HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning April 30, 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 30, 2006 Ottilie Ida Lora Gaeth Ottilie Ida Lora Gaeth, 92, of Sebewaing, died Friday, April 28, 2006, at her home under hospice care following a four-month illness. She was born on March 31, 1914 in Brookfield Township, daughter of the late George J. and Ida C. (Behm) Blasi. She was baptized at her home by the Rev. William Schumacher. She was confirmed on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1927, by A.D. Stoskopf at St. John Lutheran Church, Kilmanagh. Ottilie was united in marriage to Albert A. Gaeth on October 7, 1937 at St. John Lutheran parsonage in Kilmanagh. He preceded her in death on October 28, 1986 after 49 years of marriage. She had been employed at the Bach Elevator Company as a bean picker and later operated Gaeth Super Service in Bach with her husband from 1937 to 1954. She then was employed by the Sebewaing Public School system from 1957 to 1976 when she retired. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Bach and the Unionville- Sebewaing senior citizen organization. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking and was an armchair traveler. Surviving are her children, Marilyn (John) Caldarella, of Scottsdale, Arizona; their children, Judith (Jim) Farmer, of Phoenix; their children, Kristin and Karl Kwaitkowski; Michelle (Joe) Battagalino and Antonia; John (Andrea) Caldarella; their children, Christine and Christian; Melanie Caldarella; Janet (Dave) Sharpsteen, of Sebewaing; children, Lynette (William) Reich; Sherril (Zane) Rybkowski, of Bay City; their son, Zane Jr.; Gerald (Janet) Gaeth, of Frankenmuth; Judith (Tim) Lagalo, of Bay City; Nicholas, Christopher and son, Anthony, and Jennifer Lagalo; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Henry Blasi; and one sister, Amanda Menzel. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2006, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Bach. The Rev. Jonathan Meyer will officiate with burial in Silverlawn Cemetery, Sebewaing. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. She will lie in state at the church from noon until the time of the service on Thursday. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Peter Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Evelyn Anna Irons Evelyn Anna Irons, 72, of Waterford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2006, with her beloved husband by her side and family nearby. She was born on March 13, 1934 in Ubly, daughter of the late Jacob and Anna Peruski; wife of Harold "Wes" Irons; mother of Harold (Sandie) Irons Jr., Karen (Roger) Fulkerson, Mark Irons and the late Paul Irons; grandmother of Shannon, Amber, Tiffany, Faith, Rachelle, Brittney and Ed; great-grandmother of Kayla, Alyssa and Jeremy; sister of Ray (Marie) Peruski, Ernie (Hilda) Peruski and the late Melvin Peruski; sister-in-law of Gertie Peruski. Mrs. Irons was a former member of Sunnyvale Chapel, involved in the Awana Youth Program and enjoyed family activities. A celebration of Evelyn's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at Donelson, Johns and Evans Funeral Home, 5391 Highland Road (M-59), Waterford. Pastor Jim Combs will officiate. Interment will follow at Ottawa Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Monday, May 1, 2006 Alwin W. Peterson Alwin William Peterson, age 94, of Pigeon, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2006, at his home. Born in Harbor Beach on July 30, 1911 to John and Fannie B. (Griffith) Peterson, he farmed for 45 years in the Milford area, retiring in 1969. He was an avid fisherman and sportsman, hunting moose, deer, caribou, bear and mountain goat in Alaska and Montana. He was a member of the Caseville Rod & Gun Club and was a charter member of the Caseville F. O. E. 3690. Mr. Peterson is survived by several cousins and friends, including, Lewis Karle, Bruce Baur, Paul Prodell, and his caregiver, Donna Fahz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Irene and J.W. Bollinger and a brother, Lawrence Peterson. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, with the Rev. Tom Zollman officiating. Burial will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon. Tuesday, May 2, 2006 Doris L. Dickinson Doris L. Dickinson, 82, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2006, in St. Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw. Born in Elkton on December 3, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Flora (Parker) Kivel. On October 8, 1946, Doris and Archie Dickinson were united in marriage in Chicago, Illinois. Being active in the community, Doris was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary of Harbor Beach. She was a past president, poppy chairman for many years, active in veterans' legislation, and former chaplain. She was a member of the RLDS Community Church of Christ in Harbor Beach being a Sunday School teacher, the women's leader and youth leader. Doris is survived by her husband of 60 years, Archie, of Harbor Beach, and their children, Doris Patricia Sobczak and her husband, Len, of Ubly, and Peter Dickinson and his wife, Doreen, of Ubly; four grandchildren, Bob (Lori) Sobczak, Melissa Robles and her fiance, Dan Stacer, Lisa (Chris) Kaufman, Kristina (Mike) Sobczak-Goulette; 11 great- grandchildren; a sister, Reatha Lawrence and her husband, Frank, of Sebewaing; sisters- in-law, Ruby Kivel, of Harbor Beach, and Patricia Bruce, of Elkton; and a brother-in-law, Clayton Esch, of Pigeon. Doris was preceded in death by sisters, Janet Kivel, Helene Mendel and Frieda Esch; and brothers, Orville, Oscar and William Kivel. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2006, in the Community of Christ Church in Harbor Beach with Elder Dale Volz officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach, and from 12:30 until the time of the service on Thursday in the church. Sharry L. Nesbit Sharry L. Nesbit, 49, of Bad Axe, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2006, at her home following an extended illness. She was born on December 30, 1956 in Monroe, daughter of the late William E. Jones and Nancy (George) Jones. She married Thomas Nesbit on July 7, 1984 at the United Methodist Church in Sandusky. She was a teacher at the North Huron School where she was also an advisor for the SADD program. She was active at the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church and was a 4-H leader, as well as a member of the American Rabbit Breeder's Association. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Nesbit, of Bad Axe; one daughter, Rebecca Nesbit of Bad Axe; one son, Ryan William Nesbit of Bad Axe; mother, Nancy Jones, of Snover; mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Nesbit, of Sandusky; one brother, Michael Jones, of Elkton; two sisters, Sharon Kay Jones, of Snover, Lisa (Gary) Robarts, of Bad Axe; one brother-in-law, Roger Nesbit, of Sandusky; three sisters-in-law, Susan Nesbit, of Flint, Beverly (Grady) Cheek, of Highland, Lois Nesbit, of Sandusky; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2006, at the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jerry Sutton, pastor. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be offered to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Sylvester Roman Sylvester Roman, 81, of Deford, died Monday, May 1, 2006, in Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, Saginaw. He was born November 4, 1924 in Kinde to Frank and Anna (Koshosnoski) Roman. Sylvester served in the US Marine Corp during World War II. He worked for Willow Springs Golf Course in Millington for several years and then for Diamond Electric in Caro until his retirement in 2000. Sylvester is survived by his special friends, Donald and Debra Minkler and their family, of Millington. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Czerny; a brother, Johnny Roman, and his parents. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2006, at Elkland Township Cemetery with Cass City VFW Post No. 3644 officiating. Military honors will be under the direction of the U.S. Marine Corp and Cass City VFW Post No. 3644. Memorials may be made to Aleda V. Lutz VA Medical Center, Saginaw. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Matthew E. Sweeney Matthew E. Sweeney, 33, of Goshen, New York and formerly of Lapeer, died Sunday, April 30, 2006. He was born on May 21, 1972 in Lapeer to Clare Sweeney and Jane (Deacons) Sweeney. Matthew Sweeney and Keri Lynne Shaw were united in marriage on November 17, 2000 in Sedona, Arizona. Mr. Sweeney graduated from Ubly High School in 1991. He then went right into the military, serving his country in the United States Marine Corp from 1991-1997. Matt was a Marine Embassy Guard in Consatcha, Zaire & Santiago, Chile. He was currently the Director of Security for Gateway Security Services, New York, New York. Above all, he was a loving friend, son, husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Keri-Lynne Shaw-Sweeney of Goshen, New York; daughter, Haiden Sweeney, of Goshen; father & stepmother, Clare (Kay) Sweeney, of Lapeer; father and mother-in-law, Terry and Faye-Lynne Shaw; brother: Michael (Nanette) Sweeney, of Richmond; and nieces: Jillian & Alyssa. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane E. Sweeney; and an infant brother, Joseph. A funeral service will be at noon on Saturday, May 6, 2006, at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, 1021 South Lapeer Road, Lapeer, Michigan 48446. Burial will be in Mt. Loretto Cemetery, Lapeer. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a trust fund for Haiden. Eugene J. Poirier Eugene Joseph "Gene" Poirier, 72, of Pigeon, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006, at Covenant Hospital Harrison in Saginaw. He was born in Hampton Township on June 14, 1933, son of the late Elmer and Eugenia (Laleman) Poirier. He graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1952 and served with the United States Army from 1954- 1956 during the Korean Conflict. On August 30, 1958, he was united in marriage to Elaine J. Summerfield in Munger. Gene graduated from Northeastern School of Commerce in 1962 with a degree in professional accounting and in 1962, he began his accounting career with Karl Leppien. He continued working with Nietzke-Faupel, P.C. in Pigeon through the 2006 tax season. He was quartermaster and past commander with the V.F.W. Post 2236, Pigeon, and a member of the Caseville F.O.E. 3690. He was a member and past president of the Pigeon Rotary Club where he had 34 years of perfect attendance, and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Gene was a Winsor Township Fire Department volunteer and a former volunteer in the Merritt Township Fire Department, for a combined total of more than 54 years service. He enjoyed boating and fishing trips to Canada, his motorcycle, golf cart, and motor home. He dearly loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His dog, Bozo, was his faithful companion. In addition to his wife, Elaine, to whom Gene had been married for more than 47 years, he is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly K. (Arlin "Bear") Swartzendruber and Shelly M. (Troy) Gunden, all of Pigeon; four grandchildren, Rebecca (Hans) Eichler, Trista Swartzendruber, Heather Gunden, and Evan Gunden; four great-grandchildren, Sean, Ethan, Jaden, and Owen Eichler; one brother and his wife, James "Beaver" and Jeanette Poirier, of Munger; one sister, Mary Ann Baranowski and friend, Joe, of Bay City; two aunts, Irene Roszaticki and Madonna Laleman, both of Bay City; an uncle, Alfred (Joann) Poirier, of Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Leona Maxson, of Mayville, and Kathy (Gordon) Daniels, of Reese; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by two children, Kelly Marie and Joseph, and a brother, Jerry Poirier. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2006, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Pigeon, with Fr. John Weis and Sr. Theresa Fox, O.P. officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A scripture service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Meyersieck- Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday at the church. Memorials for Gene Poirier may be directed to the St. Francis Borgia Special Projects Fund, Scheurer Hospital, or the downtown Pigeon Park Bench Fund. Louise H. Torres Louise H. Torres, 60, formerly of Elkton, died Sunday, April 23, 2006, at the University of Maryland Trauma Center. She will be greatly missed by her mother, Olivia Torres, of Lapeer; sisters, Anita (Alex) Lopez, of Lapeer, and Marge Stevens, of Lapeer; her brothers, Louis (Pamela) Torres, of Boone, North Carolina, Robert Torres, of Cass City, and Paul (Elaine) Torres, of Midland; her special friend, James Coussey, of Maryland, and her special family, The Grissoms - Tom, Joyce, Rachel, Ian, Rebecca, Miles and Spencer. She also leaves 11 nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Genevieve Crawley, and her father, Louis Torres. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2006, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lapeer, with burial at the St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Pigeon. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or Mass cards. Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Everett V. Livingston Sr. Everett V. Livingston Sr., 74, resident of Shelby Township for 33 years, died Monday, May 1, 2006, at Wm. Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was born on August 24, 1931 in Harbor Beach. He was an employee with General Motors as an engineer for 30 years retiring in 1994. He was a member of K of C St. Lawrence Council No. 2950 in Utica for 47 years and served as Grand Knight for the council from 1986 to 1988, Faithful Navigator from the Fourth Degree, St. John Neumann Assembly from 1986 to 1988, Fourth Degree as Commander for the Color Corps and financial secretary for the council. He served as an usher for 25 years at St. Kieran Catholic Church, Shelby Township. He lived for and loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He never hesitated to get involved, serving as cub master for the Boy Scouts Troop No.1492 at Pearl Lean Elementary in Warren and the PTA at Pearl Lean. He was a Korean War veteran in the Marine Corp from 1952 to 1954. He graduated from MSU in electrical engineering in 1959. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Faith "Mary" (nee McIntyre) Livingston; children, Everett (Laurie) Livingston Jr., Roy (Carolyn) Livingston, Ken (Cathie) Livingston, Eleanor Livingston, Jim (Theresa) Livingston, Pat Livingston, Craig (Ellen) Livingston, and Jack (Cherilyn) Livingston; 14 grandchildren, Trey, Jaclyn, Molly, Abigail, Kim, Ken Jr., Margaret, Natalie, Eileen, Matthew, Aidan, Patrick Jr., Katherine, and Sarah; siblings, Jerry (Linda) Livingston, and Marge (Clem) Siemen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Anna Livingston; and siblings, Leonard Livingston, and Evelyn Kirchner. Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2006, at St. Kieran Church, 53600 Mound Road (between 24-25 Mile), Shelby Township. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday with K of C Rosary at 7 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 blocks E. of Van Dyke), Utica, and from 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the church until the time of the Mass. There will be additional visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Columbkille Church, 3031 McAlpine (Sheridan Corners), Ubly, with burial following at St. Columbkille Cemetery, Ubly, with Father Joseph Griffin for committal prayers. The family is requesting donations to the American Cancer Society, 18505 W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48076 or American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674. Please share a memory with the family at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com Lucille L. Walzak Lucille L. (Carpenter) Walzak, 61, of Parchment, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 1, 2006. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 15, 1944 to Steve and Lucille Walzak. Her family moved to Bad Axe where she grew up. Lucille graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1962 and moved to Parchment. She worked at North American Cocoa Cola Company in Paw Paw where she met and married Orvin "Jay" Carpenter on June 26, 2004. Lucille is survived by her husband, Jay; her brother, Steve (Audrey) Walzak, of Port Huron; an uncle, Dan (Elaine) Walzak, of Attica; a niece, Tracy (Jerry) Gleisner, of Dekalb, Illinois; nephews, Troy (Nancy) Walzak, Todd (Tricia) Walzak, Terry Walzak, all of the Chicago area, Stephen Hale, of Orangeville; and many cousins and great-nieces and nephews. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Valerie Hale. Cremation has taken place and a private family ceremony will be conducted at a later time. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick, www.langelands.com. Memorials may be made to Kalamazoo Humane Society, 4239 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008. Thursday, May 04, 2006 James Knechtel James Knechtel, 65, of White Lake, died Friday, April 21, 2006. He was born on July 31, 1940 in Saginaw to the late Milton and Beatrice Knechtel and grew up in Elkton before moving to White Lake. James was a Journeyman Welder for GM Truck and Bus. He was a member of UAW local 594 retiring on August 1, 2005 with 30 years of service. Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Judy (Harbec) Knechtel; four children, Richard, of Waterford, Scott (Laura), of Naples, Florida, Bobbi Jo, of White Lake, and Terry (Krystyn), of Waterford; three granddaughters, Kylee, Korie, and Jaymie; two sisters, Lynda Adams, of Elkton, and Sally Van Hoorne, of Cheboygan; one brother, Johnny, preceded him in death. Arrangements were entrusted to Coats Funeral Home, Waterford. Memorial donations may be made to Karmanos Cancer. Irene H. Williams Irene H. Williams, 88, of Saginaw and formerly of Sebewaing, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at the Hoyt Nursing Home in Saginaw following a lengthy illness. She was born May 20, 1917 in Lewiston, daughter of the late Essa and Hilma Kujala. She was married to Owen Weisenbach in 1949 in Sebewaing. He preceded her in death in 1979. She then married Henry Williams in 1983. He also preceded her in death. She and her husband, Owen, farmed in the Sebewaing area for many years. She also had been employed at Michigan Sugar Company in Sebewaing and later the Caro Regional Center. After his death, she moved to the Lewiston, Atlanta area, for many years. Irene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bay City. She loved the outdoors, gardening and especially enjoyed walking. Surviving are two sons, George and Janice Weisenbach, of Saginaw, Dean and Tiffany Weisenbach, of Hemlock; six grandchildren, Janelle, Justin, Jamie and Marvin Jr., Andrea and Clinton Weisenbach; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard Kujala, and his wife, Florence, of Detroit; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by infant daughter, Darlene; one son, Marvin Weisenbach; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Bryan, Jeffrey, and Corene Weisenbach; six brothers, Tovio, Anno, Arthur, Oscar, Bill and Albert Kujala; two sisters, Hazel Kujala and Louise. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2006, at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. John Wernecke will officiate with burial in New Bay Port Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home in Sebewaing. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Friday, May 5, 2006 Donald Gilbert Donald Charles Gilbert, 69, of Port Austin, passed away Feb. 5, 2006 in Florida. He was born September 22, 1936 to Violet Mae (Eddy) and the late Ernest Floyd Gilbert in Bad Axe. Donald graduated from Denby High School, served honorably in the Michigan National Guard for three years and was a local 58 electrician for 50 years. He is survived by his mother, Violet Gilbert; one sister, Marlene DeLuca; one brother, Larry Gilbert; three nieces, Jolene, Diane, and Amy; one nephew, John DeLuca. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2006, at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Burial will be in Colfax Township Cemetery. 1