HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan

Local obituaries for the week beginning January 25, 2004


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

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Sunday, January 25, 2004


Benjamin F. Arntz 
Benjamin Franklin Arntz, Jr., 78, of Harbor Beach, passed away Saturday, January 24, 
2004, in the long term care unit of the Harbor Beach Community Hospital following a 
long illness.   Born in Harbor Beach on February 1, 1925, he was the son of the late 
Benjamin F. and Mary E. (Walker) Arntz, Sr.   Ben was a parishioner of Our Lady of 
Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach and was a retired employee of Hercules, 
Inc. of Harbor Beach.   Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Bernice (Kalka) Arntz, of 
Harbor Beach, and several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by a brother, 
Earl Arntz; and by five sisters, Hazel Maxwell, Dorothy Wisenbach, Theresa Detgen, 
Ethel Landenberg and Carrie Robinson.   Visitation will be Monday, January 26, 2004, 
from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with a vigil service 
conducted at 7:30 p.m.   A funeral mass and burial will take place in the spring. 

Bernice M. Eggert 
Bernice M. Eggert, 80, of Port Hope, went to be with her blessed Lord on Friday, January 
23, 2004, with her family at her bedside at Port Huron Mercy Hospital.   She was born on 
November 18, 1923 to the late William and Ernestina (Schlack) Pilaske. She was united 
in marriage to Arnold T. Eggert on December 22, 1945 in Port Hope.  She was a lifelong 
member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope and a member of the ladies auxiliary. 
Bernice enjoyed cooking and worked for Jean Baker catering weddings, anniversaries, 
graduations, etc. Her greatest enjoyment was being with her family and her little great-
grandchildren.   Bernice is survived by her husband, Arnold T. Eggert, of Port Hope; one 
son, Arnold D. Eggert, of Port Hope; one daughter, Penny Bucholtz and her husband, 
Gene, of Harbor Beach; seven grandchildren, Tammy and Ken Kolomak, Kerri and Scott 
Essenmacher, Todd and Nancy Bucholtz, Jennifer and Brian Iseler, Jodi and Rob 
Porzandek, Casey Eggert and Kyle Bucholtz; six great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Megan 
and Logan Kolomak, and Rece, Hallie and Haylie Essenmacher; a brother, Emerson 
Pilaske, of Port Hope; and two sisters, Genevieve Sadowski, of Roseville, and Thelma 
Pleiness, of Harbor Beach. Bernice will keep special watch over all her family now from 
the best seat in heaven.   Bernice was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Diane 
(Kaufman) Eggert.   Honoring the wishes of Bernice, there will be no visitation.   
Honoring the wishes of Bernice, there will be no visitation. Private services for the family 
will take place at the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach with the Rev. Greg Eilers 
officiating. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in Port Hope. 

Eugene Grifka 
The sweetest, kindest, and most loving, caring and gentle man ever has gone to his 
heavenly home.   Mr. Eugene Frank "Grif" Grifka, 70, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and 
formerly of Paris Township, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2004, at his residence.   
Eugene was born May 11, 1933 in Paris Township to the late Frank and Laura (Peruski) 
Grifka.   Eugene served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and was retired 
from the U.S. Air Force. He will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, 
his keen sense of humor and his special relationship with his family and friends. His 
dedication to his family and his country will be remembered always.   Eugene is survived 
by his wife, Billie M. Grifka, of Baton Rouge; one daughter, Laura A. Grifka, of Baton 
Rouge; one son, Thomas F. Grifka and his wife, Michelle, of Baton Rouge; three 
grandchildren, Amy N., Amber E., and Allyson R.; three sisters, Irene Maurer and her 
husband, Jim, of Warren, Rita Oberski of Ruth, Bernice Gryczka and her husband, Jack, 
of Chicago; two brothers, Ray Grifka and his wife, Ruth, of Warren, Norbert Grifka and 
his wife, Charlotte, of Taylor; one sister-in-law, Susie Grifka, of Ubly; one brother-in-
law, Ambrose Chinoski and his wife, Margaret, of Ruth.   Eugene was preceded in death 
by four sisters, Catherine Woytalewicz, Clara Trepkowski, Minnie Trepkowski, and 
Josephine Chinoski; three brothers, Arthur, Richard, and Herbert Grifka; one brother-in-
law, Isadore Oberski.   Funeral services were conducted on Monday, January 5, 2004, at 
the Rabenhorst Funeral Home East in Baton Rouge. The Rev. Merlin Liverman, of 
Parkview Baptist Church, officiated. Burial was in the Port Hudson National Cemetery.   
Local information was provided by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. 

Francis "Frank" Guza 
Mr. Francis "Frank" Guza, 78, of Filion, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2004, at 
Huron Medical Center of Bad Axe.   Frank was born April 27, 1925 in Gagetown to the 
late John P. and Emma (Kappler) Guza. He married Theresa Pawloski on April 25, 1953 
at St. Dennis Catholic Church in Royal Oak.   Eugene attended Sacred Heart School in 
Bad Axe. He worked in area service stations. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War 
II. He was employed with Studio Camera in Grosse Pointe for eight years. He did 
carpentry work in Mt. Clemens at St. Joseph Hospital. He spent 10 years in the fixture 
department at Sanders Bakery. He also did private carpentry and cabinets in the metro 
area.   Frank and his wife moved to the Rapson area in 1993 after residing in St. Clair 
Shores for 36 years. He was a former member of St. Gertrude Catholic Church in St. 
Clair Shores and was a current parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. He 
enjoyed automobiles and reading about them, cards and visiting with family and friends.   
Frank is survived by his wife, Theresa, of Filion; four sons, Dennis Guza and his wife, 
Edith, of Armada, James Guza, of Glendale, Arizona, Frank J. Guza and his wife, Doris, 
of Whitmore Lake, Joseph Guza, of Sterling Heights; one daughter, Nancy Guza, of 
Utica; five grandchildren; four brothers, Raymond Guza, of Port Austin, Philip Guza and 
his wife, Mary, of Cass City, John Guza and his wife, Joy, of Bad Axe, Robert Guza and 
his wife, Patricia, of Gagetown; two sisters, Emma Howard and her husband, Robert, of 
Caseville and Mary Grabb and her husband, Paul, of Florida.   Frank was preceded in 
death by one sister, Virginia Crachiola; three brothers, Jerome, Claire "Fuzzy" and 
Thomas Guza.   A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 
2004, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. The Rev. John Killop, pastor, will 
officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring.   Visitation will be from 
1:30 to 9:30 p.m. today at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly, where there will 
be a parish vigil service at 7 p.m., and Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic 
Church in Rapson.   Memorials can be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. 

Monday, January 26, 2004


Francis "Sparky" Klee 
Francis "Sparky" Klee, 70, passed away Monday, January 19, 2004.   He was the beloved 
husband of wife, Roxann (nee Gregg); loving father of his children, Tony and his wife, 
Renee, and Richard and his wife, Kimberly; dear grandfather of his grandchildren 
Anthony, Kristina and Jennifer; dear brother of Joseph Klee and his wife, Billiette, of 
Flint, Bernard Klee and his wife, Gigi, of Clawson, Chuck Klee and his wife, Dawn, of 
Gaylord, Ed Klee and his wife, Sandy, of Chicago, Bob Klee, of Warren, Midge Ritter, of 
Kinde, Bernie Gay and her husband, Ken, of Bad Axe, Elaine Ritter, of Bad Axe, Eve 
Grigg and her husband, Bob, of Bad Axe, Lorraine Jaskowski and her husband, Virgil, of 
Bad Axe, Linda Parrish and her husband, Bob, of Cass City, Karen Oswald, of Bad Axe, 
Sharon Loudin and her husband, Mike, of Bad Axe, Marge Maurer and her husband, Phil, 
of Bad Axe, and Deb Hewitt and her husband, Don, of Bad Axe.   The funeral service 
was at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2004, at St. Rene Goupil Parish in Sterling 
Heights. Interment was at White Chapel.   Share memories with the family at their on-
line guest book at WujekCalcaterra.com. 

Tuesday, January 27, 2004


Stephen Balint 
Stephen P. Balint, 91, resident of Bad Axe, died Monday morning, January 26, 2004, at 
Courtney Manor in Bad Axe.   He was born August 10, 1912 in Detroit, son of the late 
Michael and Rose Balint. They moved to Bad Axe when he was 8 years old.   Steve 
Balint and Margaret Gorang were united in marriage on November 7, 1936 at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe with Fr. Leo Dorsey officiating. They were married 66 
years. Margaret preceded her husband in death on April 6, 2003.   Steve graduated from 
Bad Axe High School. He was employed by Bad Axe Grain Company, ST&H Oil 
Company, and he owned and operated the Gulf Gas Station in Bad Axe. Steve was an 
avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad 
Axe.   Surviving are two daughters, Loraine Howard and her husband, Dale, of Bad Axe, 
Bonnie Kelly and her husband, Patrick, of South Lyon; one son, Gary Balint and his wife, 
Cheryl, of Dearborn; eight grandchildren, David Howard and his wife, Pauline, of Bad 
Axe, Ken Howard and his wife, Lynn, of Troy, Karen Hass and her husband, Mark, of 
Bad Axe, Michael Kelly and his wife, Cathy, of South Lyon, Christopher Kelly and his 
wife, Alisha, of Brighton, Stephen Kelly, of Brighton, Amy Balint, of San Francisco, 
California, Daniel Balint, of Cambridge, England; 12 great-grandchildren, Darin, Cory, 
Julia, Daria, Brian, and Emily Howard, Janeen and Lauren Hass, Samantha, Nathan, Joe, 
and Rebecca Kelly; one brother-in-law, John Gorang and his wife, Betty, of Oakland; 
three sisters-in-law, Myrtle Gorang, of Saline, Thelma Gorang, of Bad Axe, Lena 
Baumert, of California; and many nieces and nephews.   Stephen was preceded in death 
by six sisters, Julia Kervin, Rose Klinefelt, Helen Balint, Cecelia Balint, Ethel Edwards, 
Theresa Mills; and one great-granddaughter, Monica Howard.   Mass of Christian Burial 
will take place at noon on Friday, January 30, 2004, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 
Bad Axe. Fr. James Carlson will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic 
Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at MacAlpine Funeral Home 
in Bad Axe. There will be a scripture service at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.   
Memorials may be offered to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

Wednesday, January 28, 2004


Pearl Baker 
Pearl Baker, 86, of Elkton, died Monday morning, January 26, 2004, at the Huron County 
Medical Care Facility.   She was born February 26, 1917 in Flint to the late Fred and 
Mary (Troy) Hollinshead.   She moved with her family to the Upper Peninsula in her 
youth and moved quite frequently following the lumber camps.   In 1933, she moved to 
Elkton to live with her grandparents. While here she met Robert E. Baker. They were 
married December 14, 1935 at the Bad Axe Methodist parsonage.   They were members 
of the Elkton United Methodist Church and farmed in Oliver Township for many years. 
They moved in to town in the mid-90s. Bob preceded her in death on February 14, 1997.   
Surviving are three sons, Kenneth Baker and his wife, Marjorie, of Elkton, Duane Baker 
and his wife, Penny, of Paw Paw, Martin Baker and his wife, Debbie, of Elkton; two 
daughters, Marian Thomas and her husband, Charles, of Temperance, and Katherine 
Maurer and her husband, Mike, of Vassar; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two 
brothers, George Hollinshead and his wife, Laura, of Seney, and Rubin Hollinshead and 
his wife, Faith, of McMillan; three sisters, Margaret Maxon and her husband, Jim, of 
Munising, Anna Marie Layman and her husband, Devere, of Fairview, Patricia Mark and 
her husband, Russ, of McMillan; sister-in-law, Margaret Hollinshead, of Seney.   
Preceding her in death were: a granddaughter, Abby Baker; four sisters, Marian 
Wiertella, Collean Williams, Velma French and Almina Irey; and two brothers, Jim and 
Elmer Hollinshead.   Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 
31, 2004, at the Elkton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Pete Crawford, pastor, will 
officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton.   Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. 
on Friday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton, and after 10 a.m. on Saturday at the 
church.   Memorials may be given to the church. 

Robert Wiencek 
Dr. Robert G. Wiencek, 76, of Port Austin, died Tuesday, January 27, 2004, at St. Mary's 
Medical Center in Saginaw.   He was born on January 29, 1927 in Lackawanna, New 
York, son of the late Theodore and Clara (Gutowski) Wiencek. Robert married Joan 
Krawczyk on December 1, 1956 in Buffalo, New York.   Dr. Wiencek is survived by his 
wife, Joan, of Port Austin; five children, Robert Jr. Wiencek and his wife, Lisa, of 
Henderson, Nevada, Lynne Wiencek, of Southfield, Jerome Wiencek and his wife, 
Virginia, of Woodhaven, Douglas Wiencek and his wife, Judy, of White Lake, and Leslie 
Wiencek-Videki, of Traverse City; 12 grandchildren, Catherine, Robert III, Megan, and 
Andrew Wiencek, Tiffany, Kody, Ryan and Justin Wiencek, Douglas, Jr. and Craig 
Wiencek, and Joseph and Shane Videki.   Robert attended Canisius College in Buffalo, 
New York after serving in the United States Army. After graduating from college, he 
traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to attend medical school at St. Louis University. After a 
few years in private practice in Buffalo, he brought his family to Michigan where he 
attended the University of Michigan for a Masters in Public Health.   He joined General 
Motors at the Technical Center as Associate Medical Director in 1962. In 1963 he 
became the Medical Director at Detroit Diesel Engine Division and in 1973 Associate 
Medical Director for General Motors Corporation. In 1976 he was named Director of 
Health Services for General Motors and in 1981, his duties were expanded to General 
Director of Occupational Safety and Health.   Dr. Wiencek was very active on numerous 
and prestigious commissions, boards, councils, associations, societies, colleges and 
foundations. He also managed to complete the Advanced Management Program at 
Harvard Business School in 1984. He retired from General Motors to reside in Port 
Austin in 1991. Robert was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin.   
Cremation is taking place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. A memorial service 
will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2004, at the Sawyer Fuller Funeral 
Home in Berkley.   Visitation will be conducted from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, and from 
noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. A Mass will be conducted at a later date 
at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin with burial to follow in the church 
cemetery. Local arrangements are being handled by the Knoblock Funeral Home in 
Kinde. 

Thursday, January 29, 2004


Donald Jackson 
Donald S. Jackson, 84, resident of Port Austin, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 
27, 2004, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe.   Don, the only son of the late Thomas B. 
and Ella (Shupe) Jackson, was born on December 28, 1919 in Detroit.   Don married 
Mary "Betty" Elizabeth Ross in the Bad Axe Presbyterian Church on June 27, 1947. They 
were married by the Rev. Manson Lowe.   Mr. Jackson was a graduate of Bad Axe High 
School and Hillsdale College, also holding an MA in counseling from Central Michigan 
University. Don served in World War II as part of the D-Day invasion as ship 
commander at Normandy. Returning to the U.S. Navy as a recruiter, he retired many 
years later as a lieutenant commander.   He was co-owner of Jackson's IGA Market in 
Bad Axe with his parents after returning to Bad Axe. He served as guidance counselor at 
the Evart and Deckerville High Schools. He also served as athletic director in Deckerville 
and served for many years on the Board of the Thumb Meet of Champions. He worked 
for the National Education Corporation in Anaheim, California, Chicago, Illinois, and 
Hartford, Connecticut. He also worked for the DeVry Institute of Technology and the 
Detroit Engineering Institute. Mr. Jackson, a 30-year resident of Bad Axe, moved to his 
home in Port Austin upon his retirement.   Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty 
Jackson; daughters, Toni McLellan and her husband, John, of Hartford, Lorri King and 
her husband, Daniel, of Okemos; grandchildren, Matthew McLellan and his wife, 
Melissa, of Savannah, Georgia, Kevin McLellan, of Hartford, Katherine McLellan, of 
Kalamazoo, Michael King, of MSU and Okemos, and Allison King, of Okemos; great-
grandson, Matthew John McLellan II, of Savannah, Georgia; and sister-in-law, Dr. 
Margaret Ross, of Marietta, Ohio.   A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on 
Saturday, January 31, 2004, at Bad Axe Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Jan Dykshoorn 
will officiate.   Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at MacAlpine Funeral Home 
in Bad Axe. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City.   In lieu 
of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Port Austin Community Players, Port Austin 
Library, or the donor's choice.   

Friday, January 30, 2004


Stanley Gascho 

Stanley L. Gascho, 78, of Pigeon, passed away Friday, January 30, 2004, at the Huron 
Medical Care Facility, Bad Axe.   Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are being 
conducted by the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon.   A complete obituary will 
be in Sunday's edition of the Huron Daily Tribune.


William Moyer 
William "Gordon" Moyer, 89, of Port Austin, died Thursday, January 29, 2004, at the 
Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.   He was born on January 19, 1915 in 
Parker, Pennsylvania, son of the late William A. and Minne (MacFarland) Moyer.   
Gordon married Mildred Baker on July 29, 1941 in Parker, Pennsylvania. She preceded 
him in death on June 30, 1983.   He retired from W.A. Moyer and Sons in Pennsylvania 
in 1977. He moved to Port Austin in 1980. He was a member of the Free Masons for over 
50 years. Gordon enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, cooking and watching the 
freighters. He also loved to spend time with his family.   Gordon is survived by two 
children, Linda Moyer, of Port Austin and William Moyer and his wife, Susan, of Port 
Austin; four grandchildren, Bradley Moyer, of Port Austin, Adam Moyer, of Chicago, 
Leslie Glinkerman, of Port Austin, and Brittani Moyer, of Saginaw; and two great-
grandchildren, Jordan and Sydney.   He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph 
Moyer. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2004, at 
the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. The Rev. Clarence VanConant will officiate.   
Visitation will be conducted from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at 
the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Port Austin Township Cemetery. 

Grace Neiger 
Grace Margaret Neiger, 93, of Luther, departed this life on Sunday, January 25, 2004, in 
Luther, surrounded by her loving family.   Grace Rockentine was born on February 28, 
1910 in Royal Oak to Henry and Bertha (Hagelstein) Rockentine. She graduated from 
Oak Ridge High School in Royal Oak in 1928 and married Lawrence A. Neiger on June 
24, 1933. Following 67 years together, he preceded her in death on June 10, 2000.   Grace 
and Lawrence raised their children in Berkley. They moved to Caseville on Lake Huron 
in 1970 to spend their retirement years. Grace had been living with her son, David and his 
wife, Karen, in Luther since 2000.   Grace and Lawrence were long time members of the 
Caseville United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ in Royal Oak. Grace 
was an inspiration to all who knew her. Grace loved her family and was dedicated to 
taking care of their needs. She loved life, the Word of God, her family, desserts and 
shopping.   She will always be remembered with love by her family and friends; children, 
David Neiger and his wife, Karen, of Luther, and Richard Neiger, of Unionville; 
grandchildren, Lorie Raven and her husband, Ron, of Luther, Robert Neiger and his wife, 
LaDina, of Smyrna, South Carolina, James Neiger and his wife, Amanda, of Ardmore, 
Oklahoma, Steven Kitchen and his wife, Amy, of Evart, Brian Kitchen, of Grand Rapids; 
great-grandchildren, Patricia, Megan and Matthew Raven of Luther, Tony, Amber, Abby, 
Jesse, and Ben Neiger of Smyrna, South Carolina, Michael and Bailey Neiger, of 
Ardmore, Oklahoma, Matthew Johnson, of Reed City, Taylor Fleese, of Rochester, Dylan 
Kitchen, of Evart; a new great-grandchild expected this week; and sister, JoAnne 
Smeekins and her husband, Peter, of Berkley.   Grace was preceded in death by her 
parents; her husband, Lawrence; sisters, Alma, Laura, and Lenora; and brother, Donald.   
A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2004, at the 
Luther United Methodist Church with Pastor Nelson Hall officiating. Family greeting 
time will begin at noon. Interment will be in the spring at the Caseville Cemetery in 
Caseville where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.   Memorials may be made in 
Grace's name to Hospice of Michigan. The family trusted arrangements to Verdun 
Funeral Home and envelopes will be available. The funeral home phone number is (231) 
745-4680. 

Orla Schweitzer 
Orla F. Schweitzer, 77, of Sebewaing, went to be with her blessed Lord on Thursday, 
January 29, 2004, with her family by her side.   She was born March 1, 1926 in 
Unionville, daughter of the late Oscar and Erma (Anderson) Holland.   She was united in 
marriage to John Schweitzer on January 19, 1952 in Port Huron. He preceded her in 
death on September 21, 1993.   Orla had been employed at Sebewaing Industries (Tower) 
for 35 years before retiring at the age of 75. She loved the friends she made there and 
they became part of her family.   She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church 
in Sebewaing.   She is survived by one son, Ronald Schweitzer, of Bay City; five 
daughters, Catherine Herman and her husband, Ron, and Nanette Lewandowski, all of 
Bay City, Jill Crumm and her husband, Dan, Jacqueline Graves and her husband, Don, 
Sal Brandenburg and her husband, Jim, all of Sebewaing; 15 grandchildren; seven great-
grandchildren; three brothers, Gerald Holland and his wife, Lillian, of St. Helen, Jim 
Holland and his wife, Marie, of Reese, Howard Holland and his wife, Deanna, of 
Sebewaing; and three sisters, Odeal DeCaire and her husband, Roy, June McHalpine and 
her husband, William, all of Sebewaing, Joyce Winters and her husband, Warren, of Bay 
City; numerous nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by two brothers, Roland 
and Leland "Butch" Holland.   The funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, 
February 1, 2004, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Ray 
McGee will officiate with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 6 
to 9 p.m. on Friday, from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on 
Sunday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. She will lie in state from 
12:30 p.m. until the time of service Sunday at the church.   Memorials may be made to 
Bay Shore Camp or Heartland Hospice.   

Samuel Symons 
Samuel Eaton Symons, III, 86, of Forestville and formerly of Saginaw, passed away 
Thursday, January 29, 2004, in the Harbor Beach Community Hospital.   Born in 
Saginaw on September 10, 1917, he was the son of the late Samuel E. and Marion (Eddy) 
Symons, II.   On January 3, 1942, Sam and Phyllis Riedel were united in marriage in 
Saginaw. She preceded him in death on December 24, 1997.   Sam was a U.S. Army 
Major during World War II serving in the European Theater with Patten's Third Army. 
He attended the yearly reunions of the 537th Infantry Division on the former battlefields 
of Europe.   His career in the grocery business began as a child selling candy bars for the 
Symons Brothers & Co. in Saginaw until he became the owner and president of Sam 
Symons & Company Wholesale Grocers. He worked for more than 50 years in the 
business before retiring in 1983 and selling to the Sysco Corporation. During the past two 
years, he was instrumental in establishing and building the Village Shops of Forestville.   
Sam was active in civic organizations including being a member of the Harbor Beach 
Rotary Club, American Legion 197 of Harbor Beach, the Masonic Lodge F&AM of 
Saginaw, the Germainia Club of Saginaw, the Shriners, the Saginaw Rotary Club, the 
Saginaw Country Club and the Big Creek Club in Lovells.   Surviving are his son, 
Michael Symons and his wife, Karen, of Forestville; three grandchildren, Philip Symons 
and his friend, Stefanie, S. Timothy Symons and his wife, Dana, and Margaret Whitmore 
and her husband, Aaron; four great-grandchildren, Samantha Whitmore, Connor 
Whitmore, Michaela Symons and Madison Symons; step-grandchildren, Lindsey and 
Greg Tenbusch.   Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2004, in the 
Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with the Rev. Kenneth Anderson, of the First 
Congregational Church of Saginaw, officiating. Burial will be in the E. Delaware 
Cemetery, Forestville, with military honors by the American Legion Post 197 of Harbor 
Beach.   Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 1:30 
p.m. until the time of services on Sunday at the funeral home. 

John Guster 

John P. Guster, 78, of Caseville, died Wednesday night, January 28, 2004, at St. Mary's 
Medical Center, Saginaw.   He was born in Detroit on September 19, 1925 at the home of 
his parents, the late Sam and Eva (Neiss) Guster and moved with his family to a farm 
near Caseville in his youth.   John joined the U.S. Army in December of 1943 and served 
as a paratrooper in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He was one of nine soldiers who 
escaped from a POW camp in Belgium. He also received a Purple Heart while serving 
there.   On October 1, 1949, he was united in marriage to Jean O'Connor at St. Roch 
Catholic Church, Caseville.   Mr. Guster was employed at Michigan Oven in Caseville 
for 36 years retiring in 1990. He attended St. Roch Catholic Church, was a member of the 
American Legion and the Caseville Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and 
spoiling his grandchildren with all kinds of treats and soda.   Surviving are his wife, Jean; 
three children, Linda Rhoades and her husband, Raoul, of Bad Axe, Julie Langley and her 
husband, Jim, of Caseville, Mark Guster and his wife, Paula, of Caseville; nine 
grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Bertha Dondineau and her husband, 
Gordon, of Kinde; two sisters-in-law, Helen and Barbara Guster; brother-in-law, John 
Himmel, all of Caseville.   He was preceded in death by three sisters, Theresa 
Briesmiester, Mary Himmel and Cathy Guster; and three brothers, Robert, Sam and Mike 
Guster.   Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2004, at 
the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville. The Rev. Fr. Kenneth Yaroch will officiate 
with burial in Caseville Township Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on 
Friday and after 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.   Memorials may be directed to 
the family. 


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