HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning October 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, October 19, 2003 Larry Allgeyer Larry Matthew Allgeyer, 34, of Bad Axe, passed away Friday morning, October 17, 2003, at his home from complications of a heart condition. He was born March 2, 1969 in Escanaba to Marvin Allgeyer and Beverly (Schipinski) Allgeyer. He never married. Larry was a graduate of Bad Axe High School and attended Saginaw Valley University. He was employed by the Pizza Hut Corporation for 15 years, working at both the Sandusky and Bad Axe stores. He was manager of the Bad Axe store for the last three years. He loved the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed reading, gardening, art, and being an uncle to his nieces and nephews. Larry is survived by his mother, Beverly Allgeyer, of Bad Axe; his father, Marvin Allgeyer, of Carney; two sisters, Lynn Marie Allgeyer, of Bad Axe and Julie Ann Allgeyer, of Carney; two brothers, Jeffery Paul Allgeyer and his wife, Stacey, of Pittsburg, California and Jerold James Allgeyer and his wife, Melissa, of Glendale Heights, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Adam, Danielle, and Nicole Duda, Derek, Liana, Jeremy and Jacob Allgeyer; beloved aunt, Joyce (Kramer) Mayes and her husband, Robert, of Oscoda; special cousins, Janine Smith and Joelene Moore, Jerrod Kramer, and Jennifer Stupski; godchild, Tyler Schipinski. Larry was preceded in death by his sisters, Lori Ann and Jenny Marie Allgeyer; his grandparents, Frank and Florence Allgeyer and Matthew and Leona Schipinski. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2003, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. The Rev. John Killop, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a rosary at 8 p.m. on Monday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Richard Lee "Dick" Crockett Richard Lee "Dick" Crockett, 52, of Kingsley, died Thursday morning, October 16, 2003, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by his loving and caring family. Born July 29, 1951 in Kokomo, Indiana, he was the son of Paul F. and Ruby J. (Johnston) Crockett. On August 23, 1975 in Interlochen, he married the former Janice L. Kretzschmer who survives him. Dick was employed as a maintenance supervisor for Interlochen Center for the Arts for 30 years. He was a devoted member of Faith Community Church of the Nazarene in Buckley where he served on the building committee. Dick's interests included golfing, hunting and traveling. He treasured the time he spent with his family, especially with his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. "Grandpa" will be greatly missed. Along with his wife, Janice, he is also survived by four children, Toni Baker and her husband, Craig, of Beulah, Kristi Morrow and her husband, Mason, of Interlochen, David Crockett and his wife, Jessica, of Traverse City, and Jami Crockett and her friend, Dennis Miller, of Kingsley; seven grandchildren, Jordan Baker, Devyn Crockett, Nolan Morrow, Anamarie Baker, David Crockett, Jr., Hayden Morrow and Kenneth Baker; one brother, P. David Crockett and his wife, Kathy, of Gaylord; and several nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2003, at the Reynolds- Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. The Rev. Joe Kronewitter and Dick's two nephews, the Rev. Gordon Hawkins and the Rev. Steve Kowbel, will officiate. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. In remembrance of Dick, memorials may be directed to Faith Community Church of the Nazarene building fund or to Interlochen Center for the Arts. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Charles Knoll Charles William Knoll, 72, of Caro, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2003, at his home. He was born on January 15, 1931 in Ubly, and graduated from Ubly High School in 1949. Charles William Knoll and the former Mary Romzek were married on May 3, 1952 in Ruth in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The couple observed their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002. Charles was employed with General Motors in Flint as a point chemist. He retired on March 2, 1988. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro. He liked NASCAR and doing woodworking and enjoyed his backyard animals. He had a real sense of humor and was a real joker. He is survived by his wife, Mary Knoll, of Caro; five children, Kathryn Sandlin and her husband, William, of Newport, North Carolina, Philip Knoll and his wife, Carman, of Chesapeake, Virginia., Dominic Knoll and his wife, Gabriele, of Germany, Bart Knoll and his wife, Veronica, of Deford, Christopher Knoll, of Fairgrove; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Charlotte Wilson and her husband, George, of Fostoria; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Ethel (Sherwood) Knoll; and two sisters, Marian Schultz and Margaret Knoll. The memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2003, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro with Father Dennis Kucharczyk officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Ubly. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Library, Caro Community Schools, Caro Community Hospital, or the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were made by the Collon Funeral Home in Caro. Immanuel Ropp, Jr. Immanuel "Jay" Ropp, Jr., 77, of Bad Axe, died 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 October 10, 1953 at St. Edwards 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 Corporation for 27 years, and Thumb Tool and Die for 12 years. He enjoyed golf and Little League. Mr. Ropp is survived by his wife, Audrey; two sons, Kelly Ropp, and Terry Ropp and his wife, Jean; 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; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and Ronald Ropp. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. There was no funeral service or visitation. MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be offered to Little League or a charity of the donor's choice. Monday, October 20, 2003 Scott Ward Scott D. Ward, 40, of Bad Axe, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2003, at Bay Medical Center in Bay City, with his family at his side, following a six month illness. He was born on March 14, 1963 in Grosse Pointe, son of Jack F. and Ann M. (Gergely) Ward. He enjoyed animals, hunting, fishing, camping, and earning pledges for the annual "Ride to Charity" campaign. He was a member of the Bad Axe High School Class of 1981. He is survived by his mother, Ann M. Ward, of Bad Axe; four brothers, Michael Ward, of New Haven, Bruce Ward and his wife, Jennifer, of Waterloo, Wisconsin, Allan Ward and his wife, Susan, of Victorville, California, Ken Ward and his wife, Machelle, of Salt Lake City, Utah; two sisters, Jan Kraus and her husband, Karl, of Bad Axe, Patti Deneen and her husband, Roy, of Bad Axe; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack F. Ward, on May 3, 2003. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2003, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Fr. James Carlson, pastor. A parish scripture service will be offered at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be offered to the charity of the donor's choice. Tuesday, October 21, 2003 Donald Ackerman Donald Harold Ackerman, 63, lifelong resident of Bingham Township, Ubly, died Thursday, October 16, 2003, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. He was born December 14, 1939 in Bad Axe to the late Harold and Ella (Martin) Ackerman. He married June Mellendorf on January 21, 1961 at Ubly First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ackerman was a graduate of Ubly High School, class of 1958. He was a member of Ubly First Presbyterian Church. He was employed at Tower Automotive in Elkton for 31 years. He enjoyed motorcycles, four-wheelers, hunting, snowmobiling and reading. Donald is survived by his wife, June; one son, Mark Ackerman, of Bad Axe; two daughters, Pam Wieske and her husband, James, of Hope, Traci Manning and her husband, Mike, of Fort Gratiot; one grandson, Justin Ackerman; and one granddaughter, Jessica Manning. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be funeral services or visitation. A private burial at Verona Cemetery will take place at a later date. MacAlpine Funeral Home of Bad Axe is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Wednesday, October 22, 2003 – No obituaries reported Thursday, October 23, 2003 Jessie Thayer Jessie L. Meissner Thayer, 44, of Harbor Beach, passed away Wednesday morning, October 22, 2003, in Harbor Beach Community Hospital Long Term Care Unit. Jessie was born on December 26, 1958 in Harbor Beach to the late Herman and Geraldine (Lanfear) Meissner. Jessie and Elmer Thayer were united in marriage on September 19, 1981. Jessie loved her two daughters more than anything and loved kids in general. She loved sports and even loved some music, especially Jimmy Buffett and Bob Seger. Jessie is survived by her daughters, Krista and Kara Thayer, of Palms; five brothers, John Meissner and his wife, Lynn, of Hartland, Mike Meissner and his wife, Julie, of Minden City, Chuck Meissner and his wife, Kathy, of Flint, Terry Meissner and his wife, Julie, of Cedar Springs, Herb Meissner and his wife, Nancy, of South Lyon; four sisters, Susan Bauer and her husband, Larry, of Midland, Mary Jo Ligrow and her husband, Fred, of Ubly, Lisa Marker and her husband, John, of Northville, and Julie Puccio and her husband, Jeff, of Novi; mother and father-in-laws, Justine and Archie Abbott, of Deckerville; sister-in-laws, Marcia Kosal and her husband, Ed, of Palms, Joy Koester and her husband, Gary, of Port Sanilac, Nancy Mino and her husband, Keith, of St. John; brother-in-laws, Grant Thayer and his wife, Nelta, of Dobson, North Carolina, Jim Thayer, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Bill Thayer and his wife, Connie, of Palms. Funeral mass for Jessie will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2003, in the Ruth Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Steve Gavit officiating. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday in the church. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church Cemetery. A scripture service will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday in the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Harbor Beach Community Hospital Long Term Care Unit, and to the family. Raymond Zurek Raymond Nicholas Zurek, 84, of Ubly, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2003, at his home under hospice care. Raymond was born on February 19, 1919 in Tyre to the late Peter J. and Frances (Grimski) Zurek. He married Mary S. Gierlowski on November 30, 1946 in Hamtramck. Raymond attended the South Tyre School. He worked at the Chrysler Lynch Road Plant for six years. He farmed from 1951 to 1964 and was a Philco TV Repairman for 12 years. He worked as a foreman for Active Industries for 22 years before retiring in 1975. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was a member and officer of the Thumb Veterans Organization, past president and honorary member of the Ubly Fox Hunters Club, and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Babcock Assembly of Bad Axe. He was also a member of the Zurek-Graham VFW Post No. 6965 of Ubly, Eagles Aerie 3690 of Caseville, the Ubly Community Club, Michigan Outdoors, Michigan United Conservation Club and the Steelheaders. He was a parishioner and usher at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Ubly. He enjoyed gardening, mushroom picking, fishing, hunting and feeding the birds. Raymond is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary, of Ubly; one daughter, Rosemarie Kociba and her husband, Gerald, of Bad Axe; one daughter-in-law, Grace Zurek-Pohl and her husband, Dave, of Palms; eight grandchildren, Michelle Langenberg, of Deford, Mande Franzel and her husband, Tim, of Snover, Kristie Zurek, of California, Michael Kociba and his wife, Helen, of Rochester, Kevin Kociba and his special friend, Carrie, of Bay City, Brian Kociba and his wife, Melodie, of Bad Axe, Jennifer Hagedon and her husband, Mike, of Waterford, Kimberly Kociba, of Bad Axe; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; four brothers, Leo Zurek and his wife, Mary Ann, of Detroit, Sylvester Zurek and his wife, Marie, of Detroit, Chester Zurek and his wife, Virginia, of Detroit, Marvin Zurek and his wife, Grace, of Sand Point; two sisters, Irene Lemke and her husband, Ervin, of Tyre, Bernice Burkhard and her husband, Edwin, of Harbor Beach; one sister- in-law, Sylvia Zurek. Raymond was preceded in death by two sons, Michael R. and Robert J. Zurek; two brothers, Elmer and Walter Zurek; two sisters, Connie Mazure and Martha Zurek. Funeral mass will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2003, at St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with graveside military honors. There will be a parish vigil service at 8 p.m. today, an Eagles memorial service at 7 p.m. on Friday, and a rosary by the Bad Axe Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabella at 8 p.m. on Friday, all at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today and 1 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorials requested to the Family Discretionary Fund. Friday, October 24, 2003 Glen Thrushman Glen Howard Thrushman, 73, resident of Grindstone, died Thursday morning, October 23, 2003, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. He was born April 30, 1930 in Huron City to the late Barney and Lillian (Beggs) Thrushman. Glen married Ilene Goniwicha on November 7, 1952 in Rapson. Mr. Thrushman was employed at Chrysler in Warren for 30 years. He was a member of the local 869 Union, the American Legion Post 499 in Port Austin and the New Port Richey Moose Lodge. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He owned a trailer park in Grindstone. He enjoyed building houses, golfing, fishing, hunting and playing euchre. Glen is survived by his wife, Ilene; two sons, Terry Thrushman and his wife, Terrie, of Lake Orion, Scott Thrushman and his wife, Lucynda, of Lake Orion; one daughter, Robin Morton and her husband, Larry, of Linden; four brothers, Chuck Thrushman and his wife, Loretta, of Port Huron, Barney Thrushman and his wife, Gertrude, of Port Huron, Leland Thrushman and his wife, Virginia, of Royal Oak, Roland Thrushman and his wife, Helen, of Port Austin; six sisters, Iva Maynard, of Harbor Beach, Violet Jaljka and her husband, Walter, of New Port Richey, Florida., Clara Koglin and her husband, Frank, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Eleanor Nowiski and her husband, Erwin, of New Port Richey, Florida., Mary Odoefer and her husband, Barney, of Warren, Ann Schubring and her husband, Barney, of Port Hope; four grandchildren, Keith Kaltz, Kayla Thrushman, Kyle Thrushman, and Brady Morton; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Thrushman was preceded in death by one brother, William Thrushman; and one sister, Pearl Thrushman. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2003 at MacAlpine Funeral Home - Gage Chapel in Kinde. The Rev. Robert Garret will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Memorials may be offered to the American Cancer Society. 1