HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning March 4, 2007 Contributed 2007 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, March 4, 2007 – No obituaries reported Monday, March , 2007 Mitchell J. Julian Mitchell J. Julian, 76, of Harbor Beach, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007, at Lakeview Extended Care and Rehab Center of Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory, Bay City. Memorial services will take place at a later date. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Judith A. Knaus Judith A. Knaus (Kirkwood), 65, of Kinde, passed away after a long illness on Friday, March 2, 2007, in Grand Blanc. She is survived by her children, James and Shelley Rogers, of Bad Axe, Janet and Randy Krohn, of Elkton, Heidi Knaus and Chris Jordan, of St. Clair Shores; and companion, Edward Knaus, of Kinde; 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Bonnie and Shirley Kirkwood, of Oakland County. She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick James Rogers. A private memorial will be conducted for the family. Irene Sophia Koneczny Irene Sophia Koneczny, 91, of Caseville, died Tuesday, February 27, 2007, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon of sudden cardiac arrest. Irene was born October 12, 1915 in Detroit to the late Walter and Magdelene (Nowakowski) Witkowski. She married Edward F. Koneczny on November 28, 1936 in Detroit. Edward preceded her in death on March 27, 2002. Irene has lived permanently in Caseville since 1971. She was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church, the St. Roch Women's Society, the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, a charter member of the Caseville Eagles Auxiliary, REAC, and the Caseville Library Club. She enjoyed being active in her community, church and spending time with her family. She is survived by her son, Edward J. and his wife, Geraldine, of Oscoda; grandchildren, Matt, Marylin, Mitchell, Edward and Douglas; great grandchildren, Justin, Lucas, Lauren, Lyndsay, Joseph, Kelsey, Edward and Anna; and a brother, Arthur and his wife, Sylvia Witkowski, of Canton. A Funeral Mass was conducted today at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville. Burial is in St. Roch Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Michigan. Condolences may be shared at www.cfcCaseville.com Clarence P. Kubacki Clarence P. Kubacki, 77, of Parisville, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007, at his residence. Clarence was born March 30, 1929 in Ubly to the late Aloysius and Lucy (Smaglinski) Kubacki. He married Beatrice Susalla on October 14, 1950 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. Clarence was a graduate of the Bingham Country School and a 1948 graduate of Ubly High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of the Zurek-Graham VFW Post No. 6965. He was a machine operator for Lasky Construction from 1949 to 1990. He was employed at the Bushey Tile Company from 1990 to 2003. He also farmed in Paris Township. Clarence was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church all his life where he was a member of St. Mary's Men's Club and the choir since 1973. He enjoyed playing his harmonica and accordion, polka dances, Michigan football, Tiger baseball and disassembling barns and houses. Clarence is survived by his wife, Beatrice, of Parisville; four daughters, Sharon Bukoski and her husband, Charles, of Davisburg, Bonnie Braun and her husband, Thomas, of Caro, Jean Samons and her husband, Ralph, of Zephyrhills, Florida, and Karen Pichla and her husband, Kenneth, of Bad Axe; two sons, Gerard Kubacki and his wife, Charlene, of Ubly, and Joseph Kubacki and his wife, Janice, of Chesterfield; 17 grandchildren, Jessica, Jill, and Jodi Bukoski, Jason Braun, Mike (Katie) Braun, Greg (Becky) Braun, Amanda and Bryan Samons, Carrie Pichla and fiancé Ryan Nelson, Eric, Grant and Sheila Pichla, Jackie, Jeremy, Kayla, Nicole and Kurt Kubacki; one stepgranddaughter, Vanessa Karges; one great granddaughter, Jalyn Braun; five sisters, Rita Helewski of Ubly, Mary Ann (Eugene) Wisneski, of Bad Axe, Mildred (Eugene) Lamke, of Parisville, Florence "Pat" (Lawrence) Vogel, of Minden City, and Rose Mary (Tom) Wisneski, of Warren; four brothers, Irvin (Marie) Kubacki, Stanley (Margaret) Kubacki, Aloysius Jr. (Joan), Bernard (Pauline) Kubacki, all of Bad Axe; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marie Susalla, Frances (Izzy) Koceba, Irene (Gordon) Eden, Agnes (Eugene) Gorkowski, Patricia (Herb) Vogel, Jake (Evelyn) Susalla; and 87 nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by one infant son; one sister, Helen Kubacki; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stanley Helewski, Paul and Theresa Skipinski, Frank and Eleanor Talaski, Bill and Martha Susalla, Art Susalla. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville with military honors. The Rev. Jerzy Dobosz, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home. There will be a parish vigil service at 3 p.m. today at the funeral home. Dorothy Schmitt Dorothy Schmitt, 72, of Port Austin, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007, at St. Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw. She was born March 30, 1934, daughter of the late Orville and Margaret (Goodfellow) Fitchett. Dorothy was a graduate of Elkton High School, Class of 1952. She had several hobbies including camping, reading, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her longtime companion, Melvin Smukala, of Port Austin; five daughters, Nancy (Leo) Gusa, of Bad Axe, Linda (Bob) Koroleski, of Filion, Julie Deman, of Bad Axe, Vicki (Mike) Affholter, of Bad Axe, and Connie Schmitt, of Bad Axe; three sisters, Violet Wells, of Caseville, Mary Nelson, of Leesburg, Florida, and June Schaffer (Jim), of Maricopa, Arizona; five brothers, Dave (Katharine) Hadaway, of Ossian, Indiana, Ronnie (Shirley) Fitchett, of North Fort Myers, Florida, Larry (Beverly) Fitchett, of New Boston, Danny (Sandy) Fitchett, of Metamora, and Dale Fitchett; 15 grandchildren, Tonya (Neall), Joe (Atalie), Josh (Robyn), Nikki (Wayne), Jeff, Beth, Kim, Kyle, Whitney, William, Marissa, Christi, Tyler, Michael, and Mitchell; seven great grandchildren, Katarina, Tiana, Isiah, Ian, Chanze, Alyssa and Natalie. Dorothy was preceded in death by three brothers, Donny Fitchett, Robert Mitchell, and Tom Hadaway. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe, with the Rev. Jerry Sutton officiating. Burial will be in the Colfax Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Tuesday, March 06, 2007 Oveda P. "Patsy" Andrewski Oveda P. "Patsy" Andrewski, 88, died Saturday, March 3, 2007. She was the loving and adored sister of Beatrice (the late Stanley) Krozek; she was also survived by 11 nieces and nephews; and 13 great nieces and nephews; she was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Rosie (nee Byarski) Andrewski; she was also predeceased by her dear siblings, Martha (Edward) Wisneski, Tillie (Floyd) Wisneski, Regina, Thomas, Leonard, Edwin and Sylvester Andrewski. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at Wujek-Calcaterra and Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr Road at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Road). A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 12509 19 Mile Road (between Schoenherr at Clinton River Roads). Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday with a 7 p.m. Rosary Service at the funeral home. You may share memories with the family at their online guest book at WujekCalcaterra.com. Clarence Joseph Battane Clarence Joseph Battane, 91, of Caseville, died Monday, March 5, 2007, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe of complications from a stroke. Clare was born of Italian immigrants on September 16, 1915 at home in Detroit. He was raised in a strong Catholic home and attended Catholic schools for nine years. He graduated from Denby High School where he lettered in baseball twice, and he was a member of the "D" club. Clare served his country in World War II in the U.S. Army. In 1934, Clare married Mildred Hayes and they had three children. Mildred preceded him in death in 1969. Clare met and married Elvie Powers (nee Snyder) in 1977. They have spent many wonderful times together singing and dancing over the past 30 years. Clare joined the City of Detroit and worked in various ranks for 30 years. He retired in 1970 as an Assistant Superintendent of the Department of Public Works. He moved to Caseville in September 1970. Clare kept very active in his retirement. He was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church, a 51 year member of the Knights of Columbus, and a 47 year member of the American Legion. In 1976, Clare was instrumental in founding the Caseville Eagles No. 3690. He served as the charter Chaplin and later as the fifth President. He loved to play euchre and spent many afternoons at his aerie home. An avid sports fan, Clare closely followed the up and downs of his beloved Detroit Tigers. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, singing and playing cards. Clare is survived by his wife, Elvie; children, Yvonne (Fred) Perian, of Madison, Mississippi, Sharon Glodowski, of Mt. Clemens, Gary Battane, of Largo, Florida, Linda (Jess) Halstead, of Livonia, Peggy (Steve) Cavanaugh, of Dearborn, Mark (Linda) Powers, of Garden City, and Cory (Sue) Powers, of Redford; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and special nephews, Leonard and Dave Battane. Clare is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary (Medici); and all seven of his brothers and sisters, Edward, Albert, William, Louis, Helen, Lydia and Florence. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at St. Roch Catholic Church, Caseville, with Fr. Ken Yaroch presiding. Burial will be in Caseville Township Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Caseville American Legion Jean Post No. 8042. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville and from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday. There will be a K of C rosary at 4 p.m. today and an Eagles' Ritual at 6 p.m. today. Memorials should be in the form of Mass donations. Condolences may be shared at www.cfcCaseville.com. John Dee Carriveau John Dee Carriveau, 48, of Michigan City, Indiana and formerly of Bad Axe, died Friday, March 2, 2007, at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Michigan City. He was born April 3, 1958 in Bad Axe, the son of Joseph and Donelda (Smith) Carriveau. He was united in marriage to his soul mate, Mary Meagher, on October 6, 1995 in Bad Axe. Mr. Carriveau was an associate in the law firm Deppe & Mullen, Hobart, Indiana with his closest friend, Mike Deppe. He had a reputation for sincerity and integrity amongst his peers. John entered into the law field to "help the little guy" that may not have the means to do it on their own. He was a member of CASA, which is a court appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children in Porter County. He enjoyed traveling, camping, woodworking, hunting, fishing, collecting antiques and spending time with his extended family. John always enjoyed giving more than receiving and always passed out the gifts at Christmas. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Michigan City; one stepson, Kenneth (Sue) Rice, of Bad Axe; mother-in-law, Rose Meagher; two brothers, Terry (Sandy) Carriveau, of Filion, and Thomas (Denise) Carriveau, of Caseville; and one sister, Tammy (George) Taylor, of Bad Axe; two grandchildren, Katie and Janine; and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by one brother, Teddy Carriveau. John will be forever missed by his loving wife, Mary, and all the people that his life touched. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at the MacAlpine Chapel in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. Robert Garrett. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. n Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Porter County CASA Program, 6469 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368. Hazel Pratt Hazel Pratt, 92, of Filion, passed away Saturday, March 3, 2007, at Scheurer Hospital Long Term Care. Hazel was born November 26, 1914 in Meade Township. Hazel Nelson and Walter O. Pratt were united in marriage on January 8, 1938 in Kinde by the late Rev. Carnell. He preceded her in death on February 13, 1990. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Kinde and was active in the Kinde Women's Association. Hazel enjoyed working in her garden, quilting, playing cards and visiting with her family and friends. She is survived by her son, Gary Pratt, and his wife, Marlene, of Elkton; one daughter, Gail Kent, and her husband, Danny, of Tampa, Florida; three grandchildren, Mahalia Monday, of Allendale, Chad Pratt, of Caseville, and Shannon Ruff, of Tampa, Florida; two great grandchildren, Devin and Cody Monday; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kinde. Burial will be at a later date in the Verona Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at MacAlpine-Gage Chapel in Kinde and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. Wednesday, March 7, 2007 Dorothy Burkholder Dorothy Burkholder, 93, of Pigeon and formerly of Harper, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 5, 2007, at Pine River Healthcare Center, St. Louis. Dorothy Laing was born November 15, 1913 on the family farm northwest of Anthony, Kansas, daughter of the late Edward and Hazel (Miller) Laing. She attended Pleasant Valley School District 19 grade school and graduated from Anthony High School with honors in 1931. She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized in the Anthony Christian Church at age 16. On January 18, 1933, she was united in marriage to Clarence Burkholder and to them was born a daughter, Betty Ann, on December 16, 1933. He preceded her in death on August 26, 2002. Dorothy and Clarence joined the Crystal Springs Mennonite Church in 1941 where they were ordained Deacon and Deaconess. In 1991, they later moved to Harper, Kansas where they were associate members of Hesston Mennonite Church. Dorothy enjoyed working with children and taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years in both Kansas and Arkansas. She served on the Mennonite District Women's Missionary and Service Auxiliary committee for several years as president and secretary of Home and Special Interest. She also led several women's retreats throughout the South Central Conference District of the Mennonite Church. Dorothy loved music and studied piano and organ for four years at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas and offered piano and organ lessons for years for as many as 25 students. Dorothy moved to Country Gardens in Pigeon in 2003 to be near her family. Mrs. Burkholder is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Lyle Shetler, of Pigeon; two grandchildren, Kent (Karin) Shetler, of Pigeon, and Karla (Marlin) Nussbaum, of Poplar Grove, Illinois; five great grandchildren, Andrea and Eric Nussbaum, and Kate, Kacy and Koty Shetler; a brother, Marlan Laing; a sister, Norma (Wilmer) Stewart; and a sister-in-law, Helen Laing, all of Newton, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Archie and Bill Laing; a sister-in-law, Barbara Laing; and a grandson, Ronald Shetler. A funeral service for Mrs. Burkholder will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church, Pigeon. The Rev. Scot Wilson will officiate. There will also be a funeral service for Mrs. Burkholder on Saturday, March 10, 2007, in her previous home community of Harper, Kansas with burial in the Crystal Springs Mennonite Church Cemetery, Harper, Kansas. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church. Memorials may be made in her memory to the Gideons International. Thursday, March 8, 2007 Willard L. Bouvrette Willard L. Bouvrette, 90, of Kinde, died Monday, March 5, 2007, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. He was born July 18, 1916 in Bad Axe, son of the late Delmar and Louise (Allen) Bouvrette. Willard is survived by four nieces, Mitzie (Jack) Muter, of Port Hope, Marilou (Donald) Peyerk, of Kinde, Cathy Majeski, of Kinde, and Ranea (Harold) Briolat, of Clio; three nephews, Joseph Jr. (Judy) Bouvrette, of Otisville, Gregory (Jean) Bouvrette, of Bay City, and Paul (Katie) Bouvrette, of Galesburg; and one sister-in-law, Angie Bouvrette, of Port Austin. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph Sr., Ernest and Herman Bouvrette. Willard was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde. He enjoyed motorcycles and playing cards, but most of all, he loved visiting with friends. A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2007, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde. The Rev. Mieczyslaw Oniskiewicz will officiate with burial following at St. Felix Church Cemetery. There will be visitation from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde and from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. There will be a vigil at 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Marie "Betty" Patterson Marie "Betty" Patterson, 81, of Ubly, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. She was born April 21, 1925 in Wisconsin, daughter of the late Oscar and Pauline Graves. She married Archie "Pat" Patterson on August 10, 1967 in Bad Axe. He preceded her in death in June 2004. She served her country as a "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II. Reading was one of her passions, as well as her beloved pets. She is survived by three sons, James (Patricia) Diefenbach, of Highland, California, Daniel (Jerri) Diefenbach, of Clyde Park, Montana, Robert Diefenbach, of Florida; four daughters, Donna (William) Wilson, of Patricksburg, Indiana, Pauline Diefenbach, of Harbor Beach, Mary Diefenbach, of Harbor Beach, Mary Jean Michalski, of Harbor Beach; one stepdaughter, Judy (Cecil) Gibbs; one brother, Morris Graves, of Wisconsin; five grandchildren; and one great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by one son, Michael Diefenbach; one sister, Fern Hookstadt; and three brothers, Stanley, Howard and Abraham Graves. A funeral service will be conducted at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2007, at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service at 5 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Friday, March 09, 2007 David C. Blashill David C. Blashill, 72, of Harbor Beach, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007, at Courtney Manor of Bad Axe. He was born May 4, 1934 in Harbor Beach to the late Clifford and Marie (Karl) Blashill. David was an employee of the Huron County Sheriff Department working as a computer operator. He was an organist for Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church. He also was very grateful for the wonderful care he received at Courtney Manor. He is survived by his sister, Susann (Gerard) Zinger, of Clinton Township; sister-in-law, Marge Blashill, of Roseville; nieces, Dorothy (Paul Scott) Jordan, of Kalamazoo, Lani (Tom Harm) Jordan, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and nephews, Ray (Patti) Blashill, of St. Clair Shores, and Michael (Chris) Blashill, of Roseville; along with eight great nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass for David will be at noon on Saturday, March 10, 2007, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church of Harbor Beach. Fr. Charlie Hammond will be officiating with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach and starting at 11 a.m. until the time of the service at noon on Saturday in the church. Memorials may be given to the Friends of Courtney Manor or the Motor City Theatre Organ Society. Sharon M. Kuhn Sharon M. Kuhn, 53, of Port Austin, died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. She was born July 24, 1953 in Bad Axe, daughter of Pauline (Langenburg) and the late Frank Polega. Sharon married Ronald Kuhn on September 2, 1972 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Sharon worked on the Port Austin Air Base for 10 years and was presently employed at Schillinger & Schillinger, Inc. in Port Austin. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin and the Holy Rosary Sodality. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Sharon is survived by her husband, Ronald, of Port Austin; her son, Bryan (Tracy) Kuhn, of Freeland; her daughter, Amy (Rudy) Kosinski, of Port Austin; three grandchildren, Matthew and Emily Kosinski and Logan Kuhn; one stepgranddaughter, Kayle Polega; her mother, Pauline Polega, of Port Austin; two brothers, Allen Polega, of Florida, and Douglas Polega, of Port Austin; eight sisters, Bonnie Polega, of Port Austin, Paulette (Tim) Jandreski, of Port Austin, Karen Polega, of Bay City, Elaine (Tony) Branham, of Troy, Judy (Eric) Sump, of Port Austin, Shirley Polega, of Washington Township, Charlene (David) Ewing, of Macomb, and Tracy Polega, of Port Austin; and her grandparents, Rita and George Shaw, of Elkton. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Scott Polega, Allison Sump, Todd Lamb, Ashley Ewing; godchild, Page Ewing, and Clark and Sally Clancy; and special friends of the family, Todd Gordon, Betteann Petrat, Gary Ruszkowski; and Paul Stewart. A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. on Monday, March 12, 2007, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Officiating will be the Rev. Robert Paré, pastor. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. A vigil will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Kathleen L. Bieri Kathleen L. Bieri, 74, of Unionville, died Thursday, March 8, 2007, at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. A full obituary will be in Monday's edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. Arrangements are being handled by the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. 1