HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning November 23, 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, November 23, 2003 Sophia Fox Sophia Rosella Fox, 97, of Kinde, died Thursday evening, November 20, 2003, at Harbor Beach Community Hospital Long Term Care. She was born November 13, 1906 in Harbor Beach to the late Matthew and Emma (Gaffke) Roggenbuck. Sophia married Ernest Tice on April 28, 1928 in Detroit. He preceded his wife in death on February 5, 1952. She then married Leonard Fox on December 31, 1953 in Detroit. He died June 16, 1986. Sophia graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1924. She then earned a teaching certificate from Ferris Institute. She taught at the Gore Rural Elementary School. She then studied secretarial skills at the Detroit Business Institute, after which she was employed by Chrysler and Hazel Park Department of Public Works. She retired from Hazel Park Credit Union in 1977, where she was a manager. Sophia was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Port Hope. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, and bird watching. She was a member of the Huron County Audubon Society and Business Professional Womens Club. Mrs. Fox is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Barzyk and her husband, Harry, of Pickney; one daughter-in-law, Mary Tice, of Kinde; six grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son, Calvin L. Tice; one brother, Wilfred Roggenbuck; one sister, Alice Romaine; and a half-brother, August F. Engel. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2003, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Port Hope. The Rev. Gregory Eilers will officiate. A scripture service will be conducted at 7 tonight at the MacAlpine Funeral Home-Gage Chapel in Kinde. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from noon to 1 p.m. Monday at the church. Memorials may be offered to St. John's Lutheran Church of Port Hope. Cornelius Franzel Mr. Cornelius Paul Franzel, 78, of Snover, passed away Friday morning, November 21, 2003, at Covenant Cooper Hospital of Saginaw. Cornelius was born April 3, 1925 in Tyre to the late John Paul and Annie E. (Guigar) Franzel. He married Donna Lee Freiburger in 1946 at St. Joseph Church in Argyle. She preceded him in death on May 23, 1997, after 51 years of marriage. Cornelius graduated from the eighth grade at the Freiburg School. He farmed and had a lifetime career at General Motors of Pontiac. He retired in 1980 after 31 1/2 years of service. He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Argyle. He enjoyed watching Tigers baseball, playing euchre, collecting antique tools, and just tinkering around. He lived an avid life and always found something to keep himself busy. Cornelius is survived by one daughter, Cindy Smith, of Snover; five sons, Barry Franzel, of Croswell, Mike Franzel and his wife, Kate, of Florida, Dave Franzel and his wife, Wendy, of Snover; Dan Franzel, of Snover; and Dennis Franzel and his wife, Marcia, of Sandusky; 12 grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Ann Stanley and her husband, John, of Hazel Park. Cornelius was preceded in death by eight brothers, Robert, Sr., Martin Lincoln, Edward, Michael, Frank, Earnest, Henry, and Steven Meno "Baldy" Franzel; three sisters, Cecelia Pearson, Stella Peters, and Marie Younglove. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Argyle. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at St. Ignatius Cemetery. There will be a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 tonight, 1 to 9 p.m. Monday and 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Norma Heilig Mrs. Norma Jane Heilig, 79, of Forestville, passed away Saturday morning, November 22, 2003, at United Hospice Residence of Marlette. She was born April 9, 1924 in Ubly to the late Frank and Zelma (Behr) Slack. She married Arthur C. Heilig on May 20, 1950 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Ruth. He preceded her in death on October 13, 2001, after 51 years of marriage. Norma was a graduate of a country school. She worked at Nestle Milk Plant in Ubly for a few years before farming with her husband and family in Delaware Township. She was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Ruth. She enjoyed local tours, playing bingo, visiting casinos, and being with her family and friends. Norma is survived by two daughters, Dorothy Janowiak and Linda Howard and her husband, Gary, all of Sandusky; one granddaughter, Amanda Ruthko, of Troy; two sisters, Bernice Fehner, of Bad Axe and Ila Stelter, of Dearborn Heights; one brother, Wayne Slack, of Lauderhill, Florida. Norma was preceded in death by one sister, Donna Glantz; two brothers, Robert Slack and Charles William Slack, Sr. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Ruth. The Rev. Steve Gavit, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Monday by the Rev. Steve Gavit at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Avenue in Minden City. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9:30 tonight, 1 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, and 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Gertrude Horetski Gertrude G. Horetski, 87, of Port Austin, died Friday, November 21, 2003, at Tendercare in Cass City. She was born on July 23, 1916 in Port Austin, daughter of the late John and Martha (Leavine) Horetski. Gertrude was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Gertrude is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Frances Parks and Agnes Bugenski. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2003, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Officiating will be the Rev. Robert Pare, pastor. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be a rosary at 7 tonight at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 tonight at the funeral home and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Arliss H. Kraft Arliss H. Kraft, 73, longtime Caseville area businessman, died Saturday morning, November 22, 2003, at home with his family by his side. He was born February 2, 1930 at the home of his parents, the late Henry and Charlotte (Fick) Kraft in McKinley Township. Arliss grew up in McKinley Township, working on the family farm for many years. On October 29, 1949, he was united in marriage to Shirley J. Kelly at the Caseville Methodist Church. For the past 35 years, he worked in sales, with his wife at his side, including insurance and real estate. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sand Point, and served as an elder. He also had served as a councilman for the Village of Caseville for a number of years. Surviving are his wife, Shirley; his children, Sheryl Barton and her husband, Stephen, of Essexville, Debra Henne and her husband, Robert, of Bay Port, Tim Kraft and his wife, Beth, and Kevin Kraft, all of Roscommon; his grandchildren, Tiffany and Tory Gross, Trevor Gross and his wife, Pam, Tara Manyen and her husband, Brian, Kim Kraft, Kiel and Kaitlyn Henne; two great- grandsons, Jakob Manyen and Brendan Gross; his brother, Ronald Kraft and his wife, Bernice, of Onstead; his sister, Audrey Henne and her husband, Glenn, of Bay Port. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with the Rev. James Nihiser, pastor, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville and after 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or United Hospice. Friends may sign the guestbook at www.CFCcaseville.com. Gerald Tietz Gerald P. Tietz, 58, of Sebewaing, died early Saturday morning, November 22, 2003, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Saginaw following a 1 1/2 year illness. He was born April 25, 1945 in Sebewaing, son of the late Paul and Theresa (Niece) Tietz. Gerry was a 1963 graduate of Sebewaing High School and attended Michigan State University for two years. He was united in marriage to Sandra J. Marker on October 8, 1966 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Gagetown. He had been employed at Delphi in Saginaw for 36 years before retiring in August 2003. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Sebewaing, served on the Sebewaing Township Zoning Board, and served in the National Guard for six years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother as well as an avid fisherman. Surviving are his wife, Sandra, of Sebewaing; two sons and two daughters, Tricia Pieper and her husband, Tim, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Randall Tietz, of Berkley, Brian and Mindi Tietz, both at home; two grandchildren, Alec and Ella; one sister, Carolyn Sy and her husband, Harry, of Saginaw; one brother, Patrick Tietz, of Sebewaing; one uncle, Donald Tietz, of Sebewaing; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Margaret Tietz. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Sebewaing. Fr. John Weis will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. A scripture service will be at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight and from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. He will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, American Cancer Society, or the charity of the donor's choice. Alford Wichert Alford E. Wichert, 90, of Bay Port, died Saturday afternoon, November 22, 2003, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. He was born November 19, 1913, at the home of his parents, the late Edwin and Matilda (Radloff) Wichert in the Quarry near Bay Port. Al grew up at the quarry, where he worked on the quarry farm and in the quarry in his youth. In 1941, he joined the U.S. Army and fought for his country five years during World War II in the Aleutian Islands and Okinawa. On his return, he went back to the quarry for a time before taking a position with Kuhl Construction in Sebewaing, retiring in 1976. On June 26, 1953, he was united in marriage to Helen E. Farver at the Elkton Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on August 14, 2002. He was a member of the Elkton United Methodist Church and the Tip of the Thumb VFW Post 2236, Pigeon. Surviving are two sons, Tom Wichert, of Elkton and his friend, Mary Fritch, and Jim Wichert and his wife, Bev, of Sandusky; six grandchildren, Heather, Terry, Chris, Zach, Ashley and Elizabeth; two great-granddaughters, Elyse and Sydney; sisters-in-law, Lena Wichert, of Pigeon, Flossie Maynard, of Pinnebog, Luella Connors, of Filion, and Ulla Snider, of Elkton; brothers-in-law, Floyd Farver, Henry Farver and his wife, Marguerite, of Elkton, and Clifford Farver and his wife, Mary, of Oak Beach. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at the Elkton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Pete Crawford, pastor, will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 tonight, 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton and after 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the church or the Huron County Medical Care Facility. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Rose Ann Lapeer Rose Ann Lapeer, 64, of Deford, died Thursday, November 20, 2003, in her home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2003, in St. Michael Catholic Church, Wilmot, with the Rev. Richard Bokinskie and Sr. Riccardina Silvestri officiating. Interment is in St. Michael Cemetery, Wilmot. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Kranz Funeral Home in Kingston and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Arrangements are by the Kranz Funeral Home, Kingston. Monday, November 24, 2003 Anthony Cieslinski Anthony "Tony" J. Cieslinski, 84, of Ubly, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2003, at the home of his daughter, Mary Vandemark, in Marquette under hospice care. Tony was born to the late Joseph and Janina (Dembski) Cieslinski on November 10, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, where he lived for the first year of his life before moving to Ubly. He married the love of his life, Marcella Pauline Sofka, on October 25, 1941, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church of Ubly. In his youth, Tony was a Golden Glove Boxer. Due to the depression, Tony left school to work the family farm. In 1974, the Ubly Board of Education bestowed upon Tony an honorary Diploma of Graduation. He served on the Ubly School Board as past treasurer for 12 years. Tony and Marcella moved to their farm in Peck in 1942, before returning to Ubly in 1956, where he continued to farm until 1995. Since Tony was a life long dairy and crop farmer, he was a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, the Michigan Animal Breeders Cooperative and the Farm Bureau. He served for ten years as a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Board, and was a past president of the Michigan Farm Association. Tony also received several awards for Michigan Milk Production of over 20,000 pounds per average. He was a life long member of both St. John the Evangelist Church and its choir. He was a fourth degree member of the Ubly/Sheridan Knights of Columbus and a member of the original Alabama Jubilee Productions in Ubly. Tony and Marcy enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Florida, visiting with family and friends and he always enjoyed a good game of cards. Tony is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marcella, of Ubly; his children, Michael A. Cieslinski and his wife, Melinda, of L'Anse, John P. Cieslinski and his wife, Glennda, of Ubly, Mary E. Vandemark and her husband, Terry, of Marquette; seven grandchildren, Gary (Marie Hasselman) Cieslinski, Michael A. (Lori) Cieslinski III, Amy L. (Tim Lightfoot) Cieslinski, Joseph P. (Jennifer Roberts) Cieslinski, Kit (Steve) Lipe, Ty (Jason) Witting, Zackery (Kirsten Bolton) Vandemark; seven great-grandchildren, Chantel, Matthew, and Cheyanne Cieslinski, Nikki and Errin Ewald, Codi Lipe, and Alexysis Witting. Tony was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph; two infant sisters; and one brother, John Cieslinski. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2003, at St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. today, 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Zinger- Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. There will be a joint rosary by the Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella at 7:30 p.m.Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Ralph Deering Ralph J. Deering, 65, of Bay Port, died Sunday afternoon, November 23, 2003, at Scheurer Hospital following a long illness. He was born March 15, 1938 in Oliver Township at the home of his parents, the late Jacob and Katherine (Frank) Deering, Sr. Ralph lived in Huron County all of his life. Shortly after high school, he started Deering Music Studio operating from his home, teaching the accordion. He also had an entertainment band, playing for weddings and other occasions. For the past 30 years, Ralph farmed near Bay Port. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Berne, and had served on the building committee and was a member of the Pigeon Conservation Club. Surviving are his wife, Janet; two sons, James Deering and his wife, Brenda, of Caledonia and Ray Deering of Bay Port; four grandchildren, Brianne, Alex, Karley and Abigail; five brothers, Harold Deering, of Cass City, Millard Deering and his wife, Beatrice, of Bad Axe, Don Deering and his wife, Doris, of Elkton, Gerald Deering, of Caseville and Dick Deering and his wife, Joyce, of Sandusky; and three sisters, Ada Hutchinson and her husband, Orval, of Cass City, Esther Schweitzer, of Pigeon, Frances Spaeth and her husband, Bill, of Ocala, Florida. Preceding him in death were two brothers, Edward and Jacob, Jr. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Berne. The Rev. James Gorsegner, pastor, will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church or School. Those not able to attend may sign the guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Wenonah Fritz Wenonah Ruth Fritz, 88, of Owendale, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2003, at Covenant Cooper Hospital in Saginaw. She was born in Brookfield Township on April 15, 1915, daughter of the late John C. and Flossie (Gregor) Heiman. As a child, she attended Kilmanagh Lutheran School, and then graduated eighth grade from Winsor School. On November 25, 1939, she was united in marriage to Vincent Glen Fritz in Kilmanagh. He preceded her in death on September 6, 1988. Mrs. Fritz was a homemaker throughout her lifetime. She was a cook at Scenic Golf and Country Club as well as Scheurer Hospital, which she retired from at age 65. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, cooking and her family. She and her husband were members of the Thumb Antique Car Club. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Linkville, the Golden Agers at St. Paul and was a charter member of St. Paul's Ladies Aid. She is survived by a daughter, Carol Dietzel and her husband, Larry, of Saginaw; three sons, Ronald V. Fritz and his wife, Kay, of Caro, Douglas R. Fritz and his wife, Valerie, of Sebewaing, and David J. Fritz and his wife, Linette, of Owendale; nine grandchildren, Allen, Adam, Brody, Brooke, Mandie, Shana, Danielle, Cory and Zachary; two great- grandchildren, Payge and Brandon; two sisters, Mildred Rosenthal and her husband, Walt, and Florence Otto and her husband, Clarence, of Pigeon; three brothers, Raymond Heiman and his wife, Lois, of Dearborn, Willard Heiman, of Sebewaing, and J.C. Heiman and his wife, Pat, of Ohio; a brother-in-law, Bill Stover; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Stover. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2003, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Linkville, with the Rev. Lee C. Wenskay, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Grant Township Cemetery. A scripture service will be at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials for Mrs. Fritz may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund or St. Paul Ladies Aid. Annabelle Knechtel Annabelle Knechtel, 77, lifetime resident of Elkton, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2003, at Port Huron Hospital. She was born July 23, 1926 in Chandler Township, daughter of the late Winchester and Mary Ann (Conlin) Curran. On September 6, 1947, she was united in marriage to Alvin "John" Knechtel at the Chandler Presbyterian Church. Annabelle worked with her husband at Knechtel's Market until they sold it and retired in 1987. He preceded her in death on December 15, 1990. Annabelle was a member of the United Methodist Church and sang in choir for many years, and also sang at many weddings. She was a member of the Elkton VFW Auxiliary, an avid golfer, enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading and singing. Surviving are her four children, Marcia Scheurer and her husband, Clare, of Port Huron, Nancy Anderson and her husband, Don, of Lowell, Tom Knechtel and his wife, Mary, of Kalamazoo, and Greg Knechtel and his wife, Debra, of Denver, Colorado; 12 grandchildren; and her sister, Barbara Engle, of Lapeer. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2003, at the Elkton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Peter Crawford, pastor, will officiate with burial at Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton and at the church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Elkton United Methodist Church. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Hazel Maxwell Hazel M. Maxwell, 80, of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2003, in the long term care unit of the Harbor Beach Community Hospital following a long illness. Born in Harbor Beach on October 25, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary (Walker) Arntz. On December 23, 1941, Hazel and Albert Maxwell were united in marriage in Harbor Beach. Albert preceded her in death on December 9, 1985. Hazel was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Harbor Beach and enjoyed gardening, flowers and a good game of cribbage. She is survived by a daughter, Gloria Scoviac and her husband, Alex, of Davison; son, Robert Maxwell and his wife, Helen, of Lewisberg, Tennessee; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Benjamin Arntz, of Harbor Beach. Hazel was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Arntz; four sisters, Dorothy Wisenbaugh, Theresa Detgen, Ethel Landenberg, and Carrie Robinson. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2003, in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with the Rev. Emerson Arntz officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Bay Cemetery, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until the service time on Wednesday, all at the funeral home. Winston Sageman Winston D. Sageman, 84, of Bad Axe, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2003, at Tendercare Nursing Center in Cass City following an extended illness. He was born on July 2, 1919 in Sigel Township, son of the late Joseph and Olga (Reinke) Sageman. Mr. Sageman attended the Kipper Country School. He farmed, hauled milk and worked for Osentoski Farm Equipment. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He is survived by two brothers, Earl K. Sageman and his wife, Mary A., of Pigeon; Wallace Sageman, of Bad Axe; one sister, Harriet Britt, of Bad Axe; two sisters-in-law, Mary D. Sageman, of Harbor Beach, Winifred Sageman, of Port Hope; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Harold T., Glenn A., and Joseph C. Sageman; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Britt; one sister-in-law, Virginia "Marie" Sageman. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation. Private interment services will be conducted at Verona Township Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to the Thumb Veteran's Organization. Arrangements are being handled by the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Tuesday, November 25, 2003 Viola Thompson Viola E. Thompson, 85, of Deckerville, earthly struggle ended on Monday, November 24, 2003, and her eternal life with her heavenly savior began. She was born July 1, 1918 in Delaware Township, the daughter of Conrad and Mary (Becker) Kursinsky. She married Edwin Thompson on August 14, 1943 in Delaware Township. Together they raised ten healthy loving children. She always considered it her duty and privilege to feed, care, and pray for her children and instill in them her love for the Lord. She was a member of the Deckerville Bible Church. Mrs. Thompson is survived by her husband, Edwin; seven sons, Michael, Daniel and his wife, Margaret, Steve and his wife, Sharon, Ed and his wife, Kim, all of Deckerville, Tim and his wife, Roseline, of Clarkston, Brian and his wife, Sharlene, of Cass City, and Ben (Michelle Hile) of Snover; three daughters, Mary Kathleen Haight and her husband, Gary, of Tucson, Arizona, Becky Stauffer and her husband, Gary, of Saline, and Anne Kinney and her husband, Tom, of Littleton, Colorado; 31 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl Kursinsky, Clifford Kursinsky, and Reinhold Kursinsky; and one sister, Gretchen Rosevear. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Viola E. Thompson will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2003, in the Deckerville Bible Church. Pastor Jay Chambers will officiate. Burial was in the Minden City Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Deckerville Bible Church. Wednesday, November 26, 2003 Gilvie "Gil" Huntley Gilvie "Gil" H. Huntley, 76, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2003, at Carolinas Medical Center. He was born September 3, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa, son of the late Gilvie Harold and Margaret (Bivens) Huntley. Gil served 20 years in the United States Navy, ending his career aboard the U.S.S. Robert E. Lee (SSBN 601). He spent the past few years contracting with Duke Power, and was also a member of several service organizations. He spent his summers in Bay Port for 9 years. Survivors include his wife, Helen M. Huntley, of Charlotte; children, Pete G. Huntley and his wife, Ann, of Charlotte, Cathleen M. Alexander, of Bay Port, Patricia Ann Fritz, of Pigeon, William Edward Huntley and his wife, Kelly, of Charlotte; siblings, Hollis Huntley, of Illinois, Mary Jane Marquardt, of Ohio, and Judith Ann McNamara, of Chicago, Illinois; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives. A graveside service to celebrate his life was conducted on Saturday, November 8, 2003, at Crown Memorial Park, Pineville. McEwen Funeral Service, Pineville Chapel, handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 5019 Nations Crossing, Suite 217, Charlotte, North Carolina 28217. Mary Kotenko Mary F. Kotenko, 87, died early Tuesday morning, November 25, 2003, at Sunny Acres Nursing Center near Bad Axe following a one year illness. She was born February 29, 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of the late Nickolas and Mary (Szymanski) Klimkowski. She was united in marriage to John Kotenko on November 28, 1936 in Sebewaing. He preceded her in death on January 20, 1972. Mary had been employed at Michigan Sugar Company in Sebewaing for 29 years. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Sebewaing and the alter society. She was a caregiver for Roland Henne for many years. Mary enjoyed bingo and flowers. Surviving are two daughters, MaryAnn Haag, and Kayleen Kohtz and her husband, Jack, all of Sebewaing; two sons, John Kotenko, and his wife Edna, of Bay Port, and Michael Kotenko, and his wife, Sandra, of Unionville; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter, Stanley and Carl Klimkowski; two sisters, Catherine Weippert and Vicky Greer; son-in-law, Richard Haag. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 28, 2003, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Fr. John H. Weis will officiate with burial in Silverlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday. She will lie in state at the church from 10 a.m. Friday until the time of service. There will be a scripture service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Holy Family Catholic Church, Heartland Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice. Raymond Roberts Raymond J. Roberts, 77, of Harbor Beach, passed away Monday, November 24, 2003, in Covenant Medical Center-Harrison in Saginaw following a short illness. Born near Harbor Beach on November 18, 1926, he was the son of the late Anthony and Amelia (Frank) Roberts. On September 10, 1949, Ray and Donna Reiche were united in marriage in Ruth. Ray was an employee of the Huron Laundry Cleaners and became the owner and operator of the business until he retired in 1991. He enjoyed playing euchre and feeding the squirrels and birds in his back yard. Ray is survived by his wife, Donna Roberts, of Harbor Beach, and his children; Larry Roberts and his wife, Bonnie, of Forestville, Barbara Lee and her husband, Tommie, of Punta Gorda, Florida., Fred Roberts and his wife, Wilda, of Fairborn, Ohio, Steven Roberts and his wife, Heidi, of Gladwin, Susan Rick and her husband, Mike, of Harbor Beach, Catherine Klee, of Buckley, Michael Roberts and his wife, Robin, of Alabaster, Alabama, and Tim Roberts and his wife, Cindy, of Orange Park, Florida.; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great- grandchildren. Ray also is survived by two sisters, Alice Roberts, of Harbor Beach, and Irene Pawlowski and her husband, Orville, of Troy; three brothers, Delbert Roberts and his wife, Barbara, of Bad Axe, Kenneth Roberts and his wife, Maryann, of Harbor Beach, and Earl Roberts and his wife, Janet, of Ubly; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Roberts, of Harbor Beach. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wilfred Roberts, in 1985 and a sister, Doris Roberts, in 1998. As Ray had wished, cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City and a memorial graveside service will be held this summer in the Easy Delaware Cemetery in Forestville. Memorial donations may be given to the Diabetes Foundation, Cancer Society, East Huron Ambulance or to the family and may be directed through the Ramsey Funeral Home or Harbor Beach, which is handling the arrangements. Mary Stime Mary Leona Stime, 90, beloved mother and grandmother, died Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at Parkview Huntington Hospital, Huntington, Indiana. Mary was born May 9, 1913 in Paris, Illinois to Joseph and Rosa (Welsh) Griffin. They both preceded her in death. Mary married Charles W. Throneburg on June 7,1936; he died August 16, 1963. She married Elmer Stime on January 1, 1979; and he died July 30, 1999. Mary enjoyed crossword puzzles, people and life. She was a member of the Roanoke United Brethren Church in Roanoke, Indiana. Special thanks and love to Ruth Stoekley. She is survived by her loving son, Charles, and his wife, Nancy (Hogan); three grandchildren, Michael Throneburg, Michelle Sherman and Madison Throneburg; and one sister, Betty Martin, of Pinellas Park, Florida. She was preceded in death by five sisters: Ruth Harper, Edna Dawson, Louise Hopkins, Agnes Rhinesmith and Beatrice Crawford. Funeral services will be Monday, December 1, 2003, at 10 a.m. at the McElhaney - Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, Indiana, with the Rev. Ron Burns officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Roanoke United Brethren Church in care of the McElhaney - Hart Funeral Home. Thursday, November 27, 2003 - Thanksgiving Day Holiday Friday, November 28, 2003 Kenneth Coates Kenneth Coates, 76, of Caseville, died Thursday morning, November 27, 2003, at his home. He was born February 26, 1927 in East Detroit to the late Earl and Esther (Maxwell) Coates. After high school, Ken joined the Merchant Marines and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He married Dorothy E. Pitcher on June 21, 1947 in Bad Axe. They lived in Filion for a year before moving to Auburn where they stayed for several years. In 1952 they moved to Sanford and raised their family. Ken was a master plumber. He was a member of Local 85 and had been the superintendent of Faulkner Construction. He worked for Reliable Plumbing and Heating and Max Carey Plumbing and Heating, both of Midland, for over 45 years, retiring in 1987. That same year they moved to their place in Caseville. Ken loved the out of doors, especially fishing, hunting and his dog. He was a member of the Caseville Eagles and the Sturgeon Creek Beagle Club of Midland. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Dorothy; three sons, David Coates and his wife, Jean, and Bruce Coates and his wife, Joanne, all of Midland, and Steve Coates and his wife, Debbie, of Sanford; two daughters, Kathy Jerry and her husband, Mike, of Merrill, and Janice Kelley and her husband, Bruce, of Pearland, Texas; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and Ken's sister, Mildred Roberts, of Vassar. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2003, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville, where the family will receive friends from noon until the time of services Sunday. The Rev. Michael Quayle, pastor of the Caseville United Methodist Church, will officiate. Cremation has taken place, and burial will be in the Caseville Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Caseville United Methodist Church. If you are unable to attend, you may sign the guest book at www.CFCcaseville.com. Charles McKichan Charles David McKichan, 44, of Bad Axe, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 27, 2003, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. He was born on July 18, 1959 in Bad Axe, son of Duane and Jean (Richards) McKichan. He married Kandi Harris on May 17, 1980 in the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene. The couple remarried on May 17, 1995 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mr. McKichan was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Ubly Foxhunter's Club, the Bad Axe High School Class of 1977 and the Wednesday Night Pool League. He was a retired Bad Axe firefighter, where he served for nine years. He is survived by his wife, Kandi McKichan, of Bad Axe; a daughter, Kayla McKichan, of Grand Rapids; mother, Jean Fischer, of Marlette; a brother, Doug McKichan, of Ubly; two sisters, Mary Greyerbiehl and her husband, George, and Rose Respondek and her husband, Gary, all of Bad Axe; two step-brothers, Roger Lamke and his wife, Melody, of Davison, and Alan Fischer, of Marlette; four step- sisters, Millie Godzinski and her husband, George, of Parisville, Ann Frost, of Sebewaing, Darlene Lawson and her husband, Bill, of Elkton, and Dee Paul, of Detroit. He was preceded in death by his father, Duane McKichan; and a brother, Michael McKichan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2003, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. A memorial service by the Bad Axe Firefighters will take place at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Ermythe Seley Ermythe F. Seley, 84, of Elkton, died Thursday afternoon, November 27, 2003, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. She was born May 31, 1919 in Oliver Township at the home of her parents, the late Leroy and Margaret (Knechtel) Ackerman. She was united in marriage to Leonard J. Seley on June 3, 1939 at the home of her parents in Elkton. He preceded her in death on March 19, 1996. Ermythe was a lifetime member of the Elkton United Methodist Church. She was choir director for the children and youth, was president of United Methodist Women's Organization, and organist and soloist. Ermythe also was a member of the Elkton Women's Civic Club and the Elkton Senior Citizens. Surviving are her four children, Sandy Zeitler and Jim Seley, both of Elkton, Connie Geiger and her husband, Paul, of Jackson, and Becky Mohr and her husband, Gary, of Caro; 10 grandchildren, Kristine Krohn, Jill Gordon and her husband, Brian, Bradley Krohn, Todd Geiger and his wife, Kim, Troy Geiger and his wife, Carole, Tonya Baxter and her husband, Gary, Chad Seley and his wife, Michelle, Dustin Seley, Kariann Brabec and her husband, Greg, and Shannon Mohr and his fiancee, Susan Godard; eight great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Zachary Gordon, Kaitlyn Geiger, Lauren and Cameron Geiger, Noah Baxter, and Hunter and Kayla Seley; and one sister-in-law, Virginia Ackerman. She was preceded in death by her brother, George Ackerman; and a son-in-law, Bernie Zeitler. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2003, at the Elkton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Peter Crawford, pastor, will officiate with burial at Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. Memorials may be made to the Oliver Township Fire Department, Elkton United Methodist Church or the Bible Miniature Golf Project at Bay Shore Camp. Words of condolence can be made online at www.CFCelkton.com. 1