HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning December 18, 2005 Contributed 2005 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, December 18, 2005 Reinhold Bannick Reinhold Bannick, 83, of Pigeon, died Friday morning, December 16, 2005, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility, Bad Axe, with his family at his side. He was born January 4, 1922 in Elkton, one of eight children born to the late Emil and Wilhelmina (Klish) Bannick. In November of 1942, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in Europe and Russia during World War II, returning home in December of 1945. On June 19, 1948, he was united in marriage to Eva Mae Pawloski at Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkton. They lived in the Elkton-Pigeon area most of their married life, except for 12 years when they lived and farmed in Sheridan Township. Reinhold had worked at Saginaw Steering Gear for several years before coming to Active Industries, Elkton, where he was a Hi-lo driver, retiring from there in 1978 with 37 years of service. Reinhold loved having his daughters and grandchildren around him; he loved to play euchre and to dance; he also enjoyed working in his vegetable garden. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Linkville, and the Golden Ager's at church. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Eva; five daughters, Donna (Terry) VanDeVoort, of Pigeon, Karen (Pat) VanDeVoort, of Bay City, Diane (Gary) Brown, of North Port, Gayle (Charlie) Forbing, of Bad Axe, and Jean (Phil) Myers, of Caseville; seven grandchildren, Valerie, Brian, Kevin, Andy, Ryan, Adam and Aaron; three great-grandchildren, Kendal, Ava and Alexis; and his sister, Natalie Bannick, of Saginaw. Preceding him in death were four brothers, Gus, Henry, Herman and Fred; and two sisters, Matilida Spindler and Johanna Spindler. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2005, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Linkville. The Rev. Lee Wenskay, pastor, will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be from noon until 7 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton, and after 10 a.m. on Monday at the church. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran, Heartland Hospice or Alzheimer's Disease Association. Words of condolence may be left online at www.cfcElkton.com. Connie Geiger Connie S. Geiger, 62, of Jackson, passed away at Sparrow Hospital on Thursday, December 15, 2005. Connie's life revolved around her gardens and her grandchildren. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Paul; three children, Todd (Kim) Geiger, of Jackson, Troy (Carole) Geiger, of Muskegon, and Tonya (Gary) Baxter, of Jackson; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Geiger, of Jackson, Lauren, Cameron, and Isabella Geiger, of Muskegon, and Noah and Jacob Baxter, of Jackson; one brother, James Seley, of Elkton; two sisters, Sandra Zeitler, of Elkton, and Becky (Gary) Mohr, of Caro; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2005, at the Trinity Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Keith Hinton officiating. Interment will take place at the Roseland Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the Wetherby Funeral Home in Jackson. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Wesleyan Church Building Fund in the name of Connie Geiger. Larry J. Siemen Larry J. Siemen, 67, of Port Hope, passed away Friday, December 16, 2005, in the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Port Hope on September 8, 1938, he was the son of the late Marcus and Erma (Ramsey) Siemen. Larry was a former employee of Active Industries in Elkton. His favorite pastime was hunting. On April 16, 2004, Larry and Sandra Gregory were united in marriage in Bad Axe. Larry is survived by his wife, Sandra Siemen, of Port Hope; his sons, Lawrence and Robert; a sister, Marie Alisoglo, of Harbor Beach; step-children, John Rzendzian, of Bad Axe, Raymond Rzendzian, of Harbor Beach, Barbara Roggenbuck, of Harbor Beach, and Randy Rzendzian, of Minden City; two grandchildren, Joe and Mark Siemen. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Michalski. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with Pastor John Rzendzian officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, and from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until the time of the service at the funeral home. Georgia Thompson Georgia Rena Thompson, 90, of Cass City, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2005, at Hills and Dales General Hospital, Cass City. She was born August 31, 1915 in Gagetown, daughter of the late Walter and Georgia (Rasnussen) Thompson. Georgia was a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and of Faith Gospel Tabernacle, where she worked in the nursery. Georgia is survived by nieces and nephews, Douglas (Hilda) Van Allen, of Cass City, Donna (the late Theodore) Earl, of Mt. Pleasant, Ronald (Doris) Van Allen, of Troy, David (Kim) Van Allen, of Canton, Sharron (Jack) Hartwick, of Cass City, and Edie Fields, of Caro. She was predeceased by a brother, James Raymond Fields and a sister, Gen Van Allen, and nephews, Richard Fields, Jack Van Allen, Charles Fields and Bobby Van Allen. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2005, at Living Word Worship Center, 6536 Houghton Street, Cass City, with Pastor Keith Misny officiating. Burial will be in Novesta Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Thabet Funeral Home, 6255 Main Street, Cass City, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the worship center. Memorials may be made to Faith Gospel Tabernacle or Living Word Worship Center. Monday, December 19, 2005 Edwin H. Baker Edwin "Bud" H. Baker, 81, a retired Oliver Township dairyman, died Friday afternoon, December 16, 2005, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. He was born June 1, 1924 in Oliver Township at the home of his parents, the late Robert and Susan (Schneider) Baker. Bud served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. Shortly after returning home, he was united in marriage to Dorothy J. Alexander in Grayling on August 16, 1947. They lived and farmed in Oliver Township most of their lives, primarily in dairy. He sold the herd and retired in 1990. Dorothy passed away the following year on April 9, 1991. Bud was an active member of the Elkton VFW Carpenter-Dorsch Post 6013 and will be remembered for the many years of service to the Oliver Township Board, serving as trustee for over 33 years. After retiring, Bud did a lot of traveling, all over the U.S. and also went to Europe. Surviving are his daughter, Beverly (Walter) Stakvo, of Shelby Township; his son, Allen Baker, of Carthage, Indiana; four grandchildren, Kelly (Chris) Losh, Kristen Diem, Amanda Baker, and Crystal Baker; four great-grandchildren, Heath, Larissa, Makenna and Cecilia; and two sisters, Dorothy Armstrong, of Waterford, and Edith Snell, of Wayne. Preceding him in death were a brother, Robert Baker; and three sisters, Helen Ritter, Lydia Rosenthal, and Marguerite Miller. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2005, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton, with burial in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and after 10 a.m. on Thursday. Memorials may be given to the Oliver Township Fire Department. Friends may sign the guest book at www.cfcElkton.com. Robert J. Kiehl Robert J. Kiehl, 74, of Verona, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2005, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon following an extended illness. He was born on November 29, 1931 in Sigel Township, son of the late John and Alma (Kirsch) Kiehl Sr. He married Jean Adams on October 20, 1956 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. He owned and operated Robert Kiehl's Used Cars for more than 40 years. He sailed the Great Lakes for two years before he married and enjoyed the outdoors, going to auctions, visiting with family and friends, and wintering in Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Jean Kiehl, of Verona; three sons, Gary Kiehl, of Verona, Steven Kiehl, of Verona, David Kiehl, of Chandler, Arizona; two daughters, Kathryn (Michael) Jewett, of Ubly, Karol (William) Russell, of Bad Axe; four brothers, John "Jack" (Betty) Kiehl, of Caro, Daniel (Marie) Kiehl, of Bad Axe, Edward Kiehl, of Bad Axe, Richard (Joyce) Kiehl, of Bad Axe; two sisters, Mary D. Sageman, of Harbor Beach, and Joann (Herbert) Roggenbuck, of Bad Axe; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth (MariAnn) Adams, of Munger, Lee Thomas (Susan) Adams, of Blue Springs, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Joyce (Leonard) Metzger, of Owendale, and Karen (Perry) Britt, of Bad Axe; 10 grandchildren, Erica Jean, Ryan, Jared, Rebecca, Jordan, Shawn, Zachary, Kris, Shannon, and Erica Lynn; four great- grandchildren, Brayden, Kylee, Savannah, and Cody; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, William Kiehl; one sister-in-law, Mary Kiehl; three brothers-in-law, Joseph Sageman, James and John Adams; father and mother-in- law, Floyd and Dorothy Adams; and one grandson, Deryk Jewett. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. Presiding will be Fr. James Carlson, pastor. Burial will be in Verona Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. A scripture service will be offered at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Tuesday, December 20, 2005 Charles G. Thayer Charles George "Chick" Thayer, 82, of Caseville, passed away Monday, December 19, 2005, at his home. He was born in Huron County on December 14, 1923, son of the late Charles and Margaret (Pettit) Thayer and was a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1941-1944. After knowing each other for only eight hours, he and Mary Helen Clancy were united in marriage on April 10, 1944 in Bad Axe. The couple had been married for 59 years when Mrs. Thayer passed away on June 17, 2003. Mr. Thayer retired in 1988 from Future Products in Troy where he was a machinist. He was an avid fisherman and loved nature and being outside to feed the birds. He was a member of the Pigeon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2236 and the American Legion, Caseville Jean Post 543. He attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sand Point. He is survived by a daughter, Sheila Thayer, of Kalkaska; his dear friend, LaVerne Watts, of Port Austin; six grandchildren, Andrea and Gary Delecki, Chuck and Michelle Thayer, Michelle Krause, William and Linda Campbell, Vicki Thayer, and Mary Thayer; seven great-grandchildren, Ricky Harner, T.J. Brown, C.J. Thayer Jr., Renee Thayer, Kevin Krause, William Campbell, and Kayle Campbell; his sisters- in-law, Grace (Joe) Cilc and Frances Souva, both of Caseville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Root; a son, Charles F. Thayer; a sister, Lavern Thayer; and a brother, Ernest Thayer. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2005, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, with the Rev. Jim Nihiser, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Caseville Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Gerald W. Vincent Gerald W. Vincent, 69, of Lake George, died Sunday, December 18, 2005, at his home. Jerry was born on August 28, 1936 in Flint, the son of Leonard and Sherife (Irvine) Vincent. He graduated from Beecher High School and then served in the United States Marine Corps. His work path began at supermarkets in the Flint area and in 1966, he began working for Super Foods from which he retired 35 years later. He was also a former member of the Ubly TVO and the Ubly Lion's Club. He enjoyed antiques, auctions and his beloved grandchildren. Surviving are his mother, Sherife Skutt; three step-children, Scott McDonald and his wife, Becky, of Bad Axe, Amy Osentoski and her husband, Marvin, of Bad Axe, and Julie Helewski and her husband, Richard, of Ubly; nine grandchildren, Abby, Donald, Jesse, Chad, Michelle, Troy, Alison, Kayln, and Kristen; three sisters, Maxine Wood and her husband, Robert, of Oregon, Joyce Williams and her husband, Donald, of Florida, and Barbara Vincent, of Texas; and one sister-in- law, Zelpha Vincent, of Clio. Jerry was preceded in death by his father in 1978; and his brother, Leonard Vincent Jr. in 1999. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2005, at the Miles Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris with The Rev. Walter David officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the charity of your choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Friends may share memories, prayers and stories online at www.martinfuneralhome.com. Wednesday, December 21, 2005 Julia Barbara Ambersboy Julia B. Ambersboy, 87, of Rochester Hills and formerly of Deford, died Saturday, December 17, 2005, at Griffiths Adult Foster Care Home in Armada. She was born July 16, 1918 in Deford to Marton and Elizabeth (Kovacs) Paladi. She married Nicholas Ambersboy on November 16, 1940 in Detroit. He died in 1976. Julia was a registered nurse working in the Detroit area for 25 years. She later lived in Arkansas for 20 years. Julia loved to travel. She attended the Unitarian Church in Arkansas and was a member of the Extension Club in Arkansas. Julia is survived by her sisters, Mary (Louis) Gyomory, of Kingston, Nancy (Paul) Gyomory, of Deford; sister-in-law, Helen Paladi, of Caro; daughter-in-law, Janet and Dr. Saythynathan, of Rochester Hills; grandchildren, Debbie (Rob) Smith, Jodi Saythynathan; great granddaughter, Leeya Smith; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Nicholas Jr., who died in 1970; brother, John Paladi; half-brother, Alex Paladi; sister, Irma Gaydos; nephew, John Louis Gyomory; her husband and her parents. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2006, at Kingston Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Ken Sanderfur officiating. Interment will be in Novesta Township Cemetery in Cass City in the spring. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2006, at the church. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Kingston. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Thursday, December 22, 2005 Isabel Wright Isabel Wright, 76, of Cass City, died Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at Tendercare Nursing Facility after a short illness. She was born October 11, 1929 in Huron County to Claude and Mary Ellen (Hartsell) Martin. She married Harry V. Wright September 26, 1947 in her parent's home in Huron County. He died April 25, 1996. Isabel retired from Hills and Dales General Hospital as Director of Support Services after 24 years. She was a very active member of Cass City VFW Post #3644 Auxiliary where she served as past president, among other offices. Isabel was a past president of Zonta Club of Cass City, former member of the Hills and Dales General Hospital Auxiliary and a member of Thumb Area Writers Club serving as Secretary and Treasurer. She enjoyed crocheting, writing poetry and spending Christmas with her family. Isabel is survived by her children, Judy (Tom) Gould, of Caro, Linda (Kerry) Borodychuk, of Grayling, Randy (Carol) Wright, of Cass City, and Brian (Rhonda) Wright, of Cass City; grandchildren, Chris Leshkevich, Matthew Leshkevich, Daniel Leshkevich, Scott Gould, Mary Gould, Aaron Wright, Amanda Wright, Justin Presley, and Jacob Wright; great grandchildren, MacKenzie, Jenna, Ashley, Bradley, and Alyssa; brother, Ken (Joann) Martin, of Cass City; sisters, Geraldine Bullock, of Mancelona, Marie (Ray) Beirlien, of Saginaw. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Roy Martin, and Maynard "Pete" Martin; sisters, Evelyn Miksa, and Bertha Phillips; grandson, Robbie Wright. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 23, 2005, at Kranz Funeral Home with Pastor Ronald Wigand, of Caro First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. VFW Auxiliary services will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home under the direction of Cass City VFW Post No. 3644 Auxiliary. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Cass City VFW Post No. 3644 Auxiliary or Hills and Dales General Hospital Auxiliary. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Friday, December 23, 2005 Joseph John Forray Joseph John Forray, 94, of Caseville, died suddenly Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital West in Clinton Township of heart failure. Joe was born June 7, 1911 in Hungary to the late Louis and Elizabeth (Robrosky) Forray. The family immigrated to the United States in 1913, settling first in West Virginia, then coming to Detroit in 1927. Joe married Margaret Theresa Schultz in Detroit on November 30, 1935. The family moved to West Virginia, where Joe worked for seven years in coal mines. In 1944, they returned to Detroit and Joe worked for the next 14 years at Federal Mougel and then for Consumer's Power as a welder mechanic, retiring in 1976. Upon his retirement, he and his wife moved to Hoxeyville, and then, in 1990, to Caseville. Joe is a member of St. Roch Catholic Church and the Caseville Retirement Club. Joe is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret; daughters, Leona (William) Van Steenkiste, and Margaret (Nicholas) Kozak, both of Shelby Township; grandchildren, Kimberly Beil, Brian Kinn, William Van Steenkiste Jr., Debra Bird, Danielle Allard, Nicole Adler, Tamara Westlake, Lisa and Paul Kozak; 14 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Anna Leo, of Eastpointe, and Elizabeth Clemens, of West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth; and his brother, Louis. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2005, at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville, with Fr. Ken Jaroch presiding. Burial will be in St. Roch Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville and from 10 a.m. on Tuesday at church until the time of Mass. There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Roch Building Fund. Condolences may be shared online at www.cfcCaseville.com. Peter V. Schmidt Peter Vincent Schmidt, 92, of Caseville Township, passed away peacefully early Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility in Caro. Born in Pigeon on May 17, 1913 to August and Regina (Reiss) Schmidt, he attended Pigeon area schools in his earlier years and graduated from Pershing High School in Detroit. On June 15, 1940, he was united in marriage to Verla E. Wachner in Detroit. She survives him. Mr. Schmidt retired as a detective with the Detroit Police Department, where he worked from 1937 to1964. He later worked at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren for more than 10 years. He and his wife retired to Caseville in 1972. Mr. Schmidt loved baseball and in his early years was scouted by the Boston Red Sox. When he was in high school, he was a pitcher and struck out all 27 batters in one game. He also enjoyed caring for his home and was an excellent handyman; he could fix anything. He was a member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon, and as a young boy, helped carry the bricks that built the church. In addition to Verla, his wife for more than 65 years, he is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Robert Kuzma, of Holly; a son and daughter-in-law, Kurt and Karen Schmidt, of Traverse City; four grandchildren, Keith Schmidt, Kristin (John) Anderson, Todd Kuzma, and Jill (Chris) Lake; three great-grandchildren, Isabel, Gloria, and Alexandria; two sisters, Theresa Swanson and Frances Mickelson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers. In keeping with Mr. Schmidt's wishes, he has been cremated and will be interred in the church cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capuchin Fathers, 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, Michigan 48207 or to the Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan, P O Box 1247, Traverse City, Michigan 49685. 1