HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning May 30, 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, May 30, 2004 John DiVincentis John DiVincentis, 83, of Caseville, formerly of Lincoln Park and Dearborn Heights, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 27, 2004, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. He was born in Price, Utah on June 23, 1920, son of the late Alfonso and Filomena (DiCiero) DiVincentis. John served with the United States Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Agnes Verna Sorensen in Weatherford, Texas on December 23, 1941. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 35 years. He and his wife moved to Caseville in 1975 and he became a very active and energetic citizen of Caseville and Huron County. John was a current member of the Caseville Township Board as well as serving previously as a Village Council Member and president. He was a member and chairman of the Caseville Housing Commission, working with the Oakwood Senior Citizen Housing Project, and he also served as Caseville Harbor Master. He worked with the Huron County D.P.W. Advisory Board, also serving as chairman, was the vice chair of the Huron County Housing Committee, as well as a former member and vice chair of the Thumb Area Commission on Aging. In addition, John served on the East Central Michigan & Water Shed Board and was a founding board member of the Thumb Area Transit (TAT). John was a member of the American Legion Jean Post No. 543 in Caseville, as well as VFW Pigeon Post No. 2236. He was a member of the Huron County Democratic Party, was a charter member of the Caseville Retirement Club, a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Caseville, a former member of the Caseville F.O.E. No. 3690, and a former Caseville Chamber of Commerce member. He was also active with several Scheurer Hospital committees. John was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville and was a former sexton for the St. Roch Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Agnes, to whom he had been married for more than 62 years; by a daughter and son-in-law, Margo and Ronald Syria, of Georgia; two granddaughters and their husbands, Kim and Todd Alband, of Limo Lakes, Minnesota, and Laurie and Mark Sweet, of Hazel Park; two great-granddaughters; two nieces, a nephew and cousins. He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister. The Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville with Rev. Kenneth Yaroch officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A scripture wake service will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home, and from 10 a.m. until the time of mass on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Scheurer Hospital or the charity of the donor's choice. Joseph Gruber Jr. Joseph J. Gruber, Jr., 85, of Cass City, passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2004, at his home. Joe was born September 12, 1918 in Iron City, Tennessee, the son of Joseph and Susie (McDow) Gruber. On May 26, 1999, he married Evelyn. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a life member of both the VFW Post No. 3644 and D.A.V., the Thumb Engine Club, and enjoyed collecting old records, blue grass and country music, and riding by the lake. He worked for 17 years for the Village of Cass City doing small engine repair. Joe is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Linda Hagerl and her husband, Clarence, of Freeland, Barbara Merchant and her husband, Joe, of Cass City, Michael Zmierski and his wife, Deb, of Cass City, Mark Zmierski and his wife, Becky, of Caro, Angela Noble and her husband, Craig, of Charleston, South Carolina, Teresa Enos and her husband, John, of Elk City, Idaho, and Deanne Brown and her husband, Chuck, of Midland; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brothers, John and his wife, Velma, of Dothan, Alabama, Benjamin, of Cass City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Theresa, on December 20, 1993, and by three sisters and a brother. Joe will lie instate from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at Novesta Church of Christ in Cass City, with Chuck Emmert officiating. Burial will be in the Elkland Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday at Thabet Funeral Home in Cass City. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice. Willard W. Britt Willard Wilson Britt, 85, of Cass City, and formerly of Colfax Township, passed away on Friday, May, 28, 2004. Funeral services for Mr. Britt will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at the Thabet Funeral Home in Cass City. Visitation will be from 3 until 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Monday, May 31, 2004 – Memorial Day Holiday Tuesday, June 1, 2004 Meta A. Menzel Meta A. Menzel, 86, of Bay Port, died Sunday, May 30, 2004, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility in Caro after a brief illness. She was born June 7, 1917 in Sebewaing, daughter of the late George and Martha (Haag) Prich, Sr. She was united in marriage to Ernest Menzel, Jr. on January 26, 1941. He preceded her in death on July 6, 1965. Meta had been employed at General Cable in Cass City for many years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh and the Farm Bureau. She was an avid gardener. Surviving are one son, Stanley Menzel and his wife, Char, of Sebewaing; two daughters, Sandra Olafson and her husband, James, of Birch Run, Carol Zeller and her husband, Ernie, of Ionia; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, John Prich, Albert Prich and his wife, Marilyn, and Dorothy Prich, all of Gagetown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Albert Menzel; one sister, Florence Haag; and one brother, George Prich, Jr., and one grandson, Albert Menzel, Jr. The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. today at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sebewaing. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. John Lutheran Church, Kilmanagh, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the charity of the donor's choice. Betty Ogden Betty (Silverthorn) Ogden, 81, died Wednesday, May 18, 2004, at Autumn Woods Nursing Home in Warren. She was born on January 23, 1923 to George and Myrthe (Minard) Silverthorn in Harbor Beach. She married Edward Ogden on November 22, 1941. He preceded her in death in 1983. She is survived by three sons, James and his wife, Gerry, of Roseville, Jeff and his wife, Margaret, of Warren, Jason and his wife, Carol, of Warren; daughter, Judy and her husband, George; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Eleanor Callender, of Harbor Beach, and Edythe Silverthorn, of Warren; one brother, William Silverthorn, of Zephyrhills, Florida. According to her wishes, she was cremated and had no funeral. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Edward O. Wing Edward O. Wing, 93, of Pigeon, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2004, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. He was born in Winsor Township on March 10, 1911, son of the late William Addison and Julia (Hornbacher) Wing. He served with the United States Army in Italy during World War II, where he received a Purple Heart. On March 8, 1947, he was united in marriage to Edna Faist in Cass City. Mr. Wing farmed until he entered the service, then worked with Michigan Sugar, Pigeon Tile Works, and retired from the Huron County Road Commission. He enjoyed gardening, visiting with neighbors and his annual vacation in Northern Michigan with Bert and Orpha Tillman. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles and watching baseball, but especially took pleasure in his grandchildren. He was a member of the V.F.W. Pigeon Post 2236 as well as a member of the Hubbard Winsor No. 420 F&AM, Pigeon. He attended Salem United Methodist Church, Pigeon. He is survived by his wife, Edna, of Pigeon; a daughter, Cathy Krohn and her husband, Terry, of Elkton; two sons, Clark Faist and his special friend, Alice Eimers, of Pigeon, and Terry L. Wing, of Kansas, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Jeff Faist and his wife, Heidi, Tammy Nutt and her husband, Mike, Scott Krohn and his wife, Nancy, Steve Krohn and his wife, Kelly, and Cheryl Krohn; 13 great-grandchildren, Stephanie (Siewert) Kretzschmer, Kelly Siewert, Michael Siewert, Aaron Faist, Amanda Faist, Jeremy Siewert, Taylor Krohn, Courtney Siewert, Shelby Krohn, Brooke Krohn, Ethan Krohn, Lauren Krohn, and Katey Krohn; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Bittner Wing, who passed away March 4, 1939, with infant while giving birth; four brothers, Wallace, Harold, Maurice, and Clare; three sisters, Frieda Wing, Stella Edler, and Orpha Tillman; his daughter-in-law, Carol (Grandmaison) Faist; and a nephew, Gerald Edler. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, with the Rev. Michael T. Sawicki, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials for Mr. Wing may be made to Salem United Methodist Church or Meals on Wheels. George Anglebrandt George Anglebrandt, 86, of Harbor Beach, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2004, in Covenant Cooper Hospital, Saginaw. Cremation has taken place and a family graveside service will be conducted later this week. Arrangements by the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Wednesday, June 2, 2004 Robert J. Basler Sr. Robert J. Basler Sr., 77, of Port Hope, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2004, in the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Centerline on November 14, 1926, he was the son of the late Vern and Gertrude (Alexander) Basler. Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a retired iron worker in the Detroit area and sailed for the Merchant Marines for 23 years. Robert enjoyed being with friends and socializing with them. He is survived by his son, Robert J. Basler, Jr., of Port Hope; and a sister, June Krueger, of Armada. Cremation has taken place in Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Arrangements are being handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Mildred L. Edmonson Mildred L. Edmonson, 91, of Trenton and formerly of Harbor Beach, passed away in the Oakwood Skilled Nursing Center, Trenton, on May 28, 2004, following a long illness. Born in Harbor Beach on August 3, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Burley and Mabel (Sommerville) Ramsey. On October 27, 1930, Mildred and Richard Clyde Edmonson were united in marriage in Harbor Beach. He preceded her in death in 1988. She is survived by a son, Allen Edmonson, of Champaign, Illinois; and a daughter, Doris Hickson, of Livingston, Texas. A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the Rock Falls Cemetery near Harbor Beach. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Arrangements are being handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Thursday, June 3, 2004 Patricia A. Hogan-Biederman Patricia Anne Hogan-Biederman, 53, of Port Austin, lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday evening, June 2, 2004, at her home with her family by her side. Patricia was born on January 1, 1951 in Bad Axe, the daughter of Robert and the late Doris (Stubbs) Hogan. She was united in marriage on December 24, 2003 to Wayne Biederman. She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Biederman, after spending the last 24 years by her side; her father Robert Hogan, of Bad Axe; three sisters and one brother, Connie Martin and her husband, Fred, of Brandon, Florida, Robert Hogan and his wife, Debbie, of Bushnell, Florida, Anna Wuehler, of Nebraska, JoAnn Gage and her special friend, Lee Latimer, of Cass City; four stepchildren, Karen Caiozzo and her husband, Frank, Lori Antonelli, Cheryl Chaben and her husband, Kerri, and John Biederman; seven grandchildren; three special nieces, Gail Schember, Sally Badalamente and Kelly Krohn; and eight other nieces and nephews; 16 great-nieces and nephews; two uncles; an aunt; and several cousins; and dearest friends, Bob and Barb Goodchild. Patricia was retired from the insurance business. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her great-nieces and nephews upon whom she lavished attention. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2004, at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. The Rev. Robert P. Garrett will officiate. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today, from 2 to 9 p.m.on Friday, and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice of Cass City, or Children's Hospital of Detroit. Norma Jean Detgen Peacefully, with her family by her side, Norma Jean (McDonald) Detgen, 74, resident of Bad Axe, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in Saginaw on June 2, 2004. Norma was born January 28, 1930 in Bad Axe to William and Florence (Dunlap) McDonald. She married Ernest J. Detgen of Port Hope on June 24, 1940. Norma attended Bad Axe Public Schools and graduated from State College of Beauty Culture in Highland Park. Following her marriage, she was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, and business partner to her husband. She was a loving and compassionate person, totally devoted to her family. She delighted in her grandchildren and enjoyed taking trips out west. The gift and heritage that she leaves to her family and grandchildren was her love of children and enjoyment of babies. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bad Axe, where she fostered the faith in her children. She will lovingly be remembered and sadly missed by her husband, Ernest Detgen. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Connie Van Doeselaar and her husband, Paul, of Mount Pleasant, Bonnie Smendzuik and her husband, John, of Traverse City; one son, Jim Detgen and his wife, Kasey, of Alva, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Matthew and Christina Van Doeselaar, of Mount Pleasant, Michael and Steven Smendzuik, of Traverse City, Branden Detgen and his wife, Starlet, of Traverse City, Becky Hansel and her husband, John, of Kansas City, Missouri, Ted and Tyler Detgen and Kaleb Schrock, all of Alva, Oklahoma; one great-granddaughter, Rylee Hansel, of Kansas City, Missouri; one sister, Thelma Gorang, who provided loving care and comfort to Norma. She also is survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jim McDonald. Words cannot express our thanks and appreciation to the devoted family, friends, and caregivers who tended to Norma with kindness and compassion. A service to celebrate the life of Norma Jean Detgen will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2004, at Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Jan Dykshoorn, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at Colfax Township Cemetery in Bad Axe. Pallbearers will be her beloved grandsons. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. A luncheon will follow at the church for family and friends. If friends so desire, memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Friends and relatives may leave a message for Norma's family at www.macalpine.yourtribute.com/NormaDetgen. Friday, June 4, 2004 Marvin L. House Marvin L. House, 63, of Gladwin, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2004, at the Mid Michigan Regional Medical Center after a long illness. He was born to Virgil and Helen (Omish) House in Huron County where he lived until he moved to Gladwin in the late 60's. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and he lived his life his way. He is survived by two daughters, Camie House, of Bay Port, Helen Jakeway, of Dearborn; one granddaughter, Jessie Jakeway, of Dearborn; one son, Roger House, of Port Huron; two brothers, Rod House and his wife, Joyce, and Gerald House and his wife, Betty, of Sebewaing; two sisters, Joyce Kolacz, of Cass City and Barbara Lambdin and her husband, Don, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Trudy Budd; and one brother, Wayne House. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Hall Funeral Home in Gladwin. Benedict "Ben" A. Hunsanger Sr. Mr. Benedict "Ben" A. Hunsanger, Sr., 86, of Ruth, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at his residence under hospice care. Benedict was born March 21, 1918 in Ruth to the late August and Margaret (Noechel) Hunsanger. He married Deloris A. Roberts on September 9, 1950 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. Ben was a graduate of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Ruth. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific. Ben was a past commander of the local VFW Post 5740. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Sherman Township Fire Department from 1955-1981, where he held the office of Secretary/Treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the Huron County Firefighters Association. He was a lifelong member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He was the postmaster of the Ruth Post Office for 29 years. Ben was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He enjoyed gardening in his younger years, bird watching, and family get-togethers. Ben is survived by his wife, Deloris, of Ruth; three sons, Ben Hunsanger, Jr. and his wife, Ellen, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Paul Hunsanger and his wife, Coleen, of Wausau, Wisconsin, David Hunsanger and his wife, Kelly, of Bad Axe; four daughters, Debbie Walker and her husband, Dave, of Mt. Pleasant, Linda Tenuta and her husband, Guido, of South Barrington, Illinois, Karen Poole and her husband, Gary, of Midland, Georgia, Peggy Voelker and her husband, Eldon, of Pigeon; 17 grandchildren, Brett and Evan, Dan and Claire, Scott and Brianna Hunsanger, Sarah Bellanda and her husband, James, Seth Walker, Rosanna Tenuta-Fernandes and her husband, Raf, Gabriella and Arianna Tenuta, Anna and Emily Poole, Keith, Angela, Renee, and Julia Voelker; three sisters, Terese Doherty, of Royal Oak, Martha Immerman, of Ruth, Mary Jane Maloney, of St. Clair; one brother, John Hunsanger, of West Bloomfield. Ben was preceded in death by five brothers, Bernard, Herb, Leo, Larry and Carl Hunsanger; two sisters, Bernadette Doe and Margaret Cook. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2004, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth with military honors provided by the Parisville VFW Post #5740 of Ruth. The Rev. Steven Gavit, pastor, will officiate. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory of Bay City. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. There will be a parish vigil service at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at the funeral home by the Rev. Steven Gavit. The Huron County Firefighters Association will pay their respects as a group Sunday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are requested to Heartland Hospice or SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. Marie E. Koehn Marie E. Koehn, 83, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2004, in Huron Medical Center, Bad Axe. Marie was born on October 30, 1920 to the late Floyd and Katherine (Frank) Edwards of White Rock. She married Louis Koehn on October 2, 1938 in Angola, Indiana. He preceded her in death on June 16, 1986. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Forestville and a part of the ladies aide, and was a member of the Harbor Beach Senior Citizens where she was a former treasurer. She was a former employee at Gamble in Harbor Beach and Polewach. Marie is survived by her son, James Koehn and his wife, Mary Lee, of Harbor Beach; a sister, Eleanor Schroeder and her husband, Charles, of Twining; and two brothers, Howard Edwards and his wife, Verna, of Owosso, and Harold Edwards, of Harbor Beach; grandchildren, Paula Duda and her husband, Ron, Christopher Koehn and his wife, Sandy, Lisa Knopp and her husband, Gene, Trevor Koehn and his wife, Juliann, Heather Koehn; great- grandchildren, Ryan Koehn, Sarah Koehn, Brandon Koehn, Kaitlynn Nopp, Devin Duda, and Nathan Koehn. She was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Edwards; and one great-grandchild, Faith Koehn. Funeral services for Marie will be at 11 a.m. on Monday in the Trinity Lutheran Church of Forestville, with the Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday in the church. Jack Davis Jr. Jack Davis, Jr., 71, of Caseville, died Wednesday afternoon, June 2, 2004, from a ruptured brain aneurysm, at St. Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. A complete obituary will be published at that time. Words of condolence may be left at www.cfcCaseville.com. 1