HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning February 29, 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, February 29, 2004 William Campbell William James Campbell, 80, of Saginaw, a well-known Saginaw wildlife artist, passed away Monday, February 23, 2004. James was born and raised in Bad Axe under the loving care of his parents, Jean Isabell McKnight and John Duncan Campbell, along with his sister, Betty Jean Morse, now of Homer. After graduation from Bad Axe High School, Class of 1942, he served in World War II in the Army Air Corp as a Buck- Sergeant, Drill Instructor, Paratrooper and Military Policeman, stationed in Brazil and occupied Japan. He was also an Honor Guard Member of General Douglas McArthur as he entered Japan. After four years of service for his country, he followed his creative talent of art and attended Society of Arts and Crafts in Detroit for three and a half years. Later he worked for General Motors for three years as staff artist. From there he moved in to the advertising business and soon started his own company, Campbell, William and Stark Advertising, later merging with Parker, Willox, Fairchild and Campbell Advertising Inc., becoming part owner and finally sole owner of that corporation, which at the time, was the largest advertising agency in Northern Michigan. He was better known as Jamie or Soupy to his family and friends in Bad Axe. James is one of Michigan's nationally recognized wildlife artists, winning many awards. He served as judge in wildlife carving shows and displayed his art in Michigan and many other states. He added his special artistic touch in Saginaw Valley Community Church by painting murals on the walls of the children's department under the direction of Pastor Bryan McCoy, children and youth pastor, and senior pastors, Marvin and Miriam Sweigart. He served on the Board of Saginaw Voluntary Action, Honorary Deputy with Saginaw Sheriff Kelly, Editor for Michigan Wildlife Magazine, a member of the Saginaw Artist Guild; the Germania Club and for 25-years offered his talent in advertising and made scenes for many of their programs. Above all, his friends and family enjoyed his generous and loving heart. Jim possessed the charisma that won your friendship and love. With his creative eye, he saw the beauty of life and lived his life to the fullest. He loved and cared for his family and community and will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We release him into the arms of our Loving Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. James is survived by his wife, Catherine Darlene Campbell, of Saginaw; son, Scot James Campbell; daughter-in-law, Gwen Ellen Campbell; grandson, Justin Steven Campbell, all currently residing in Agoura Hills, California; sister, Betty Jean Morse, of Homer. He was husband to Rosalie Theresa Wicks Campbell for 45-years, who is now deceased. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2004, at Saginaw Valley Community Church, 3660 Hermansau Road. of Saginaw. Earl J. Krohn Earl J. Krohn, 63, of Elkton, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2004 at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. He was born May 30, 1940 in Oliver Township at the home of his parents, the late Clarence and Verna (Kreh) Krohn. Earl was a lifelong dairy and crop farmer. He worked on the family farm and previously worked at Active Industries while farming. He was a member of the Elkton United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting and had a keen interest in draft horses. Surviving are his three children, Kris Krohn and her friend, John, of Tustin, California, Jill Gordon and her husband, Brian, of Rochester Hills, Brad Krohn, of Bay City; two grandchildren, McKenzie and Zachary; one brother, Warren Krohn and his wife, Grace, of Elkton; several nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by a brother, Gene. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, March, 1, 2004, at the Elkton United Methodist Church. Rev. Pete Crawford will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. Words of condolences for the family may be sent to www.cfcelkton.com. Memorials may be made to the church or the Huron County Nature Center. Monday, March 1, 2004 James Ciesielski James A. Ciesielski, 55, of Bay Port, died Saturday morning, February 28, 2004, at Scheurer Hospital, Pigeon. He was born September 19, 1948 in Detroit to Mary Ann (Antczak) Ciesielski and the late Henry Ciesielski. He moved with his family in his youth to Bad Axe graduating from Bad Axe High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he was inducted into the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Wainwright during the Vietnam War. He returned home in June of 1970, where he met Barbara J. Nickerson. They were united in marriage on March 25, 1972 in Caro. Jim was employed at several small shops including Active Industries before taking a position as custodian at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Schools, retiring in 2003 for health reasons after 18 years of service. He was an avid golfer, a former active member of the Elkton Jaycees and enjoyed spending time with his family. Surviving are his wife, Barb; one son, Chris, of Bay Port; a daughter, Kari, at home; his mother, Mary Ann Porritt, of Marshfield, Wisconsin; brother, Henry Ciesielski and his wife, Jan, of Cass City; two sisters, Valerie Niziolek and her husband, Gary, of Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Sally Steel, of Plymouth; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and after 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Memorials may be directed to the family. Friends may sign the guest book at www.CFCelkton.com. Elwood Grannell Elwood James Grannell, 88, resident of Bad Axe, died Saturday, February 28, 2004, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. He was born July 11, 1915 in Kinde to the late Edward John and Sophia (Weaver) Grannell. He graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1934 and then joined the Civilian Conservation Corps until 1935. He was a radioman in the United States Navy from 1934 -1940 and 1941 - 1945. On October 3, 1942, Elwood married Esther Marian Roberts of Elkton in San Francisco, California. After World War II ended, he began working for the United States Post Office. He retired from the post office in 1976. He was a quiet family man who enjoyed fishing and hunting. Elwood is survived by three daughters, Nancy Powers, of Florida, Kathy Barker, of Okemos, and Marlene Romzek, of Clarkston; two sons, Jim Grannell, of Elkton, John Grannell, of Caro; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Irene Schave, of Harbor Beach. He was predeceased by three sisters, Marquerite Eisengruber, of Sebewaing, Edith Quinn, of Elkton, and Cathleen Mae English, of Bad Axe. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Father James Carlson will officiate. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today and 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Cecilia Van Dalen Mrs. Cecilia A. Van Dalen, 96, of Sandusky and formerly of Argyle and Palms, passed away, Saturday, February 28, 2004, at the Sanilac Medical Care Facility. Cecilia was born December 9, 1907 in Ruth to the late William and Mary (Emming) Messing. She married August H. Van Dalen on June 6, 1933 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He preceded her in death on August 27, 1948. Cecilia attended Ss. Peter and Paul School. She did domestic work in Detroit. She then farmed with her husband and family until 1963. She resided with family in both the Argyle and Grand Rapids areas for many years. She was a former member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palms and a current parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Argyle. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Cecilia is survived by her four children, Joseph Van Dalen and his wife, Margaret, of Palms, Mary Doerr and her husband, Bill, of Argyle, William Van Dalen and his wife, Katie, of Palms, and Martha Walters and her husband, Larry, of Newaygo; 14 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Norman Messing and his wife, Eleanor, of Bad Axe, Robert Messing, of Ruth and Clement Messing and his wife, Donna, of Ruth; two sisters, Mary Essenmacher, of Harbor Beach, and Gladys Priemer, of Ruth. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Van Dalen; daughter, Paula Van Dalen; three brothers, Wilfred, Charles and James Messing; three sisters, Eleanor Van Dalen (infant sister), Genevieve Kosal, and Margaret Kirsch. A funeral mass will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Argyle. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 8:30 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 parish vigil service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials requested to St. Joseph Parish or the Sanilac Medical Care Facility. Tuesday, March 2, 2004 Roy Hallitt Roy T. Hallitt, 67, lifelong resident of the Filion area, died Monday, March 1, 2004, at Tendercare in Cass City. He was born May 1, 1936 in Elkton, son of the late Sprague and Minnie (Rinnert) Hallitt. He married Rosey Hintz on June 6, 1968 in Missouri. She survives him. Roy worked for Tower Automotive in the tool crib for 47 years. He enjoyed car racing, motorcycles and working on cars in his garage. Roy is survived by one daughter, Carol Kubacki and her husband, Gene, of Kinde; one grandson, Joshua Kubacki; one brother, Elmer Hallitt, of Elkton; two sisters, Elizabeth Jane Frank, of Cass City, Marie White and her husband, Kenneth, of Pinnebog; one sister-in-law, Loretta Hallitt, of Bad Axe; and one nephew, Jason White, of Pinnebog. He was preceded in death by a brother, Clayton Hallitt; infant sister; brother-in-law, Steve Frank; and a sister- in-law, Irene Hallitt. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2004, at Gage Chapel-MacAlpine Funeral Home in Kinde. The Rev. Jerry Sutton, pastor of Bad Axe Free Methodist Church, will officiate. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Carl Hunsanger Mr. Carl Joseph Hunsanger, 77, of Ruth, died Sunday, February 29, 2004, at Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe under hospice care after a short illness. He was born October 10, 1926 in Ruth, son of the late August and Meta (Noechel) Hunsanger. He never married. Mr. Hunsanger was an 8th grade graduate of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Ruth. Carl farmed in Ruth, retiring in 1990. He was a lifelong resident of Ruth and a parishioner of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He was a volunteer firefighter for 24 years and a member of the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council #3823. He loved caring for his pets and animals. He also enjoyed bird watching and walking "Buddy", his dog. He is survived by three sisters, Therese Doherty and her husband, Earl, of Royal Oak, Martha Immerman, of Ruth, and Mary Jane Maloney, of St. Clair; two brothers, Benedict Hunsanger and his wife, Deloris, of Ruth, and John Hunsanger, of West Bloomfield; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Cook and Bernadette Doe; four brothers, Barney, Leo, Herb and Lawrence "Larry" Hunsanger. A funeral mass for Carl Hunsanger will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. The Rev. Steven M. Gavit, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly from 2 to 9 p.m. today and from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday. There will be a rosary by the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council #4823 at 8 p.m. today and a Parish Vigil Service at 8:30 p.m. today by Fr. Gavit, both services will be at the funeral home. Richard Parsell Richard Dean Parsell, 69, of Sebewaing, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 1, 2004, at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City. He was born April 28, 1934 in Unionville, son of the late Jesse and Edna (Wing) Parsell. He was united in marriage to Donna L. Kemp on August 13, 1955 in Unionville. Dean had been employed at Sebewaing Tool and Engineering for 35 years before retiring in 1995. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Surviving are his wife, Donna; one daughter, Renee Bills and her husband, Mark, of Sebewaing; four grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew, Jared and Joshua Bills; foster daughter, Heidi Schulz and her husband, Otto, and children, Kim Smithers and her husband, Dale, Teri, Nathan and Ashley Schulz; mother-in-law, Lula Kemp, of Sebewaing; two sisters, Betty Ondrajka, of Gagetown, Mary Parsell, of Valley Center, California; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Toni Parsell, of Oregon, Joe Murich, of Canada, Violet Musselman and her husband, Phillip, John Kemp and his wife, Norma, Rose Faber and her husband, Harley, Laura Leskowich and her husband, Fred, Lon Kemp and his wife, Bonnie, Allen Kemp and his wife, Lori, all of Sebewaing; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Edward H. Kemp; his brothers and their spouses, Donald and Margaret Parsell, Ralph and Charlotte Parsell, Harold and Leaha Parsell, Lawrence and Jane Parsell, Howard and Frank Parsell; his sisters and their spouses, Ruth and Dave Allen, Irene and Fred Lintner, Margaret Murich; and brother-in-law, George Ondrajka. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2004, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. Pastor Brian Reinhardt will officiate with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today, noon to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home in Sebewaing. Wednesday, March 3, 2004 – No obituaries reported Thursday, March 4, 2004 Brian Osentoski Brian James Osentoski, 40, originally of Ubly, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2004, in Charlotte, North Carolina after a brief illness. Born in Cass City, he was the son of Jerry and Audrey Osentoski of Ubly. Brian was a 1981 graduate of Bad Axe High School. He went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree from Michigan State University in 1985. He and Jennifer Parker were married on August 27, 1988 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Sheridan. In 1993 they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Brian was employed for eight years at the corporate headquarters of Indian Head Industries, Inc. as a Communications/Website Manager. He enjoyed music, computers, cars and riding his motorcycle. Brian is survived by his wife, Jennifer, who currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina; his parents, Jerry and Audrey Osentoski, of Ubly; a brother, Mark Osentoski and his wife, Linda, of Kokomo, Indiana; a sister, Tammy McKnight, of Reese; and nine nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2004, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church of Sheridan. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 until 10 a.m. on Saturday. There will be a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given in Brian's name to St. Columbkille Church. Friday, March 5, 2004 Gratta Grigg Gratta Lillian Grigg, 84, of Bad Axe, left this earth to join her family in heaven on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. She was born January 5, 1920 in Royal Oak, daughter of the late John C. and Caroline M. (Irwin) Sullivan. Miss Gratta Sullivan and Robert C. Grigg, Sr. were married December 27, 1939 in Detroit. He preceded her in death on July 20, 2000. She was a former member and treasurer of Colfax United Methodist Church, a recent member of the Bad Axe First United Methodist Church, a member of the Eastern Star and a retired employee of the Huron County Medical Care Facility. Mrs. Grigg enjoyed travel, bingo and spending time with her family. Surviving are two sons, Robert Grigg and his wife, Eve, of Bad Axe, and Larry Grigg and his fiancee, Lynn Terrill, of Bad Axe; two daughters, Judy Weiler and her husband, Joe, of Sandusky, and Linda Rapson and her husband, Frederick, of Dallas, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Terry, Steve and David Weiler, Troy, Rodney, Jason, Jacob, and Jonathan Grigg, Shari Thakady, and Eric and Emily Rapson; 13 great- grandchildren, Alicia, Brandon, Brent, Kristy, Ashtyn and Rylie Weiler and Jordan, Kara, Kyle, Trent and Nicole Grigg, Spencer Thakady and Skyler Rapson; and one sister, Ruth Morgan of Seattle, Washington. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Greeta Smith and Virginia Tait; and one brother, Dick Sullivan. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2004, at the Bad Axe First United Methodist Church. The Rev. William Wright, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today at the H.W. Weitenberner Funeral Home, Bad Axe, and from 9:30 a.m. on Saturday until the time of service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Bad Axe Public Library. Joseph Schmidt Joseph A. Schmidt, 74, of Owendale, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at his home following a long illness. He was born August 15, 1929 in Detroit, son of the late Joseph Sr. and Margaret (Vollmer) Schmidt. On November 3, 1951, he was united in marriage to Barbara J. Winkel at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon. Joseph enjoyed cars, travel, camping and especially his children and grandchildren. He was a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church in Gagetown. His survivors include his wife, Barbara; six children, Rick and his wife, Barbara, of Gagetown, Randal, of Gagetown, Michael and his wife, Loretta, of Gagetown, Michele Stewart and her husband, Gene, of Port Austin, Joel, of Owendale, and Teresa Angst and her husband, Albert, of Elkton; eight grandchildren, Nicole, Rebecca and Christine Schmidt, Kevin and Courtney Stewart, Rebecca, Scott and Matthew Angst; a brother, Ronald Schmidt and his wife, Janice, of Pigeon; and nieces and nephews. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and Mass of Christian Burial was private. Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, conducted the arrangements. William Zimba William E. Zimba, 78, of Deford, died Thursday, March 4, 2004, in his home with his family by his side. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2004, in St. Michael Catholic Church in Wilmot. The Rev. Rick Bokinskie and Sr. Riccardina Silvestri will officiate. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery in Wilmot. Military services are under the direction of VFW Post No. 3644. A rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today, Saturday, and Sunday at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to the United Hospice of Marlette. 1