HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan

Local obituaries for the week beginning December 19, 2004


Contributed 2004 by Carol Morrison for use in the USGenWeb Archives.

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Sunday, December 19, 2004


Kathleen King 

Kathleen S. King, 88, of Gagetown, died Friday, December 17, 2004, in Caro 
Community Hospital.   The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 20, 
2004, in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, with Pastor Donald Ault, of Gagetown Church 
of the Nazarene, officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Gagetown.   
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.   Memorials 
may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Gagetown Church of the Nazarene, or 
Gagetown United Methodist Church. 


Thomas Lawrence Ahearn 

Thomas Lawrence Ahearn, 30, of Filion, left his earthly home on December 12, 2004, to 
find eternal peace with his heavenly father.   Tom was born on April 3, 1974 to Lawrence 
and Lillian (Page) Ahearn of Kinde. He graduated from North Huron High School in 
1992. Tom completed the Pennsylvania Airline School and then worked as a dairy 
herdsman in Wisconsin. Tom never lost his childhood love for farming, spending much 
of his life working in the agricultural field.   Tom enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and 
watching sports. Tom will be remembered by his gentle, tolerant nature and easy, boyish 
grin.   Tom will be greatly missed by his parents; two brothers, Steven Cove and his wife, 
Uschi, of Germany, and Jim Ahearn and his wife, Lori, of Kinde; four sisters, Deb 
Mosack and her husband, John, of Benton, Tennessee, Kathy Schulte and her husband, 
Tom, of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Janis Picard and her husband, Ron, of Kinde, and 
Patricia Moyers and her husband, Ron, of Benton, Tennessee; 18 nieces and nephews; 
and many aunts, uncles and cousins.   Tom was preceded in death by an infant sister, 
Mary Lynn Cove, and his grandparents, James and Emma Ahearn, and David and 
Christina Page.   A Funeral Mass was on Saturday, December 18, 2004, at St. Edward's 
Catholic Church in Kinde.   Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde handled the arrangements.   
Memorials may be made to the "Yellow Ribbon Chapter" SSOS, P.O. Box 8024 
Saginaw, Michigan 48608-8024. 


Roy F. Collison 

Roy F. Collison, 87, of Bay Port, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2004, in Bay 
City.   He was born in rural Bay Port on October 19, 1917, son of the late Arthur and 
Lydia J. (Quick) Collison, attended the Snell School, and later received his high school 
diploma.   Mr. Collison served with the United States Army in the European Theater 
during World War II, where he received the Purple Heart. For over 58 years, he was a 
member of the Steele-Lambert American Legion Post No. 533 as a charter member. Mr. 
Collison was also a member of AmVets Post 22, Bay City, a life member of D.A.V. 
Chapter 9, Bay City, a member of the Bay City F.O.E. Aerie 1010, and he volunteered at 
the Aleda Lutz V.A. Hospital in Saginaw.   He enjoyed traveling, hunting, and being 
outdoors, and also enjoyed being with family and friends. He farmed the family farm 
throughout his lifetime.   His survivors include a brother, Robert Collison and his wife, 
Delphine, of Bay Port; a sister, Doris Brown, of Pigeon; a special friend, Anne Schmidt, 
of Bay City; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and many friends.    
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Stanley, Loren, and Floyd.   The funeral 
service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2004, at the Meyersieck-
Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, with Elder Terry Brown and Elder Ervin Hayley 
officiating. Burial will be in New Bay Port Cemetery, with military honor guard. The 
AmVets White Clover ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral 
home.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until 
the time of service at the funeral home.   Memorials for Mr. Collison may be made to the 
Community of Christ Church, Bay Port. 


Frank Shepherd 

Frank Donald Shepherd, 89, a lifelong resident of Huron County, died Friday, December 
17, 2004, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe.   He was born August 1, 1915 in Port Hope to 
the late John and Eunice (Kellop) Shepherd.   Mr. Shepherd was a farmer and was 
employed at Pentwater Wire Company. He also took part in the Civilian Conservation 
Corps. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and being considered a "backyard 
mechanic."   Frank is survived by his wife, Margaret Shepherd; one son, John Shepherd 
and his wife, Ann, of Harbor Beach; two daughters, Janet Vuillemot and her special 
friend, Albert Hewitt, of Bad Axe, and Grace Jock, of Bad Axe; 16 grandchildren; eight 
great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by a 
sister, Margaret Castor, and one grandchild.   Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on 
Monday, December 20, 2004, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Burial will be 
in the New River Cemetery, Huron City.   Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and 
from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home.   Memorials may 
be offered to the Heartland Hospice of Bad Axe.   Please visit the web tribute for Frank 
Shepherd at http://macalpine.yourtribute.com/FrankShepherd. 


Lucille Geiger 

Lucille A. Geiger, 83, of Harbor Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, 
December 16, 2004, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw.   She was born on 
December 16, 1921 near Harbor Beach to the late Edward and Mary (Siemen) Schroeder.   
Fr. George Flannagan united Lucille and Leo J. Geiger in marriage on October 4, 1941 at 
St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Helena. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary in 
October before Leo passed away on October 17, 2004.   Lucille was a member of the St. 
Anthony's Altar Society. She enjoyed participating in many activities at her church, 
making quilts, playing cards, dancing and spending time with her family. She was an 
annual retreatant at Queen of Angels Retreat House in Saginaw.   In addition to being a 
homemaker and assisting Leo on their farm and residence of 63 years, she was employed 
at Dott Manufacturing of Deckerville from January 10, 1969 through July 3, 1987, the 
Harbor Lite of Harbor Beach, and Wick's Bar of Ruth.   Lucille is survived by her 
children, Dorothy Brey and her husband, Steve, of Dexter, Ray Geiger and his wife, Pat, 
of Bad Axe, Marjorie Cervenan, of Northville, Ann Marie Geiger, of Glendale, Arizona, 
Sharon Fisher and her husband, Ron, of Brighton, Jerry Geiger and his wife, Debbie, of 
Glendale, Arizona, and Carol Geiger, of Wyandotte; 11 grandchildren, Mark Kriska, 
Cheryl Strzyzewski and her husband, Tom, Tamara Geiger, Cindy Dunleavy and her 
husband, Sean, Dale Geiger and his wife, Jessica, Heidi Geiger, Paul Cervenan and his 
wife, Claudia, Tricia Cervenan, Heather Fisher, Kevin and Bryan Geiger; eight great-
grandchildren; brother, Elmer Schroeder and his wife, Dorothy, of Harbor Beach; one 
sister, Roseann Coules and her husband, Jim, of Eastpointe; one brother-in-law, Clarence 
Geiger, of Harbor Beach; and four sisters-in-law, Rita Booms, Carolyn LeGault and her 
husband, Ray, and Margaret Maurer, all of Harbor Beach, and Evelyn Kraft, of Clinton 
Township.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; a grandson, Steven 
Cervenan; two sisters, Sabina Stacer and her husband, Anthony, and Angeline Swartz and 
her husband, Norman; three brothers, Clarence Schroeder and his wife, Isabella, 
Lawrence Schroeder and his wife, Alma, and Franklin Schroeder and his wife, Marie; one 
sister-in-law, Emma Gentner and her husband, Leland; two brothers-in-law, George 
Geiger and his wife, Selma, and Norman Geiger.   A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on 
Monday, December 20, 2004, in St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Helena, with Fr. Andrzej 
Boroch officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.   Visitation will be from 1 to 9 
p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor 
Beach. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.   Memorials 
may be offered to the charity of the donor's choice. 


Mary Yenglin 

Mary Evelyn Yenglin, 79, of Charleviox and formerly of Pigeon and Lake City, passed 
away on Monday, December 13, 2004, at Charlevoix Area Hospital.   She was born in 
rural Bad Axe on September 16, 1925, daughter of the late Herb Leopold and Mary Jane 
(Humphrey) Hebner. On March 1, 1953, she was united in marriage to Clarence E. 
Yenglin in Bowling Green, Ohio. Mr. Yenglin preceded her in death on October 23, 
1989.   Mrs. Yenglin worked alongside her husband, Clarence, as former owners of 
Huron Auto Parts in Bad Axe, Pigeon Auto Supply, and C. Yenglin Trucking Company 
of Pigeon. While the Yenglins lived in Pigeon, they were very active in the life and the 
events of the community. They also enjoyed boating and traveling, and together and they 
spent several winters in Arizona. Mrs. Yenglin was a former member of the First United 
Methodist Church in Pigeon, and while in Pigeon, was a very active member of the 
Eastern Star. She was also an avid Detroit Lions football fan and followed University of 
Michigan football with enthusiasm. Her bright spot and the highlight of her activities 
came when she was able to be with her family, and especially her grandchildren.   She is 
survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Paula Yenglin, of Harbor 
Springs, and Daniel and Barbara Yenglin, of Charlevoix; four grandchildren, Krystal, 
Kevin, Bailey and Brock; a sister, Agnes Moran, of Pigeon; and several nieces and 
nephews.   Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Howard, 
Willard, and Jay Hebner, and an infant sister.   Funeral committal services were 
conducted on Thursday, December 16, 2004. A memorial service will be conducted in the 
spring of 2005.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.   
Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, conducted the arrangements. 


Monday, December 20, 2004


Lucille A. Geiger 


Lucille A. Geiger, 83, of Harbor Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, 
December 16, 2004, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw.   Funeral services have 
been rescheduled due to weather for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2004, in St. 
Anthony's Catholic Church in Helena.   Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today in the 
Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral 
home.   A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. today. 


Tuesday, December 21, 2004


Robert B. "Chick" Hurren 
Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Robert B. (Chick) Hurren, 77, of 
Saginaw, formerly of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday, December 19, 2004, at 
Covenant Medical Center Harrison in Saginaw.   Son of the late Loren and Edna 
(Durkee) Hurren, Bob was born April 19, 1927 in Harbor Beach.   He served in the U.S. 
Army during World War II and was a life member of American Legion Post #22 and 
V.F.W. Post #1859.   Bob married Thelma M. Armstead on June 5, 1948 in Harbor 
Beach. She preceded him in death on March 8, 1999.   He was employed by Great Lakes 
Express, retiring in 1981. Bob was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, 
Teamsters Local #486 and its retirees club. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards.   
Surviving are two sons, James J. Hurren and his wife, Melinda, of Birch Run, Robert R. 
Hurren and his wife, Sharon, of Bad Axe; six grandchildren, Michelle Hurren, Marlo 
Hurren, Loren Hurren and his wife, Jodi, Jason Hurren, Daniel Hurren, Brandon Hurren 
and his wife, Meaghan; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sally Long and her 
husband, Melvin, of Harbor Beach, Veva Minton, of St. Helen, Ruth Ignash, of Port 
Huron.   Bob was preceded in death by one sister, Barb Tenbush; two brothers, Allen 
(Buster) Hurren and Archie Hurren.   The funeral service will take place at noon on 
Thursday, December 23, 2004, at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Road, 
Saginaw. Pastor R. B. Ouellette will officiate. Burial will take place in Eastlawn 
Memorial Gardens with military services conducted by V. F. W. Post #1859.   Visitation 
will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 11 a.m. until the time of service on 
Thursday at the funeral home.   Memorials may be made to The American Cancer 
Society. 


Wednesday, December 22. 2004 – No obituaries reported


Thursday, December 23, 2004


Mary B. Emerick 

Mary B. Emerick, 74, of Port Hope, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2004, in 
Autumnwood of Deckerville following a year illness.   Born in Barach Saskatchewan, 
Canada on May 18, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Justine 
(Branconnier) Caron.   On September 30, 1967, Mary and William Emerick were united 
in marriage in Detroit.   She is survived by her husband, William, of Port Hope; her 
children, John Ward, of Marine City, Joe Ward, of Detroit, Jeanie Ward, of St. Clair 
Shores, Theresa Ward, of St. Clair Shores, and Kathy Rader, of Warren; 18 
grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Norman Caron, Marcin Caron, 
Tony Caron, all of British Columbia, Canada; and a sister, Claudette Scharpe, of 
Vancouver, British Columbia.   She was preceded in death by a son, Frank Ward.   
Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Following the wishes 
of Mary, there will be no services or visitation. Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, is 
handling arrangements. 


Helen Iva Kautz 

Helen Iva Kautz, 81, of Bad Axe, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2004, at the 
Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.   She was born August 17, 1923 in 
Sigel Township to the late Louis and Marnie (Dobson) Detgen.   Helen was united in 
marriage to John Henry Kautz on February 7, 1942. He preceded her in death on 
November 27, 1980.   She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bad Axe, the 
Lutheran Ladies Auxiliary and she also taught Sunday school. Over a period of years 
Helen worked at Unell Manufacturing in Port Hope and at Hamill Manufacturing in Bad 
Axe. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting, knitting and gardening. Helen especially enjoyed 
dancing and visiting with family and friends.   She is survived by one son, Randy Kautz 
and his wife, Patti, of Durand; one daughter, Sharon Collings and her husband, Roy, of 
Verona Township; two brothers, Edward Detgen and his wife, Hilda, of Bad Axe, Ernest 
Detgen, of Bad Axe; two sisters, Evelyn Penfold and her husband, Robert, of Colorado 
and Darlene Shuart, of Bad Axe; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three 
great-great-grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by one brother, Laverne Detgen.   
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 27, 2004, at the Our 
Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Lueke, pastor. 
Burial will be in the Colfax Township Cemetery Masoleum in the spring.   Visitation will 
be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 10 
a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church.   Memorials may be offered to 
Our Savior Lutheran Church Building Fund. 


Friday, December 24, 2004


Charles F. Clark 

Charles Frederick Clark, 77, of Harbor Beach, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 
2004, at his home with hospice and his family at his side.   Funeral services will be at 11 
a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2004, in Zion Lutheran Church, Harbor Beach, with 
burial in the Rock Falls Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday and 
from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. A 
complete obituary will be in Monday's Huron Daily Tribune or by viewing 
RamseyFH.Com. 


Eleanor G. Hanton 

Eleanor G. Hanton, 85, of Pigeon, died Thursday morning, December 23, 2004, at the 
Huron County Medical Care Facility.   Private burial will be in Port Huron. Champagne 
Funeral Home in Elkton is handling the arrangements, www.cfcElkton.com. 


Elsie M. Stroh 

Elsie M. Stroh, 85, of Caseville, died Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at the Huron 
County Medical Care Facility.   No services are planned at this time. Champagne Funeral 
Chapel in Caseville is handling the arrangements, www.cfcCaseville.com. 















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