HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning May 28, 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, May 28, 2006 Earl J. Uhl Earl J. Uhl, 78, of Minden City, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2006, at the Deckerville Community Hospital after a short illness, with his family at his side. He was born on October 2, 1927 in Delaware Township to the late John and Verna (Ginther) Uhl. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Messing on September 27, 1952 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He attended the Hunt Country School through eighth grade and graduated from Minden City High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He farmed and worked at County Cedardale Garage for a few years and worked for the Thumb Farm Service in Ruth for 25 years. He was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth where he was an usher for 35 years. He was a member of the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council No. 3823, V.F.W. Post No. 5740, and the Ubly Fox Hunters Club. He enjoyed playing cards and dice, gardening, flowers and spending time with family and friends. Earl is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy; his three children, John (Carolyn) Uhl, of Minden City, Gary Uhl, of Minden City, and Kathy Gwisdalla, of Cass City; six grandchildren, Tracy (Steve) Miaskowski, Mark Gwisdalla and his friend, Sarah Czewski, Bob (Melinda) Uhl, Joe, Brandon and Jason Uhl; five great-grandchildren, Allyssa, Kyla, Victoria, MacKenzie and Jeremy; three sisters, Rose (Lawrence) Robinson, of Harbor Beach, Ada Murdock, of Minden City, and Lucille (Steve) Pelot, of Minden City; four brothers, Eugene (Gail) Uhl, of Lincoln Park, Lee (Pat) Uhl, of Lake Orion, Raymond Uhl, of Pinnebog, and Merle Uhl, of Detroit; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Uhl, of Florida, and Jean Uhl, of St. Clair Shores; several nieces and nephews and many family and friends. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Walter, Harold, Floyd and Norman Uhl; one sister, Betty Uhl; one granddaughter, Anita Uhl; one brother-in-law, Everette Murdock; two sisters-in-law, Jean and Elizabeth Uhl. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. The Rev. Thomas McNamara, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church only. There will be a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 8:15 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Monday, May 29, 2006 – Memorial Day Holiday Tuesday, May 30, 2006 Andrew S. Lawson Andrew S. Lawson, 83, of Souletown in Chandler Township died Saturday morning, May 27, 2006 at Covenant Medical Center Harrison in Saginaw. He was born May 20, 1923 in Glasgow, Kentucky to the late Walter and Avo (Scantland) Lawson. At age 16, he moved to Detroit and met Joan M. Soper. They were married July 16, 1949 in Rossville, Georgia. Andy was a trucker, driving for several companies for 13 years, then taking a position with Great Lakes Express for over 20 years, retiring in 1976 for health reasons. That year they moved to Souletown, where they had been coming since 1967. Andy served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific and the Philippines. He was a member of the Tip of the Thumb VFW Post No. 2236, Pigeon. Surviving are his wife, Joan; his son, William (Mary) Lawson, of Elkton; three daughters, Judy Spencer, of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, Andrea Beasley, of California, and Vicky (Forest) Cardwell, of Frankfort, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Lucy (Frank) Parkey, of Cass City. Preceding him in death were two grandsons, Sean and Jimmie Bennett. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. Burial will be in Souletown Cemetery in Chandler Township. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and after 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Memorials may be directed to the family. Those unable to attend may sign the guest book at www.cfcElkton.com. Ivan Turosky Ivan Turosky, 58, of Saline, died suddenly on Friday, May 26, 2006, at the University of Michigan Hospital located in Ann Arbor. He was born December 7, 1947 in Almont, the son of Steven and Florence (Gewont) Turosky. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp and the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam era, and a member of the Burhans- Hagedon American Legion Post #192 in Harbor Beach. On June 17, 1978, he married Janice McCrea at the First United Methodist Church in Bad Axe. In 1978, Ivan received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Michigan and was a plant engineer for the Ford Motor Company. He also attended the First United Methodist Church in Saline. Ivan was an avid Notre Dame fan and had a passion to play Santa Claus for various organizations and hospitals. He was a loving husband and father who had a tremendous sense of humor, even when one wasn't called for. Survivors in addition to his wife, Janice, include three children, Steven, Anastasia, and Nicholas, all at home; one sister, Maryanne (John) Neeb, of Bad Axe; two nieces and one nephew. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church in Saline with the Rev. Dr. James E. Tuttle officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Arrangements by the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home of Saline. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions maybe made to the First United Methodist Church in Saline or to the Tri-County Sportsman's Club. Wednesday, May 31, 2006 Lowell D. Hewitt Lowell D. Hewitt, 80, of Oscoda and formerly of the Bay Port and Elkton area, died Tuesday morning, May 30, 2006, at his home while under hospice care. He was born April 4, 1926 on his grandfather Deming's farm near Bay Port to the late Amos and Beatrice (Deming) Hewitt. Lowell graduated from Elkton High School in 1944 and entered Michigan State University. Three years later he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Force. Upon his return, he went back to MSU and received his bachelor's degree. On March 2, 1948, he was united in marriage to Rosella Meyers at the Elkton Methodist Church. He then continued his education at MSU and received his master's degree. Lowell entered the corrections field, holding various positions, first at Michigan State Prison in Jackson; Detroit Parole Officer; Youth Camp at Brighton; Men's Reformatory at Anamosa, Iowa; Iowa State Penitentiary, Fort Madison, Iowa; Burlington College, Iowa; Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility, Huntington, Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Women's Prison, Muncy, Pennsylvania; Director of Standards and Accreditation Audits for American Correctional Association and Committee on Accreditation for the State of Pennsylvania Superintendent of Security for Pennsylvania Prison System, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was a long time member of the American Correctional Association, Claypoole Lodge #13 F & AM Fort Madison, Iowa, Scottish Rite Valley of Davenport, Iowa, Jaffa Shrine & Jaffa Cycle Corps, Altoona, Pennsylvania, and the Kiwanis Club of Oscoda. Surviving are his wife, Rosella; his son, Mark (Jodi) Hewitt, of Los Angeles; his daughter, Deborah (Don) Lougee, of Missoula, Montana; two grandchildren, Jayme Hewitt and Hunter Hewitt, of Long Beach, California; and his brother, Robert (Rosalie) Hewitt, of Novi. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathryn Hewitt; two brothers, Gerald Hewitt and Ernest Hewitt; and a sister, Frances Gregory. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2006, at the Lakewood Shores Beach Club, Oscoda. Burial will be next to his daughter, Kathryn, in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Memorials may be given to the Oscoda Kiwanis Club or the charity of the donor's choice. Friends and family may sign the guest book at ww.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Gertrude "Trudy" Higby Gertrude "Trudy" Higby, 89, of Venice, Florida, passed away on May 24, 2006. She was born on November 28, 1916 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Trudy was a registered nurse and serviced in the U.S. Army during World War II. She and her husband, Warren, moved to Venice, Florida 27 years ago from Bad Axe. She was a member of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice and was a member of the choir for 25 years. She was also a volunteer with the Venice Regional Medical Center and the Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center. Mrs. Higby is survived by her husband, Warren, of Venice; son, Gregory Higby, of Madison, Wisconsin; daughter, Mary Ann Dwyer, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and three grandchildren, Jenna, Ashley and Ian. Services were conducted earlier this week at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Venice. There will be a second visitation at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. James Carlson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Thursday, June 1, 2006 John E. Shaddock John E. Shaddock, 70, of South Gate, Wayne County, died Saturday, May 27, 2006, at his home. He was born June 17, 1935 in Port Austin to the late Elbert and Stella (Navock) Shaddock of Port Austin. John was a veteran in the Army for two years. He married Betty Drews on July 23, 1960 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. She preceded him in death on May 16, 1996. John is survived by three sisters, Ruth "Judy" Alfred, of Port Austin, Nancy (Norman) Peace, of California, Gloria (Michael) Leach, of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Shaddock, in 1948; and his parents, Elbert and Stella Shaddock. John's remains were taken to Wayne State University in Medicine. There will be no memorial service at this time. Memorials may be made to the Port Austin library or to the charity of the donor's choice. Vernita B. Vollmer Vernita B. Vollmer, 76, of Owendale, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2006, at Covenant Medical Center Cooper in Saginaw. Born March 21, 1930 in Huron County, she was the daughter of the late Elmer W. and Margaret (Freehling) Heck. She was united in marriage to Arthur M. Vollmer on February 15, 1955 at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon. He preceded her in death on November 13, 1997. During her working career, Mrs. Vollmer worked at Eicher's Cleaners in Pigeon, was a baby sitter and worked on the family farm. She was a bookkeeper for the family beverage business as well. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo, and traveling with the family to the cabin near Curtisville. She dearly loved her grandchildren and enjoyed cooking for her family. Vernita was a member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon and the church's Altar Society. She also was a member of the VFW Post 2236 Auxiliary in Pigeon. She is survived by a daughter, Connie (Michael) Gaeth, of Bay Port; a son, Dennis (Toni) Vollmer, of Caseville; six grandchildren, Kimberly, Brenda, Paul, Janel, Jason and Kyle; a sister, June Dunn, of Pigeon; in-laws, Helen and Wilmer Nimtz, of Sebewaing, David and Audrey Vollmer, of Pigeon, and Dorothy Gruehn, of Sebewaing; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ervin and Clayton Heck. The Mass of Christian Burial took place on Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon, with Fr. John Weis and Sister Theresa Fox, O.P., officiating with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Francis Borgia Special Projects Fund or Scheurer Hospital. Friday, June 02, 2006 Claudette Marie (Jerome) Emerson Claudette Marie (Jerome) Emerson, 69, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2006. She was born May 16, 1937 in Flint. Claudette was passionate about life and loved to spend time with family and friends. She was a Kroger retiree and greatly enjoyed the associations she made with her co-workers and customers over many years. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Charles (Holly) Emerson, of Manassas, Virginia; her granddaughter, Megan, of Lansing; and her daughter-in-law and grandson, Amanda and Zachary Emerson, of Lansing. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Edward and Margaret Jerome, and her son, Ronald C. Emerson, Jr. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 S. Cedar Street, in Lansing. Memorial service and interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2006, at the St. Francis Cemetery in Pigeon. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Chapel in the Pines Funeral Home, 101 W. Jolly Road, Lansing. The family extends special thanks to the Courts of Holt Nursing Facility and the Hospice of Lansing for their dedicated and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in memory of Claudette Emerson to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2133 University Drive, Okemos, Michigan 48864, or to the Hospice of Lansing, 6035 Executive Drive, Suite #103, Lansing, Michigan 48911. Joshua Malachi Libbey Joshua Malachi Libbey, 50, of Bad Axe, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw. He was born September 23, 1955 in Buffalo, New York, son of LeRoy Smith Price and Marie Ruth Libbey. Joshua enjoyed watching TV, traveling, sports and being with his friends. He is survived by his mother, Marie Ruth Libbey, of Kinde; two sisters, Janet Mae (Eugene) Bowden, of Georgia, Dianne Marie (Philip) Montero, of Virginia. His father, LeRoy Smith Price, preceded Joshua in death on February 20, 1993. Services will be conducted at noon on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Burial will be in Verona Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon on Saturday at the funeral home. Esther Schulz Esther E. Schulz, 90, of Pigeon, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Scheurer Hospital Long Term Care in Pigeon. She was born February 11, 1916 in Pigeon, daughter of the late Wilhelm and Emma (Roeber) Schulz. Esther was a homemaker during her lifetime and worked as a nanny in the community and throughout the state. She enjoyed gardening, crafts and visiting with family and friends. She was a faithful member of Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon. Esther is survived by John and Leroy Licht, the children of Ervin and Bobbi Licht, whom she was responsible to raise; a sister- in-law, Edna Schulz, of Pigeon; several nieces and nephews, cousins, her many friends and her church family at Cross Lutheran. She was preceded in death by a brother, William Schulz, and sisters, Emma Voss and Natilda Schuette. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon, with the Rev. Tom Zollman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Cross Lutheran Church building fund. Lena Baumert Lena Baumert, 97, formerly of Michigan, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006, in Los Alamitos, California. Funeral services are tentatively set for Tuesday. MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe is handling the arrangements. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Gary L. Peyerk Gary L. Peyerk, 44, of Elkton, died Thursday morning, June 1, 2006, at his home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2006, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton. A complete obituary will be in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune or online at www.cfcElkton.com. Leo Zinger Mr. Leo Zinger, of Ruth, passed away Friday morning, June 2, 2006, at the United Hospice Residence of Marlette. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2006, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church only. A complete obituary will be in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune. 1