HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan

Local obituaries for the week beginning January 26, 2003


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

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Sunday, January 26, 2003


David Essenmacher 	
David W. Essenmacher, age 86, of Harbor Beach, passed away Thursday evening, 
January 23, 2003, at the Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center in Ft. Meyers, Fla.   
Born on April 29, 1916 in Harbor Beach, he was the son of the late William and Agnes 
(Lorkowski) Essenmacher.   On Sept. 3, 1940, David and Marian Stacer were united in 
marriage at St. Anthony's Church in Helena. Together they farmed in Sigel Township.   
David was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach 
and a member of the Knights of Columbus Bad Axe Council #1546, the Farm Bureau and 
a former member of the National Farmers Organization.   Surviving are his wife, Marian 
Essenmacher, of Harbor Beach; his children: Judy Artman and her husband, Don, of New 
Baltimore, Karen Holdwick of Sterling Heights, Rita Scrase of Fenton, Kurt Essenmacher 
of Columbus, Ohio, Cheryl Waskin and her husband, John, of Cornelius, N.C., Gordon 
Essenmacher and his wife, Bonnie, of Metamora, Roger Essenmacher and his wife, Sue, 
of Shelby Township, Randy Essenmacher and his wife, Geri, of New Baltimore, Clark 
Essenmacher and his wife, Peg, of Sterling Heights, and Marsha Chuhan and her 
husband, Frank, of Clinton Township; 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; two 
brothers, Howard Essenmacher and his wife, Catherine, of Harbor Beach, Arthur 
Essenmacher and his wife, Agnes, of Harbor Beach; three sisters: Edna Krueger and her 
husband, David, of Harbor Beach, Verna Wood of Harbor Beach and Eleanor Geiger and 
her husband, Bernard, of Ruth.   He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald 
Essenmacher; and two great-grandchildren, Samantha Artman and Anthony Downey.   
Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003 at Our Lady of Lake Huron 
Catholic Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Gerald Kukla, pastor, officiating. Burial 
will be in the St. Anthony's Cemetery, Harbor Beach.   A joint Rosary by the Knights of 
Columbus and Daughters of Isabella will be at 7:30 p.m. today and a parish vigil service 
will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, all at the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach.   Visitation 
will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral 
home and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. 

Barney Fahrner 
Barney E. Fahrner, 94, of Sebewaing, died early Saturday morning, Jan. 25, 2003, at his 
home following a seven-month illness.   He was born July 14, 1908 in Melfort, 
Saskatchewan, Canada, son of the late Christian W. and Margaretha M. (Cramer) 
Fahrner.   He was united in marriage to Hazel J. Webster on June 6, 1940 in Kilmanagh. 
She preceded him in death on Oct. 18, 1992.   Barney attended Michigan State 
University, studying agriculture and income tax preparation. He had been employed in 
Detroit and later had been a farmer in the Kilmanagh area for many years. He also had 
prepared income taxes for many people of the area.   He was a Huron County 
commissioner for 12 years. He was a member of the Owendale Lions Club for many 
years. He enjoyed making cider and also puttering around in his shed.   Surviving are one 
brother, Willard Fahrner, of Live Oak, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Helen Fahrner, of Owendale; 
two nieces and three nephews.   He was preceded in death by two brothers, Frederick and 
John Fahrner; and one sister, Ruth Henne.   The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. 
on Monday, Jan. 27, 2003 at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home of Sebewaing. The Rev. 
Alger Lewis, pastor of Kilmanagh United Methodist Church, will officiate with 
cremation to follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Interment will take place 
later in the spring at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sebewaing.   Visitation will be from 4 to 
9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home.   
Memorials may be made to the Owendale Lions Club, Heartland Hospice, or the charity 
of the donor's choice. 

Elmer Pionk 
Mr. Elmer A. Pionk, 70, of Ubly, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003 at Huron Medical 
Center of Bad Axe.   Elmer was born Feb. 3, 1932 in Ubly to the late John and Frances 
(Gosdzinski) Pionk. He married Louise Klama on June 9, 1956 at St. Mary Catholic 
Church in Parisville.   Elmer attended the Kelly School. He farmed and did haying with 
the Stomack Farms. He worked for Active Industries, Lasky Construction, and Michigan 
Peat. He was a lifelong member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Smith Corners. 
He enjoyed Tiger baseball games, playing softball and umpiring at Smith Corners. He 
also enjoyed playing his harmonica and square-dancing.   Elmer is survived by his wife, 
Louise, of Ubly; one daughter, Mrs. Doreen Smith and her husband, Craig, of Bad Axe; 
four sons, Jerome Pionk and his wife, Darlene, of Ubly, George Pionk of Ubly, Alfred 
Pionk and his wife, Pamela, of Ruth, and Lawrence Pionk of Ubly; 10 grandchildren, 
Jeanne and Shannon Smith, Nicole, Chelsey, Samantha, Alexis, Taylor, Danielle, 
Brianna, and Lacey Pionk; two sisters, Susie Peruski of Bad Axe, and Rose Lemanski of 
Pontiac; two brothers, Archie Pionk and his wife, Marie, of Ubly, and James Pionk of 
Bad Axe; one sister-in-law, Beatrice Osantoski and her husband, Martin, of Bad Axe.   
Elmer was preceded in death by three sisters, Lucy Osentoski, Anna Susalla, and Selma 
Grifka; five brothers, Clarence, John, Enoch, Sylvester, and Stanley Pionk.   The funeral 
mass for Elmer Pionk will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003 at Most Holy Trinity 
Catholic Church of Smith Corners. The Rev. John Weis, pastor, will officiate. Burial will 
be in the church cemetery.   There will be a parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Monday at 
the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9:30 p.m. 
Monday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. 

Leonard Sperkowski 
Mr. Leonard G. Sperkowski, 94, of Ubly and formerly of Detroit, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 
2003, at Huron Medical Center of Bad Axe.   He was born on Dec. 10, 1908 in Detroit, 
son of the late Joseph and Rose (Detloff) Sperkowski. He married Louise Kardell on 
Aug. 21, 1928 in Jackson. She preceded him in death on Dec. 4, 1976. He married Verna 
Rosinski Markowski on Nov. 26, 1977 at St. Isaac Jogues of St. Clair Shores.   He was a 
graduate of the Tyre Country School. He worked for Ford Motor Co. for five years and 
was a precision grinder for Chrysler Dodge Main in Hamtramck. He retired in 1969 after 
36 years of service and moved to Ubly in 1972. He was a former member of St. Luke 
Catholic Church. He was a parishioner of St. John Catholic Church of Ubly since 1972, 
past president of Ubly Senior Citizens, third degree member of the Bad Axe Knights of 
Columbus Council 1546. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and visiting with family and 
friends.   He is survived by his wife, Verna, of Ubly; one step-daughter, Marlene Mager 
and her husband, Ronald, of St. Clair Shores; one step-son, Dennis Makowski and his 
wife, Carol, of Leesburg, Fla.; one brother, Joseph Sperkowski of Dearborn; two sisters, 
Dorothy Riley Baker of Tuscon, Ariz., and Bernice Newhouse and her husband, 
Raymond, of Livonia; one sister-in-law, Lillian Sperkowski of Dearborn Heights; several 
nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by five brothers, Edmund Sr., Elmer 
"Raymond", Harold, Norman, and George Sperkowski.   Funeral mass will be held at 11 
a.m. Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at St. John Church of Ubly. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, 
will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.   There will be a joint rosary at 3 
p.m. today by the Bad Axe Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabella, and a 
parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Both services will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral 
Home of Ubly.   Visitation will be from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral 
home, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. 

Lawrence Miller 
Lawrence Dwayne Miller, 66, of Cass City and formerly of Vassar, died Wednesday, Jan. 
22, 2003, in Bay Medical Center, Bay City.   Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. 
on Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with Pastor Eric 
Holmgren of Cass City First Baptist Church officiating. Interment is in Novesta 
Township Cemetery. Military honors will be under the direction of Cass City VFW Post 
#3644.   Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.   
Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. 

Monday, January 27, 2003 – No obituaries reported



Tuesday, January 28, 2003


Denise Donoho 
Denise Donoho, 49, of Frankfort, Ind., passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, in Methodist 
Hospital in Indianapolis.   She was born on Nov. 16, 1953 in Frankfort, Ind. to George 
"Buddy" and Joyce (Raidt) Strode.   She worked at Crellin for the past 16 years and was a 
lifelong resident of Frankfort. She graduated from Frankfort High School in 1972.   
Denise is survived by her mother, Joyce Birch of Frankfort, Ind.; grandfather, Harold 
Raidt of Frankfort; companion, Jim Schimmel of rural Frankfort; two sons, Matthew 
Donoho of Frankfort, Jordan Schimmel at home; daughter, Stacie Donoho of Frankfort; 
sister, Sandy Bailey and her husband, Marty, of Colfax, Ind.; brother, Jim Strode and his 
wife, Margie, of Frankfort; two granddaughters, Shatel Marie Wireman of Frankfort, 
Ashlynne Paige Hensley of Frankfort; one step-brother, Tom Birch of Frankfort; two 
step-sisters, Debbie Leitzle-Noblesville and her husband, John, of Indiana, and Sharon 
English of Idaho.   She was preceded in death by her father; step-father, Fred Birch; two 
brothers, Stan Trees and Mike Strode.   Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 
Jan. 29, 2003, at the Goodwin Funeral Home in Frankfort. Shan Sheridan will officiate 
services.   Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today and one hour prior to services on 
Wednesday at the funeral home. Family burial will follow at the Bunnell Cemetery in 
Frankfort.   Memorials may be made to the Clinton County Humane Society. Envelopes 
available at Goodwin's. 

Carl Werth 
Carl A. Werth, 93, of Sebewaing, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at Munson Hospital in 
Traverse City following a week-long illness.   He was born March 23, 1909 in 
Unionville, son of the late Adolph and Ida (Rich) Werth.   He was united in marriage to 
Elsie M. Stoll on April 26, 1932 in Sebewaing. She preceded him in death on Jan. 24, 
2000.   He was a graduate of Michigan Agricultural College in East Lansing with a 
degree in dairy management and butter making. He was employed at the Rundell 
Creamery in Owosso for 30 years before retiring in 1972 and moving to Sebewaing.   
Carl was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Unionville-Sebewaing Area 
senior citizens group. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening.   He is survived by one 
son, James Werth and his wife, Colleen, of Traverse City; three granddaughters, Amber 
Rae, Markie Paige and Lanie Marie Werth; two great-granddaughters, Jaden and Simone 
Stanley; two step-great-granddaughters, Tiffany and Kayla Cox; many nieces and 
nephews.   He was preceded in death by seven brothers; and one sister.   The funeral 
service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at Immanuel Lutheran 
Church. The Rev. Charles Kuhl, assisting pastor, will officiate with burial in Silverlawn 
Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dinkel-Juengel 
Funeral Home in Sebewaing, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the 
church.   Memorials may be made to Radio Mission Fund. 

Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Joseph Benzie 
Joseph R. Benzie, 75, of Arcadia, Fla. and Bad Axe, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 
2003, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Fla.   Cremation has taken place.  
Joseph was born March 31, 1927 in Norway, Mich. to the late Fred James and Romilda 
(Treves) Benzie.   He and Josephine DeFranco were married on January 14, 1950 in 
Hillsdale.   Joseph graduated from Norway High School in Norway. He earned his 
bachelor of science and master degrees from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. 
He also earned an Education Specialist's degree from Central Michigan University in 
Mount Pleasant.   Joseph served in the United States Navy during World War II.  He 
worked for the United States Department of Soil Conservation Service. He also worked 
as a police officer for the Marquette Police Department. He was a sales representative for 
Standard Oil of Indiana.   Joseph taught high school classes at Bad Axe and Ubly 
community schools. He served as the superintendent of Port Hope Community Schools 
until his retirement in 1986. He also served as the Colfax Township Supervisor.   Joseph 
was a member of the Beaverton Lion's Club, and served as an officer of the Bad Axe 
Lion's Club. He was appointed to the Michigan No. 83 Selective Service Board by 
President Reagan. He served on the board until 2002. He was a member of Bad Axe-Port 
Austin Memorial VFW No. 116, Port Austin-Bad Axe American Legion No. 0499, 
American Veterans (AMVETS) of Arcadia, Fla. No. 60.   Joseph enjoyed hunting, 
fishing, golf, playing cards, and traveling.   Joseph is survived by his wife, Josephine; one 
son, Joseph Benzie Jr. and his wife, Mary, of East Lansing; three granddaughters, 
Amanda, Alise, and Anne Benzie of East Lansing; one sister, Gloria Benzie Versailles of 
Arizona; and one brother, Roger Benzie of Benson, Ariz.   He was preceded in death by 
his parents; two brothers, Fred James Benzie Jr. and Ward Edward Benzie.   Mass of 
Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church in Bad Axe. Fr. John Killop will officiate.   Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on 
Friday at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. There will be a scripture service at 7 
p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.   Memorials may be offered to the Joseph R. Benzie 
Scholarship Fund for the Port Hope Community Schools. 

Clayton Diebel 
Clayton O. Diebel, 80, of Pigeon, passed away Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at Scheurer 
Hospital in Pigeon.   He was born in Pigeon on June 6, 1922, the son of the late Frank 
and Alice C. (Ebach) Diebel, and graduated from Pigeon High School in 1940.   On Nov. 
20, 1943, he was united in marriage to Edna L. Burk at her parents home in Ferndale. 
They celebrated more than 59 years of marriage.   Mr. Diebel served with the United 
States Air Force from 1943-1952, and was discharged as a captain. For nine years he was 
building inspector for the city of Oak Park, and in 1982 he retired as director of building 
and safety engineering for the city of Southfield.   He was a member of the Hubbard 
Winsor Lodge No. 420 F & AM and the Pigeon Historical Society. Mr. Diebel was active 
with the Gideons, having served as president of the southeastern camp of the Gideons 
prior to his retirement, and was also past president of Building Officials and Code 
Administrators. He was a member of the Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon.   Mr. Diebel 
is survived by his wife, Edna; three children, Audrey McMullen and her husband, Ray, of 
Petoskey, George Diebel and his wife, June, of Royal Oak, Alice Diebel of Albion; four 
grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Mary Dast and her husband, Robert, 
of Pigeon, Florence Decker and her husband, Gerald, of Bay City; two brothers, 
Thaddeus Diebel and his wife, Juanita Richey, of Hesperia and Norris Diebel and his 
wife, Donna Hanniman, of Sebewaing; and several nieces and nephews.   He was 
preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Demming and Frances Joos and her husband, 
Maurice; a brother, William; and two infant brothers.   The funeral service will be 
conducted at noon on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Cross Lutheran Church with the Rev. 
Dellis Hudson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A Masonic 
Service will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home 
in Pigeon.   Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 11 
a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.   Memorials may be made to 
Cross Lutheran Church, Cross Lutheran School, the Gideons, or the Pigeon Historical 
Society.   

Arnold Schelke 
Arnold F. Schelke, 85, of Port Hope, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, in the Huron 
Medical Care Facility near Bad Axe following a long illness.   Born in Port Hope on 
Sept. 16, 1917, he was the son of the late William and Olga (Pleiness) Schelke.   On April 
6, 1940, Arnold was united in marriage to Dorothy May. She preceded him in death on 
Jan. 23, 1978. Arnold then married Angeline Daily in Feb. of 1984 in Port Hope. She 
preceded him in death on April 10, 1990.   Arnold was a retired Rubicon Township 
farmer and enjoyed playing cards.   Surviving are his three daughters, Gloria Reinke and 
her husband, Norman, of Flint, Sharon Abu Aitah and her husband, Jiries, of Grand Blanc 
and Debra Perdue and her husband, Ernest of Burton; eight grandchildren; one great 
grandson; two sisters, Mildred Pawlitz and her husband, Lloyd, of Port Hope and 
Caroline Williams and her husband, Alvin, of Filion; sister-in-law, Florence Schelke of 
Harbor Beach.   Arnold was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Schelke.   Funeral 
services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in the Ramsey Funeral Home in 
Harbor Beach with the Rev. Mark Girardin, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church officiating 
with burial in the Port Hope Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. tonight and 
from noon until the time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. 

Harold Schmidt 
Harold Frederick Schmidt, 79, of Caseville and formerly of Troy died Monday, Jan. 27, 
2003, in Tendercare Nursing Facility in Cass City.   He was born May 8, 1923, in Detroit 
to Harold and Edna O. (Brunke) Schmidt. He married Doris Swoish on Feb. 25, 1954, in 
Detroit.   Harold worked in tool and die and later became the Director of Manufacturing 
at Core Industries. He enjoyed music, especially popular and western.   Harold is 
survived by his wife, Doris; children, Matthew Allan Schmidt and his wife, Kitty, of 
Shelby Township, Carolyn Marie Taussig and her husband, Dr. George Taussig, of 
Longwood, Fla., Jeffrey Harold Schmidt and his wife, Evet, of Grosse Pointe Woods; 
grandchildren, Kaylyn, Douglas and Eric Schmidt, Grace and Stephen Taussig, Nicole 
and Christy Schmidt.   Harold was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Joseph.   
Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at Kranz 
Funeral Home with Scott Mills of St. Pancratius Catholic Church officiating. Interment 
will be 3 p.m. on Friday in White Chapel Memorial Cemetery, Chapel of Flowers in 
Troy.   Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. tonight at Kranz Funeral Home with a scripture 
service at 7 p.m.   Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association. 

Thursday, January 30, 2003

Clare Daley 
 
 
Clare Clifford Daley, 81, of Deford, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in his home after a 
long illness.   Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at 
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with the Rev. Stuart Roy officiating. Interment is in 
Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Military services under the direction of Cass 
City VFW Post #3644.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight and from 2 to 9 p.m. on 
Friday at the funeral home.   Memorials may be made to the United Hospice of Marlette. 

Friday, January 31, 2003

Edyna Bell 
Edyna M. Bell, 81, of Cass City, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in Hills & Dales 
General Hospital in Cass City.   Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on 
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Cass City United Methodist Church, with the Rev. George 
Ward officiating.   Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at Kranz 
Funeral Home in Cass City.   Memorials may be made to Hills & Dales Hospital 
Auxiliary, Rawson Memorial Library or Cass City United Methodist Church. 

Leanore Shantz 
Leanore G. Shantz, 91, of Gagetown, passed away Jan. 30, 2003 at Hills & Dales 
Hospital in Cass City.   She was born on May 13, 1911, the daughter of Arthur and Mary 
(Pecure) Whidden.   On June 4, 1927, she married Clarence F. Shantz. He preceded her in 
death in 1975.   Leanore was a member of the Gagetown Extension Club and the Farm 
Bureau. She was a day worker in many homes and businesses and loved playing cards.   
She is survived by her children, Walter Shantz and his wife, Loretta, of Gagetown, Aileen 
Burzynski and her husband, Leonard, of Bay City, and Barbara Urban and her husband, 
Floyd, of Cass City; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Martha 
Emmons and Hazel Nitz.   Preceding her in death were sisters Abbie and Lillian.   
Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Gagetown Funeral 
Chapel with the Rev. John Heim officiating. Interment will be in Grant Township 
Cemetery.   Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family or the charity of the 
donor's choice. 



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