HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning July 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 represent-ative 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, July 11, 2004 Dennis Ruark Dennis D. Ruark, 54, died suddenly on Wednesday, July 7, 2004. Dennis was a partsman for many years, most recently at Southgate Ford. He was also the son of the Harbor Marina family in Grindstone City. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Nora; adoring children, Tina, Dennis and his wife, Beverly; darling granddaughter, Allison; sisters, Donna Ruark, Darlene O'Ruaire; mother-in-law, Lillian Corcoran; brothers-in-law, Gerald Corcoran, Ted Corcoran, Leonard Corcoran, Stanley Radzikowski and his wife, Brenda, Robert Radzikowski; sister-in-law, Ann Marie Moore and her husband, Steven; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 12, 2004, at the Vermeulen Trust 100 Funeral Home, located at 980 N. Newburgh Road, Westland. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the service time on Monday at the funeral home in Westland. Visitation also will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Knoblock Funeral Home, Kinde. Burial will follow at New River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family memorial fund. Ronald C. Seibel Mr. Ronald C. Seibel, 42, of Farwell, passed away Friday afternoon, July 9, 2004. He was born in Bay City on January 16, 1962, the son of Harold and Elaine (Demo) Seibel. Ron had founded and was active in Sons of American and Claire-Farwell Post No. 558. He was a graduate of Central Michigan University and was to begin teaching in a public school system in the fall. Surviving are his mother, Elaine, of Gagetown; brothers, David, also of Gagetown, Rick his wife, Katheryn, of Sebewaing, Mike, of Lapeer; a sister, Connie Seward and her husband, Richard, of Bay Port; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 12, 2004, at Unionville Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Matthew Earl Eidt Mr. Matthew Earl Eidt, 33, of Trenton and Harsens Island, died suddenly on Monday, July 5, 2004. The funeral service was at noon on Saturday, July 10, 2004, at the Martenson Funeral Home, 3200 West Road, Trenton. Visitation was conducted on Thursday and Friday with interment at Our Lady of Hope. Memorials may be made to Alexis Eidt Trust Fund. Monday, July 12, 2004 Vera Barbara Halifax Mrs. Vera Barbara Halifax, 85, of Deckerville, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2004, at her home after a short illness under hospice care. She was born December 10, 1918 in Fenton to the late Wesley and Julia (Newman) Wilson. She married Lester Martin Halifax on March 4, 1939 in Ferndale. He preceded her in death on February 3, 1967. Vera was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Ferndale. She retired from Deckerville Die Form in 1983. She attended Deckerville Bible Church. Vera enjoyed league bowling and working in her yard. She liked entertaining the neighborhood children and had compassion for all animals. Vera is survived by three sons, Lester G. Halifax and his wife, Charlena, of Forestville, David M. Halifax, of Harbor Beach, Dale A. Halifax and his wife, Nancy, of Minden City; one daughter, Susan G. Terpenning and her husband, Elwin, of Deckerville; seven grandchildren, Deena, Lester, Jason, Marc, Carol, Mike, and Kristina; two step-grandchildren, Jim and Mary; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth King, of Mount Clemens and Nellie Brown and her husband, Mike, of Milton, Florida. Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Martin Halifax; three brothers, Raymond, Glen and Marvin Wilson; three sisters, Evelyn Seeback, Edith Slater, and Alma Miller. The funeral service will be 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at the Smigielski Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert A. Srock, of Deckerville, will officiate. Burial will be in the East Delaware Township Cemetery of Forestville. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Avenue in Minden City. Memorials are requested to the Deckerville Community Hospital or United Hospice of Marlette. Dorothy F. Knippenberg Mrs. Dorothy F. Knippenberg, 92, of Spring Lake and formerly of Port Austin and Grosse Pointe, died Sunday, July 11, 2004, in Spring Lake. She was born June 24, 1912 in Detroit to Robert and Florence (Gebhard) Jeffers. She graduated from Grosse Pointe High School and attended Marygrove College. She married Frederick Knippenberg on August 10, 1934 in Detroit. He preceded her in death on November 7, 1984. Dorothy had resided many years in Port Austin, and moved to Spring Lake in 1999. Dorothy was a member and formerly very active in the United Protestant Church. She was a former member of the library board in Port Austin and the hospital auxiliary in Bad Axe. She enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dorothy is survived by three daughters, Audrey Barton, of Canton, Shirley McKee and her husband, Mike, of Port Austin, and Joni Rosencrants and her husband, Leo, of Spring Lake; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a brother, Robert Jeffers and his wife, Ruth, of Wheaton, Illinois. Her son-in-law, Richard Barton, preceded her in death. A funeral service for Dorothy will be conducted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the United Protestant Church in Port Austin with the Rev. Robert Garrett and the Rev. David Freeland officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Interment will be at Port Austin Township cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or the United Protestant Church of Port Austin are appreciated. Assisting the family are VanZantwick, Bartels, Kammeraad Funeral Homes and MacAlpine Funeral Home. Archie "Pat" L. Patterson Archie "Pat" L. Patterson, 88, of Ubly, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2004, at Courtney Manor Nursing Center, Bad Axe. Mr. Patterson was born September 4, 1915 in Sheridan Township to the late Neil and Isabelle (Leitch) Patterson. He and Marie Graves Diefenbach were married August 10, 1968 in Cass City. The couple made their home in Ubly the past 35 years. Archie attended a country school; was a World War II U.S. Army Veteran and served in the European Theater; life member of the National Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a carpenter and for a time was employed at Hogan Construction Company, Bad Axe. He enjoyed reading, was a Tigers baseball fan and noted story teller. Mr. Patterson is survived by his wife, Marie; one daughter, Judy Gibbs and her husband, Cecil, of Quimbly, West Virginia; three step-daughters, Donna Howe-Wilson and her husband, William, of Patrickburg, Indiana, Pauline Diefenbach, of Harbor Beach and Mary Diefenbach, of Port Hope; special friend and daughter, Mary Jean Michalski; three step-sons, James Diefenbach and his wife, Patrice, of Highland, California, Daniel Diefenbach and his wife, Jeraldine, of Clyde Park, Montana, Robert Diefenbach, of Florida; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and six step-great- grandchildren; one brother, Peter Patterson; and several nieces and nephews. Archie was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Neil Patterson; and two sisters, Margaret Crumback and Janet McDowell. According to the wishes of Mr. Patterson, there will be no visitation or services. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory, Bay City. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mrs. Archie Patterson, 4455 Queen Street, Ubly, Michigan 48475 or to MacAlpine Funeral Home, 302 N. Hanselman Street, Bad Axe, Michigan 48413. Memorials may be offered to Courtney Manor Nursing Center. Harold H. Rounds Harold H. "Fuzzy" Rounds, 80, of Pigeon, passed away Saturday morning, July 10, 2004, at Huron Medical Care Facility near Bad Axe. He was born on April 13, 1924 in Chandler Township, son of the late Harold H. and Susan (Cobb) Rounds. On May 5, 1951, he was united in marriage to Erma L. Finkbeiner at the St. Paul Lutheran Church parsonage, Linkville. He was a graduate of the Big Turner School. In 1943 he served with the U.S. Army in the European Theater through 1946, and was a life member of the V.F.W. Pigeon Post No. 2236. He worked for the Huron County Road Commission from 1948 through 1954, then worked as a drag line and crane operator for Corrion Excavating until his retirement in 1986. He then worked for McBride Farms for eight years. He enjoyed trapping turtle and beaver, gardening, repairing things in his garage for his neighbors, and helping the neighborhood with their lawn care. Fuzzy was a faithful and active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he and Erma were often the first people at church on Sunday morning, preparing the church for worship and serving as greeters. He also served the church on many boards, including the cemetery board for over 20 years. He was also a former member of the Pigeon Conservation Club. His survivors include his wife for over 53 years, Erma; two sisters, Margaret Eimers, of Saginaw and Grace Freeman and her husband, Vincent, of Bay Port; and many nieces, nephews, and friends, including a special family friend, Debra Scott. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Marilyn Rounds, Helen Pooley and Ethel Corrion. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Linkville with the Rev. Lee Wenskay, pastor, officiating. A Scripture Service will be at 7 p.m. today at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, and from noon until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Linkville. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund or the charity of the donor's choice. Eileen M. Sturm Eileen Marie Sturm, 82, of Pigeon, passed away Friday, July 9, 2004, at her son's home in North Muskegon. Born in Kinde on April 4, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Jessie Merrill (Maxwell) Ayotte, and graduated as valedictorian of Pigeon High School, Class of 1940. On November 6, 1943, she was united in marriage to Wilbert LaVerne "Bernie" Sturm in Detroit. He preceded her in death on June 26, 2003. Mrs. Sturm worked as a bookkeeper for People's Oil and Gas for 48 years. She is survived by two sons, Gary Sturm, of Southfield, and Ronald and Kim Sturm, of North Muskegon; two grandchildren, Audra and Mason; two sisters, Dorothy Rottermond, of Detroit, and June Moore, of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Ayotte and a sister, Peg Grabowski. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, with the Rev. Margaret Passenger and the Rev. Robert Garrett officiating. Burial will be in the Souletown Chandler Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon. Memorials for Mrs. Sturm may be made to the Hackley Visiting Nurse Hospice Services. Tuesday, July 13, 2004 Roger L. Lamb Sail on, Sailor, on God's Heavenly Seas. Your Watch Here is Over. Roger L. Lamb, 67, of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2004, at Harbor Beach Community Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Roger was born March 24, 1937 in Harbor Beach to the late Joseph and Lois (Lockner) Lamb. In 1955, Roger became a Merchant Marine after graduating from Harbor Beach High School. For 18 years he traveled to many ports of call in several different countries. In 1974, he returned to Harbor Beach and purchased Hunter's Bar. He owned the business for 16 years but the love of the water took him to the Great Lakes where he sailed for another nine years. After retiring from ISPAT (formerly Inland Steel), he was employed at the Harbor Beach Marina. When Roger was not working, he could often be found doing yardwork, sitting on his front porch reading the newspaper, or following the Harbor Beach Pirates football and basketball teams. On December 27, 1980, Roger married Valerie Steinhorst in Harbor Beach. Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Valerie, and his loving children, Bradley Blanchard and his wife, Paula, of Bad Axe, Christopher Blanchard and his wife, Laurie, of Harbor Beach, Tara Booms and her husband, Gary, of Harbor Beach, and Lois Lamb and Roger Lamb, both at home. He will be missed especially by his eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Ashley and Moria Blanchard, Brooke Blanchard, Danielle, Camryn, Garrison, and Mason Booms; and by two step-grandchildren, John and Lauren Hild. He also is survived by a twin brother, Rodney Lamb and his wife, Mary, of Bridge City, Texas, and R. Curt Lamb of Davison. Funeral services for Roger will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 15, 2004, in the Zion Lutheran Church of Harbor Beach with the Rev. Mark Girardin officiating. Burial will follow in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach and at 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. A scripture service will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church. Norman Lee Coates Norman Lee Coates, 62, of Cass City, died Saturday, July 10, 2004, in the Ann Arbor VA Hospital after a short illness. Private burial service was conducted today, July 13, 2004, at his graveside in Novesta Township Cemetery, Cass City, with Ralph Boyce, of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, officiating. Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City. Wednesday, July 14, 2004 John M. Wright John Michael Wright, 58, of Cass City, died Monday, July 12, 2004, in his home with his family at his side. He was born January 28, 1946 in Cass City to Charles and Elizabeth (Aune) Wright. He married Louise Brown Graham on November 29, 1969 in Fraser Presbyterian Church. John served in the U.S. Army from January 11, 1966 to January 10, 1968. He received his honorable discharge as a Spec 4. During his time in the service, he was a Radio Tel-Operator Communications Specialist. John received the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, Good Conduct medal and Sharpshooter (rifle M-14) IOS Bar. After returning from Vietnam, John worked at Pontiac Motors. After his marriage to Louise, he worked for Walbro Corporation in Cass City for 29 years. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and woodworking. He enjoyed watching football, especially the Detroit Lions and the Michigan Wolverines. He was a member of the Cass City VFW Post No. 3644. John truly loved spending time with his grandchildren. John is survived by his wife, Louise; sons, Paul Graham and his wife, Chris, John Wright II and his wife, Beth; daughter, Kristina Russell and her husband, Jim; grandchildren, Breanna, Adriana, and David Hunter, and Baylee Graham, Jeremy and Lucas Wright, Andrea, Lauran, Jossalyn and Samuel Russell; brothers, Chuck, Dalbert and Phillip Wright; sisters, Gladys Jones, Sharon Guinther, Darlene Peters, Katherine McPhail and Carol Benjamin; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Wright; brothers, James, Richard, and Robert Wright; sister, Laura Wright. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 15, 2004, in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, with the Rev. Marilyn Brown, of First Spiritual Episcopal Church of Owosso, officiating. Interment will take place in Elkland Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Wright are Scott Hutchinson, Don McGregor, Steve Wright, Stacy Wright, Scott Cook, Jeff Naegele, Dan Guinther, and Dennis Guinther. Military honors under the direction of Cass City VFW Post No. 3644. Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Thursday, July 15, 2004 Barbara Ann Diebel Barbara Ann Diebel, 67, died Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc following a lengthy illness. She was born October 4, 1936 in Berkley, daughter of the late Edward and Iva (Ogden) Hamm. She was united in marriage to Robert E. Diebel on January 20, 1962 in Marquette. He preceded her in death on February 10, 1999. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Surviving are two sons and two daughters, Timothy Diebel and his wife, Dianne, and Kelly Dufty and her husband, David, all of Sebewaing, David Diebel of Nixa, Missouri, and Susan Phillips and her husband, Scott, of Springfield, Missouri; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Pheister and her husband, Paul, of Fenton, Maureen Williams, of Royal Oak; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Sandy Diebel; and four brothers, Arthur, Everett, Robert and Edward Hamm. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2004, at Faith Bible Baptist Church near Bay Port. The Rev. Phillip Parkin will officiate with burial in Grant Township Cemetery near Gagetown. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Shirley Sams Shirley Jean Sams, 68, of Bad Axe, passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at Covenant Cooper Medical Center in Saginaw following a short illness. She was born on August 18, 1935 in Detroit, daughter of the late William H. and Lillian F. (Edwards) Kinney. She married Edwin Sams on August 1, 1953 in the manse of the Harbor Beach First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Sams retired after 25 years of employment at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. She was a member of the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the Leah Circle. She also was a member of the Upper Thumb Samers, the Port Hope Retirees Club, and the Canasta Club of Bad Axe. She served as a Girl Scout leader and on the Boy Scout Committee No. 504. She loved to travel, enjoyed various crafts, and was an avid NASCAR fan. She is survived by her husband, Edwin Sams, of Bad Axe; two daughters, Donna Gross, of Essexville and Sandy Schneider, of Bad Axe; two sons, Ken Sams and his wife, Shannon, of Traverse City, and Alan Sams and his wife, Stacy, of Bay City; one sister, Pamela Findlay and her husband, Foster E., of Freeland; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Norman C. Kinney. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2004, at the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jan G. Dykshoorn, pastor. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Memorials may be offered to the Boy Scouts of America or the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. Kenneth Weatherhead Kenneth Weatherhead, 75, passed away on April 28, 2004. A memorial service honoring the life of Kenneth Weatherhead will be conducted at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2004, at the Elkton Methodist Church. Reception immediately following services. Friday, July 16, 2004 Joseph K. Feger Sr. Joseph K. Feger, Sr., 83, former Lake Township Supervisor and owner of Feger Sunset Resort, Oak Beach, died Thursday morning, July 15, 2004, at Mt. Clemens General Hospital. He was born July 16, 1920 in Springfield, Illinois to the late Frank and Bessie (Guernsey) Feger. On October 21, 1939, he was united in marriage to Martha Angeline Caufman at her parents' home in Detroit. They lived in Detroit where in 1950, he started his own business, American Antenna, selling in 1970. In 1969, they moved north to Oak Beach on the shores of Saginaw Bay. Together they operated Feger's Sunset Resort for the past 35 years. He also served as the Lake Township Supervisor more than 15 years, retiring in 1994. Martha preceded him in death less than two months ago on May 19, 2004. He was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church, Caseville, Knights of Columbus, the Caseville Eagles Club and a past member of the Michigan Township Association. Surviving are nine children and their spouses, Joseph and Judy Feger of Sterling Heights, Janet and Dave Ropes of Utica, Carol and Russ Astrino, of Shelby Township, Eileen and Jeno Kasa, of Leonard, Rosemary and Andrew Brinkman, of St. Clair Shores, Patricia and Tom Zebula, and Michael and Christine Feger, of Sterling Heights, Bruce and Sabrina Feger, of Beulah, and David and Tina Feger, of Oak Beach; 25 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a brother, J. Robert Feger, of Orchard Lake. Preceding him in death were two grandsons, Ben and Michael Astrino, and two brothers, Frank and Andus Feger. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2004, at St. Roch Catholic Church, Caseville. The Rev. Fr. Kenneth Yaroch, pastor, will officiate with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township. An Eagle's Ritual service will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Sunday followed by Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 p.m. at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home and after 10 a.m. on Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Capuchin Monastery, Fr. Solanus Casey. Words of condolence may be sent to: www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. June Latorre June H. Latorre, 60, of Warren, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at St. John Macomb Hospital in Warren. June was born June 14, 1944 in Detroit, the daughter of Oliver Soine and Genevieve Sadowski. She was retired from Hardees after 18 years of service, and was a member of the Grindstone/Port Hope Sportsmans Club. June is survived by her husband, Samuel J. "Sam" "Jerry"; step-child, Christine Pickett and her husband, Roger; three grandchildren; siblings, Karen Stros, Nancy Evans and her husband, Keith, Duane Soine and his wife, Judy, and Gayle Krajewski and her husband, Stan; mother, Genevieve Sadowski; brother-in-law, Joseph Latorre and his wife, Julie; sister-in-law, Beverly Latorre. She was predeceased by her father, Oliver Soine, and brother-in-law, Norman. The funeral service took place on Friday, July 16, 2004, at Kaul Funeral Home in Roseville. The Rev. Gary Morelli officiated. Cremation took place at the Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may share a memory with the family at www.kaulfuneralhome.com. 1