HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning September 28, 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, September 28, 2003 Richard DeChane Richard Junior "Junie" DeChane, 79, of Eastpointe, died September 11, 2003, at the John Dingell Veteran Hospital in Detroit. He was born in Bad Axe on July 13, 1924 to the late Frank and Jennie (Brown) DeChane. Richard worked for the Huron Daily Tribune and the Detroit newspapers. He was a member of the Typographical Union No. 18/CWA No. 14583. He retired from the Detroit newspapers. He is survived by his wife, Frances; three sons, Michael DeChane, of Ocala, Florida., Richard C. DeChane and his wife, Cheryl, of Casselbury, Florida., and John DeChane and his wife, Rachel, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and their mother, Minnie, of Deland, Florida.; three step-daughters, Rene Fairchild and her husband, Ace, of Harwood, Texas, Jami Owens and her husband, John, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Terri Jurczak, of St. Clair Shores; one sister, Evelyn Voss, of Bad Axe; one brother, Gerald DeChane and his wife, Ilene, of Bad Axe; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by one sister, Anna Raftery; and two brothers, Willard DeChane and Harold DeChane. In keeping with Richard's wishes, there will be no service or visitation. Cremation has taken place. Burial was at Colfax Cemetery. MacAlpine Funeral Home of Bad Axe is handling the arrangements. Robert J. Gornowicz Mr. Robert J. Gornowicz, 55, of rural Snover, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away Saturday morning, September 27, 2003, at Northwood Meadows in Cass City following a 16-month bout of brain cancer. Bob was born on September 29, 1947, in Austin Township in Sanilac County, where he resided all his life. He was the son of Julia (Pionk) Gornowicz and the late Henry Gornowicz. He married the former Audrey Hull on November 13, 1970, at St. John Catholic Church of Ubly. They celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in 2002. Bob was a farmer and a partner with the Copeland-Gornowicz Insurance Agency in Cass City for 29 years. Bob and his wife, Audrey, with his sister, Barbara Keller and her husband, Carl, owned the G & K Lounge in Argyle from 1996-2002. Bob served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969, being wounded and receiving the Purple Heart. He received other meritorious awards and medals, including combat Infantry Badge, two Sharpshooter Medals, Marksmanship Badge, Aviation Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Bob was a member of the Sanilac County Veterans Council and was instrumental in bringing the Moving Wall monument to Sandusky five years ago. He was a member of the Sandusky VFW Post No. 2945, the American Legion of Caro, and the Region 7 ABATE Motorcycle Club. Bob was a former member of the Ubly Jaycees Club and an active member of the Ubly Fox Hunters Club. He was awarded an honorary farmers degree of the Ubly Community Schools and served on various fund-raising projects for the FFA Chapter. Bob was a member of St. Ignatius Church of Frieburg and a former member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ubly. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golf, playing euchre, and traveling to his family's residence in Florida. He especially enjoyed his two grandchildren. Bob is survived by his wife, Audrey; one son, Robert Gornowicz, Jr. and his fiancee, Angela Dorey, of Grand Rapids; one daughter, Shelley Briolat and her husband, Jeff, of Ubly; his mother, Julia Gornowicz, of Sandusky; two grandchildren, Mitchell and Danielle Briolat; two brothers, Harold Gornowicz and his wife, Karen, of Snover, Leo Gornowicz and his wife, Susan, of Mobile, Alabama; three sisters, Barbara Keller and her husband, Carl, of Snover, Judy Bonnin and her husband, Ken, of Clinton Township, Sandra Augustyniak and her husband, George, of Pinconning; his mother-in- law, Vivian Acheson, of Peck; two aunts, Veronica Pionk, of Bad Axe and Eleanor Partaka, of Palms; one uncle, Roman Pionk and his wife, Audrey, of Ruth; numerous nieces and nephews, especially David Keller; many cousins and close friends, Joseph Doerr, of Argyle, Ronald Grifka, of Ubly, Frank Keller, of Cass City, Marion Rutkowski, Jim Spade, and Marc Tenbusch, all of Ubly. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Henry, in 1986; a brother, Virgil, in 1952; and a nephew, Paul Keller, in 1981. He touched the hearts of so many people with his warm hospitality and his eagerness to enjoy each day to the utmost. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church of Frieburg. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors by the Sandusky VFW Post No. 2945 and other military organizations. A veteran's memorial service will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Visitation will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. today, from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials requested to the Cleveland Taussig Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Clara Henne Clara A. Henne, 87, of Bay Port, died Saturday morning, September 27, 2003, at her home following a one year illness. She was born February 3, 1916 in Bay Port, daughter of the late Walter and Mary (Sturm) Baur. She was united in marriage to Ralph E. "Pat" Henne on March 4, 1940 in Sylvania, Ohio. He preceded her in death on March 23, 2000. Clara graduated from the Bethesda Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 15, 1939. She was a registered nurse at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon for 38 years. She worked in the operating room many of those years. She retired in 1980. She was a member of the Bay Port United Methodist Church, served as Sunday School superintendent and taught Sunday school for 35 years. She also enjoyed flowers, her grandchildren, and loved to cook plentiful meals for her family and guests. Surviving are three sons and spouses, Dennis P. Henne and his wife, Jan, and Herman E. Henne, all of Bay Port, John G. Henne and his wife, Mary, of Frankenmuth; seven grandchildren, Timothy Schafer and his wife, Kim, Layne Henne, Michele Lauth and her husband, Jeff, Shelly Wurst and her husband, Chris, Jenifer Kubacki and her husband, Robert, Erik and Misty Henne; seven great-grandchildren, Shannon Schafer, T. J. Schafer, Derik Henne Wurst, Kalyn Wurst, Kristyn Wurst, Lauren Lauth, Michael Lauth; one sister, Bertha Strieter, of Bay Port; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Baur; one sister, Alice Bucholz. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 29, at the Bay Port United Methodist Church. The Rev. Alger Lewis will officiate with burial in the New Bay Port Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. today at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. She will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. Monday until the time of service Monday at the church. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Bay Port United Methodist Church. Anna Kretchman Anna Theresa Kretchman, 83, resident of Port Hope since 1947, died Wednesday evening, September 24, 2003, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. She was born July 2, 1920 in Dwight Township, daughter of the late Max and Josephine (Lasceski) Prange. Anna married George Kretchman on March 24, 1947. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1966. Anna was a member of Port Hope United Methodist Church where she was a Lady's Aid. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening and flowers. She was a foster grandparent for three years. She enjoyed the company of her pet dogs, Sassy, Lady and Walker. Mrs. Kretchman is survived by two daughters, Mary Wirgau, of Bad Axe, Lori Eggert and her husband, Erwin, of Bad Axe; seven grandchildren, Theresa Kaufman and her husband, Mark, Eugene Wirgau Jr., Michael Wirgau, Tammy Wirgau, Joe Liss and his wife, Natalie, Melissa Liss and her fiancé, Ryan Dahlman, Scott Eggert; one great-grandson, Jacob Kaufman; several nieces and nephews. Anna was preceded in death by her husband, George; one son, Albert Kretchman; one son-in-law, Eugene Wirgau Sr.; five brothers, Steve, Frank, George, Adam, and Edward Prange; three sisters, Ceila Prange Koroleski, Mary Prange, Martha Prange Schipinski; two brothers-in-law, Steve Koroleski and Pete Schipinski. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2003, at Port Hope United Methodist Church. Pastor Clarence VanConant will officiate. Burial will be in Marquardt Cemetery in Port Hope. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. Memorials will be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. William J. Smith William J. "Bill" Smith, 78, of Bad Axe, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2003, in Courtney Manor in Bad Axe while under hospice care. He was born on June 13, 1925 near Pigeon to the late James N. and Grace M. (Bradd) Smith. He was the oldest of five children. He married Grace D. Kreh at Hayes Methodist Church on November 1, 1947. They lived in the Pigeon area until 1957 and then moved to Bad Axe. Grace preceded him in death on November 17, 1990. Bill farmed until the 1970s and operated an excavating and snow removal business until 2001. He collected antique farm tractors. He attended Community Wesleyan Church in Elkton. He is survived by two sons, William Smith, Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Mishawaka, Ind., David Smith, of Owendale; three daughters, Evelyn Smith, of Elkton, Jeanne Rhodes and her husband, Charles, of Owendale, and Joanne McNeilly and her husband, Timothy, of Washington, D.C.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois Chisholm and her husband, Fred, of Pigeon; two brothers, Robert Smith and his wife, Joyce, of Pigeon, J. Sidney Smith and his wife, Kaye, of Pigeon; one sister-in-law, Mary Smith, of Pigeon; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Gloria Payne. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; one brother, Rev. John "Jack" Smith; and special friend, Beryl Brown. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2003, at Community Wesleyan Church in Elkton. The Rev. DeWeerd Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Caseville Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Monday at the church. Arrangements are being handled by MacAlphine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Memorials may be offered to Heartland Hospice Services. Marion McClorey Marion Elizabeth McClorey, 92, of Cass City, died Friday, September 26, 2003, in her home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2003, at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City, with the Rev. Steve Fillion officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery. A scripture service will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City. 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 Rawson Memorial Library or St. Pancratius Catholic Church. Elizabeth Uicker Elizabeth F. Uicker, 91, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2003, in the long term care unit of the Harbor Beach Community Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Lyme, New Hampshire, on December 30, 1911, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth (Marston) Flint. Elizabeth was united in holy matrimony to John Uicker on December 30, 1934 in New Hampshire. John preceded her in death on March 29, 1988. Elizabeth received her bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire and her master's degree in math from Harvard University. She was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Surviving are her children, Katherine Uicker, of Redford Township; Dr. John Uicker, of Madison, Wisconsin, Joseph Uicker and his wife, Janet, of Livonia, James Uicker and his wife, Suzanne, of Leonard, Thomas Uicker, of Southfield, Sr. Mary Frances Uicker, of Southfield, Elizabeth Cantu and her husband, Nick, of Rochester, and Margaret O'Neil and her husband, Mike, of Harbor Beach; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Elizabeth was preceded in death by a son, James Uicker; a daughter, Theresa Uicker; and a sister, Dorothy Flint. Funeral mass for Elizabeth will be at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2003, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. Burial will be in the St. Anthony's Cemetery. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Our Lady of Lake Huron School or Harbor Beach Community Hospital Long Term Care Unit. Monday, September 29, 2003 Arthur Essenmacher Arthur C. Essenmacher, 83, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2003, at his home with hospice care. Born in Harbor Beach on June 3, 1920, he was the son of the late William and Agnes (Lorkowski) Essenmacher. He attended the East Huron Country School near Helena and was taught by Myra Pangman. Arthur later became the school board president for the Schulte School where Myra was the teacher and she eventually taught all of Art and Agnes' children. On November 17, 1945, Art Essenmacher and Agnes Abraham were united in marriage in St. Mary's Church in Parisville. Art was a lifelong farmer in the Harbor Beach area and started in a career in commercial real estate in 1967 with the John A. Rowling Company of Port Huron. He later obtained his broker license in Warren and established his own real estate firm, Beach Real Estate, where he maintained a long time relationship with Attorney Mike Larco. He retired from farming in 1983 and from real estate in 1999, although he maintained his license through 2002. He was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach, various card clubs including Club 62, and the Real Estate Brokers Association. He was a former Farm Bureau member, former Huron Intermediate School District board member, and a former board member of the Michigan Sugar Company in Croswell. Arthur is survived by his wife, Agnes Essenmacher, of Harbor Beach; his children, Regina Wruble and her husband, Bob, of Harbor Beach, Bill Essenmacher and his wife, Mary Jane, of Tuscon, Arizona, Maggie McQueen and special friend, Duane Roggenbuck, of Harbor Beach, Tom Essenmacher and his wife, Janine, of Essexville, Carol Essenmacher, of Battle Creek, Lorene Wessels and her husband, Scott, of Harbor Beach, Mark Essenmacher and his wife, Cathy, of Harbor Beach; 22 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eleanor Geiger and her husband, Bernard, of Ruth, Verna Wood, of Harbor Beach, and Edna Krueger and her husband, David, of Harbor Beach, many nieces, nephews and cousins; sisters-in-law, Marion Essenmacher and Catherine Essenmacher, both of Harbor Beach, and Janice Erdman, of Minden City; brother and sister-in-law, Dorothy and Henry Elandt, of Bad Axe, and Mayme Abraham, of Harbor Beach. Art was preceded in death by a son, Clements Essenmacher; daughters, Agnes and Brenda Jo; son-in-law, Donald James McQueen; and three brothers, Donald, David, and Howard Essenmacher. Funeral mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2003, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, Harbor Beach, with burial in the church cemetery. A parish vigil service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. A Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church. Edward Wiechert Edward Frederick Wiechert, 82, of Pigeon, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2003, at home. He was born in Owendale on July 4, 1921, son of the late Wilfred Frederick and Mary (Camp) Wiechert and graduated from Owendale High School in 1938. During World War II, he was a member of the U.S. Army 83rd Air Service Squadron serving in the European and African theatres. He was a staff sergeant when discharged in 1945, and had received four bronze stars. On August 12, 1949, he was united in marriage to Dorothy L. Maxwell in Pigeon. She preceded him in death on December 21, 1976. Mr. Wiechert was a farmer throughout his lifetime. He especially enjoyed fishing. His survivors include three sons, Kenneth Wiechert and his wife, Kathleen, of Holt, Keith Wiechert and his wife, Diane, of Pigeon, and Kevin Wiechert and his wife, Ila, of Gaines; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Alice Montroy, of Standish and Mary Eady, of Pigeon; two brothers, Bernard Wiechert, of Caseville and Raymond Wiechert and his wife, Fay, of Sebewaing; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, with the Rev. Michael T. Sawicki, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Pigeon, officiating. Burial will be in Chandler Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials for Mr. Wiechert may be made to the American Cancer Society or Salem United Methodist Church. Tuesday, September 30, 2003 Viola Duerr Viola "Mizz" Duerr, 75, resident of Ocala, Florida, and former resident of Kinde, died Saturday, September 27, 2003, at Sylvia's Hospice House in Ocala, Florida. She was born November 3, 1929 in Bismark, Missouri, to the late William and Elsie (Schultz) Roehrs. Viola and Keith "Fuzz" Duerr were married September 5, 1951. They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage. Mrs. Duerr was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ocala, Florida, and Marion Oaks Country Club. She worked for many years at Hubbard Bank in Kinde, which later became Community Bank. She retired from Community Bank in 1970 and moved to Florida with her husband in 1975. She enjoyed photography and golf. Viola is survived by her husband, Keith Duerr; two sisters-in- law, June Edwards and her husband, Glenn, of Bad Axe, and Elva Heyd and her husband, Clinton, of Baldwin; a cousin, Larry Essenmacher and his wife, Carol, of Vassar; two nieces and three nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, the Rev. Edward Roehrs and Fritz Roehrs; and one sister, Clara Ruth Adams. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be in Colfax Township Cemetery at a later date. A memorial service is being planned for a later date at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. MacAlpine Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 5200 SW SR200, Ocala, FL 34474. Herlanda McPhail Herlanda Lydia McPhail, 93, died after a lengthy illness on Sunday, September 28, 2003. She is survived by three children, Roger McPhail and his wife, Jeannie, of Cass City, Roberta Clark, of Elkton, and Margaret Miller, of Annapolis, Maryland.; sister, Naomi Shuart, of Bad Axe. She is also survived by many loving grandchildren, great- grandchildren and friends. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2003, at Kranz Funeral Home, followed by a private burial service. Family and friends are invited to a reception following services. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Edward Sullivan Edward E. Sullivan, 47, of Cass City, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2003, from injuries sustained in an accident at Tower Automotive in Elkton. He was born on January 12, 1956 in Bad Axe. He married Vicky Painter on October 4, 1980, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. Mr. Sullivan was a crane operator at Tower Automotive and was a member of PACE Local 6-0628, for which he served as union steward. He was a member of the Bad Axe High School Class of 1974. He enjoyed running in the demolition derby, hunting, and spending time with his family, especially on family vacations. He is survived by his wife, Vicky Sullivan, of Cass City; two daughters, Amanda and Emily Sullivan, of Cass City; parents, Donald and Ella (Fritz) McKnight, of Cass City; two brothers, John Sullivan and his wife, Tess, of West Bloomfield, and Ken Sullivan, of Cass City; and his mother-in-law, Sandra Painter, of Bad Axe. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, October 3, 2003, at 11 a.m. at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. Jan G. Dykshoorn, pastor of the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in the Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home. Wednesday, October 1, 2003 Carrie Blanzy Carrie S. Blanzy, 91, of Harbor Beach, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2003, in Huron Medical Center, Bad Axe, following a short illness. Born in Gaylord on February 12, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Cassmer and Anastasia (Kousda) Wiewiorski. She and Alexander Blanzy were united in marriage on November 5, 1926 in Gaylord. He preceded her in death on August 13, 1971. She was a retired employee of the A & P Bakery in Detroit, working for 25 years. Surviving are a daughter, Mary Ann Blanzy, of Harbor Beach; grandchildren, Sherrie Glickoff, Debra Priddy, Kim Mazure, David Glickoff; and six great-grandchildren, Shayne Glickoff, Joseph Poleno, III, Kathleen Ganier, Krystal Meyer, Tony Rose Schemka, Jennifer Siemen; special friend, Gary, of Harbor Beach; and grandson, Whine-O. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rose Crane Glickoff, in 1970; brother and sisters, John Wiewiorski, Kise Squirrel, Rose Prusakiewicz, Sophie Rupkowski, and Martha Wiewiorski. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2003, in Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with burial in the OLLH church cemetery. Fr. Steve Gavitt will officiate. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. David Renn David M. Renn, 52, of Portland, Oregon and formerly of Elkton, died Thursday, September 25, 2003, at Portland Hospital following a short battle with lung cancer. He was born October 29, 1950 in Bad Axe to Harry and Marilyn (Kanyak) Renn. David grew up in Elkton and was a 1968 graduate of Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port High School. After attending Ferris State College for two years, he moved to Traverse City. There he met and married Linda Dilly on April 14, 1973. They moved to the west coast in the late 1980s where he worked as a master plumber and carpenter. He was a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkton. David loved the outdoors and all activities associated with it. Surviving are his wife, Linda; his parents, Harold and Marilyn Renn, of Elkton; two brothers, Harold Renn and his wife, Nanette, of Beulah, and Darl Renn, of Traverse City; and his sister, Heidi Renn, of Saginaw. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church c/o Harry Renn, Elkton. Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Bertha Young Bertha Young, 90, of Port Hope, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2003, in the long term care unit of Harbor Beach Community Hospital following a short illness. Born in Port Hope on July 31, 1913, she was the daughter of the late William and Mabel (Hoffman) Maschke. On July 27, 1935, Bertha and Walter Young were united in marriage in Port Hope. He preceded her in death on December 5, 1977. Bertha was a graduate of Port Hope High School and County Normal and was a former teacher. She was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope and a former Sunday School teacher. She is survived by a daughter, Bonnie MacKay and her husband, Ken, of Santa Rosa, California; two grandchildren; two great-grandsons; a brother, Bernard Maschke and his wife, Lucille, of Port Hope; two sisters, Gertrude Fuerst, of Port Hope and Viola Sewrey, of Farmington. Bertha was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Emerick; and three brothers, John, William, and Darcey Maschke. Funeral services will be at noon on Friday, October 4, 2003, at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope with the Rev. Gregory Eilers, pastor, officiating. Cremation will follow in Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. A scripture service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Thursday, October 2, 2003 Jon Binder Jon Binder, 40, of Port Austin, died Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw. He was born on May 22, 1963 in Bad Axe, son of Francis and Barbara (Pageau) Binder. Jon was a 1981 graduate of North Huron High School in Kinde. He then attended Ferris State College and graduated in 1987. Jon was a third generation pharmacist at Binder's Pharmacy in Kinde, which he owned and operated. He loved all sports, especially hunting and golfing. Jon is survived by his son, Jeffrey, of Flushing; parents, Francis and Barbara Binder, of Port Austin; fiance, Christina Furness and her son, Zachary, of Elkton; six brothers and sisters, Robert Binder and his wife, Carol, of Okemos, Constance Penfold and her husband, Thomas, of L'anse, Paul Binder and his wife, Barbara, of Okemos, Nancy Michalski and her husband, Joseph, of Kinde, Monica MacDonald, of Streetsboro, Ohio, and Mark Binder, of Davison; and seven nephews and four nieces. Funeral mass will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2003, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde. The Rev. Mieczyslaw Oniskiewicz will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde and from noon until the time of the service at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. A vigil will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home. Susan Booms Susan L. Booms, 44, of Harbor Beach, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 1, 2003. Born on January 2, 1959 in Pontiac, she was the daughter of Julie (Latozas) Morrison and the late Gordon Morrison. Susan and Gerald Booms were united in marriage on October 28, 1978 in Parisville. She was the zoning administrator for the City of Harbor Beach since 1999 and an election inspector for Harbor Beach. Sue was also a waitress at restaurants in the Harbor Beach area, but was currently working at the Franklin Inn in Bad Axe. She enjoyed exercising, walking, reading and being with friends and family. She was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach and the Wednesday night bowling league in Harbor Beach. Susan is survived by her husband, Gerald; her mother, Julie Morrison, of Harbor Beach; two sons, Jason Booms and his fiancee, Jamie, of Port Huron, and Derek Booms and his friend, Becky, of Big Rapids; daughter, Jenny Booms, at home; brother, James Morrison and his wife, Joanne, of Danville, California; sister, Cathy Essenmacher and her husband, Mark, of Harbor Beach; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerald and Georgeann Booms, of Ubly, and the following brother and sister-in-laws: Ernie and Deb Essenmacher, of Ubly, Ron and Karen Guza, of Harbor Beach, Barb Benzinger, of Ubly, Don and Lisa Booms, of Ubly, Joe and Nancy Booms, of Ubly and Randy and Lisa Booms, of Brown City; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral mass for Susan will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2003, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, of Harbor Beach, with Fr. Steve Gavit officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach, and from 10 a.m. until the service time on Saturday in the church. A vigil service will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening in the funeral home. Friday, October 3, 2003 Ruth Nichiaw Ruth Clara Nichiaw, 88, of Port Austin, died Wednesday, October 1, 2003, at her home. She was born on February 9, 1915 in Hamtramck, daughter of the late Charles and Charlotte (Baude) Gunsch. She and John Nichiaw were married in 1970 in Madison Heights. He preceded her in death on April 25, 1992. Ruth was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the U & I Club in Port Austin. She enjoyed playing bingo and loved cruising through town on her scooter. Ruth is survived by two sons, Harold and Donald Stadler; one daughter, Joan Alice Ruwald; and many grandchildren; great- grandchildren; close friends, Arnie and Nadine Besonen and their children, Graham Besonen and his wife, Tammy, Sarah Johnson and her husband, Bjorn, and Andrew Besonen. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2003, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Officiating will be the Rev. Robert Pare', pastor. Burial will follow in Port Austin Township Cemetery. There will be a vigil at 7 p.m. tonight at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church. 1