HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning January 19, 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, January 19, 2003 Ruth DesJardin Ruth DesJardin, 74, of Bad Axe, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon after a long illness. She was born Aug. 25, 1928 in Sebewaing, daughter of the late Charles and Verna (Trussdail) Warkowski. She married Edwin Brigham in 1948. He preceded her in death. She married Van DesJardin June 5, 1976. He preceded her in death March 28, 1998. Mrs. DesJardin was a member of the Bad Axe Moose Lodge No. 2358 and loved to fish and play cards. Surviving are four sons, Lawrence Brigham and his wife, Judy, of Mt. Morris, Donald Brigham and his wife, Sylvia, of Grayling, Frank Brigham and his wife, Diane, of Kalkaska, and Daniel Brigham of Bad Axe; one daughter, Carol Kinney and her husband, Ralph, of Bad Axe; three step-daughters, Fay Gilbert and Kay Rogers, both of Bad Axe, and Joyce Thompson of Flint; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren and step great- grandchildren; two brothers, Edward LaFave of Sebewaing and John LaFave of Harrison; three sisters, Vera Law and Florence Thane, both of Sebewaing, and Joyce Headley of Bad Axe. She was preceded in death by one step-daughter, Linda Mayworm; and one brother, Thomas LaFave. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at the H.W. Weitenberner Funeral Home of Bad Axe. Burial will follow in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be after 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Olive Hartsell Olive Hartsell, 84, of Bad Axe, passed away at her home on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, under hospice care. She was born on May 26, 1918 in Argyle Township of Sanilac County, daughter of the late John and Lena (Krause) Philpot. She is survived by one son, Gary Hartsell, of Bad Axe; one daughter, Joan Nowland and her husband, Ken, of Caro; one sister, Joyce Moriarty of Snover; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Gordy and Jim Hartsell; one brother, Everett Philpot; two sisters, Doris and Audrey. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Arrangements are being handled by the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Maynard Martin Maynard "Pete" Martin, 68, of Cass City, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. He was born May 25, 1934 at home in Huron County to Claude and Mary (Hartsell) Martin. He married Elaine Loeffler in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cass City. Pete was a member of the Cass City Masonic Tyler Lodge No. 317. He worked at the Box plant in Elkton for 32 years. He enjoyed woodworking and building lawn furniture. Pete is survived by his son, Peter and his fiancee, Christina Sturm, of Cass City; former wife, Elaine Martin of Sebewaing and her children: Karen Hutchinson of Cass City, Mark Martin and his wife, Betsy, of Cass City, David Martin and his wife, Cindy, of Cass City, Jeff Martin of Cass City; grandchildren, Jennifer, Paul, Eric, Brent and Amy Martin, Marshall, Clayton, Jordan, Janelle and Tyler Venema; great-grandson, Zane Venema; siblings, Ken Martin and his wife, Joanne, of Cass City, Geraldine Bullock of Mancelona, Isabel Wright of Cass City, Marie Beirlien and her husband, Ray, of Saginaw; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Roy Martin, Evelyn Miksa, Bertha Phillips; two infant brothers; one infant sister. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with the Rev. Ellen Burns of Shabbona United Methodist Church officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. A Masonic service will take place at 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Visitation is from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Alice Flanagan Alice Flanagan, 89, from Bloomfield Hills and formerly of Port Austin, died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2003, after a short illness. Funeral mass will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at St. Owen's Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills. Contributions suggested to Hospice of Integrated Health Services in Southfield. Monday, January 20, 2003 Marshall Dominick Marshall "Mark" Dominick, 92, of Lake Township, died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003, at Huron Valley Medical Center near Pontiac. He was born on July 10, 1910 in Tyre, south of Ubly, to the late Joseph and Martha (Gornowicz) Dominick and grew up on the family farm. Mr. Dominick moved to the Detroit area in the late 1920s because there was no money at home. While there, he met his future bride, Ruelle Fischer, while at a dance hall with friends. They both loved to dance. They were married at her parents' home in Belleville on Aug. 4, 1937. He worked several jobs before he found and developed his trade as an independent contractor, first installing garage doors, then windows and doors. He had a strong work ethic and managed his family and work life with his wife very well. He lived the American dream and his children all became productive and responsible. Mark is the last of six siblings. He was an avid fisherman and hunter of deer, pheasant, antelope and rabbit. He told stories of the golden age of pheasant hunting in the Thumb. He was also quite a knowledgeable fan of baseball, football and especially ice hockey. His assessment of the two greatest players he ever knew were Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky. He was tickled that two of his sons and a grandson played hockey extensively for years. Mark and Ruelle moved to their cottage in Lake Township in 1976 after retiring and spent many years wintering in Florida until their health failed in 1994. Ruelle preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2000. He is survived by four sons, Toby and his wife, Roberta, of St. Clair, Kim of Southfield, Derry of Plymouth and Chris and his wife, Diana, of White Lake; nine grandchildren, Jim and his wife, Kate, Steve and his wife, Jennifer, Paul and his wife, Christina, Janine, Jeff, Tamara, Mary Louise, Elizabeth and Christa, and a grandchild on the way; six grandpuppies; two grandcats. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville. The Rev. Sally Boelter will officiate with burial in the Caseville Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and after 8 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Red Cross or the Caseville Eagles Charity Programs. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCcaseville.com. Tuesday, January 21, 2003 Lillian Ray Lillian M. Ray, 84, of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2003, in the St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw following a brief illness. Born in Harbor Beach on April 23, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Ella (Zeisler) Schmucker. On Mar. 12, 1938, Lillian and Elbert Ray were united in marriage in Detroit. He preceded her in death on Feb. 13, 1976. Together they operated a wholesale florist business in Belleville for 40 years. Lillian was a member of the United Methodist Church in Belleville and the Order of the Eastern Star in Wayne. She is survived by her children, Marian Daniels of Palm Desert, Calif., Elaine Biondo and her husband, Steve, of Harbor Beach, Joe Ray and his wife, Pam, of Milan, Robert Ray of Harbor Beach; eight grandchildren, Jim Daniels and his wife, Salli, of Modesto, Calif., Jeff Daniels and his wife, Rosanna, of Switzerland, Jerry Daniels of Stockton, Calif., Erik Ray and his wife, Jeannine, of Saugus, Mass., Ed Ray and his wife, Laura, of Rochester, N.Y., Elten Ray of Rochester, N.Y., Jennifer Ray of Harbor Beach, Robert John Ray of Harbor Beach; one great-grandchild, Lauren Daniels of Modesto, Calif.; a half-brother, Paul Henniken of Florida. She was preceded in death by a brother, Clarence; and two sisters, Elvera and Dorothy. In keeping with Lillian's wishes, only a graveside service will be conducted in Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock at noon on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003. Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach is handling arrangements. Gerald Karolinski Gerald Karolinski, 72, of Battle Creek, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, at the Care Community Facility in Battle Creek. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery in Ubly in the spring. Arrangements were handled by Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Wednesday, January 22, 2003 Melva Elenbaum Melva N. Elenbaum, 84, of Pigeon, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003, at her home. She was born in Elkton on Jan. 21, 1919, the daughter of the late William and Carolina "Carrie" (Yackle) Dietzel. On January 17, 1942, she was united in marriage to Lloyd L. Elenbaum in Elkton. The couple had celebrated over 51 years of marriage prior to his death on Sept. 24, 1993. Mrs. Elenbaum taught rural school in the area, and at the Elkton and Pigeon Elementary Schools for more than 10 years. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 1970. Mrs. Elenbaum was an avid reader. She was also a 4-H leader for many years. She enjoyed quilting, pine needle basketry, needlework, and painting, as well as flower gardening and bird watching. She and her husband, Lloyd, enjoyed traveling together in North America, and also visited Europe and the Holy Land. She was a faithful member of the Kilmanagh United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school throughout her lifetime. She taught vacation Bible school, was a member of the United Methodist Women, and was active in the former E.U.B. Conference and the United Methodist Church. She was also worship leader for the Mission Band at the Kilmanagh United Methodist Church. She was a strong supporter of Bay Shore Evangelical Camp in Sebewaing, and was a member of the Bay Shore Auxiliary. Her survivors include a son, Roger Elenbaum and his wife, Janice, of Sebewaing; four daughters, Charlene Dibble and her husband, Sam, of Plymouth, Melva Jean Coleman and her husband, Rick, of Cass City, Dawn Pobanz and her husband, Robert, of Alma, and Pamela Dubey and her husband, Jay, of Pigeon; 14 grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren; two sisters, Ora Krause and her husband, Olin, of Apollo Beach, Fla. and Anita Voelker and her husband, Otto, of Pigeon; a half brother, Solomon Dietzel of Ida; a sister-in-law, Mildred Dietzel of Pigeon; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a half sister, Grace Ball; and three half brothers, Alvin, Edward, and Daniel Dietzel. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at the Kilmanagh United Methodist Church with the Rev. Alger T. Lewis, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight, from 1 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. Memorials for Mrs. Elenbaum may be made to Bay Shore Camp, Kilmanagh United Methodist Church or Youth for Christ. Larry Shuff Larry Walter Shuff, 55, lifelong resident of Bad Axe, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home with the Rev. Jan Dykshoorn officiating. Thursday, January 23, 2003 George Erenfejcht Jr. George H. Erenfejcht Jr., 46, of Hartland, formerly of Sebewaing, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 21, 2003, at Arbor Hospice of Ann Arbor following a six-month-long illness. He was born Feb. 13, 1956 in Detroit, son of the late George H. and Juanita "Dixie" (Brittian) Erenfejcht. He was united in marriage to Alicia Castillo on Sept. 26, 1975 in Saginaw. George was a manufacturing manager for Novi Precision Products, Inc. in Brighton for 16 years and later was project leader for FCI Framatome Group Automotive in Westland. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. He enjoyed bowling, stereos, electronics, hot rods and trucks. He is survived by his wife, Alicia, of Hartland; one son, Ernie Garcia of Bay City; three daughters, Christine Garcia, Melissa Matuszak and her husband, Lance, Raquel Erenfejcht and her special friend, Shane Spriggs, all of Sebewaing; six grandchildren, Ashley, Jordan, Steven Garcia, Alex and Greyson Matuszak, Katylin Spriggs; two sisters, Michaeline Fenrich and her husband, Allen, of Howell, Roxanne Jones of Sarasota, Fla.; two brothers, Henry E. Erenfejcht and his wife, Robin, and Michael J. Erenfejcht, all of Bay Port; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Ray McGee and Youth Ministry Director, Brian Reinhardt will officiate with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing and from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday. He will lie in state at the church from 9:30 a.m. on Saturday until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Family Discretionary Fund or Trinity United Methodist Church. Agnes Gornowicz Agnes G. Gornowicz, 82, of Caseville, died Monday morning, Jan. 20, 2003, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. She was born on Jan. 29, 1919 to the late Peter and Frances (Miller) Wrobel. On Nov. 7, 1936, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Gornowicz at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Frieburg. He preceded her in death in 1983. She is survived by her son, Larry Gornowicz of Caseville; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her brother, Stanley Wrobel of St. Clair; two sisters, Sophie Swartz of Ubly and Minnie Matthews of Utica. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary, in 2002. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville with burial in St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery, Frieburg. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 tonight at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville and after 10 a.m. on Friday at the church. Eldora Gowen Eldora Josie Gowen, 93, of Bad Axe, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. She was born on Dec. 30, 1909 in Lincoln Township, daughter of the late Fred and Effie (Wood) Gilbert. She married Alfred W. Gowen in February of 1930 in Toledo, Ohio. He preceded her in death on Sept. 18, 1981. She graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1927 and attended Huron County Normal to prepare for a job in education. She taught at Church, Stanton, and Bad Axe schools. She was a great baker and seamstress. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and the quilting guild, as well as staying busy with her family. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. Eldora is survived by one daughter, Nancy Williston and her husband, David, of Bad Axe; one sister, Aleta Wills of Bad Axe; one grandson, David Williston and his wife, Vicki, of Walled Lake; two great-grandsons, Chad Williston of Freeland and Adam Sawicki of Atlanta, Ga.; four great-granddaughters, Heather Sawicki of Freeland, Cindy Barnhart of Walled Lake, Kimberly Ryan of Canton, Tammy Keeley of Clarkston; five great-great-granddaughters; and five great-great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth Gilbert; and two sisters, Jack Genevieve Wooley and Eva Jean Reimann. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. Interment will be in the Colfax Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 tonight at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or from 10 a.m. until the service time on Friday at the church. Friday, January 24, 2003 David Essenmacher David W. Essenmacher, 86, of Harbor Beach, passed away Thursday evening, Jan. 23, 2003, at the Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center in Ft. Meyers, Fla. Funeral mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach is handling the arrangements. A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune or by viewing the website of RamseyFH.Com. Leonard Sperkowski Leonard Sperkowski, 94, of Ubly, passed away Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, at Huron Medical Center of Bad Axe. Arrangements are being handled by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. A complete obituary will be in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune. 1