HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning January 23, 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, January 23, 2005 Winnifred D. Bishop Winnifred Della Bishop, 95, of Kinde, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2005. She was born July 6, 1909 in Bad Axe to the late Clyde and Millie (Kennedy) Gilbert. She grew up in Bad Axe. Winnifred was married to the late Robert Rapson, who died in 1948, and the late Clifford Bishop, who died in 1967. She worked as a hairdresser, owning her own shop in Kinde. She was a member of the Kinde Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed visiting with friends, neighbors, and relatives and deer hunting. She owned her own farm and remained interested in farming all her life. Winnifred has no immediate family surviving her, but she leaves behind a rich network of friends. Funeral services will be at noon on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home - Gage Chapel, Kinde. The Rev. Richard Lawther will officiate. Burial will be in the Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday and from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Kinde Presbyterian Church. Vera Cubitt Vera Mildred Cubitt, 90, of Bad Axe, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2005, at her home after a long illness. She was under the care of WIT Home Health Care and United Hospice Service. She was born February 14, 1914 in Custer to the late Earl and Jennie E. (Vincent) Kenny. Vera was united in marriage to Harold L. Cubitt on June 3, 1933. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on June 3, 2004. She graduated from Sandusky High School in 1931. She was a homemaker and was employed by the Yale Rubber Company and was a real estate salesperson. Vera was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bad Axe. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, flower gardening, and bird watching. She and her husband enjoyed spending winters at their home in Englewood, Florida for 30 years. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Harold, of Bad Axe; three daughters, Shirley Garrity, of Bath, Sharon Heck, of Whittier, California, and Janie R. Ridner and her husband, David, of Bad Axe; three sons, H. Dale Cubitt and his wife, Marilynn, of Bad Axe, E. Duane Cubitt and his wife, Doralyn, and L. Elwin Cubitt and his wife, Joan, all of Bad Axe; daughter-in-law, Jane Cubitt, of Marysville; 37 grandchildren; 64 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Eugene F. Cubitt; a son-in-law, Keith Garrity; and two brothers, Elwin Kenny and E. Carlyle Kenny. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at the First United Methodist Church in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. William Wright, pastor. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Sandusky. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be offered to the First United Methodist Church, Bad Axe. Glenn Groth Glenn E. Groth, 92, of Cass City, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 20, 2005, in his home. He was born November 15, 1912 in Warren Township to Albert and Ida (Talowitsky) Groth. He married Jacqualene L. Wagner on July 12, 1973 in Caro. She died December 29, 1993. Glenn served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer and later also worked for Evans Products as a welder. He enjoyed working on cars. Glenn is survived by his children, Judith Muntz and her husband, Gerald, of Bad Axe, Harold Groth, of Cass City, Deana Mathews, of Fort Carson, Colorado, Dianne Cook, of Cass City, Gaillynn Wagner and her husband, Mike, of Midland, Brad Groth and his wife, Gloria, of Midland, Michelle Groth, of Cass City, Randy Groth, of Cass City; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Violet Czerwinski; several nieces and nephews. Glenn was preceded in death by his daughter, Marie Young; brothers, Arnold, Harvey, Fred, and Martin; sister, Myrtle Sadro. A private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Mr. Groth is to be buried in Valley Cemetery, Ubly. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund and may be mailed or dropped off at Kranz Funeral Home, 6850 Main Street, Cass City. Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City. Robert Parish Robert G. Parish, 65, of Harbor Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 22, 2005, at the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Born in Newberry on July 4, 1939, he was the son of the late Dan J. and Irene (Frisk) Parish. On Nov. 4, 1962, Bob and Ilene Winkel were united in marriage in St. Anthony's Catholic church in Helena. Ilene preceded him in death on January 1, 2004. He was a former employee of the Braden Marathon Station in Harbor Beach and was a Huron Daily Tribune paper carrier for over 15 years, retiring in June 2004. Bob was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lake Huron Church in Harbor Beach and enjoyed woodworking, traveling, riding his motorcycle and playing cards with his grandsons. He is survived by two daughters, Darlene Kucharczyk and her husband, James, of Harbor Beach, and Terri Lynn Sengstock, of Port Huron; four grandchildren, Daryl L. Sengstock, Chad, Shane, and Chase Kucharczyk; a brother, Ron Parish and his wife, Jean, of Harbor Beach; two sisters, Bette Burton and her husband, Tim, of Harbor Beach, and Jeanne Ziegler, of Harbor Beach. Robert was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Parish, in 1986 and a brother, James Parish, in 1999. A funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2005, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach with Fr. T.J. Fleming, pastor officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday and from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church. Monday, January 24, 2005 Glenn V. Geboski Glenn V. Geboski, 76, of Clawson, died Saturday, January 15, 2005, at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was born April 5, 1928 in Ubly, the son of the late John Sr. and Thresa (Peplinski) Geboski. Glenn and Mercy were married on May 9, 1953 in Detroit. She preceded him in death in April 1995. Glenn is survived by his mother, Thresa Geboski, of Ubly; two sons, Wayne St. Onge and his wife, Diane, of Hartville, Mississippi, and Michael Geboski and his wife, Laura, of Royal Oak; one daughter, Cheryl Geboski, of Port Hope; four grandchildren, Heather, Jason, Alyson, and Jacob; three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kelci and Jordan; and one brother, John Geboski Jr., of Ubly. Also survived by many loving family and friends. Arrangements are being handled by the Gramer Funeral Home in Clawson. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.gramerfuneralhome.com. The family suggests memorial tributes be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Gertrude L. Hurn Gertrude L. Hurn, 98, of Bad Axe, died Saturday, January 22, 2005, at Courtney Manor, Bad Axe, after a long illness. She was born November 11, 1906 in Peek, Oklahoma, daughter of the late Harmon and Abbie (Roseberry) Colby. Gertrude Colby and Ernest E. Hurn were married May 4, 1926 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. They moved to Bad Axe in 1956. He preceded her in death on November 21, 1985. Gertie was an avid bowler. She loved gardening, canning and spending time visiting with her family and friends. Surviving are one son, Chet Hurn, of Fenton; two grandsons, Dan Clarke, of Edmond, Oklahoma and Randy Clarke and his wife, Shirley, of East Pointe; one great- granddaughter, Pamela Clarke, of Clinton Township; two great-great-grandsons, Christopher and Rhyan Clarke, both of Clinton Township; three brothers, Chester, Harmon, and Terry Colby; and one sister, Mae Meyers. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Penny Hurn and Serena Clarke; and one sister, Lavona Stamps. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2005, at H. W. Weitenberner Funeral Home, Bad Axe. The Rev. Jerry Sutton, pastor of the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church, will officiate. Private burial will follow at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Bad Axe Little League or Courtney Manor. Mary Irish Mary Rettig Irish, a devoted wife whose passion for motherhood paralleled a life devoted to friendship and philanthropy, died Sunday, January 23, 2005, after a long battle with cancer. She was 59. Mrs. Irish was married for 38 years to George B. Irish, president of Hearst Newspapers. They maintained homes in New York City and in Plano, Texas, the Dallas suburb where their two daughters and grandchildren reside. "Families relocate often in the newspaper business," said Jeff Cohen, editor of the Houston Chronicle and a long-time family friend. "Mary embraced the challenge each time. She became involved in the community and always developed a wide circle of interesting friends." As an adult, Mrs. Irish lived in eight cities. She was an enthusiastic traveler who spent much of her free time on trips that took her to four continents. She was an avid tennis player and golfer, and her gardening talent continually amazed her friends and family. One of her greatest pleasures came from the support of charitable organizations, especially those involved with education. "Mary had a compassionate heart for others who didn't have the financial ability to attend a Catholic school," said Kathy Boukissen, director of development at St. Joseph Catholic High School in Fremont, Ohio, which Mrs. Irish attended and where she endowed a scholarship in the name of her parents. "Even though she wasn't living here, she cared about families who wanted a religious education." In a note to the school explaining her gift, she said she wanted to honor the memory of her parents and their regard for the school their children attended. "Both of them gave so much for others," Mrs. Irish wrote. "While they weren't able to complete their education, they sacrificed for the education of their children and so many others." Friends remembered her as always pleasant and, like her parents, imbued with simple values that stressed putting the needs of others first. "She started every day with a smile," said Janice Freeman, a friend from New York with whom she often walked in Central Park. "She was true to herself, whether she was with a movie star or with Janice Freeman. She was totally devoted to her family - George, her daughters and grandchildren. She would do anything to simplify and facilitate their lives. They came first, she came second." Daughter Sandi Irish said her mother was a source of constant support and inspiration. "She's always been there for us, physically and emotionally," she said. "She's definitely helped us make the right decisions as parents. Through the whole cancer, we've drawn strength." Mrs. Irish was born of German parents in Nachod, Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic, in the waning days of World War II. She and her parents, Mathias Rettig and Anna Illi Rettig, later immigrated to the United States and made their residence in Fremont, where Mrs. Irish and her husband were married in 1966. The Irishes moved to New York in 1993, when her husband was transferred to corporate headquarters and later appointed president of Hearst Newspapers. Mrs. Irish was active in charity work and was a frequent volunteer at the Call Again Thrift Shop in New York City, which benefited Brandeis University. In addition to her husband, George, Mrs. Irish is survived by their two daughters, Sandra Lynn Irish and Christine Marie Irish Sheedy, both of Dallas; a third daughter, Diane Leslie Irish, died in infancy. Other survivors include son- in-law, Malcolm Sheedy; two grandchildren, Carson Matthew Irish and Samuel Joseph Sheedy; and two brothers, Mathias Rettig, of Kent, Ohio, and John Rettig, of Fremont, Ohio. Burial will be in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to either St. Joseph's Central Catholic High School, 702 Croghan Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420, for the Mary Irish Center for Language Arts and Journalism or to the Anointed Hands Hospice, 445 E. FM Road 1382, Cedar Hill, Texas, 76104. Gerald Peter Nickles Gerald Peter Nickles Jr., 52, of Applegate, was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, January 22, 2005, following a four month battle with lymphoma. He fought and lived with courage, with passion and with unfailing optimism. Gerry was born on February 22, 1952 in Detroit to the late Gerard Peter Nickles. The family moved to Port Hope in 1960s. Gerry played football, basketball, baseball and track as a Port Hope Blue Star. In 1970, he graduated and along with his cousins, Glen and Robert Clark, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Gerry was stationed in Hawaii and served as a military policeman and dog handler. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged. Gerry returned to the Port Huron area and began working for Knowlton Distributors. In 1982 he started an 18 year career in By Lo Oil. From 1992 until the time of his death, Gerry was the Properties Manager of the Michigan Waterways Girl Scout Council. In 1983, he married Carol Andreae. Together they raised a family and in 2003 they realized their dream of owning a resort. Greenstone Cottages was opened in 2004. Gerry was a well known community volunteer. He coached AYSO Soccer, youth basketball and football. He built props for the Port Huron Figure Skating and many school functions. In 1995, he was awarded the Huron House Citizen of the Year Award. He was also recognized for his bravery with an award from United Way. Gerry was a lifetime member of the Port Hope Amvets. Gerry is cherished by his wife, Carol; children, Andre' Niven Wiegand and his wife, Joy, of South St. Paul, Minnesota, Adrienne Valentine and Gerard Peter Nickles III of Applegate; grandfather-in-law, Fred Andreae, Sr.; parents-in-law, Fred and Marge Andreae, of Fort Gratiot; sisters, June McIntosh and her husband, Paul, of Rochester, Linda Sehee, of Wichita, Kansas and Penny Guitar and her husband, Fred, of Harbor Beach; sisters-in-law, Patty Lawrence and her husband, Craig, of Fort Gratiot, Jamie Eagen and her husband, Patrick, Jennifer Jowett, of Port Huron, Julie Robinson, of White Lake, and Dr. Margie Andreae and John Kline, of Ann Arbor; uncle, Glen Clark, of St. Clair Shores; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jananne; a niece, Maureen Lawrence; and a nephew, John Sehee. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at Colonial Woods Missionary Church, 3240 Pine Grove Avenue. The Rev. Phil Whetstone, Sr. Pastor and The Rev. Jack Woodburn, Associate Pastor of Colonial Woods Missionary Church, will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer Avenue at 17th Street, Port Huron, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Pallbearers will be James Buckley, Leonard Gerlach, Leigh Klemmer, Franklin Jr. "Chip", Mortimer III, Paul Richter, Marvin Shagena, Frederick Swegles, and David Zdrojkowski. St. Clair County Allied Veterans will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nickles Children Educational Fund or to the Michigan Waterways Girl Scouts. Evelyn M. Pobanz Evelyn M. Pobanz, 85, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2005. She was the beloved wife of Clarence and the dear mother of Keith Pobanz and his wife, Joann, Kenneth Pobanz and his wife, Rita, Marge Baker and her husband, Ken, Kathy Wojciechowski and her husband, Thomas. Sister of Harold Kalin, Rosemarie Groat, Mary Frances Beck, and Bernice Kielan. She also is survived by 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. For information about the time and location of funeral services, please call the Ford Funeral Home, (586) 754-2464. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Ford Funeral Home, 26560 Van Dyke Road, (south of 11 Mile Road or the I-696 expressway) in Center Line. Dorothy Yaroch Dorothy Yaroch, 84, of Ocala, Florida and formerly from Port Austin, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2005. She is survived by two children, Bud and Diane; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Delores Hayes, of South Carolina, and Bernadette Adragna, of Roseville. Tuesday, January 25, 2005 Albert "Al" H. Avers Albert "Al" Avers, 94, formerly of Woodville, Ohio, passed away on Sunday evening, January 23, 2005, at Otterbein-Portage Valley Retirement Village, Pemberville, Ohio, where he had been a resident. He was born in Gibsonburg, Ohio on May 7, 1910 to Theodore and Louise (Lohrbach) Avers. Al married Anna H. Smearsoll on June 14, 1934 in Pemberville, Ohio. She preceded him in death on September 18, 2004. Al was a district representative for Aid Association for Lutherans, now Thrivent, in Appleton, Wisconsin as well working in sales and service for Ohio Sealed Storage in Marysville, Ohio and Standard Oil Company in Toledo, Hicksville, and Woodville, Ohio. Al was also a partner with Pem-Wood Fords Sales in Pemberville, Ohio. He was a member of Solomon Lutheran Church, Woodville, Ohio, where he was elected and served three terms as church trustee, spent 13 years helping with counting money at church, served one term as president and vice president of the Men of the Church. Al also served on the studying and planning committee of the building program of the church, choir member, former Sunday School Superintendent, served three full terms on Woodville City Council, 50 year charter member of Woodville Civic Club, and enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening and woodworking in his spare time. Surviving Al are sons, Robert Avers and his wife, Joyce, of Pickerington, Ohio, Paul Avers, of St. Paris, Ohio; daughters, Marilyn Buchholz and her husband, Gerald, of Harbor Beach, Shirley McKinniss and her husband, Douglas, of Findlay, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Anna Smearsoll and her husband, Paul, of Pemberville, Ohio; and brother, Henry Avers and his wife, Eleanor, of Woodville, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna; parents; grandson, Theodore Avers; brothers, Walter Avers and Richard Avers. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 28, 2005, from Solomon Lutheran Church, Woodville, Ohio. Officiating will be the Rev. William J. Duty and Cindy Getzinger. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Elmore, Ohio. Visitation will be conducted from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Marsh Funeral Home, 201 West Main Street, Woodville, Ohio. There will be additional visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service on Friday at the church. A memorial contribution may be made to Solomon Lutheran School or Solomon Lutheran School Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be sent to www.marshfuneralhomes.com. Peggy M. Smith Peggy M. Smith, 38, of Sandusky, died Sunday, January 23, 2005, at Cooper Covenant Hospital in Saginaw. She was born August 26, 1966 in Bad Axe to Linda Parrish and Thomas Zuraw. She was married to Aron Smith on October 17, 1997. Peggy was employed at the Sanilac Medical Care Facility for six years. She enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, music, and puzzles. She was a graduate of Caro High School. She attended the Deckerville Bible Church. She is survived by her husband, Aron Smith, of Sandusky; one daughter, Courtney Cooklin, of Sandusky; her mother, Linda Parrish and her husband, Robert, of Cass City; her father, Thomas Zuraw; one sister, Michelle Miners and her husband, Danny; two brothers, Brad Zuraw and his wife, Lacrissa, and Chad Zuraw, all of Caro; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2005, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The Rev. Jay Chambers will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe. Wednesday, January 26, 2005 Hazel I. Parker Hazel I. Parker, 81, of Bay City, died Monday evening, January 24, 2005, at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City following a two-month illness. She was born November 15, 1923 in Oak Hill, Ohio, daughter of the late John and Mary (Radabaugh) Leonard. She was married to Willard Woods in 1940. He died in 1975. She then married William Swiastyn in September 1976. He died in April 1991. She then married Raymond Parker in 1993. He preceded her in death in 1994. Hazel had been employed at Automotive Industries in Owendale for more than 25 years. She had resided in the Owendale area before moving to Bay City 12 years ago. Surviving are one son, Raymond Woods and his wife, Darlene, of St. Leonard, Maryland; one daughter, Cathy DeLeon and her husband, Jose, of Bay City; step-children, Roberta and Clive Moore, of Bay City, Wilhelmina Radabaugh, of Caro, Walter and Kaye Swiastyn, of Gagetown, Nick Swiastyn, of Owendale; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Ann Watkins and her husband, Joseph, of Klamath Falls, Oregon; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons, Marvin Woods, Donald Woods; daughter-in-law, Frances Woods; and great-grandson, Donovan Woods; and eight brothers and sisters. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2005, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. John Heim will officiate with burial to be in Grant Township Cemetery near Gagetown. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home in Sebewaing. Thursday, January 27, 2005 Beverly Jean Collick Beverly Jean Collick, 65, of Port Austin, died Wednesday, January 26, 2005, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. She was born March 8, 1939 in Detroit, daughter of the late Clare and Amelia M. Burgess Schempp. Beverly married Robert Collick on April 4, 1959 in Redford. Beverly and her husband bought a house in Port Austin in 1977. After retiring in 2000, they moved from Clawson to make Port Austin their home. She always enjoyed spending time with her family. Beverly is survived by her husband of 45 years, Robert W. Collick, of Port Austin; three children, Deborah Carpenter and her husband, David, Randy Collick and his wife, Lori, and Steven Collick and his wife, Kristin; eight grandchildren, Courtney, Lindsey, and Evan Carpenter, Emily, Allison, and Annie Collick, and Joseph and Rachel Collick; sister Barbara Zielinski and her husband, Dennis; and brother-in-law, Leonard Taglivia. She was preceded in death by her sister, Gayle Taglivia. Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2005, at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. There will also be a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Scholastica Catholic Church, 8001 West Outer Drive in Detroit. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Knoblock Funeral home in Kinde, and at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church in Detroit. At the family's request, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Michigan. Louise E. Nickel Louise E. Nickel, 77, of Deckerville, died Wednesday, January 26, 2005, in Select Specialty Hospital in Saginaw. She was born April 9, 1927, the daughter of the late James and Nina (Bowerman) Williamson. She married Carl H. Nickel on October 8, 1949 in Palms. He preceded her in death on April 19, 2004. She was an avid dish and teddy bear collector. Louise loved to spend her winters in Florida and vacation with her husband, Carl. She spent her life helping her husband farm and raising her children. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and shopping. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Carol Roggenbuck and her husband, Cliff, of Port Hope, and Ms. Marsha Nickel, of Deckerville; four grandchildren, Amanda Roggenbuck, of Unionville, and her fiancé, Brian, of Midland, Clifford Carl Roggenbuck, of Fairbanks, Alaska, Justin Faber, of Ubly, and Patrick Patten III and his wife, Nancy, of Deckerville; seven great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; one brother, Wendell E. Williamson and his wife, Lillian, of Deckerville; one sister, Mrs. Beverly Blaine and her husband, Dave, of Carsonville; and a sister-in-law, Jean E. Williamson, of Deckerville. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Winston J. Williamson and Robert A. Williamson; one sister, Mrs. Lois M. Kritzman; four nephews, Robert Sweet, Edwin, Jimmy and Richard Williamson; and one niece, Denise R. Sweet. Funeral services to celebrate the life of Louise E. Nickel will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2005, in St. John's Lutheran Church. Pastor Henry Malone will officiate. Burial will be in Downing Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today and 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday in the Apsey Funeral Home in Deckerville and from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday in the church. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church. Cecilia F. Schad Cecilia F. Schad, 88, of Bad Axe, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2005, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. She was born September 26, 1916, daughter of the late Loretta and Joseph Marciniak. Cecilia was united in marriage to Charles Schad on June 15, 1945. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Charles, of Bad Axe; one son, Harold and his wife, Joan, of Bad Axe; three daughters, Wilma Baer and her husband, Eugene, of Brown City, Shirley Scott and her husband, Richard, of Caro, and Barb Harris, of Bad Axe; 21 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great- grandchildren; one sister, Irene Preba, of Garden City; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine Van Leen; three brothers, Walter, Sigmond, and Edward; and two sisters, Helen and Jeanette. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2005, at the First Baptist Church in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. Jay Barsaleau. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday with a rosary at 4 p.m. at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 9 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at the church. George S. Torma George S. Torma, 57, of Unionville, died unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, January 26, 2005, at his home. He was born July 22, 1947 in Bay City, son of Bernice (Nickel) Torma and the late Steve Torma. George was a 1965 graduate of Sebewaing High School. He was united in marriage to Leah Vliet on May 7, 2000 in North Branch. He had been a life-long farmer in the Unionville area and also had been employed at Wal-Mart in Caro in the Sporting Goods Department. He was a member of the Gateway Sportsmen's Club in Unionville and the Amateur Trapshooting Association. Surviving besides his wife, Leah, are two sons, Mark Torma and his wife, Dorice, of Sebewaing, and John Torma and his wife, Karrie, of Shelby Township; his mother, Bernice Torma, of Unionville; one granddaughter, Corinn Faith Torma; step-children, Glen Vliet and his wife, Lori, of Sebewaing, Robin Bechtel and her husband, Larry, of Clio, Fay Jensen and her husband, Randy, of North Branch; two step-granddaughters, Brandy Smith, of Clio, and Krista; three step-grandsons, Seth and Tyler Vliet, of Sebewaing, and Travis; also several aunts. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 28, 2005, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. Arthur Stone will officiate with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home in Sebewaing. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Sebewaing. Friday, January 28, 2005 Bethann Gaszczynski Bethann Gaszczynski, 49, of Cass City, died Thursday, January 27, 2005, in a house fire. She was born February 15, 1955 in Port Huron to Robert and Mary (Stacy) Umbreit. She married Michael Gaszczynski on April 15, 1994 in Cass City. Bethann was a CNA and worked at Harbor Beach Community Hospital for over eight years. She enjoyed crafts including scrapbooking. Bethann was a great cook. She was an active member of Novesta Church of Christ and their Helping Hands Ministry. Bethann loved her grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor and would light up the room. She was very giving and was there for everybody with her open heart. Bethann is survived by her husband, Michael; children, Jenny Messing and her husband, Randy, of Minden City, Julie Perkins and her husband, Chris, of Cass City, Jason Cortez, of Vassar; step- children, Charity Estrada and her husband, Manuel, of Denver, Colorado, Lindsey Gaszczynski, of Cass City; grandchildren, Kayla, Jordan, Gavin, Joshua, Hailey, Noah, Brittney, Brandon, Alicia, Kylie, Chelsea, Nick; brothers, Ronnie Umbreit, of Forestville, and Robert Umbreit, of Saline; sister, Tammy Cleland and her husband, Ronald, of Saline; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Janie Clink; mother, Mary Umbreit; and father, Robert Umbreit, who died in the fire with Bethann. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 31, 2005, in Novesta Church of Christ with Chuck Emmert officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, and from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday in the church. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Robert George Umbreit Robert George Umbreit, 86, of Cass City, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 27, 2005, in a house fire in his daughter's home. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2005, at Novesta Church of Christ with Chuck Emmert officiating. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Kelly Kinyon Kelly Kay Hunley Kinyon, 36, of Harbor Beach, passed away in Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, January 26, 2005. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2005, in Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Cremation will follow in Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. A complete obituary will be in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune or by viewing RamseyFH.Com. Betsy R. Lemanski Betsy R. Lemanski, 62, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2005, in Courtney Manor Nursing Center, Bad Axe, following a short illness. Born in Harbor Beach on September 26, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Milton and Agnes (Whipping) Rees. On October 20, 1962, Betsy and Daniel A. Lemanski were united in marriage in Our Lady of Lake Huron Church, Harbor Beach. Betsy was a former employee of the Milford Elementary and High Schools and for the past nine years was an employee of the Harbor Beach District Library. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, the Altar Society and the Loving Ties Quilters. Betsy was loving and kind to everyone. She loved her flowers, garden and pets and the fresh country/farm air. She especially enjoyed exchanging flowers with her brother Will and Doug. Betsy is survived by her husband, Daniel A. Lemanski, of Harbor Beach; children, Terese Roberts and her husband, Craig, of South Portland, Maine, and Daniel S. Lemanski and his wife, Becky, of Rockford; six grandchildren, Meagan, Sarah, Kristen, Anthony Lemanski, and Andrew and Grace Roberts; two sisters, Renattah Brenner and her husband, Michael, of Novi, and Nancy Sobczak and her husband, Joseph, of Linden; brother, Douglas Rees and his wife, Donna, of Harbor Beach; sister-in-law, Suzanne Rees, of Bad Axe. She was preceded in death by two infant daughters in 1963 and 1965; and a brother, Willard Rees. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2005, in St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Helena with Fr. Steven Gavitt officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. An Altar Society Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. today and a scripture service by the Rev. Theresa Cutler will be at 8 p.m. today in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Verna F. Sperkowski Verna F. Sperkowski, 90, of Ubly, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2005, at the Fr. Murray's Nursing Home of Centerline. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2005, at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. There will be a Christian Mothers rosary at 3 p.m., a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. and a Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 8:30 p.m., all on Sunday at the funeral home. A complete obituary will be in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune. 1