HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning June 20, 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, June 20, 2004 Major Richard F. "Buck" Burns, USA, Ret. Major Richard F. "Buck" Burns, 81, died Thursday, June 17, 2004, in Lansing. He was born August 6, 1922 in Detroit. He was a distinguished military graduate of ROTC, attended Michigan State University, BA Regular Army Commission. He was a combat veteran and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with OLC and three campaign stars. He was staged in Normandy and served with the 10th Armored Division during WWII. As a part of Patton's 3rd Army, his unit swept across Europe. He fought at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe, and during the Korean conflict at Uijongbu during 1956-57. His last command was at Fort Hood, XO/CO 1st Squadron, 1st CAV, 1st Armored Division. He retired after 23 years of service and returned to Michigan where he was in civil service from 1967-1985. He achieved an MPA degree from Western Michigan University in 1974-75. He was the former director of the Medicaid Department of Social Services for Michigan. He is survived by a son, Richard, Jr., of West Bloomfield; two daughters, Hillary C. Kamischke and her husband, Richard, of Columbus, Ohio, and Gabrielle M. Burns, of Austin, Texas; and a brother, Timothy W. Burns, of Sebewaing. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude Jahr Burns; and his father, Fred R. Burns, of Detroit. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 21, 2004, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 8370 Unionville Road, Sebewaing. Fr. John Weis will officiate with burial in Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery in Sebewaing. Visitation will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home of Sebewaing, and he will lie in state at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Monday. Graveside military committal service will be under the auspices of the Sebewaing American Legion Post #293 and the Sebewaing VFW Post #4115. Those preferring a memorial contribution may make one to Hospice of Lansing Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48911. There also will be a memorial service at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2004, at St. John's Student Parish, MAC in East Lansing. Fr. Mark will officiate. Monday, June 21, 2004 Patricia Ann Gross Patricia Ann Gross, 69, of Bad Axe, died Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. She was born October 13, 1934 in Bad Axe, daughter of the late Charles and Margaret (McGeachy) Gates. Patricia attended Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Flint Central High School and Eastern Michigan University. She worked as a social worker at Genesee County Mental Health retiring in 1986. She also worked at Goodwill Industries in Flint and Thumb Industries in Bad Axe. She enjoyed reading and watching movies. Patricia is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Gross, of Flint; two sisters, Amber Leipprandt, of Pigeon, Charlene Zessin and her husband, James, of Bay City; two sisters-in-law, Donna Gates, of Cheboygan, Betty Gates, of Davison; one brother-in-law, Carl Harrison, of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell and John Gates; five sisters, Alma Case, Hazel Gates, Grace Leigh, Katherine "June" Hartjoy, and Margaret "Peg" Harrison. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2004, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home of Bad Axe. The Rev. Dykshoorn, pastor of Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Heartland Hospice or the Huron County Medical Care Facility. Please visit the web tribute for Patricia at www.macalpine.yourtribune.com/PatriciaGross. Martin Jemec Martin Jemec, 90, of Harbor Beach, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2004, in the long term care unit of Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Hibbing, Minnesota on July 22, 1913, he was the son of the late Martin and Catherine Jemec. On April 19, 1941, Martin and Frances Roggenbuck were united in marriage in Harbor Beach. She preceded him in death on March 14, 1995. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. Martin was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach, the Harbor Beach Senior Citizens, American Legion Post 197 of Harbor Beach, and the Disabled American Veterans. He is survived by three sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. Martin was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Jemec; and three sisters, Ann Shuster, Mary Overstar and Angeline Brown. A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2004, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, Harbor Beach. Burial with military honors by the American Legion will be in the church cemetery. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. today in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the service time on Tuesday at the church. Felix B. Masa Felix B. Masa, 96, of the Rapson area, passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2004, at Courtney Manor Nursing Center in Bad Axe. He was born on May 11, 1908 in Detroit, son of the late Frank J. and Pauline (Osoyska) Masa. He married Elizabeth Paul on February 1, 1932 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. She preceded him in death on September 8, 1982. He was retired as a longtime Verona Township area farmer and also from Active Industries in Elkton. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and hunting. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson where he was a parishioner for 66 years. He is survived by one daughter, Christine Abraham, of Bad Axe; one foster daughter, Suzanne Makowski and her husband, Elmer, of Ruth; one brother, Edward Masa and his wife, Rose, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; five sisters, Augustina Gretch, of Bad Axe, Helen Radomski and her husband, Joseph, of Filion, Frances Dolan, of Warren, Josephine Nagel, of Bad Axe, Bernice Oberski, of Ubly; three grandchildren, Robert Abraham and his wife, Corinne, of Port Hope, David Abraham, of Bad Axe, Pamela Koroleski and her husband, Ken, of Bad Axe; eight great-grandchildren, Eric Koroleski, of Bad Axe, Kristy Stambaugh and her husband, Keith, of Sebewaing, Justin, Marci, Ryan, Brent, Kendra, and Otyllia Abraham, of Port Hope; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Frank Masa; two sisters, Valeria LaBelle and Lucy Masa; two brothers, Thomas and John Masa; one son-in-law, Arthur Abraham; and one daughter-in-law, Irene Masa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on WednesdayJune 23, 2004, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. Officiating will be Fr. James Carlson, pastor. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. A vigil service will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Bob Abraham, Dave Abraham, Ken Koroleski, Eric Koroleski, Keith Stambaugh, and Justin Abraham. Elsie Sheyachich Elsie Sheyachich, 82, of Caseville, died Sunday afternoon, June 20, 2004, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. She was born July 2, 1921 in Gagetown to the late Jacob and Mary (Kulik) Wickutiaw and moved to Detroit at the age of 3. On April 23, 1941, she was united in marriage to Walter Sheyachich in Detroit. They moved to Warren where they raised their family. Walter preceded her in death on June 8, 1992. In 2002, she moved back to the area to be near her family. Elsie was an excellent cook always making tempting goodies for her family, who were all a very important part of her life. She was a past member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Warren, attended St. Roch in Caseville and enjoyed playing cards. Surviving are three children, Jerry Sheyachich and his wife, Nancy, of Linden, Mariane Briesmeister and her husband, Frank, of Caseville, and Shirley Sheyachich, of Bad Axe; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Anne Keahl, of Garden City. A funeral mass will be conducted at noon on Tuesday, June 22, 2004, at St. Roch Catholic Church, Caseville. The Rev. Fr. Kenneth Yaroch, pastor, will officiate with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township. Visitation will be after 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Those unable to attend may sign the guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Tuesday, June 22, 2004 Frederick James McBride Frederick James McBride, 26, of Naples, Florida and formerly of Gaylord, died Wednesday, June 16, 2004. He was born in West Branch on April 20, 1978. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Derenzy) McBride; son, Aidan; daughter, Erin; parents, James D. and Pat McBride and Judy "Tootie" McBride; two sisters, Holli Moraitis and her husband, James, Bridget McBride; niece, Chloe Moraitis; step-sister, Shanee Acosta and her husband, Jason; step-brother, Christopher Burnett; step-nephew, Tyson Acosta; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members. Mr. McBride was preceded in death by his grandparents, Duane McBride and June (McBride) Kimmel; and great-grandparents, Fred and Mona McBride. Funeral services were conducted on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Frederick James McBride Family through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734. Virginia G. Miller Virginia G. Miller, 72, passed away Monday evening, June 21, 2004, at her home after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born in Colfax Township on December 13, 1931 at the home of her parents, the late Roy and Edith (Long) McNeil. Virginia attended McDowell School, Bad Axe High School Class of 1949, was a Taylor University graduate and taught home economics at Pigeon High School for several years. In 1956, she married Donald Wayne Miller at the First Baptist Church in Bad Axe. He survives her. Also surviving are her daughter, Jan Wessels, and her husband, Brent; three sons, Eric and his wife, Beckie, Ked and his wife, Brenda, and Lex and his wife, Lisa; eight grandchildren, Richelle (Miller) Roth and her husband, Brad, Krista Miller, Cody and Taryn Wessels, Heidi and Kyle Miller, Brennan and Galen Miller; two sisters, Elaine Lindell and her husband, Maurice, of Port Townsend, Washington, and Verneta McNeil, of Dunnellon, Florida; a niece and a nephew. Virginia had been a Big Sister in Bad Axe and a Recovery volunteer in Bad Axe for several years and a member of the Aim High Farm Bureau. She and her husband loved music and attended many concerts and traveled much. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining, as well as doing crewel and sewing for herself and others. Virginia adored her family and was involved in the Baptist church where she grew up and worshipped many years. She served on several boards there and at the Elkton United Methodist Church where she attended for several years. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at the Elkton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Pete Crawford, pastor, and Chuck Emmert will officiate with burial in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton, and after 10 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to Bay Shore Camp or the family discretionary fund. Those unable to attend may sign the guest book at www.cfcElkton.com. Alice M. Smithson Alice M. Smithson, 80, of Cass City, died Sunday, June 20, 2004, in Tendercare Nursing Facility in Cass City. She was born August 11, 1913 in Sault Ste Marie to Daniel and Margaret (DeMarse) Robbins. She married Roy E. Smitherson on June 10, 1932 in Cass City. He died September 15, 1999 after 67 years of marriage. Alice was a member of Cass City United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She helped with many church dinners. Alice enjoyed canning and crocheting. Alice is survived by her children, R. Edward Smithson and his wife, Saralie, of Sandusky, Ilene Smith, of Tecumseh, James Smithson and his wife, Joann, of Cass City; nine grandchildren; six great- grandchildren. She is preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2004, in the Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with the Rev. George Ward, of Cass City United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery in Cass City. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Memorials may be made to Cass City United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice. Wednesday, June 23, 2004 Doris H. Burnham Doris H. Burnham, 81, of Caro, passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2004, at her daughter's home in Elkton, under the care of her family and Heartland Hospice. She was born on February 24, 1923 in Riverton, Illinois and moved to Farmington as a child. She was a graduate of Farmington High School. The former Doris Dickerson married James Burnham on January 31, 1942. He preceded her in death on April 27, 2000. She was a resident of Caro since 1960. In addition to devotion to her family, she enjoyed sewing. Doris was a member of the First Baptist Church of Caro. She is survived by two sons, Robert Burnham and his wife, Hattie, of Detroit, James Burnham, of Othello, Washington; two daughters, Susan Courliss and her husband, Reggie, of Elkton, Helen Corradi and her husband, Daniel, of Caro; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, her identical twin, Dora Ellen Palosaari, of Tuscon, Arizona, Jean Owens, of Tuscon, Arizona; one brother, William Dickerson, of Spain; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the Crow's Nest for the loving care that they provided. She was preceded in death by a brother, Walter Dickerson. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at First Baptist Church of Caro. Pastor Ronald Wigand and her son-in-law, Pastor Reggie Courliss, will officiate. Burial will be at Indianfields Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Caro or the Elkton Missionary Church. Ronald Schweitzer Ronald Roland "Sarge" Schweitzer, 58, died Tuesday morning, June 22, 2004, at Aleda E. Lutz Medical Center (Saginaw Veterans Administration Hospital) in Saginaw following a lengthy illness. He was born April 7, 1946 in Bad Axe, son of the late John and Orla (Holland) Schweitzer. He was a 1965 graduate of Sebewaing High School. He was a self-employed plumber. Ron served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 in Korea. Surviving are two sons, Jassen and his fiancee, Danah, of Cape Coral, Florida, William "Bill" and his friend, Sara, of Fort Myers, Florida; five sisters, Catherine Herman and her husband, Ronald, of Bay City, Jackie Graves and her husband, Donald, Jill Crumm and her husband, Dan, Sal Brandenburg and her husband, Jim, all of Sebewaing, Nannette Lewandowski of Bay City; one granddaughter, Riley Grace; three former wives, Jennie, Janet and Barb, whom he loved dearly; and several nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #169, Polish League of American Veterans #169, and the V.F.W. Post #485, all of Bay City. The funeral service will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. Ray McGee will officiate with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Military graveside committal service will be conducted under the auspices of the Sebewaing VFW Post #4115 and the Sebewaing American Legion Post #293. Many thanks to Dr. Plezia and Dr. Salwen (Detroit V.A. Hospital) and all the doctors, nurses and aides at the Saginaw V.A. Hospital for the wonderful job taking care of our brother. Memorials may be made to the Volunteer Services of the Saginaw V.A. Hospital. Elenora May Lounsbury Elenora May Lounsbury, 81, of Cass City, died Monday, June 21, 2004, in St. Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2004, in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, with the Rev. George Ward, of Cass City United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Pallbearers for Mrs. Lounsbury will be Dean Hutchinson, Roy Wagg, James Tuckey, Mike Karr, Leo Parker and Paul Bliss. Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Friends may share memories, prayers, and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Cass City United Methodist Church. Thursday, June 24, 2004 Geraldine M. Robles Robles, 76, of Elkton, died Monday, June 21, 2004, at her home while under hospice care. She was born July 25, 1927 in Bad Axe to the late Walter and Margaret (Landenberg) Mattice. On June 19, 1946, she was united in marriage to Louis M. Robles in Bad Axe. They moved to Elkton shortly after their marriage. Geraldine was very active in her church, New Life Ministries in Filion. She enjoyed planting and growing flowers, collecting rocks and rock gardening and having her family around, especially her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband, Louis; four sons, Louis and his wife, Rosa, of Lansing, Ted, of Elkton, Alex and his wife, Sher, of Cass City, and Frank and his wife, Tanya, of Bay City; two daughters, Linda Partlo and her husband, Ken, of Akron, Frances Walsh and her husband, Wendel, of Bad Axe; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Annabelle Thick, of Bay Port, Irene Wesson, of Saginaw, Lorrine Idenberger and her husband, Jerry, of Harbor Beach, and Mary Ellen Wintermute and her husband, James, of California. Preceding her in death was a brother, Donald Mattice; and a sister, Lillian Rice. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 25, 2004, at the New Life Ministries, Filion, with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. Memorials may be given to the church or the family. Friday, June 25, 2004 Mary M. Rockstroh Mary M. Rockstroh, 90, passed away on June 10, 2004, at Martin Luther Home, Holt. She was born on May 12, 1914 in Linkville to Andrew and Elizabeth (Renner) Leonhardt. On September 12, 1932, she married Otis Wing. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1956. She married Carl Rockstroh on January 20, 1960. He preceded her in death on January 16, 1980. She is survived by her children, James Wing and his wife, Shirley, of Brevard, North Carolina, Darlene Donahue, of Lansing, Jude Brown and her husband, William, of St. Paul, Minnesota, Marjorie Wing, of East Lansing; her step- daughter, Jeanette Gall and her husband, John, of Sand Point; nine grandchildren, Vickie Schlobohm, David and Gary Wing, Karen Barnes, Douglas Donahue, Dawn Schulert, Pamela (Gall) Matthews, John and James Gall; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Senske. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and writing poetry, stories, and song lyrics. Mary was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Unionville, and an active member of the Ladies Aide. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 28, 2004, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Unionville. The Rev. Michael Allen will officiate. Inurnment will be at Columbia Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association. Larry Olshove Larry Olshove, 57, of Louisiana passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at the Louisiana State University Medical Center. Arrangements are being handled by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. 1