HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning November 5, 2006 Contributed 2006 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, November 5, 2006 John A. Peruski Mr. John A. Peruski, 63, of Ubly, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2006, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. John was born September 13, 1943 in Parisville to the late Sylvester and Frances (Balcer) Peruski. He attended St. Mary Elementary School in Parisville. John was a well known area welder. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends. John is survived by one brother, Arthur Peruski, of Minden City; two sisters, Rose Mary Peruski and Margaret Peruski, both of Minden City; two aunts, Susie Peruski, of Bad Axe, and Betty Lewandowski, of Detroit; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by one infant sister, Joann Peruski. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2006, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. The Rev. Jerzy Dobosz, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. Arrangements are being handled by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Christine L. Witherspoon Our loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Christine L. Witherspoon, of Bay City, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 28, 2006, at the age of 58 years. She was born June 19, 1948 in Bad Axe. Chris was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She received a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, her master's degree from University of Maryland and she retired from the University of Maryland as the director of administrative services. She was a research librarian at the James-O-Hall Research Center for the Surratt Society. Chris was passionate about cooking, Civil War History, and especially her great-nephew, Darien. She also enjoyed spending time with her craft group friends from Bay City and Maryland. Chris is survived by her father and stepmother, Louis and Helen Witherspoon, of Port Austin; one sister, Barbara (Daniel) Gudschinsky; two nieces, Tracy Gudschinsky and Nicole Gudschinsky; and one great- nephew, Darien King, all of Bay City. The family would like to extend a special thank you to her special loving friend, Jan Reinig. She was predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Witherspoon, on August 27, 1994; and one nephew, Michael Gudschinsky. A Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2006, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Celebrant will be the Rev. Fr. Robert S. Gohm. At the request of Christine, cremation has taken place and her ashes will be buried in Floral Gardens Cemetery. The family will be present at the church on Thursday to meet family and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial cards for the wishes of the family will be available. Arrangements are being made by Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. in Bay City. Monday, November 06, 2006 Murrell Kilburn Murrell Kilburn, 65, of Deford, died Friday, November 3, 2006, at home. He was born August 16, 1941 in Perry County, Kentucky to Carl and Frances (Eversole) Kilburn. He married Evelyn R. Wedge on June 18, 1970 in Holly. Murrell served in the US Navy on the USS Iwo Jima. He worked for General Motors for ten years. Murrell was a dairy farmer. He enjoyed hunting and working on remodeling projects around the house. Murrell is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Mark Kilburn, of Deford, James (Beth) Kilburn, of Unionville, Ruth Kilburn, of Grand Rapids, Charles Stevens, of Deford, Jim (Jen) Kilburn, of Klamath Falls, Oregon; grandchildren, Alexis, Nicholas, Lydia, Kayla, Jim and Miqail Kilburn; brothers, Jess (Retha) Kilburn, of White Lake, Ira Kilburn, of Pontiac; sister-in-law, Linda Kilburn, of Pontiac; nieces and nephews, Terry Kilburn, Rick Kilburn, Vicky Lynn Leinonen, Michelle Golus, Tracy Kilburn, Randy Kilburn, Jeremy Kilburn, Rhonda Rogers, Ramona Prime, Rod Grant, Russ Grant, and Renee Bredow. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, with Pastor David Mercer, of Deford Community Church, and Pastor Stu Roy officiating. Interment will take place in Kingston Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City. Memorials may be made to Deford Christian Academy. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Tuesday, November 7, 2006 Grace H. Aardal Grace H. Aardal, 81, of Howell since 1973, died Sunday, November 5, 2006. She was born July 6, 1925 in Ubly, the daughter of Ernest and Laura (Jerges) Hagen. Grace graduated from Michigan State University in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She retired from the Livingston County Press after 20 years employment and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are her beloved husband, Paul W. Aardal Sr., whom she married April 18, 1958 in Detroit; dear children, Paul (JeriAnn) Aardal Jr., of Seville, Ohio, Harold (Barbara) Aardal, of Williamsburg, and Kristen (Doug) Stout, of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Kaylin, Anna, Duncan, Sarah, Aidan and Lily; and brothers, Bryce (Betty) Hagen, of Ubly, and Wallace (Sonia) Hagen, of Caseville. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Fred and Clare. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2006, at MacDonald's Funeral Home, Howell (517-546-2800). The Rev. Lori Carey will officiate. Burial will be in Valley Cemetery, Ubly. Visitation is from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Guy A. Currence Guy A. Currence, 85, of Port Hope, passed away Monday, November 6, 2006, at his home with hospice care. Born in Mill Creek, West Virginia on May 19, 1921, he was the son of the late Earl and Icie (Salisbury) Currence. On June 16, 1940, Guy and Mildred Height were united in marriage in Monteray, Virginia. Mildred preceded Guy in death on July 9, 2005. Guy was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. He was a retired employee of Chrysler Corporation in Warren retiring in 1981 after working 30 years. He was an active member of the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Harbor Beach. He is survived by his children, Stephen Currence and his wife, Barbara, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Gerry Currence and his wife, Patricia, of Deckerville, Ronald Currence and his wife, Diane, of New Baltimore, Danny Currence, of Thailand, Keith Currence and his wife, Eva, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Krystal Susan and her husband, Richard, of Royal Oak. Also surviving is a sister, Twila Currence, of Baltimore, Maryland.; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Besides his wife, Guy was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy; and two brothers, Glen and Harold. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2006, in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, with the Rev. Dennis Cupery, pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Gertrude M. Hinchman Gertrude M. Hinchman, 93, of Caseville, died Sunday, November 5, 2006, at her daughter's home in Dearborn after a lengthy illness. Gertrude was born February 20, 1913 in Detroit to the late George and Rose (Hoffmeyer) Eitel. She married Harvey H. Hinchman on June 8, 1946 in Detroit. She retired from Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn and moved permanently to Caseville in 1974. While in Caseville, she worked at the Bella Vista. She was a proud charter member of the Caseville Eagles' Auxiliary No. 3690. She will be remembered at the Eagles for her volunteering during funeral luncheons and for getting Monday night euchre organized. But her happiest times were spent with her family; she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Gertrude is survived by her daughters, Shirley and her husband, John Hertza, and Linda and her husband, Bill Graves, both of Dearborn; her son, Harvey and his wife, Debora, of Livonia; grandchildren, Tina (Walter), John (Shawna), Bill, Tim, Holly, Erin and Desireé; and a great-granddaughter, Alivia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; brothers, George and Harold; and sisters, Edna, Arvilla, Lillian, Shirley and Eleanor. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Caseville Eagles' John McDonald Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be shared online at www.cfcCaseville.com. Barbara A. Jamieson Barbara A. Jamieson, 77, of Owendale, died Tuesday, November 7, 2006, at Tendercare of Cass City. She was born April 24, 1929 in Owendale, daughter of the late Charles and Frieda (Engelhard) Edler. She was united in marriage to Dale Jamieson on July 31, 1948 in Linkville. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2002. Barb had been employed at the Rapson's Market in Gagetown for several years. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Linkville. She enjoyed canning, baking and gardening. Surviving are two daughters, two sons and their spouses, Linda and Jim Roe, of Gagetown, Joanne and John Rinke, of Fenton, Larry Jamieson, of Arlington, Virginia., David and Mary Jamieson, of Owendale; nine grandchildren, Lisa Halleck, Allen Roe, Tiffany, Jeremy, Devin, Spencer and Dylen Jamieson, Justin and Lauren Rinke; also one brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Gerry Edler. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2006, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Linkville. The Rev. Lee C. Wenskay will officiate with burial in Grant Township Cemetery near Gagetown. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. She will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Building Fund. Esther O. Liedke Esther O. Liedke, 84, resident of Harbor Beach and formerly of Port Hope, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2006, at the Port Huron Hospital. She was born June 27, 1922 in Port Hope, to the late Albert C. and Ottilda H. (Arndt) Liedke. She was united in marriage to Alfred James Liedke on June 12, 1943 in the Trinity Lutheran church in Bloomfield Township. Mrs. Liedke was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Port Hope, Ladies Aid, and the Missionary League. She was a past 4-H leader and Sunday School teacher. She was an avid quilter who loved sewing and playing cards, especially euchre. She is survived by her husband, Alfred J. Liedke, of Harbor Beach; one son, Donald J. (Lois) Liedke, of Filion; two daughters, Carol A. (Jack) Ellsworth, of Oscoda and Eileen J. (Bob) Johnson, of Filion; one brother, Edwin (Esther) Zick, of Harbor Beach; one sister, Beatrice Carson, of Harbor Beach; seven grandchildren, Sheila (Kris) Foster, of Indiana, Michelle (John) Plachta, of Freeland, Naomi (Kevin) Kellems, of Battle Creek, Nicole Johnson and her fiancé, David, of Filion, James Johnson, of Grand Rapids, Rebecca Liedke, of Glendale, California, and Kathryn Liedke, of Filion; four great grandchildren, Jacob, Allison, Aimee and Kole; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at noon on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope. The Rev. Eilers will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the MacAlpine Funeral Chapel in Bad Axe and at 11 a.m. until the time of the service at noon on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be offered to the St. John Lutheran Parsonage Window Fund. Wednesday, November 8, 2006 Shaun M. Fiebig Shaun M. Fiebig, 21, of Sebewaing, died unexpectedly Monday, November 6, 2006, in Plainwell. He was born October 11, 1985 in Saginaw, son of Earl Fiebig and Deborah McQueen. Shaun was a 2004 graduate of Owendale-Gagetown High School. He was a student at Michigan Career Technical Institute in Plainwell studying computer office automation. He enjoyed sailing and especially spending time with his family. Surviving are his parents, Earl and June Fiebig, of Sault Ste. Marie, mother, Deborah Stewart, of Pontiac; three brothers, Jamie Fiebig, of Sumter, North Carolina, Christopher Fiebig, of Flint, Bradley Fiebig, of Essexville; one sister, Cherie (Chris) Fox, of Bay City; aunt, Diane Warack, with whom he made his home; grandmothers, Rena Wood, of Flint, Eilene (Glen) Ward, of Sebewaing; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2006, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. Bill Wright will officiate with cremation to follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 10 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home in Sebewaing. Frank X. Lerash Frank X. Lerash, 85, of Bad Axe, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at Huron Medical Center after a short illness. He was born April 24, 1921 in Kinde, son of the late Frank and Hattie (Miller) Lerash. Frank started in business at the age of 16 when he purchased a flatbed truck and started hauling logs. Frank's career was on hold while he joined the Army in November 1942. After serving in the European Theater including Normandy, France, Ardennes, and the Rhineland, he was discharged in November 1945. Returning from the war, he married his childhood sweetheart, Helen Smith, on January 2, 1946. Working for Hugh Smith Lumberyard and as a truck driver he soon started his own business, Lerash Market, in 1959. In 1969, Frank purchased the Franklin Inn from the then owner, Frank Kladzyk, and continued to grow it into a major restaurant and motel. On January 4, 1999, the Franklin caught fire and burned to the ground. Frank refused to take this lying down and immediately began drawing his own blueprint to rebuild. Without the help of an architect, Frank drew his own prints and had the Franklin rebuilt bigger and better than ever. Over his career, he owned businesses in Pigeon, Elkton, Caseville, and Bad Axe. He served over 25 years on the city council and a short time as mayor. Frank enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, always looking for easy targets for a euchre game. Frank is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; son, Pat (Holly) Lerash, of Bad Axe; son, Paul (Cathy) Lerash, of Bad Axe; daughter, Lora (Dick) Humbarger, of St. Clair; daughter, Susan (Bruce) Smith, of Kalamazoo; several grandchildren, Frank, Amy, Tricia, Cheryl, Amber, Morgan, Al; and three great- grandchildren; three sisters, Margaret Byarski and her husband, Karl, of Kinde, Rose Meagher, of Port Austin, Alice Gottschalk, of Kinde; and one brother, Edward Lerash, of Bad Axe. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2006, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. A wake scripture will be offered at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be donated to area Toys for Tots, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or Thumb Animal Shelter. Thursday, November 9, 2006 Erma Reno Draves Erma Reno Draves, RN, joined her family and friends in the loving arms of our Lord on Saturday, October 28, 2006. She was born January 23, 1915 in Pinnebog. Erma moved to Detroit where she earned her RN degree and met her husband, Edward F. Draves, MD, who has preceded her in death. She had many careers over her lifetime. She raised three natural children and many foster children. When Edward retired from his practice, they became the doctor and nurse for the Detroit Racetrack, taking care of all the racing personnel and customers who came to the track. When she learned Disney was coming to Central Florida, they moved there and over the course of 10 years, bought and sold more than 1,000 acres around the Disney area. Erma and Edward loved to buy a piece of property, get it rezoned, start to develop it and then sell it. One Christmas, she bought Edward a chain saw and he gave her a bush hog. When they retired from land development, they moved to Maggie Valley, North Carolina where she taught painting and rug braiding. She moved to Longwood, North Carolina in 1996 where she continued to give painting lessons. She is survived by her son, Edward F. (Glenda) Draves Jr., Michael (Judy) Draves, and Mary Scott; grandchildren, Michael M. Draves, Lisa Draves, Heather Draves Lorenz, Edward F. (Colleen) Draves III; and great-grandchildren, Abigail and Matthew Draves. Erma was a woman who loved life and lived a full one. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could make anyone laugh. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Throughout her life she lived as a lay minister as part of the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis. The Third Order consists of people who, through following ordinary professions, are called to a dedicated life of service to our Lord through prayer, study and work. A Memorial Mass has taken place with interment on the Campus of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. According to her wishes, in lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to your local school for art supplies or to the Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs. Danny Bruce Gee Mr. Danny Bruce Gee, 61, of Cass City, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2006, at Covenant Medical Center Cooper, Saginaw. Danny was born November 5, 1945 in Grand Rapids, the son of Bruce and Patricia (Hollowell) Gee. Danny enjoyed fishing and hunting at the Danny Gee Club Deer Camp in Current. He loved anything about trains, models as well as full-scale trains, and was a volunteer fireman with Elkland Township for 30 years. He is survived by his children, Danny (Dorie) Gee, of Cass City, Debbie (Jesus) Rivera, of Florida, Dean (Kendra) Gee, of Elkton, and Dawn Gee, of Ubly; 16 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; three step great grandchildren; his fiancée, Sue Werschky, of Cass City; his mother, Patricia Gee, of Arizona; two sisters, Pamela Auvil, of Pennsylvania, and Kelly Gee, of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce; and grandson, Timothy. A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2006, at Thabet Funeral Home, 6255 Main Street, Cass City, with Pastor Mike Goforth, of Calvary Baptist Church, Caseville, officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Caseville. Elizabeth King Elizabeth King, 43, resident of Saginaw, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 7, 2006, at Covenant Health Care, Saginaw. Mrs. King was born May 6, 1963 in Toledo, Ohio. She married Gary King and they lived in Harbor Beach for a number of years and also in Caseville. She enjoyed quilting and making Barbie doll dresses and crafts. She attended Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Harbor Beach. Surviving are her husband, Gary; two daughters, Elizabeth Maurer and her special friend, Mark Cooper, of Saginaw, and Victoria Maurer, of Pigeon; four sons, Thomas Maurer and his fiancée, Lennette Smith, of Bad Axe, Steven Maurer, Ralph Maurer, and Harold Maurer, of Bad Axe; one step-son, Jeremy Maurer, of Bad Axe; one brother, George H. Moore, of Dallas, Texas; five sisters, Pearl Emily Hanson, of Bad Axe, Veronica McNeil (Gary Jr.), of Harbor Beach, Susie Deshotel (Bobby), of Kaplan, Louisianna, Evelyn Hall and her special friend, Jeff Boyce, of Harbor Beach, Cindy Soper (Dan), of Hope Mill, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Jazmine, Zachary and Stephanie; a special niece, Emily Deshotel; and a host of additional nieces and nephews survive. She was preceded in death by a stepson, John Maurer Jr.; grandmothers, Leona Spurgeon and Mary Veronica Grolla; grandpa, Joseph Grolla; and a special nephew, Patrick D. Kubiak. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2006, from the MacAlpine Funeral Chapel, Bad Axe. The Rev. Dennis Cupery, Pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, will officiate. Interment will take place at Grant Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday at MacAlpine Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Floyd E. Diem Floyd E. Diem, 72, resident of Lake Township near Oak Beach, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2006, at his home. (See last week for his obituary.) Please join the family for a memorial and celebration of Floyd's life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at Bay Port Community of Christ, 755 Orr Street, Bay Port. Pastor Ervin Haley will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Community of Christ or to Thumbs Up For Kids. MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe is handling the arrangements. Friday, November 10, 2006 Helen Perdue Mary Helen Perdue, 78, of Minden City, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at the Huron County Medical Center in Bad Axe following a short illness. She was born October 31, 1928 to the late Sherman and Lela (Hartley) Farmer. Mary was a devoted christian, mother, wife, sister and friend. She enjoyed watching baseball, playing cards, cooking, reading and watching movies. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran in Forestville. She will be missed by her husband, Thomas Perdue, of Minden City; her children, Richard Harp, David (Tamara) Harp, and Mary Harp, all of Harbor Beach, Deborah (Mel) Bac, of Highland, Daniel (Karen) Harp, of West Bloomfield, Paul Harp, of Saginaw, Kathleen Perdue and her special friend, Richard Kain, of Minden City; nine grandchildren, Lindy Harp, Sarah (David) Jordan, Timothy Harp, Rebecca Harp, Emily Harp, Jason Barc, Victoria Harp, Daniel Harp and Elizabeth Harp; three great grandchildren, Vincent Wolschleger, Savannah, and Cal Jordan; sisters, Delores Wancha, and Margaret (John) York; sister-in-law, Leona Muter; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Farmer; sister, Gloria Fitzgerald; sisters-in-law, Betty Perdue, Dorothy Perdue, Rose Pomerantz and Susan Navock; and brothers-in-law, William Perdue, Forest Muter, Stanley Navock, Walt Pomerantz and Chuck Wancha. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at the MacAlpine Funeral Chapel in Bad Axe. Burial will be in New River Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. 1