HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan

Local obituaries for the week beginning May 25, 2003


Contributed 2003 by Carol Morrison for use in the USGenWeb Archives.

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Sunday, May 25, 2003


Steven Commins 
Steven R. Commins, 53, of Romeo, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2003, at Bloomfield 
Hills Care Center, Bloomfield Hills.   Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 
May 28, 2003, at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, a Golden Rule funeral home, in 
Pigeon.   Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 11 a.m. until the time 
of service Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Harolyn Ezyk 
Harolyn Kay Ezyk, 64, of Harbor Beach, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2003, in the 
long term care unit of Harbor Beach Community Hospital following a short illness.   
Born in Detroit on April 12, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mary 
(Scott) Fuller.   Kay and Robert Ezyk were united in marriage on Oct. 10, 1959 in St. 
Thomas Church in Detroit.   Kay was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic 
Church in Harbor Beach, the Harbor Beach Lioness Club, the Bloomers Garden Club, the 
Outsiders Club, the Bible Study group, and the Harbor Beach Community Hospital 
Auxiliary.   She is survived by her husband, Robert Ezyk, of Harbor Beach; sons, Robert 
C. Ezyk, of Troy and Charles Ezyk, of Warren; three grandchildren, Sharlyn, Kalie and 
Darek; a niece whom she raised, Donna Morris, of Canton; three brothers, James Fuller, 
of St. Clair Shores, Charles Fuller, of Canton and Herbert Fuller, of Pentwater; a sister, 
Alice Engle, of Highland.   Kay was preceded in death by two sisters, Phyllis Webber and 
Magene Brown.   A funeral mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2003, in 
Our Lady of Lake Huron Church with Fr. Brian Spencer officiating. Cremation will take 
place at Christian Memorial Cultural Center in Rochester Hills. A parish vigil service will 
be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach.   Visitation will 
be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral 
home and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. 

Allen Pitcher 
Allen L. Pitcher, 60, of Caseville, died Thursday, May 22, 2003, at Swedish Medical 
Center in Englewood, Colo.   Mr. Pitcher was born March 13, 1943 in Bad Axe, son of 
David "Sal" and the late R. Mary (Eddy) Pitcher.   Mr. Pitcher was a graduate of Kinde 
High School Class of 1961. He served six years in the U.S. Navy and enjoyed visiting 
with friends and family.   Mr. Pitcher is survived by his father, David "Sal" Pitcher, of 
Filion; son, David P. Pitcher, of Caseville; sister, Mary Beth Smith and her husband, 
Greg, of Filion; nieces and nephews and cousins.   Allen was preceded in death by his 
mother, R. Mary Pitcher; one daughter, Sandy Pitcher; one brother, William Pitcher.   
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at the MacAlpine 
Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Jerry Sutton, pastor of the Bad Axe Free Methodist 
Church, will officiate. Interment will take place in Colfax Township Cemetery at a later 
date.   Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of 
service Wednesday at the funeral home.   Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the 
Bad Axe Free Methodist Church. 

James Smith 
James L. Smith, 65, of Sebewaing, died Saturday, May 24, 2003, with his family by his 
side at Covenant Medical Center-Cooper in Saginaw following a lengthy illness.   He was 
born Jan. 9, 1938 in Caro, son of the late Harland A. and Winona (Weaver) Smith.   He 
was united in marriage to Delores E. Ziel on Aug. 20, 1960 in St. John Lutheran Church 
in Kilmanagh.   Jim had been employed at the Sebewaing Cooperative Elevator for 39 
years before retiring in 1997.   He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and had 
served as a trustee. He was a former fireman for Sebewaing. He especially enjoyed his 
grandchildren.   Surviving besides his wife, Delores, are three daughters, Diane Spencer 
and her husband, Larry, of Fairgrove, Cindy Sella and her husband, Rick, of Essexville, 
and Julie Louis and her husband, Tim, of Unionville; two sons, Scott Smith and his wife, 
Rose, and Timothy Smith and his wife, Cindy, all of Sebewaing; 11 grandchildren; two 
sisters, Arlene Metzger and her husband, Joseph, of Essexville, and Joyce Mill and her 
husband, Gene, of Kincheloe; four brothers, Kenneth Smith and his wife, Joanne, of 
Sebewaing, Norman Smith and his husband, Mildred, of Boring, Ore., Lyle Smith and 
special friend, Judy, of Houghton Lake, and Dean Smith and his wife, Kay, of Hope; 
many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Minnie D 
Smith.   The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at 
Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in St. John 
Lutheran Cemetery in Sebewaing.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 
noon to 9 p.m. Monday at Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. He will lie in 
state from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church.   Those planning an 
expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Lung Association, Immanuel 
Radio Mission Fund or the charity of the donor's choice. 

Arthur Pratt 
Arthur Jay Pratt, 66, of Cass City, died unexpectedly Thursday, May 22, 2003, in Huron 
Medical Center in Bad Axe.   Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, 2003, 
at Novesta Church of Christ with Chuck Emmert officiating. Interment is in Novesta 
Township Cemetery in Cass City.   Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 
p.m. today at the Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the 
church.   Memorials may be made to Novesta Church of Christ.


Monday, May 26, 2003 – Memorial Day Observed.  No obituaries reported.


Tuesday, May 27, 2003


Mary Ann Bailey 
Mary Ann Bailey, 60, resident of Verona Township near Bad Axe, died early Monday, 
May 26, 2003, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.   Mrs. Bailey was 
born on Sept. 13, 1942 in Detroit, daughter of Theresa (Guster) and the late Nelson 
Breismeister.   Miss Mary Breismeister and Orville Bailey Jr. were united in marriage on 
Dec. 16, 1961 in Pigeon. Mr. Bailey survives his wife.   Mrs. Bailey was a member of the 
Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, needlepoint, cooking 
and visiting with family and friends.   Mary is survived by her husband, Orville, of Bad 
Axe; two daughters, Tammie Johnson and her husband, Danny, of Caseville, Patricia 
"Trish" Kelly and her husband, Scott, of Caseville; three brothers, David Breismeister 
and his wife, Cathy, of Caseville, Danny Breismeister and his wife, Bonnie, of Owendale, 
Dale Breismeister and his wife, Tina, of Port Huron; two sisters, Eva Karl of Caseville, 
Sharon Bailey and her husband, Don, of Bad Axe; five granddaughters, Alicia Woolford, 
Michelle Woolford, Amanda Woolford, Jennifer Woolford, and Bailey Allison Kelly; 
and several nieces, nephews and cousins.   Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. 
on Thursday, May 29, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Brian 
Crampton, pastor of the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene, will officiate. Cremation will 
follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City.   Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on 
Wednesday, and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the 
funeral home.   Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. 

Jonathon Blackmer 
Jonathon Charles Blackmer, 54, of Wallingford, Ky. formally of Port Huron, died at his 
home in Kentucky.   Jon was born on May 30, 1949 to Ernest and Carolyn Blackmer.   
After school, Jon joined the service and he served in Vietnam. Jon enjoyed spending time 
with his grandchildren, friends and family.   Jon is survived by his special friend, Brenda, 
of Kentucky; two daughters, Carrie and Theresa of Port Huron; son, Jonathon Jr. and his 
wife, Catherine, of Port Huron; three brothers, Michael Blackmer and his wife, Sue, of 
Port Huron, Ernest Jr. Blackmer of Caseville, Eddie Blackmer, of Caseville; six sisters, 
Beth Jowziak and her husband, Dan, of Mio, Joann Emerick of Port Huron, Carolyn Rayl 
of Port Huron, Kate O'Brien and her husband, Dean, of Caseville, Linda Blackmer of 
Elkton, Melody Buchner, of Onaway; step-mother, Gladys "Flo" Walling, of Caseville; 
and several nieces and nephews.   Jon was preceded in death by his mother and father; 
and two nephews.   Funeral services were conducted on Monday.   According to Jon's 
wishes, he was buried at his home on the mountain. 

Howard Bushey 
Howard D. Bushey, 77, resident of Colfax Township and former resident of Hume 
Township and Pinnebog, died Sunday, May 25, 2003, at Courtney Manor Nursing Home 
in Bad Axe.   He was born on May 19, 1926 in Kinde, son of the late John and Elizabeth 
(Carpenter) Bushey.   Mr. Bushey served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater 
during World War II. He was employed at Universal Engineering Co. in Bad Axe and 
retired from Carmet Corp. in 1991, where he was an officer in the union.   Howard 
enjoyed playing cards and bingo, dancing and being active. He was a handyman and a 
sports fan, especially of the Detroit Tigers.   Mr. Bushey is survived by three sons, 
Dennis Bushey and his wife, Joan, of Bad Axe, David A. Bushey, of Kinde, Darren J. 
Bushey and his special friend, Mari, of Bad Axe; one daughter, Dawn VanValkenburgh 
and her husband, Ray, of Elkton; one brother, Richard Bushey and his wife, Pat, of Oak 
Beach; one sister, Flo Gilbert, of Caseville; four grandchildren, Kristi and Michael 
Bushey, and Shane and Cal VanValkenburgh; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.   
Howard was preceded in death by one son, Duane Bushey; six brothers, Max, Warren, 
John, Bernard, Allen, and Thomas Bushey; seven sisters, Blanche, Elizabeth, and Ellen 
Bushey, Marguerite Bush, Marie Walsh, Helen Barry, and May LeVasseur.   Mass of 
Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at St. Felix 
Catholic Church in Pinnebog. Fr. John Weis, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in 
Rapson, will officiate, assisted by Sr. Mary Schwartz, S.S.J., pastoral administrator. 
Burial will be at St. Felix Catholic Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today 
at MacAlpine Funeral Home - Gage Chapel and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.  A 
scripture service will be offered by Sr. Mary Schwartz at 7 tonight.   Memorials may be 
offered at St. Felix Catholic Church. 

Milton Hnatiuk 
Milton Hnatiuk, 72, of Harrison and formerly of Caro, died suddenly Friday, May 24, 
2003, in Moore Regional Hospital, Southern Pines, N.C.   He was born on Aug. 6, 1930 
in Bad Axe to Samuel and Mary (Semeniuk) Hnatiuk.   Milton was a graduate of Elkton 
High School, after which he joined the Army, serving in Korea. He worked at General 
Motors-Saginaw Steering Gear as a forklift driver, retiring after more than 25 years of 
faithful service. He was a member of the Local UAW 699. After retirement, Milton 
enjoyed working part-time at Joe's Bar in Reese, having coffee with friends and enjoyed 
having family get together at his house. He was a former member of the Caro Moose 
Lodge and current member of the Harrison Moose Lodge.   Milton is survived by his 
three daughters, Rochelle Lynne Hnatiuk, of Apache Junction, Ariz., Deborah Barnett, of 
Chandler, Ariz., Kimberly Welcher, of Mesa, Ariz. from his marriage to Ruth A. Hnatiuk 
(Knowlton) of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren, Sean Christopher Hnatiuk, Jessica Sue 
Welcher, Nicholas Dean Barnett, Justin Dean Barnett, Shealome Barnett; special 
longtime friend and companion, Dolores Tait and her family, of Harrison; sisters, 
Mildred Schicker of Phoenix, Ariz., Alice Felkner of Phoenix, Ariz., Mary Ruth Hirak of 
Caro, Elizabeth Smelts of Caro, Lillian Koehler and her husband, Richard, of Pigeon; 
brothers, Michael Hnatiuk and his wife, Gayle, of Sanford, Daniel Hnatiuk of Flint; and 
many nieces and nephews.   Milton was preceded in death by his son, Brian Keith 
Hnatiuk; brothers, William and Andrew Hnatiuk.   Funeral services conducted at 11 a.m. 
on Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at St. Pancratius Church in Cass City with the Rev. Steve 
Fillion officiating. Interment is in Colfax Township Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 2 
to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the church.   
Memorials may be made to Harrison Moose Lodge or Caro Moose Lodge. Pallbearers for 
Mr. Hnatiuk are Gary McAnany, Rodney Koehler, Dick Koehler, Michael Hnatiuk, 
Phillip Hnatiuk, Dillis Walker. 

Paul Millerwise 
Paul Ahr Millerwise, 86, of Sebewaing, died early Monday morning, May 26, 2003, at 
his home following a lengthy illness.   He was a well-known Sebewaing area 
businessman and civic leader.  He was born Oct. 1, 1916 in Sebewaing, son of the late 
Adolph and Ida (Gamble) Millerwise.   He was a graduate of Sebewaing High School.   
He was united in marriage to Mildred J. Joy on April 10, 1942 in Flint.   Paul had served 
in the U.S. Air Force during World War II from 1942 to 1945. After the war, he returned 
to Sebewaing and owned and operated Millerwise TV and Appliance for 30 years before 
retiring.   He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing, where he 
enjoyed singing in the choir. He served on the Sebewaing Board of Education for many 
years. He was a member and past Worshipful Master of the Northern Star Lodge No. 277 
F. & A.M.   He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating.   
Surviving are his wife, Mildred; one daughter, Mary Peterson and her husband, Terry, of 
Houston, Texas; four sons, John Millerwise and his wife, Sharon, of Pinconning, David 
Millerwise and his wife, Chelsea, Thomas Millerwise, of Royal Oak, Michael Millerwise 
and his wife, Karen, of Chandler, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; one sister, Lucille Holden, 
of Clarkston; and several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by two sisters, 
Claudia Bortz and Ora Wood. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on 
Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at Trinity United Methodist Church. The Rev. Ray McGee 
will officiate with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 
9 p.m. today at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing and from 9:30 a.m. until 
the time of the service on Wednesday at the church.    The Hubbard-Winsor Lodge #420 
F. & A.M. of Pigeon will conduct a memorial service at the funeral home at 7:30 tonight.   
Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church Bldg. Fund, Hospice of Bay 
Area or the National Parkinson's Foundation. 

Selma Volz 
Selma C. Volz, 82, of Sebewaing, died unexpectedly Monday morning, May 26, 2003, at 
her home.   She was born Oct. 30, 1920 in Bach, daughter of the late Ernst and Ernestina 
(Menzel) Koch.   She was united in marriage to Franklin A. Volz on Sept. 14, 1941 in 
Bach. He preceded her in death on May 28, 2002.   Selma was a member of Immanuel 
Lutheran in Sebewaing, the Mary Martha Guild, L.F.A. and the O.W.L. group.   She is 
survived by two daughters, Nancy Nieschulz, of Bay Port, Elaine Glaza and her husband, 
Stephen, of Ubly; three sons, Wayne Volz and his wife, Sue, of Midland, Ronald Volz, of 
Akron, Gerald Volz, of Sebewaing; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two 
brothers, Paul Koch and his wife, Dora, of Clearwater, Fla., Wilbert Koch and his wife, 
Betty, of Unionville; and many nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by three 
sisters, Meta Hoppe, Amanda Hoppe, Lillian Kramer; two brothers, Arnold Koch, 
Clarence Koch; and a son-in-law, Delbert Nieschulz.   The funeral service will take place 
at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. 
Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in Silverlawn Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 1 
to 9 p.m. today at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing, and from 10 a.m. until 
the time of the service on Wednesday at the church.   Memorials may be made to 
Immanuel Lutheran Church, or Radio Mission Fund.

Wednesday, May 28, 2003


Bobby Davidson 
Bobby Morris Davidson, 82, lifelong resident of Owendale, died Monday, May 26, 2003, 
at his home following an extended illness.   He was born on Dec. 20, 1920 to the late 
Thomas and Ida Maye (Farson) Davidson.   He married Judith Draper on Aug. 16, 1986. 
She survives him.   Bobby was a 1940 graduate of Owendale High School. He served in 
the United States Navy from 1940 to 1945 as a boatman's mate in the Phillipines. He was 
a lifelong farmer. Bobby was a state champion welterweight, a state champion pony 
puller for two years and softball catcher for three counties.   Mr. Davidson was a life 
member of Tyler Masonic Lodge No. 317 F. & AM Cass City. He was also a life member 
of the Cass City VFW Post No. 3644.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and square dancing.   
Mr. Davidson is survived by his wife, Judith; one sister, Harriet Haley and her husband, 
William J., of Midland; one son, Charles "Bud" Davidson and his wife, Nancy, of Reese; 
one daughter, Cordelia Owens and her husband, Bill, of Unionville; one step-daughter, 
Shereen Mulrath and her husband, Keith, of Kingston; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-
grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.   He was 
preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce (Thornton) Davidson; two sons, Jeffrey and 
Byron Davidson; seven brothers, Alex, Marvin, Russell "Hap", Arthur, Roland, Leslie, 
and Willard "Bill"; and one sister, Lona Rockefeller.   Funeral services will be conducted 
at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2003, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Pastor 
Allen Bishop from Hope Community Church in Peck will officiate. Burial will be at 
Grant Township Cemetery in Gagetown.   Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today, from 
2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Tyler 
Masonic Lodge No. 317 F & AM of Cass City will present a Masonic memorial service 
at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Military graveside services will be offered 
by the Cass City VFW Post 3644.   Memorials may be offered to Marlette United 
Hospice Service, 2770 Main St., PO Box 307, Marlette, MI 48453. 

Arthur Hill 
Arthur J. Hill, 53, of New Baltimore, passed away on May 26, 2003 at his home.   He 
was born on May 3, 1950 in Harbor Beach to the late Orville J. and Dorothy Hill.   He 
married Cheryl (nee Spiekhout) on Nov. 7, 1987 in New Baltimore.   Arthur owned A & 
S Construction for 25 years. He enjoyed classic cars, fishing, hunting, traveling and 
gardening.   He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; siblings, Edward Hill and his wife, 
Martha, of Cass City, Lorraine Hartsell, of Bad Axe, Dennis Hill and his wife, Linda, of 
Harbor Beach, Theresa Smeader and her husband, Sylvester, of North Branch, James 
Kirsch, of Bad Axe; In-laws, Bryon Spiekhout and his wife, Nancy, of Marine City, Neal 
Spiekhout and his wife, Lisa, of Memphis, Calli Slaughter and her husband, Steve, of 
Wausau, Jeff Spiekhout and Joy Clerc of New Baltimore; and many nieces and nephews, 
and great nieces and great nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville J. 
and Dorothy Hill.   Funeral services will be at noon on Friday, May 30, 2003, at 
Gendernalik Funeral Home, Inc., 35600 Main St., New Baltimore. The Rev. Matthew E. 
Jackson will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in New Baltimore. Rosary 
service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.   Visitation will be from 
6:30 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.   
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 400 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48201. 

Charles Klee 
Charles W. Klee, 91, of Harbor Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 27, 
2003, at Harbor Beach Community Hospital.   Born on Aug. 8, 1911 in Ruth, he was the 
son of the late Frank and Rose (Lautner) Klee.   Charles and Anna Gusa were united in 
marriage on June 14, 1939 in Helena.   He was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron 
Catholic Church, and a member of the OLLH Men's Club. Charles was a former Great 
Lakes sailor and a lifetime farmer.   Charles is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anna; 
four sons, Charles Klee Jr. and his wife, Judy, of Bad Axe, Gerald Klee and his wife, 
Agnes, of Stanton, Ronald Klee-Bonnie, of Waterford, and Gary Klee and his wife, 
Deborah, of Harbor Beach; five daughters, Agnes Siemen and her husband, Donald, of 
Harbor Beach, Elvera Osantowski and her husband, Raymond, of Utica, Evelyn 
Osantowski and her husband, Roman, of Armada, Margaret Schmitz and her husband, 
Ronald, of Allenton, Helen Randall and her husband, David, of Kakawlin; two brothers, 
Leo Klee and his wife, Ila, of Ruth, Lawrence Klee and his wife, Marie, of Ruth; one 
sister, Dorothy Oswald, of Ruth; three brothers-in-law, Oscar Nickel, of Warren, Marcus 
Booms, of Lake City, and Bert Dore, of Peck; three sisters-in-law, Laura Klee, of Ruth, 
Rose Marie Klee, of Miami, and Mary Ann Klee, of Harbor Beach; 30 grandchildren; and 
46 great-grandchildren.   Charles was preceded in death by six brothers, Frank, George, 
Marcus, Edward Clarence, and Wilfred Klee; three sisters, Mary Booms, Irene Dore, and 
Helen Nickel.   Funeral mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2003, in Our Lady 
of Lake Huron Catholic Church with the Rev. Brian Spencer officiating. Burial will 
follow in the OLLH Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, from 1 to 5 
and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach, and from 10 
a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church. A vigil service will take place at 
7:30 p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home. 

Mary Ann Paulin 
Mary Ann Paulin, 60, of Marquette and formerly of Pigeon, died Friday, May 23, 2003, 
in the respite care unit of Marquette General Hospital following an illness of six months.    
She was born Feb. 27, 1943 in Pigeon to Ervin and Bertha (Baur) Strieter, and was in the 
last class that graduated from Pigeon High School in 1960. She received her BA, M.A., & 
Ed. S. degrees from Western Michigan University and retired after 32 years as a school 
library media specialist in K-12 schools in Indiana and Michigan. She also was an 
adjunct faculty member at Western Michigan University and Northern Michigan 
University. May Ann was President of the Michigan Association for Media in Education, 
held four other MAME offices, and was presented a life membership and the Ruby 
Brown Award for integrating media into the curriculum. She served on the Board of the 
Michigan Reading Association and the Board of the Association for Library Service to 
Children, a division of the American Library Association. She was a member and then 
Chair of the Newbery committee, the oldest and most distinguished children's book 
award in the world and in 1994 presented the Newbery Medal to Lois Lowry for The 
Giver. She also served on committees for AASL and YALSA, divisions of ALA, and on 
the boards of The Marquette Alger Reading Council and Phi Delta Kappa. Mary Ann was 
named a Woman of Distinction by the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society, was one 
of 100 Women of Achievement of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, and received the 
MARC/International Reading Association Literacy Award in 1987, 1994, and jointly 
with her husband in 2002.   Mary Ann was the author of three books: Creative Uses of 
Children's Literature, LLP, 1981; Outstanding Books for the College Bound, ALA, 1982; 
and More Creative Uses of Children's Literature, LLP, 1992. She also authored over a 
hundred articles, served as a consultant for several publications, and was currently 
writing a column for Media Spectrum. She gave seminars throughout the U.S., and had 
presented in ten other countries. Mary Ann was currently the Director of the Superiorland 
Preview Center that reviews children and young adult books online at 
http://www.uproc.lib.mi.us/spc. She was involved in numerous local activities impacting 
Library Service to children including: designing a school library media center in an old 
iron mine, serving for 24 years as liaison for the Gift of Reading program, providing 
workshops to children on such topics as creative dramatics, puppet shows, regional 
mining, sled dogs, and local Finnish history, and maintaining the young adult display 
case at the public library. She was a longtime active member of St. Mark's Lutheran 
Church.   Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Ken, who she married in 1965; her 
mother, Bertha Strieter, of Pigeon; two brothers, Richard Strieter and his wife, Terri, of 
Pigeon and Allen Strieter and his wife, Karole, of Sugar Springs; nieces, Heidilyn 
Haremski and her husband, Neil, and Marissa Strieter; and nephews, Michael and John 
Strieter.   Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2003, in St. 
Mark's Lutheran Church, 1318 Presque Isle Ave., with the Rev. Tim Bernard officiating.   
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home, 
926 N. Third St., and after 10 a.m. on Friday at the church. This obituary may also be 
viewed and guest book signed at www.swanson-lundquist.com.   Memorials can be made 
to the Superiorland Library Cooperative, 1615 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or 
the Peter White Public Library: Children's Collection, 217 N. Front St., Marquette, MI 
49855.  

Bonnie Stein 
Bonnie L. Stein, 60, of Bad Axe, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2003, at Huron 
Medical Center in Bad Axe following a long illness.   She was born on Nov. 27, 1942 in 
Bad Axe, daughter of Louis and Marian (Gregurash) Stein.   She was a member of Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe, a member of the Bad Axe High School Class of 1960, 
a beautician in the Bad Axe area, and she enjoyed shopping and being around children.   
She is survived by her father, Louis Stein, of Bad Axe; two sisters, Donna Cummings, of 
Bad Axe, Connie Smith and her husband, James, of Birmingham, Ala.; two aunts, Rita 
Stein, of Warren, Amelia "Mickey" Pincoski, of Bad Axe; one uncle, Lawrence 
Gregurash, of Port Washington, Wis.; two nieces, Lisa Gunn and her husband, Brian, of 
Bad Axe, Lori Holdwick and her husband, Joe, of Bad Axe; three nephews, Lou 
Cummings and his wife, Cathy, of Mount Pleasant, Edward Smith and his wife, Michelle, 
of Birmingham, Ala., Brian Smith and his fiancée, Melissa Parks, of Pinson, Ala.; six 
great nieces; four great nephews; and a special little 6 year old friend, Ann Durr, of Bad 
Axe.   She was preceded in death by her mother, Marian Stein, on Sept. 28, 1996.   A 
mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2003, at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Officiating will be Fr. John Killop. Burial will be in 
the church cemetery.   Visitation will be at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe from 
1 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Friday. A parish scripture 
service will be offered at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. 

Catherine Pelton 
Catherine "Cassie" Pelton, 87, of Snover, passed away March 29, 2003 at Tendercare of 
Cass City. Cremation has taken place.   A memorial mass will be offered at 1 p.m. on 
Saturday, May 31, 2003, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church of Freiburg.   Arrangements 
were handled by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly.

Thursday, May 29, 2003


Richard Feury 
Richard "Rick" J. Feury, 49, of Forestville, died Sunday, May 25, 2003, in his home.   He 
was born Dec. 1, 1953, the son of Frank and Henreitta (Philippi) Feury.   He married 
Miss Marlene Messing on May 19, 1973 in Ruth.   Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, skeet 
shooting, woodworking and being a grandpa.   He is survived by his wife, Marlene; three 
daughters, Angela Feury, Amanda Feury, Laura Feury, all of Forestville; two 
grandchildren, Alexander and Zachary Halifax; mother, Henreitta Feury, of Ubly; one 
brother, Mike Feury and his wife, Genny, of Bad Axe; two sisters, Caroline Gieger and 
her husband, Neil, of Davidson, and Rosaline Messing and her husband, Cliff, of Lake 
Orion; parents-in-law, Clem and Donna Messing, of Ruth; and 31 nieces and nephews.   
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Feury.   Memorials may be given to the 
Deckerville Community Hospital or the American Diabetes Association. 

Eunice Kitt 
Eunice H.L. Kitt, 96, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at Marlette Extended Care 
Facility in Marlette. Mrs. Kitt has lived in Marlette the past 53 years and was previously 
from the Ferndale area.   She was born July 9, 1906 in Lewiston, daughter to the late 
James and Lilly (South) Crooker.   She graduated from the Co. Normal Teacher College 
in Ontario, Canada in 1926.   She married Raymond Kitt on July 31, 1934 in Detroit.  He 
passed away April 10, 1984.   She was a member of the Marlette Community Christ 
Church.   She is survived by four daughters, Ruth Maynard and her husband, Lloyd, of 
Marlette, Grace Fraleigh and her husband, Don, of Brown City, Eunice May, of Marlette, 
Lois Greenzweig, of Clifford; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-
grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and four sisters, 
Edith, Cora, Goldie, and Gladys.   The Funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on 
Friday, May 30, 2003, at the Marsh Funeral Chapel in Marlette with Elder Eric Foster 
officiating. Burial will be in the Marlette Cemetery. Casket bearers are Rod Koglin, Mike 
Fraleigh, John Maynard, Bob Earl Jr., Brian Fraleigh and Scot Maynard.   Visitation will 
be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Marsh Funeral Chapel in Marlette.   Memorials may be 
made to the Marlette Community of Christ Church.   

Werner Licht 
Werner Ernst Licht, 77, of Elkton, died Tuesday evening, May 27, 2003, at his home.   
He was born Feb. 18, 1926 at the home of his parents, William and Dorathea (Roeber) 
Licht in Oliver Township.   Werner lived on the family farm all his life, farming until he 
retired in 1974.   He was a member of Cross Lutheran Church.   He is survived by his 
brother, Al Licht and his wife, June, of Bad Axe; two sisters, Meta Elftman, of Elkton, 
Leona Beck and her husband, Nelson, of Saginaw; and many nieces and nephews.   
Preceding him in death are two brothers, Ervin and Aldoph "Barney" Licht; three sisters, 
Delores Bendrey, Hilda Nieschulz and Lousie Ziegler.   Funeral services will be 
conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2003, at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. 
The Rev. Dallis Hudson, pastor of Cross Lutheran Church will officiate with burial in the 
church cemetery.   Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today and after 10 a.m. on Friday at 
the funeral home.   Memorials may be given to Cross Lutheran Church.   Friends and 
family may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. 

Clyde Schamel 
Clyde H. Schamel, 96, of Caseville and Florida, died Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, at the home 
of his daughter in Florida while under hospice care.   Cremation has taken place in 
Florida with a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2003, at St. Roch with 
burial in the church cemetery.   Memorials may be given to St. Roch Building Fund.   
Friends may sign the guest book at CFCcaseville.com. 

Friday, May 30, 2003


Paul Sarka 
Paul Sarka, 76, of Caseville, formerly of Flint, died Thursday morning, May 29, 2003, at 
Hurley Medical Center.   He was born on May 7, 1927 in Oakley to the late John and 
Rose (Zenko) Sarka.   Paul served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and 
returned home in February of 1947.   On Oct. 16, 1971, he was united in marriage to 
Marilyn Shepheard in Flint.   He had been employed at General Motors for over 30 years, 
retiring in May of 1980. They moved to Caseville that same year where he was able to 
enjoy his hobbies of hunting, fishing and gardening.   Surviving are his wife, Marilyn; his 
children, Linda Boyd, of Flint, Marlene VanSteenburgh and her husband, Randy, of 
Harrison, Lisa Sarka, of Bad Axe, Diana Kruck, of Romulus, John Kruck and his wife, 
Cindy, of Flint, Debbie Zembo, of Grand Blanc; 12 grandchildren; eight great-
grandchildren; his brother, Frank Sarka, of Flushing.   Preceding him in death were a 
great-grandson, Nicholas; five brothers, John, Steven, Joseph, Jim and Samuel; four 
sisters, Erma Cosmos, Helen Howey, Mary Sarka and Rose Sarka.   Funeral services will 
be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2003, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville. 
The Rev. Michael Quayle, pastor, will officiate with burial in Caseville Township 
Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 4 to 8 tonight and after noon on Saturday.   Friends 
may sign the guest book at www.CFCcaseville.com.


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