pamela, Kristine and Mark; a sister, Evelyn Henkelmann of Pigeon; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Herbert and Arthur Westphal. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2003, at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon. The Rev. Frederick Henkelmann, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Linton, N. D. and the Rev. Dellis Hudson, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday at Meyersieck- Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon and from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Memorials for Mrs. Rathke may be made to Cross Lutheran Church or the Alzheimers Association. Leonard Wolschleger Leonard Wolschleger, 85, of Harbor Beach, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2003, at the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Leonard was born on June 24, 1917 in Harbor Beach to the late Michael and Anna (Booms) Wolschleger. He married Gertrude Mae Mazure on April 22, 1941 at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Leonard completed the eighth grade at East Huron School in Harbor Beach. He started as a young man working on area farms. He joined the Civil Conservation Corps camps (C.C.C.). He worked for the C.C.C. camps for six months. He then sailed the Great Lakes for five seasons. After he left sailing, he returned to Michigan and farming. He farmed for 31 years. He was employed also at Huron Milling Co. in Harbor Beach for nine years, Active Industries, and Searls, from where he retired in 1982. He was a parishioner and former usher at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and watching the Detroit Tigers play baseball. Leonard is survived by his wife, Gertrude, of Harbor Beach; five sons and six daughters, Paul Wolschleger and his wife, Diane, of Auburn, Wash., Arlene Szarapski and her husband, Stan, of Cass City, Sharon McCreary and her husband, Bob, of Bay City, Dr. Joseph Wolschleger and his wife, Janice, of Big Rapids, Robert Wolschleger and his wife, Sandy, of Big Rapids, Linda Booms and her husband, Michael, of Shelby Township, Donald Wolschleger and his wife, Della, of Harbor Beach, Kathy Falsetti and her husband, Bob, of St. Clair, Dr. Kevin Wolschleger and his wife, Karyn, of Grand Rapids, Anita Mosey and her husband, Steve, of Harbor Beach, Cheryl Shulte and her husband, Gene, of Port Hope; 30 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; five brothers and one sister, Edward Wolschleger of Charlevoix, Albert Wolschleger and his wife, Helen, of Harbor Beach, Denis Wolschleger and his wife, Rosemary, of Harbor Beach, Norman Wolschleger and his wife, Doris, of Harbor Beach, Marie Kubacki and her husband, Irvin, of Bad Axe, Benjamin Wolschleger and his wife, Vange, of Harbor Beach. Leonard was preceded in death by one son, Brian; two grandchildren, Michael L. Wolschleger and Derek Verscheure; two brothers, Jerome and Vincent; one sister, Leona Zieski; one sister-in-law, Virginia Wolschleger. The funeral mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2003, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church of Harbor Beach. The Rev. Steve Fillion, pastor of St. Pancratius Catholic Church of Cass City will officiate. Burial will be in the Our Lady of Lake Huron Cemetery in Harbor Beach. There will be a parish vigil service by Sr. Eileen Houlihan at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Zinger- Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, from 1 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Beatrice Walters Beatrice Walters, 90, of St. Helen, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2003. Services will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2003, at the Smigielski Funeral Home in Minden City. For more information, please call (989) 658-8501. 1