HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning April 16, 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 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, April 16, 2006 Lois J. Bruderick Lois J. Bruderick, 73, of Elkton, died Good Friday morning, April 14, 2006, at Huron Medical Center. She was born July 15, 1932 in Detroit to Genevieve (Smith) Holcomb and the late Vernon Holcomb. They moved to Cass City when she was 9 years old and to Elkton two years later where she lived the rest of her life. On August 7, 1954, she was united in marriage to Raymond Bruderick at the Elkton Methodist Church. With her children in school, she began working as a paraprofessional at Elkton Elementary in 1967 retiring 25 years later in 1992. Lois was a member of the Elkton United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Laker Athletic Boosters, selling tickets at school sporting events for many years. She enjoyed getting together with her friends to play cards and travel with them on bus tours all over the United States. She also enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. Surviving are three children, Diane (Brad) McIlhargie, of Lake Township, Gayle (Fredrick) Reynolds, of Elkton, and Dave (Robin) Bruderick, of DeLand, Florida; eight grandchildren, Sarah (Ben) Hartwick, Jennifer Wright, Abigail McIlhargie, Natalie, Erin, Melanie Reynolds, Tommy Savage and Kelly Bruderick; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Melody; her mother, Genevieve Holcomb, of Elkton; and her very special friend, Eldon Dietzel, of Owendale. Preceding her in death was a brother, Lowell Holcomb. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at the Elkton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Pete Crawford, pastor, will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton, and at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the church. Words of condolence may be left at www.cfcElkton.com Mary I. Bursick Mary I. Bursick, 100, died Thursday morning, April 13, 2006, at Huron Medical Center. She was born January 18, 1906 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Ande and Mary (Tartarka) Barabas. Mary spent her early childhood in Youngstown where her father worked in the steel mills. In her late teens, the Barabas family moved to the Owendale area. Mary began working for $3 a week at the George Neinstedt Hotel (now the Hitching Post) in Elkton at age 13, when her father became ill and subsequently died in 1923 making her the sole support of the family. The family moved to Pigeon where Mary met Adam Harry Bursick, whom she married on November 24, 1927 at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church. During the 1930s, Mary managed the Sol Schlucter grocery store before moving to a farm in Oliver Township in 1938. She subsequently worked in Pigeon for Joe Maust's Supermarket, the Niebel Brothers Grocery Store, the Gamble Store, and finally the Reimann Snyder Furniture Store, Pigeon. She retired from the furniture store about 1976 after working there for nearly 15 years. Mary lived on the farm in Elkton after retirement until 1991 when she moved to Imlay City while recovering from hip surgery to be nearer her daughter's family. In 2003, at age 97, Mary moved to Country Gardens in Pigeon, and then last year to Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. During her retirement years, Mary enjoyed traveling to the Canadian Rockies, and to Montreal, and she especially enjoyed her four grandchildren who spent many summer days with her on the farm. She was a lifetime member and the oldest member of St. Francis Borgia Parish and the Altar Society. Surviving are her daughter, Dolores (Jim) Walker, of Imlay City; four grandchildren, James (Caren) Walker, of West LaFayette, Indiana, Peggy (Pete) Ondersma, of Capac, Ann (Bruce) Downey, of Capac, and Paul (Beth) Walker, of Imlay City; six great-grandchildren, James, Michael, Mark, Cristen, Logan and Savannah; two sisters, Helen Schledjeski and Margaret (Bill) Buchholz, of Rochester Hills; her sister-in- law, Myrna Barabas, of Vassar; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Pigeon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be after 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the church, where a Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be directed to the church. Those unable to attend may sign the guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Albert W. Elliott Albert W. Elliott, 75, of Flint, died Saturday, April 15, 2006, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born in Huron County on May 16, 1930 to the late Wallace and Josephine (Schmidt) Elliott. He attended country schools before going to the city for work, eventually becoming employed at General Motors in 1953, where he worked until retiring in 1993. On August 27, 1955, he married Erma Dorsch, of Elkton, at the Hayes Methodist Church. The family settled in Flint and raised their family there. He enjoyed camping throughout the state, fishing, tinkering and fixing whatever came his way, and helping wherever he could. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Al is survived by his wife, Erma; daughters, Mary Ann (Martin) Carry, of Grand Blanc, and Nancy (Richard) Buck, of Flint; grandchildren, Brian Wagner and Megan Carry; brother, James (Ardith) Elliott, of Clio; sisters, Hazel (Fred) LeGrow, of Bay City, Anna (Willard) Creuger, of Caseville, and Bernice (Ronald) Spindler, of Beaverton. He was preceded in death by his brothers, William, Wallace Jr., Henry, and Duard; and sisters, Mary Fleming and Helen Running. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home, Gage Chapel, in Kinde, with the Rev. Douglas Mater officiating. Burial will be in Colfax Township. Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. Patricia Georges Patricia Georges, 90, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2006. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles; loving mother of Byron, George, and Maria; dear grandmother of Sophia, Stephanie, and Nicholas. She is also survived by two loving great- grandchildren. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 707 E. Lafayette, Detroit. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the Charles Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe. Memorial contributions in Patricia's name may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Marion Giddings Marion I. Giddings, 97, of Bad Axe, passed away Friday, April 14, 2006, at her home following an extended illness. She was born on February 22, 1909 in Clinton, Ontario, Canada, daughter of the late Harvey and Annie (Stewart) McBrian. She married Wheeler F. Giddings in July 1928. He preceded her in death on May 11, 1996 after 67 years of marriage. She is survived by one son, Larry A. Giddings, and his wife, Kathy Reyering, of Freeport, Maine; one daughter, Lois M. Carroll, of Bad Axe; three grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Stuart McBrian. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Lueke, pastor. Burial will be in Verona Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice or Our Savior Lutheran Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Richard Hunter Richard J. Hunter, 74, of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 10, 2006, after his courageous battle with colon cancer. He was born in Port Austin on June 8, 1931 to John and Alma (Empkie) Hunter. Richard served his country with the U.S. Army and went on to graduate from Michigan State University. Richard was a manufacturer's representative for Johnson & Davisson for 30 years. He was then a co- owner of Shadco and ultimately owner of SMP & Co. He is survived by his wife, Georgia; daughters, Ricky (Larry) Gregerson, of Seattle, Washington, Lisa (Allen) Casteran, of Fishers, Indiana; step-son Andy Cascarelli; step-daughter Julie (Keith) Netzley; brothers, Keith (Sally) Hunter, of Port Austin, and Karl (Phyllis) Hunter, of Jackson; three grandchildren, Kelly, Rob and Jack. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2006, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home in Noblesville, Indiana. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ruth Lilly Hospice of Clarian, P.O. Box 1367, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. Adelle Sobieski Adelle Sobieski, 95, of Port Austin, died Friday, April 14, 2006, at Shelby Nursing Center in Shelby Township. She was born October 12, 1910 in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Peter and Josephine (Chesney) Narkiewicz. She and William Sobieski were married on September 14, 1928 in Hamtramck. He preceded her in death on April 26, 1998 after 69 years of marriage. After owning a cottage in Port Austin since 1953 while living in Detroit, Adelle and her husband retired permanently to Port Austin in 1972. She is survived by three daughters, Delores Kargol, of Mt. Clemens, Leona (Don) Barba, of Mt. Clemens, and Evelyn (Don) Rathjen, of Imlay City; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Sobieski, of Port Austin; 16 grandchildren; 25 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary; and her great-grandson, Donnie. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Arrangements are being handled by the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Alma Stephens Alma E. Stephens, 85, of Sebewaing, died Thursday, April 13, 2006, at Seasons Change A.F.C. Home in Bay Port following a brief illness. She was born September 28, 1920 in Sebewaing, daughter of the late Leonard and May (Wunsch) Meyer Sr. She was married to Terry E. Pitcher in 1939. He preceded her in death in 1979. She then married Vernon Stephens on August 21, 1989. He died March 20, 2005. Alma had been employed at the Caro State Regional Center for many years before retiring in 1981. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and had been very active in the Mary Martha Guild. Surviving are one daughter, Karyl (Philip) Cole, of Traverse City; one son, Terry (Jane) Pitcher, of Mesa, Arizona; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Leah (Frank) Heiman, of Sebewaing; one step-daughter, Dianne Gollnast, of Clio; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five brothers, David, Arthur, Leonard, Ferdinand, and Walter Meyer; and two sisters, Anna Koch and Emily Gschwind. The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2006, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in New Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Justin Watt Justin E. Watt, 76, of Caseville, died Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at his daughter's home in Jeddo. He was a retired police chief of White Lake Township and retired Detroit police lieutenant. He was the beloved husband of Katherine; loving father of James (Debora), Daniel, Cecilia (Robert) Dearing, and the late Virginia and Justin P. He is survived by 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. He was the brother of Catherine Odom, Marion Thomson and Jim. A Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 17, 2006, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Detroit. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at Sajewski Funeral Home, Inc., 19111 W. Warren Avenue, Detroit, and at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the church. Cremation will take place. Nancy Jane Angle Nancy J. Angle, 67, of Deford, died after a long illness Saturday, April 15, 2006, in her home. She was born October 23, 1938 in Detroit to Elmer and Avis (Muszall) Green. She married Marshall George Angle, Sr. on April 6, 1963. They recently celebrated their 43rd anniversary. Nancy worked for the Kroger grocery store in Lapeer as a clerk/cashier for 17 years. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for nine years. Nancy raised Shetland Sheep Dogs for ten years. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and was chairman of the Altar Society. Nancy is survived by her husband, Marshall; children, Marshall Angle, Jr., of Deford, Robert (Cynthia) Angle, Sr., of Gagetown, Jay Angle, of Sandusky, Betsy Huggins, of Oolawa, Tennessee, Jody Leach, of Bay City, Alan (Tamara) Angle, of Madison, Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Ann Fairbanks, of Oolawa, Tennessee; a brother, William (Helen) Green, of Fenton; many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gerald Meyer officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City and from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Altar Society or American Cancer Society. Family and friends may share memories, prayers, and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Irene A. Tracy Irene A. Tracy, 88, of Cass City, died after a long illness on Saturday, April 15, 2006, in Tendercare Nursing Facility, Cass City. She was born July 22, 1917 in Cass City to Theodore and Effie (Brown) Hendrick. She married Raymond O'Dell on June 16, 1934 in Wyandotte. He died February 22, 1957. She later married Ivan Tracy October 31, 1970 in Sutton Sunshine United Methodist Church. He died August 21, 1999. During World War II, Irene worked at the Willow Run Bomber Plant, later bought by Kaiser-Frazer, for 11 years total. She was listed on the "Rosy, the Rivitor" list and was the first married woman hired at the plant. She was a member of Sutton Sunshine United Methodist Church since 1967 but had attended since childhood. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, Ellington Almer Farmers Club, Farm Bureau, and Elmwood Quilters Circle. Irene enjoyed traveling in her motor home after her retirement. Irene is survived by her children, Theodore (Donna) O'Dell, of Milan, Raymond (Madonna) O'Dell, of Flat Rock, Duane (Katherine) O'Dell, of Deford, Douglas (Kristine) O'Dell, of Cass City, Karen (James) Bolz, of Milan; 15 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; step children, Carol (Arvel) Shields, of Marlette, Harriet (Ronald) Fox, of Lapeer, Timothy (Sue) Tracy, of Vassar, Anne Tomkins, of Lapeer, Beth (Jerry) Tkach, of Lapeer; 11 step grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren; sisters, Ruth (George) Fisher, of Cass City, Isabelle Whittenburg, of Elsie, Phyllis (Sherwell) Kelly, of New Boston; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, in Sutton Sunshine United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Ellington Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday and 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City and from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Sutton Sunshine United Methodist Church. Family and friends may share memories, prayers, and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Monday, April 17, 2006 William James Bliss, Sr. William J. Bliss, 84, of Cass City, died Saturday, April 15, 2006, in the care of the wonderful staff of Tuscola County Medical Care Facility. He was born April 9, 1922 in Gagetown to John and Pearl (Freeman) Bliss. He married Marjorie J. Tyo on October 30, 1943 in St. Agatha Catholic Church, Gagetown. She died January 15, 2000 after 56 years of marriage. Bill farmed for 21 years with his dad in Gagetown. He operated Bliss Bulk Milk Hauling, Inc., for 36 years. He was a member and usher of St. Pancratius Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus No. 8892. Bill and Majorie enjoyed traveling, especially in Alaska, Florida, and many states out west. He loved to fish and hunt. Bill is survived by his children, William J. (Kathy) Bliss, Jr. of Portage, Robert (Beryl) Bliss, of Cass City, Barbara (Gerald) Generous, of Caro, David (Penny) Bliss, of West Branch, Paul (LaDonna) Bliss, of Cass City, Charles (Tamara) Bliss, of Cass City; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mildred Bliss, of Florida, Jeane Tyo, of Florida; brother-in-law, Jim (Chris) Tyo, of Prudenville. He was preceded in death by twin grandsons, Preston and Patrick Bliss; great-grandson, Dylan Bliss; sister, Vernita (Eugene) Comment; brothers, Patrick (Martha) Bliss and Frank Bliss. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, in St. Pancratius Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Bala, of St. John Chrysostom Catholic Church, Forestville, officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Bliss will be his grandsons, Gregory, Kevin, Kurt, Jeffrey, Todd, Nicholas, Robert Jr., Steven, and Zachary Bliss. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday in St. Pancratius Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to Cass City Little League or Bay Shore Camp. Family and friends may share memories, prayers, and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Norene A. Ohlrogge Norene A. Ohlrogge, 79, of Pigeon, died Thursday evening, April 13, 2006, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility after a lengthy illness with pulmonary fibrosis. She was born March 7, 1927 in Prescott to the late Gilbert and Lavina (Salladay) Warner and grew up in the Prescott area. After high school, she went to Saginaw General School of Nursing, graduating in 1949 as a registered nurse. She met Lawrence Ohlrogge in Saginaw and they were married 56 years ago on January 7, 1950 at Cross Lutheran Church, Pigeon. Norene was a nurse at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon before accepting a position at the Huron County Medical Care Facility for many years. She was member of Townliner's Club and the Saginaw Temple Theater Organ Club. She was a long time member of Cross Lutheran Church, then at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Linkville, and was active in the Women of the Church. Surviving are her husband, Larry; two sons, Kenneth Ohlrogge and his fiancée, Sandy Gress, of Pueblo, Colorado, and Kevin Ohlrogge and his wife, Debbie, of Highland; two step-grandchildren, Anthony Raimondo and Jennifer (Mike) Susan; three step-great-grandchildren, Taylor, Avery and Michael; a sister, Dorothy (Leo) Bergeron, of Prescott; sister-in-law, Elsie Trowbridge, of Pigeon, and nephew, John Trowbridge and his wife, Brigid, of Pigeon, and their children, Aaron, Brandis and Wesley. Preceding her in death was her daughter-in-law, Liz Ohlrogge, on November 18, 2003, and a sister, Loretta Ezzo. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Linkville. The Rev. Lee Wenskay, pastor, will officiate with burial in Cross Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton, and at the church after 10 a.m. on Saturday. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Lutheran Building Fund. Those unable to attend may sign the guestbook at www.cfcElkton.com. Francis L. Mitchell Francis L. "Frank" Mitchell, 65, of Bay City, died Friday, April 14, 2006, at the home of his brother, Ed, in Gagetown following a 1 1/2 year illness. He was born May 12, 1940 in Huron County, son of the late Lloyd and Genevieve (Santhony) Mitchell. He was married to Sharon Lea Carr on November 5, 1977 in Owendale. Frank had been employed as a truck driver for Tandem Transport for several years. He enjoyed NASCAR, euchre, and especially all of his friends. Surviving are his wife, Sharon, of Grayling; children, Shannon (Renee) Mitchell, Sean Mitchell, all of Traverse City, Misty Cummings, of Grayling, Ashlea Mitchell, of St. Helen, and Shaun Schaper, of Minnesota; six grandchildren; one brother, Edward (Sue) Mitchell, of Gagetown; two sisters, Ellen Chiotti, of Swartz Creek, and Shirley Nutt, of Sanford; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Brenda. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. John Heim will officiate with burial in Grant Township Cemetery near Gagetown. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Those planning and expression of sympathy are asked to consider Heartland Hospice. Anne F. Van Saghi Anne F. Van Saghi, 90, of Harbor Beach and formerly of Bad Axe, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at Tendercare of Cass City following an extended illness. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada on January 6, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Catherine Cenaga. Anne and Louis Van Saghi were united in marriage in 1940 in Ohio. Louis preceded her in death on October 29, 1989. Anne enjoyed traveling and bowling and was a retired optometrist assistant. She is survived by her children, Robert Van Saghi and his wife, Lori, of Denver, Colorado. Shirley Stevens and her husband, Ed, of Seaboard, North Carolina,Vicki Faucette, of Rochester, Minnesota, and Connie Jackson and her husband, Robert, of Harbor Beach; eight grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Anne was preceded in death by 14 brothers and sisters. Services for Anne will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Pastor Gene Witte, of the First Baptist Church of Waterville, Minnesota, will officiate. Burial has taken place at Our Lady of Lake Huron Church Cemetery in Harbor Beach. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Charles Parcells Jr. Charles A. Parcells Jr., 86, stock broker, of Grosse Pointe Farms, died Friday, April 14, 2006, at Bon Secours Hospital after suffering a stroke. At age 16, after attending Grosse Pointe Public Schools, Mr. Parcells entered Yale University as a freshman. After graduation (Yale Class of 1940), he served in the Army during World War II as a captain. After the war, he earned an MBA at the University of Michigan, where he met his future wife, Frances Hamilton. He was president of Charles A. Parcells & Company, a Michigan investment banking firm. He served on numerous boards including The Grosse Pointe War Memorial, The Grosse Pointe Library Board, the Respiratory Foundation of Southeastern Michigan, and 50 years as president of The William Lyon Phelps Foundation. He was a founding member of the local singing group called the Grunyons and performed with them for 50 years. He is survived by his children, Charles, Ann, Fred, Kathryn and David; and one grandchild, Claire. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church, 8625 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Charles Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe. Memorial contributions can be made to Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church or to Huron City Museums, 7995 Pioneer Drive, Port Austin 48467. Tuesday, April 18, 2006 Adeline Edna Butler Adeline Edna Butler, 82, of Cass City, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2006, in Tendercare Nursing Facility, Cass City. She was born May 29, 1923 in Unionville to Edward and Mollie (Spangler) Holzwart. She married Francis A. Butler on November 14, 1942 in her parent's home in Unionville. He passed away April 26, 2002 after 59 years of marriage. A lifelong homemaker, Adeline enjoyed quilting and baking. Her braided cinnamon bread will be long remembered. As a member of the Elmwood Sewing Circle, she greatly enjoyed quilting with her friends. Many of her family and friends were grateful recipients of these quilted pieces of her life. Adeline was a champion at word games. She loved crossword puzzles and Scrabble. She almost always won the scrambled word games at showers and parties. As a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Adeline sang with the choir for many years. She taught Sunday School, weekday school, Vacation Bible School, and was a part of many other activities at church, including prayer chain, ladies aid, altar guild and Bible study groups. Adeline is survived by her daughters, Bonnie (Bill) Zeidler, of Cass City, Linda (Ron) Voss, of Deford, Molli (Scott) Hartel, of Caro, Mari (Ken) Lowe, of Cass City, Paula Butler, of Ypsilanti; grandchildren, Ron Voss II, Bill (Amanda) Zeidler, Jr., Beth (Dennis) Rienstra, Rachel (Chad) Perkins, Brandon (Erin) Hartel, Kari Lowe (Jeff Storm), Kevin Lowe, Kyle Lowe; great-grandchildren, Andre', Zachary, Courtney, Mason, Cassandra, Esdin, McCaiden, Douglas, Scott; and one great-great grandson, Keagan; sisters, Dorothy McAlpine, of Fairgrove, Florence Heintz, of Unionville, Ardella (Richard) Berg, of North Carolina, Doris (Lyle) Fritz, of Sebewaing, and Vida (Lawrence) Ewald, of Unionville. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kaye; and sister, Dorlis Nutt; and a brother, William Holzwart. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2006, in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gerald Meyer officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mrs. Butler are grandsons, Ron Voss II, Bill Zeidler, Jr., Brandon Hartel, Kevin Lowe, and Kyle Lowe. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday in the church. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir Fund or Family Discretionary Fund. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Wednesday, April 19, 2006 Henry Donald Hewitt Henry Donald Hewitt, 80, of Sunrise Drive, Caro, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2006, at St. Mary's of Michigan in Saginaw. He was born on April 1, 1926 in Bad Axe. Henry was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from February 1945 through July 1946 in the Sea of Japan aboard the USS LAPORTE. He was a Huron County farmer until the mid 1970's and worked at Sebewaing Industries until he was injured. On July 9, 1983, Henry married the former Lila Scott Judd at the United Methodist Church in Elkton. He was a member of the Methodist faith, the Loyal Order of the Moose-Caro Lodge, and Theron W. Atwood Sr. American Legion Post No. 7. Henry is survived by his wife, Lila; five children, Iola (Jerry) Eby, of Elkton, Henry Donald Hewitt III and his wife, Deborah, of Bad Axe, Beverly Hewitt, of Moline, Illinois, Gwen (Robert) Petres, of Warrenton, Missouri., Beth (David) Peck, of Fayetteville, North Carolina; six step- children, Gerald (Laurene) Judd, of Mayville, Dale (Betty) Judd, of Oakwood, Marlene (Gerald) Simmons, of Otisville, Phillip Judd and his friend, Joyce, of Caro, Larry (Jane) Judd, of Fostoria, Mark (Brenda) Judd, of Fostoria; several grandchildren and great- grandchildren; his siblings, Dorothy (Chuck) Overly, of Newaygo, Harold (June) Hewitt, of Florida, Arlene (Venus) Arnold, of Michigan; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Les Stumpf, in 1986; and a step-grandson, Larry Judd Jr., in 2006. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro with the Rev. Duane Miller officiating. Military Honors will be afforded by Theron W. Atwood Sr. American Legion Post No. 7. Entombment will be at Colfax Cemetery, Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today, from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility or the Caro United Methodist Church. Thoughts and memories can be shared with the family at www.collonfuneralhome.com. Gertrude Rose Partika Gertrude Rose Partika, 96, of Port Austin, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2006, with her family by her side. She was born at the home of her parents in Parisville on March 27, 1910. Gertrude was the daughter of the late Frank and Helen (Shefka) Warczak. Gertrude grew up in Kinde and lived most of her adult life in Port Austin. On October 28, 1929, Gertrude and Irvin Yaroch were united in marriage. He preceded her in death on April 9, 1940. Gertrude married Martin "Papa" Partika on September 11, 1943. He preceded Gertrude in death on October 17, 1986. Gertrude was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin and belonged to The Most Holy Rosary Sodality. Gertrude was a member of the U and I Club where she enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and visiting with her friends. She was an avid Detroit Tiger Fan and loved to travel. Mostly Gertrude enjoyed playing cards and visiting with her family. Mrs. Partika is survived by two sons, Carl Yaroch, of Oak Beach, Mark Yaroch and his wife, Marge, of Bad Axe; one daughter, Carolyn McVey, of Bad Axe; one sister, Edna Hager, of Aurora, Colorado; 11 grandchildren, Sean (Denise) McVey, of Bad Axe, Carrie (Tom) Errer, of Bad Axe, Mike (Linda) Yaroch, of Macomb, Scott Yaroch, of Heartland, Julie (Darrin) Dunn, of Detroit, Colleen (Frank) Oesterling, of Livonia, Pat (Carl) McVey, of Bad Axe, Robert III (Cheryl) McVey, of Greenville, Jeff (Linda) Yaroch, of Clinton Township, and Todd Yaroch, of Macomb, and Marnie Ramsey, of Bad Axe; 13 great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons- in-law, Robert McVey Jr. and David Desrosiers; two sisters, Frances Opton and Margaret Lucik; one grandchild, Matthew Yaroch. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home, Gage Chapel, in Kinde. There will be a scripture at 7 p.m. and sodality rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Michael's Catholic cemetery. Memorials may be offered to St. Michael's Catholic Church or the Huron County Medical Care Facility. Carl Ruth Carl Ruth, 66, of Kingburg, California, died on Wednesday, April 12, 2006, as the result of a semi-tractor accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born January 19, 1940 in Hume Township near Pinnebog to the late Frank and Margaret Ruth. At the age of 17, he joined the Air Force where he served for 23 years. After retiring from the military, he worked as a semi-driver until his death. Surviving are his wife, Elsie; daughter, Debbie and son, David, of California; four brothers, Bernard (Joan) Ruth, of Lapeer, Earl (Jackie) Ruth, of Mio, Donald (Theresa) Ruth, of Hemlock, Leo (Dee) Ruth, of Livonia; four sisters, Ilene (Dale) Johnson, of Bad Axe, Helen Carpenter, of Kinde, Mary Bivens, of Greenville, and Jo Ann (Chuck) Wisenbaugh, of Pigeon. Preceding him in death were his parents, Frank and Margaret Ruth; and two brothers, Francis and Matt Ruth. Cremation has taken place. At the present time, no arrangements have been made for services in Michigan. Thursday, April 13, 2006 Alfred R. Benedetti Alfred R. Benedetti, 79, of Troy, died Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at William Beaumont Hospital in Troy following a lengthy illness. He was born October 24, 1926 in Detroit, son of the late Elivo and Basilia Benedetti. He was united in marriage to Joanne Burton on September 1, 1951 in Detroit. Al had owned and operated the Verona Tile Company in Troy for many years before retiring in 1992. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. They have resided in Troy, the Sebewaing area, and also Fish Point for the last 25 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of the Michigan Duck Hunters Association, Blue Water Chapter and the Fish Point Wild Life Association. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Joanne; two sons, Phillip Benedetti and his wife, Denise, of Grosse Pointe Farms, Allan Benedetti, of Unionville; four grandchildren, Alyssa, Carmen, Sarah, and Emily; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Fred Benedetti. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at the Dinkel- Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. Fr. John Weis will officiate with burial in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery near Bach. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from noon until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. John J. Craig John J. Craig, 80, of Bad Axe, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at Courtney Manor under hospice care with his family at his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 15, 1925 in Lake Township to the late John F. and Isabelle (St. George) Craig. He was a veteran of World War II. John and Lorraine A. Pettit were united in marriage on November 3, 1951 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. John was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. He and Lorraine farmed in Sigel Township for 37 years, retiring in 1990. He had a lifelong interest in car races, antique tractors and implements, restoring John Deere tractors and traveling with his wife and family. He was a charter member of the Thumb Two Cylinder Club and was one of it's most active members. He was instantly recognizable by his ever present cap, plaid shirts and his little wave as he displayed and paraded his restored John Deere tractors at implement shows throughout the county and state. John is survived by and will be greatly missed by Lorraine, his wife of 54 years; and their ten children, Diane Bergey and her husband, Art, of Romeo, Gregory Craig and his wife, Julie (Maurer), of Bad Axe, Laurie Polega and her husband, Dennis, of Kinde, Rodney "Joe" Craig, of Bad Axe, Brian Craig and his wife, Jeanne (Osentoski), of Potterville, Barry Craig, of Berkley, Donna Walsh and her husband, Thomas, of Sebewaing, Mark Craig, of Schoolcraft, Randall Craig and his wife, Anne (Hovanec), of Croswell, Melissa Craig, of Bad Axe; 19 grandchildren, Scott and Bill Morris, Bradley Craig, John (Lynn) and Jami Buchkowski, Stephanie, Kyle and Andrew Craig, Benjamin, Emily and Stuart Craig, Amanda and Terry Walsh, Chelsea, Charlton, Kara and Alec Craig, Danielle and Adam Craig; and one great-grandchild, Josie Buchkowski. Surviving are four brothers, Robert (James) Craig and his wife, Elsie, of Bad Axe, Eugene Craig and his wife, Alice, of Kinde, David Craig and his wife, Marge, of Kinde, Gary Craig, of Lapeer; two sisters, Frances Leneway, of Kinde, and Elaine Smith, of Omer; two sisters-in-law, Mary Craig, of Port Austin, and Evelyn Walsh, of Port Austin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harvey Craig and Kenneth Craig; one sister, Dorothy Gembarski; three brothers-in-law, Wilbur Leneway, Harold Smith, and George Gembarski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be performed at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2006, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rapson, with the Rev. James Carlson presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at Kaufman Funeral Home, Bad Axe, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church. A Scripture service will be at 7:30 p.m. today followed by a rosary recited by St. Joseph Rita Altar Society at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Huron County Right to Life, Heartland Hospice or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rapson. Gerald (Jerry) E. Sprague Gerald "Jerry" E. Sprague, 70, former owner of Elkton Roofing and Siding, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 10, 2006, while on his 12-mile daily bicycle ride. He was born November 2, 1935 in Flint to the late Willard and Frances (Percival) Sprague. They moved to Pinnebog in his youth and later to the Elkton area. Jerry graduated from Elkton High School in 1953. He then attended Central Michigan University for a year before being inducted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. On September 20, 1958, he was united in marriage to Connie Reid in Bad Axe and they made their home in Colfax Township. When he returned home, he worked with his father at Elkton Roofing and Siding. Upon his Dad's retirement, he purchased and owned Elkton Roofing and Siding from 1980 until his retirement in 2001. Jerry enjoyed working on old cars and working in his garden. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture after his retirement. Surviving are his wife, Connie; his daughter, Suzanne Sprague, of Port Orange, Florida; two brothers, Richard and wife, Betty, of Tavares, Florida, and Bruce and his wife, Carol, of Argentine; a sister, Judy Holmes, of San Diego, California, and his father and mother-in-law, Ray and Mildred Reid, of Tavares, Florida. There is no visitation or funeral service scheduled at this time. A memorial service may be set at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Bad Axe Public Library. Words of condolence may be left at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Margaret Veen Margaret Veen, 95, of Bad Axe, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2005, at Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. She was born on September 25, 1910 in Port Huron. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe, the 8 and 40 Club of Port Huron and the American Legion Post No. 449 Ladies Auxiliary in Marysville. Margaret was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great- great-grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was caring for her family. Margaret is survived by her stepdaughters, Lillian (Hal) Creal, of Sturgis, Margaret Knight, of Ypsilanti, and Donna Hewitt, of Caro; 15 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, a couple great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Nyeste, of Lexington; one brother, Steve (Shirley) Nyeste, of Port Huron. She was preceded in death by her husband, William J.; one son, Richard F. Hendrick Jr.; one granddaughter, Holly Dinsmore; two sisters; and three brothers. A graveside memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2006, at Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements were made by the Collon Funeral Home in Caro. Feel free to share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.collonfuneralhome.com. Clara E. Woldt Clara E. Woldt, 97, of Sebewaing, died Wednesday morning, April 19, 2006, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe following a lengthy illness. She was born April 26, 1908 in Bach, daughter of the late Karl and Barbara (Schwenk) Weippert, Sr. She was united in marriage to John H. Woldt on December 1, 1929 in Sebewaing. He preceded her in death on April 10, 1980 after 50 years of marriage. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Norma and Robert VanBevern, of Sebewaing; two granddaughters, Sandra and Larry Marks, of Reese, Mary Schulz, of California; great-grandchildren, Brandon Marks, Terry Schulz, and Crystal Schulz; one sister, Emelia Gawne, of Saginaw; one brother, Harold Weippert, of Colorado; one sister-in-law, Viola Weippert, of Sebewaing; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five sisters, Emma Meyer, Mary Wolfe, Sophie Bingham, Elsie Hutsell, and Martha Neumann; five brothers, Carl, Otto, Herman, Arnold and Albert Weippert. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. Jonathan Meyer will officiate with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or Courtney Manor Family Council. Friday, April 21, 2006 Melvin Collings Melvin Collings, 57, of Bad Axe, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at the Huron Medical Center, Bad Axe. He was born March 23, 1949 to the late Earl and Genevieve (Goretski) Collings in Bad Axe. He was united in marriage on October 5, 1974 to Linda Richmond. Mr. Collings was a resident of Verona Township and a member of the Moose Lodge. Throughout his life, Mel was employed with Active (currently Tower Automotive), Doc's Carpet Cleaning, and with the Michigan State Transportation System for 22 years. He owned and operated M & L Rental for three years. He enjoyed cutting wood, camping, bon fires, deer hunting, and listening to Oldies 96 radio station. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Linda Collings, of Bad Axe; two sons, Brian and Brandon Collings, both of Bad Axe; three daughters, Kim (Chris) Schember, of Bad Axe, Jennifer (Gordon) Muma, of Sandusky, Carrie Collings and her special friend, Matt, of Pigeon; two brothers, Harold (Carolyn) Collings, of Filion, David (Karen) Collings, of Bad Axe; two half- sisters, Betty Mundy, of Douglasville, Georgia, Arlene Collings, of Bad Axe; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Luke, and Alex; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Don Sr. (Charlotte) Bredow, of Bad Axe, Bill (Bev) Meffer, of Westland, and Gayle (Bob) Bean, of Sebewaing; and his special four-legged friend, Rusty. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2006, at the First Baptist Church of Bad Axe with the Rev. Jay Barsaleau officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund. Allan L. McDonald Allan L. McDonald, 74, of Northville Township, died on Thursday, April 20, 2006. He was the beloved husband of Jean; dear father of Sandra, Pamela (Jon) Fimbinger, and Deborah Prinster; dear grandfather of Kelly (Cyasi), Wendy, Leslie, Brett, Jillian, and Benjamin. He also leaves three brothers, Dell, Cecil and James. Al's joys in life were his God and Savior, Jesus Christ; his family, his wife, his children and grandchildren; his extended church family; and his students who loved him. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2006, at Risen Christ Lutheran Church, 46250 Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth, with Pastor Dean Johnson, of Lake Pointe Bible Church, officiating. Interment will be at Glen Eden Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Vermeulen Funeral Home, 46401 W. Ann Arbor Road (between Sheldon and Beck) in Plymouth and in state from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Angela Hospice. To leave a message of condolence, log on to www.vermeulenfuneralhome.com. Geraldine M. Farver Geraldine M. Farver, 81, former Huron County resident, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2006. Private burial will take place at Colfax Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. 1