HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning April 11, 2004 Contributed 2004 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, April 11, 2004 Ival Milton Ival America Milton, 89, a Romeo resident for more than 22 years and formerly of Bad Axe, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2004. Ival was born in Huntington, West Virginia on July 3, 1914, a daughter of the late John and Ada (King) Watts. She had been united in marriage to Troy Milton on August 15, 1938 in Gallipolis, Ohio. Troy preceded her in death in 1981. Ival is survived by two daughters, Shirley Guza, of Romeo, and Fran Satow and her husband, Allen, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania; her brother, Harvey Watts and his wife, Bev, of Livonia; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Ival was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Kuhn; two brothers, Haskell and Rex Watts. Funeral services will be at noon on Monday, April 12, 2004, at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home of Romeo with the Rev. Mark Evan, of St. John Lutheran Church, officiating. Cremation will follow. Archie Wolschlager Archie A. Wolschlager, 80, lifelong resident of Bad Axe, died Thursday, April 8, 2004, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. He was born April 5, 1924 in Sheridan Township, son of the late Frank and Agnes (Depcinski) Wolschlager. Archie was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Bad Axe. He was a lifelong farmer in Sheridan Township. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, Farm Bureau, and Michigan Milk. He also enjoyed playing cards. He is survived by six brothers, Raymond Wolschlager, of Bad Axe, Wilmer Wolschlager, of Bad Axe, Stanley Wolschlager and his wife, Josephine, of Bad Axe, Melvin Wolschlager and his wife, Lorraine, of Bad Axe, Kenneth Wolschlager and his wife, Audrey, of Bad Axe, Elign Wolschlager, of Lowell; one sister, Evelyn Ochoa and her husband, Henney, of Detroit; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Archie was preceded in death by a sister, Ernestia Hessing; and two sisters-in-law, Marian Wolschlager and Mary Jane Wolschlager. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2004, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Fr. James Carlson will officiate. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Bad Axe. There will be a rosary service presented by the Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. and a parish wake scripture service at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the family discretionary fund. Please visit the web tribute at http://www.macalpine.yourtribute.com/ArchieWolschlager. Monday, April 12, 2004 Martha Goniwicha Martha Goniwicha, 100, of Harbor Beach, passed away Friday, April 9, 2004, at the Harbor Beach Long Term Care Facility after a short illness. Martha was born February 25, 1904 in Parisville to the late Andrew and Mary (Pelot) O'Parka. She married Albert Goniwicha on June 29, 1926 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1987. Martha attended a country school. She farmed with her husband and family, moving to Harbor Beach in 1971. She was a parishioner at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach for 32 years. She was a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville and a member of the Rosary Sodality. Martha enjoyed bingo, playing cards, quilting, and visiting with her family. Martha is survived by one daughter, Joan Ender and her husband, Merritt, of Kinde; two sons, Calvin Goniwicha and his wife, Mary Ann, of Warren, Robert Goniwicha, of Inkster; one foster daughter, Valerie Wagner, of Ohio; nine grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; three sisters, Minnie Bismack, of Minden City, Grace Peruski, of Ubly, Mrs. Beatrice Lemanski and her husband, Vick, of Bad Axe; one brother, Chester O'Parka and his wife, Genevieve, of Bad Axe. Martha was preceded in death by one daughter, Betty Schifano; and three sisters, Theresa Lemke, Gertrude Zulka and Phoebe Lemanski. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church only. There will be a rosary by the St. Mary Rosary Sodality on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Lavina Gardner Lavina Corey Gardner, 78, of Elkton, died Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004, at Tender Care in Cass City after an extended illness. She was born June 6, 1925 in Bad Axe to the late William George and Lavina (Edwards) Cove. On July 28, 1951, she was united in marriage to Raymond Gardner of Oliver Township. He preceded her in death on May 6, 1991. Lavina was a homemaker and lived in Huron County all her life. She was a member of the Community of Christ Church, Owendale. She is survived by one sister, Donna Brando, of Milford. Preceding her in death were four brothers, Mial, William, Robert and Harry Cove; and one sister, Helen Terwilliger. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton, with burial in Grant Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today and after 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral chapel. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Leo Kolowich Leo Kolowich, 95, of Sand Point, died Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004. There will be a funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2004, at St. Roch Catholic Church, Caseville. A complete obituary will appear in Tuesday's Huron Daily Tribune or at www.CFCcaseville.com. John Lipinski Mr. John B. Lipinski, 68, of Bay City, well known clarinetist, popular band leader, and radio broadcaster, died Thursday, April 8, 2004. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the Ambrose Funeral Home, 1200 Garfield, in Bay City. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Local information provided by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Harold Sting Harold P. Sting, 94, of Sebewaing, died Saturday, April 10, 2004, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. A full obituary will be in the Tuesday edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. Arrangements are being handled by the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home. Robin Ann Stroud Robin Ann Stroud, 49, of Benton, Kentucky, formerly of Elkton, died at 10:42 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2004, at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. Burial will follow in the New Bay Port Cemetery in Fairhaven Township. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. on Wednesday until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Attn: Donation Processing, 700 Broadway, Suite 810, Denver, Colorado 80203-3442. A complete obituary will appear in Tuesday's Huron Daily Tribune. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Tuesday, April 13, 2004 – obituaries were not copied on this date. Wednesday, April 14, 2004 Elizabeth Damrow Elizabeth "Betty" Marie Damrow, 79, of Kinde, passed away early Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at home after a short illness. She was born September 19, 1924 in Detroit to the late John and Alice (Brinkman) Lazar. Miss Elizabeth Lazar was married to Willet Damrow on July 17, 1948 in Detroit. Betty moved from Detroit to Lake Township in 1948. She attended Chandler Presbyterian Church and enjoyed reading. Betty is survived by her husband, Willet; children, John L. Damrow, of Pennsylvania, Diane A. Pangborn, of Bad Axe, Kathie M. Welker, of Easton, Pennsylvania, and Albert E. Damrow, of Kinde; and seven grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Friends may sign the guestbook online at http://macalpine.yourtribute.com/ElizabethBettyDamrow. Sophia Golding Sophia Golding, 82, of Ubly, died Sunday, April 11, 2004, at Covenant Healthcare - Harrison in Saginaw. She was born November 7, 1921 in Pennsylvania. She married Clifford Golding on June 1, 1940. He preceded her in death on January 21, 1994. Sophia graduated from Kinde High School in 1939. She enjoyed flowers, gardening and spending time with her family. Mrs. Golding is survived by one son, Leonard Golding and his wife, Deb, of Hudsonville; one daughter, Candice Holdship, of Essexville; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Schelke, of Bad Axe and Dorothy Woodward, of Snover; two granddaughters, Stacey Anger and her husband, Donald, of Blaine, Minnesota, and Lisa Chumbler and her husband, Dan, of Carlsbad, California; and two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Olivia. Burial will take place at Colfax Township Cemetery. There will not be a funeral service or visitation. Friends may sign the guestbook at http://macalpine.yourtribute.com/SophiaGolding. Ilean Gracey Ilean M. Gracey, 68, of Ubly, died Monday, April 12, 2004, in Mercy Hospital, Port Huron. She was born January 22, 1936 in Deckerville, the daughter of Keith and Madeline (Smith) Lamont. She married Darwin Gracey in Argyle. He preceded her in death in 1987. She is survived by one son, Don Gracey, of Bloomfield Hills, and one daughter, Debbie Hoffman and her husband, Mark, of Ubly; three grandchildren; her parents, Keith and Madeline Lamont, of Deckerville; two sisters, Barbara Leibinger and her husband, Fred, of Deckerville, and Rose Brabant and her husband, William, of Pennsylvania; 15 nieces and nephews; one great-niece and one great-great-niece; two brothers-in-law, Dale and Gary Gracey. She was preceded in death by one infant brother, Bobbie; and one son, Ronald Keith Gracey, in 1985. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2004, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Argyle. Fr. Reginaldo Salcedo will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Freidberger. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today in the Apsey Funeral Home, Deckerville. Theresa Rice Theresa B. Rice, 79, lifelong resident of Filion, died Monday, April 12, 2004, at St. Mary Medical Center, Saginaw. She was born August 14, 1924 in Huron County, daughter of the late Floyd and Christina (Miller) Koroleski. Theresa Koroleski and Benjamin Rice were united in marriage on February 19, 1944 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dwight. Ben preceded his wife in death on November 3, 1980. She has been a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Kinde, and a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality. She enjoyed visiting, reading, playing cards and listening to polka music. She is survived by her children, Marie Cook and her husband, Hilary, of Bad Axe, Eugene Rice and his wife, Deanna, of Kinde, Ronald Rice and his wife, Sharon, of Brandon, Florida., Raymond Rice and his wife, Pam, of St. Clair Shores, Alger Rice and his wife, Elaine, of Filion, Elaine Bannick and her husband, Wayne, of Bad Axe, Dennis Rice, of Harbor Beach, Debra Rice, of Port Austin, and Karen Rice, of Port Austin; 17 grandchildren, Leann, Randy, Danielle, Doug, Kristi Lee, Stacey, Ronda, Jeffery, Jennifer, Al, Jr., Floyd, Jodi, Scott, Jesse, Randy, Dora, and Corey; nine great-grandchildren, Correy, Chevelle, Jeremya, Austin, Dustin, Blayne, Zachary, Lincoln, and Josie Marie; a special friend, Dale; brother, Phil Koroleski, of Kinde; sisters, Lottie Ignash, of Kinde and Florence Reynolds, of Elkton. She was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Bouvrette. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dwight. Fr. Stanley Surman will officiate. There will be a scripture service at 7 p.m. and rosary service at 7:30 p.m. today at MacAlpine Funeral Home - Gage Chapel in Kinde. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the family discretionary fund. Please visit the web tribute at http://macalpine.yourtribute.com/TheresaRice David Schmidt David E. Schmidt, 58, formerly of Bad Axe, went to be with his Lord on March 30, 2004, in SanTee, California. He married Pamela (O'Jay) of San Diego in 1970. David worked in commercial construction and served in the Navy. He enjoyed riding his Harley- Davidson, wood-crafting, reading, listening to gospel music, and spending time with his family and friends. David is survived by his wife, Pamela; three children, Robin Jackam and her husband, Charle, of El Cajon, Kristian "Cristy" Schmidt, of New Mexico, and Rayna Schmidt, of SanTee, California; his mother, Lillian Schmidt, of Bad Axe; five brothers, Richard Schmidt and his wife, Theresa, of Bad Axe, Joe Schmidt and his wife, Sue, of Ubly, George Schmidt and his wife, Donna, of Bad Axe, Tim Schmidt and his wife, Shari, of Bad Axe, John Schmidt and his wife, Tracy, of Detroit; seven sisters, Judy Campbell and her husband, Graydon, of Bad Axe, Kathaleen Schmidt, of Bad Axe, Sue Schember and her husband, Edwin, of Bad Axe, Dorothy Kubucki and her husband, Eugene, of Detroit, Doris Foor and her husband, Mark, of New Mexico, Donna Schmidt of Ubly, Dianne Rifenbark and her husband, Virgil, of Oklahoma; five grandchildren; and 32 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; and one brother, Ronald. The funeral service for David was conducted on Sunday, April 4, 2004, at Greenwood Mortuary of San Diego, California. Thursday, April 15, 2004 Ernest Bezemek Ernest B. Bezemek, 78, of Minden City, died Sunday, April 11, 2004, in his home after a lengthy illness. He was born April 6, 1926 in Austin Township, Tyre, the son of the late Edward and Stacy (Stepka) Bezemek. He married Miss Betty Franzel on November 28, 1947. Mr. Bezemek was employed at the Michigan Peat Factory, along with being a full time farmer. He retired in 1984 and then traveled. He and his wife, Betty, made Mount Verde, Florida their second home. This place and the many friends they made there were very special to them both. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Palms. Surviving, in addition to his wife of 57 years, Betty, are six sons, Edward and his wife, Val, of Argyle, Richard and his wife, Pam, of Deckerville, John and his wife, Nancy, of Carsonville, Ernie and his wife, Kathy, of Deckerville, Daniel and his wife, Janeen, of Minden City, Tim and his wife, Linda, of Bloomfield Hills; one son-in-law, Gary Riegel, of Ortonville; 25 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Isabelle Peruski, of Palms, Mabel McCarty, of Oxford, Ester Morris, of Palms, Catherine Heck and her husband, Emil, of Ubly; one brother, Joe Bezemek and his wife, Pat, of Tyre; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons, Jerry and Tom; and one daughter, Marie. A memorial mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2004, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Palms. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Cremation has taken place. Burial of the cremains will be in St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery, Friedberger. Arrangements are by the Apsey Funeral Home, Deckerville. Friday, April 16, 2004 Helen Bartle Helen Faye Bartle, 85, of Cass City, died Thursday, April 15, 2004, in Tendercare Nursing Facility, Cass City. She was born on August 11, 1918 at home in Evergreen Township to Joshua and Anna Mae (Robinson) Sharrard. She married Laurence R. Bartle on June 12, 1937 in Albion, Indiana. He died November 5, 2001. Helen worked in the office of Frutchey Bean Company in Cass City and later at Owendale Automotive Industries until the plant closed. She then worked for General Cable for 21 years until her retirement in 1982. Helen regularly attended Salem United Methodist Church and then Cass City United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Elmwood Quilters, Hills and Dales General Hospital Auxiliary, United Methodist Women, Cass City Business and Professional Women and Cass City Women's Club. Helen was a fantastic cook, loved her quilting and enjoyed crafts. She enjoyed being with her friends and truly loved and enjoyed her family. Helen is survived by her daughters, Constance Schwaderer and her husband, Gil, of Cass City, Kathleen Tuckey and her husband, Roy, of Cass City; grandchildren, Cynthia Lalko, Craig Langmaid and his wife, Donna, Carolyn Costantino and her husband, Alan, and Paul Tuckey; great-grandchildren, Adam Lalko, Russell Lalko, Craig "C.J." Langmaid, Autumn K. Langmaid, Emma Costantino, Molly Costantino, Joshua Costantino, Samuel Tuckey, Erica Langmaid, Andrea Langmaid; great-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Ericson and Corbin Langmaid; sister-in-law, Betty Sharrard; brother-in-law, John Hartley; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Joanne Bartle; grandson, Christopher Langmaid; great- grandson, David Lalko; brothers, Norman Sharrard and Eldon Sharrard; sister, Marjorie Hartley. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2004, in Cass City United Methodist Church with the Rev. George Ward officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Pallbearers for Mrs. Bartle are Craig Langmaid, Russell Lalko, Alan Costantino, Paul Tuckey, Don Ball and Don Bartle. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday in the church. Memorials may be made to Cass City United Methodist Church or Bay Shore Camp. Cecile "Betty" Nichols Cecile "Betty" Nichols, 80, of Harbor Beach, passed away Friday, April 16, 2004, in the Huron County Medical Care Facility near Bad Axe. Born in Detroit on August 7, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Pearl and Ada Parsons. Cecile was united in marriage to Raymond Nichols on June 7, 1947 in Detroit. She is a retired employee of the Budd Wheel Company in Detroit, retiring in 1976 after 30 years of employment. Cecile is survived by her husband, Raymond Nichols, of Harbor Beach; and one brother, Neal Parsons, of Eastpointe. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Lloyd Pitcher Lloyd A. Pitcher, 87, of Filion, passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the Huron Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. He was born on May 31, 1916 in Bad Axe, son of the late Robert J. and Cora (Hogan) Pitcher. He married Esther I. Rapson on October 24, 1942 in Bad Axe. She preceded him in death on December 19, 1985. Mr. Pitcher lived on a farm as a child and continued farming until retiring in 1977. When not busy on the farm, he worked at the Bad Axe Locker Plant and also as a butcher at Maurer's Slaughter House in Ubly. He enjoyed playing cards and visiting with his friends and family. He was a member of the Rinky Dinks musical group. He is survived by two daughters, Connie Hoxie and her husband, Ray, of La Fayette, New York, Sharon Flannery, of Bad Axe; two sisters, Grace Hebner, of Millington, Dorothy Coates, of Caseville; four grandchildren, Greg Hoxie and his wife, Terri, of La Fayette, New York, Lori Reynolds and her husband, Jeff, of La Fayette, New York, Lisa Thomas and her husband, David, of Harrison, Amy Flannery, of Westland; six great-grandchildren, David Hoxie, of La Fayette, New York, Heather and Tim Reynolds of La Fayette, New York, Dustin, Danielle, and Dana Thomas of Harrison; special friend, Thelma Schubring, of Harbor Beach; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Kelly Rae Flannery, on September 8, 1982; two sisters, Valetta Stafford and Hazel Pitcher; and three brothers, Cecil, Roy, and twin brother, Malvin Pitcher. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2004, at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. Jerry Sutton, pastor of the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, and from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Huron Medical Care Facility. Leona Weber Leona M. (Mixter) Weber, 94, of Harbor Beach, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2004, in Courtney Manor Nursing Center in Bad Axe. Born in Ruth on December 19, 1909, she was the daughter of the late August and Agnes (Wehner) Richard. Leona and Loris Mixter were united in marriage in 1930 in Ruth and he preceded her in death in 1975. On August 9, 1978, she was united in marriage to Charles Weber in Ruth. He preceded her in death on October 4, 1998. Leona was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach and was a former member of the Christian Mothers in Ruth. She is survived by her children, Gregory Mixter and his wife, Dee, of Bad Axe, Jerome Mixter and his wife, Viola, of Ruth, and Mary Arlene Osborn, of Caro; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; two step-children, Wilma Braun, of Harbor Beach, and Joel Weber and his wife, Sharlyn, of Ruth; seven step- grandchildren; and 13 step-great-grandchildren. Leona was preceded in death by a grandson, Jeffery Burnham; and four sisters, Cecilia Romzek, Tracy Richard, Mary Richard, and Agnes Wortiska; and seven brothers, Frank, Ray, Ben, Barney, August, Alphonse, and Arthur Richard. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2004, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, Harbor Beach, with Fr. Gerald Kukla, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery near Ruth. A rosary by the Ruth Christian mothers will take place at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach and a parish vigil service will follow at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Saturday. Thomas F. Watterworth Thomas F. Watterworth, 75, of Sebewaing, died Friday morning, April 16, 2004, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2004, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville with burial in the Caseville Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. A complete obituary will be published in the Huron Daily Tribune on Sunday or at www.CFCcaseville.com. 1