HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning June 10, 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, June 10, 2007 - No obituaries reported Monday, June 11, 2007 Orla M. McGee Orla M. McGee, 78, resident of Bad Axe and Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2007, in Florida. Orla was born October 27, 1928 in Kinde to the late August and Dollie (Toner) Yageman. Orla and Joseph McGee were united in marriage on February 26, 1949 by the late Msgr. Charles Roark at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. They owned and operated the Bad Axe Hardware until 1984. Joseph preceded Orla in death on July 26, 2002. Orla was a member of Huron Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Verona Hills Golf Club. She enjoyed reading, golfing, playing Bridge and socializing with her family and friends. She is survived by three sons, Michael (Martha) McGee, of New York, Patrick (Jeanie) McGee, of Caro, Max (Michele) McGee, of Frankenmuth; four sisters, Arlene (Joe) Clancy, of Sterling Heights, Shirley Durr, of Palm Harbor, Florida, Audrey (Allen) Blair, of Fayetteville, New York, and Lee Street, of Pleasant Hill, California; three brothers, Willet (Rose) Yageman, of Filion, Elwood (Lela) Yageman, of Bad Axe, Eldon (Lena) Yageman, of St. Clair Shores; two sisters-in- law, Sister Maxine McGee, SSJ, of White Pigeon, and Eunice O'Malley, of Livonia; five grandchildren, Josie McGee, Matt McGee, and Carrie McGee, of New York, Katie (Jeff) Hinderer, of Mount Clemens, and Molly McGee, of Frankenmuth. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Max Yageman; infant son, Charles; and two granddaughters, Maggie and Victoria. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at the MacAlpine Funeral Chapel in Bad Axe. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Fr. Robert Shine, retired pastor and long time friend of the family, will officiate. Cremation has already taken place. Memorials may be offered to the Bad Axe Library or Sisters of St. Joseph Nazareth. Ronald R. Schram Ronald R. Schram, 72, of Midland, died Friday, June 8, 2007, surrounded by his family. The son of the late Robert and Leona (Conley) Schram, he was born September 3, 1934 in Bad Axe. Ronald was raised and educated in Kinde and Detroit. He graduated from Kinde High School in 1953. After serving with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, he graduated from Lawrence Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then a Bachelor of Arts in management from Central Michigan University. Ron married the former Geraldine Moore on November 15, 1958 in Kinde. In 1967, he began his 27 year career with Dow Chemical Company, as a superintendent of electrical instrumentation and refrigeration for the Michigan Division. He retired in 1993. Ron also taught electrical classes at Delta College and was a consultant for Delphi. He assisted companies in starting their maintenance programs. Ron enjoyed the family farm in Kinde and being with his grandchildren. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 13452, a fourth degree Knight with the Bad Axe Bishop Babcock Council No. 0487. He was also a member of the American Legion Berryhill Post No. 165 and a member of the U.S.S. Eldorado Association. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; son, Robert (Sharon) Schram, of Midland; daughter, Kelly (Wesley) Scoles, of Midland; and two grandchildren, Nicole Ryan Schram and Daniel Robert Schram. He was predeceased by his son, Michael Schram. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, from Assumption of the BVM Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Peter J. Gaspeny as celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow in New Calvary Cemetery. Military rites will be under the auspices of the Midland area veterans and U.S. Navy Honors Guard. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Wilson Miller Funeral Home in Midland. Mr. Schram will lie in state from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday at the church. There will be a Christian vigil service at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com. Gerald George Spondike Gerald George Spondike, 71, of Caseville, died Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at Home Sweet Home in Pigeon after a long illness with cancer. Jerry was born January 13, 1936 in Russelton, Pennsylvania to the late Charles and Anna (Delaney) Spondike. His family moved to Detroit when Jerry was still a child. He grew up and attended school in Detroit. On October 29, 1979, Jerry married Margo Flodquist in Oakland County. Jerry lived in Royal Oak before moving permanently to Caseville in 1999. Jerry and Margo both retired May 26, 1999 from Howard and Smith Inc., in Ferndale where Jerry had worked as a metal and wood craftsman. He is a member of the Caseville United Methodist Church. Jerry enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, traveling and watching his hometown sports teams. Jerry is survived by his wife, Margo; children, Karen Steward, Beth Anne (Robert) Rowe, and Lynn Mari (Brian) Strayer, all of California; and grandchildren, Kristine, Jennifer, Stephanie, Matthew and Jordan. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Victor. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007, at the Caseville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Philip Voss officiating. Burial will be in Caseville Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Caseville United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared at www.cfcCaseville.com Earl Franklin Wilfong Earl Franklin Wilfong, 95, of Port Huron, died Saturday, June 9, 2007, in Marwood Manor Nursing Home. He was born November 8, 1911 in Pigeon to the late John and Rena Wilfong. Mr. Wilfong retired from Mueller Brass Company after 32 years of service as a millwright foreman. He was a long time active member of the Wadhams Baptist Church and enjoyed farming. He is survived by his wife, Lillian; his children, James Wilfong, Shirley Henderson, Alice Richter, and Richard (Cheryl) Wilfong; stepchildren Gay (Don) Eilers, Roger (Cathy) Wing, Richard (Cheri) Wing, Donna (Elmer) Withum, LeRoy (Bernice) Hartman, and Mildred Gostinger; 14 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 12 great great grandchildren; many stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Bower; two wives, Elizabeth Drabeck and Irene Hartman; four sisters; and two brothers. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2007, at Wadhams Baptist Church. The Rev. Richard J. Reinhart and James S. Olah will officiate. Burial will be in the Kinney Cemetery, Clyde Township. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Pollock-Randall Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Wadhams Baptist Church Endowment Fund. To send condolences and messages of sympathy, visit pollockrandallfuneralhome.com. Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Carol Sue Gray Carol Sue Gray, 62, of Caro, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2007, at St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw. She was born February 17, 1945 in Troy, the daughter of the late Orville and Eunice Lee. Carol married James D. Gray on August 6, 1962 in Pontiac. She was a homemaker, enjoyed crocheting and reading, and was a long time member of Ellington Church of the Nazarene. Carol is survived by her husband, James; children, Carol (Craig) Downing, of Gagetown, Marie (Paul) Slater, of Deford, James (Janet) Gray Jr., of Cass City, Kim (Dave) Dutcher, of Sebewaing, Terrie (Fred) Powell, of Cass City, David (Sandra) Gray and Jackie (Shawn) Arntz, both of Port Austin, and Margie (Pete) Rolston, of Caro; 24 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandy Shoup-Gray; siblings, James Lee, Richard Lee, and Phyllis Smith; grandchildren, Allison Rolston and Michael Gray; and a great granddaughter, Alyssa Shoup. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at Ellington Church of the Nazarene, 2545 Lazelle Road, Caro, with Pastor Ron Comfort officiating. Burial will be in Indianfields Cemetery, Caro. Pallbearers for Mrs. Gray will be David, Jim, Paul, Matt, Brad and Paul Jr. Visitation is from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Thabet Funeral Home, Cass City, and from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Family Discretionary Fund. Wanda Ann Kaliszewski Wanda Ann (Kroetsch) Kaliszewski, 81, of Bad Axe, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2007, at St. Mary Hospital in Saginaw. Wanda was born on July 13, 1925 in Snover to the late John and Bernice Mary (Doerr) Kroetsch. Wanda was a 1943 graduate of Sandusky High School. She worked at Briggs Manufacturing in Detroit as a "Rosie the Riveter". She also worked in Detroit as a domestic for years. She lived in Roseville from 1953-1988 before moving to Bad Axe in 1989. Wanda enjoyed the Detroit Tigers, country music shows, cooking, gardening and shopping. Wanda is survived by two daughters, Janet Rogers, of Kalamazoo, and Kristen Peltier and her husband, Ernie, of Bad Axe; five grandchildren, Derek Hickok, Shane Peltier, Ernie "Duke" Peltier II, Lawrence Brent Rogers, Ryan Rogers; two great grandchildren, Molli and Nolan Hickok; one brother, Philip Kroetsch and his wife, Agnes, of Port Austin; one sister, Barbara Ellenbaum, of Florida. Wanda was preceded in death by an infant sister; two brothers, John and Walter Kroetsch; two sisters, Mary Lee Culver and Mary Jane "Ione" Chapman. Private services will be conducted at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Frank J. Salowitz Frank J. Salowitz, 88, died on Saturday, June 9, 2007. He was born on September 20, 1918 in Bad Axe, the son of Benedict and Mary Richards Salowitz. On October 26, 1943, he married Martha L. Harness in San Francisco, California. The couple resided in Warren for 23 years where Frank was employed in various shops as a tool and die maker. In 1974, they moved to Dubuque, Iowa where he was employed with John Deere until 1981. Upon Frank's retirement, the couple moved to Waupun, Wisconsin. Frank was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waupun and a member of American Legion Post 521 in Fox Lake, Wisconsin. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served in World War II. He is survived by three sons and one daughter, Frank (Lynda Sims) Salowitz Jr., of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Sharon (Salowitz) Mushrush, of Volcano, California, Charles (Camille) Salowitz, of Winnetka, Illinois, and Stephen (Kim) Salowitz, of Two Harbors, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Mark, Nathan, Peter, Jacob, Jeffrey, Joseph and Elizabeth. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Martha, in 1989, along with four brothers, Sylvester, Louis, Benedict and Edward; and two sisters, Edna (Ed) Paionk and Marie (Dave) Wrubel. Wednesday, June 13, 2007 Frieda Lenz Frieda Lenz, 91, of Sebewaing, died Tuesday, June 12, 2007, at her residence at Medallion Village following a brief illness. She was born December 15, 1915 in Au Gres, daughter of the late Fred and Elizabeth (Lich) Spangler. She was married to Rudolph Lenz on April 27, 1935 in Sebewaing. He preceded her in death on August 24, 1973. She and her husband farmed in the Sebewaing area for many years. Frieda also managed the Norman's Store in Sebewaing for several years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, was a 4-H leader for many years, and is a past president of the Huron County Cancer Society. She was honored as Star of the Week by the Huron Daily Tribune. She always gave of herself, and with her God given talents, she donated many of her crafts to many causes. She also was a good seamstress. Surviving are two daughters and their spouses, Joan Kuhne, of Frankenmuth, Marion and Ford Thompson, of Berea, Kentucky; one son, Larry and Shelly Lenz, of Sebewaing; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandson; also one sister, Ann Lehner, of Seaside, California; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred and Henry Spangler, two infant brothers, six sisters, Molly Holzwart, Mary Holzworth, Lydia Spangler, Elizabeth Gaeth, Lynda Kunisch and Kay Shea; son-in-law, Keith Kuhne. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Charles Kuhl will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing from 2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday. She will lie in state at the church from 10 a.m. on Friday until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Radio Mission Fund, American Cancer Society or the Leader Dogs for the Blind. Thursday, June 14, 2007 Priscilla M. Bykowski Priscilla M. Bykowski, 81, of Ortonville, died Tuesday, June 12, 2007, in Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Rochester. She was born July 17, 1925 in Grant Township, Huron County, to Harmon and Vera (McIntosh) Endersbe. She married Leonard Bykowski on August 20, 1944 in Huron County. He died February 8, 1982. Priscilla enjoyed many different crafts including quilting. She worked on crafts with a senior citizen group in Shelby Township. She loved gardening especially tending her roses. Priscilla enjoyed bird watching and loved nature. She was a good mother and wife. Priscilla is survived by her sons, Roger (Elizabeth) Bykowski, of Whitmore, Alan (Christine) Bykowski, of Ortonville; grandchildren, Grant, Brandon, Aaron, and Ryan Bykowski, Kevin Hepner, Nathan Ruzumna, Emily Ruzumna, nephews, Tom Endersbe, Warren Endersbe, Kenneth Endersbe, Dwight Endersbe; niece, Euleta Jeffrey. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Ruzumna; brothers, Clifton Endersbe, Stanley Endersbe; niece, Phyllis Lawrence. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2007, in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, with the Rev. Paul Donelson, of Cass City United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Grant Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Michigan or National Breast Cancer Foundation. Family and friends may share memories, prayers, and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Margaret A. Kruger Margaret A. Kruger, 79, of Lansing, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2007. Margaret was born June 21, 1927 in Huron County to Joseph and Luetta (Fehner) Ruth. She was a graduate of Bad Axe High School and attended Michigan State University. Margaret married Bill Kruger on June 21, 1947 and they were parents to nine children that provided Margaret with her lifelong profession as a homemaker, guidance counselor, educator, nurse, organizer, chauffeur and peacemaker. Margaret had a great interest in learning, which she instilled in her children, and she especially enjoyed traveling, reading, music, needlework art, and crossword puzzles. Spending time with her family and friends was her priority and most cherished activity. We will always be thankful for her love and influence in our lives. She is survived by her children, Mary Houde, of Armada, Kaye (Bob) Zahorchak, of Madison, Alabama, Ken (Fern) Kruger, of Holt, Sue Kruger, of Mt. Holly, New Jersey, Rita (Mark) Hotchkin, of Holt, Dave (Cindy) Kruger, of Holt, Doug Kruger, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Brian Kruger, of Perrysburg, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brothers, Joe (Doris) Ruth, George (Donna) Ruth, Mike (Mary) Ruth; sisters, Marie Wilson and Theresa (Joe) Mousseau; daughters- in-law, Terry Jenkins, Sondra Johnson and Sylvia Kruger; and many nieces and nephews. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 2002; and son, Larry, in 1980. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lansing, with the Rev. Fr. John A. Byers as celebrant. Burial was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing, Michigan 48917. Gerald Raymond Staroska Gerald Raymond Staroska, 57, of Pontiac and formerly of Ruth, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2007, at the Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital. Gerald was born July 5, 1949 in Bad Axe to the late William and Eleanor (Deachin) Staroska. He married Deanna Miracle in June 1979 in Pontiac. Gerald was a graduate of SS. Peter and Paul High School. He worked at Pontiac Motors for many years, starting in 1968. He left there to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and later returned to Pontiac Motors, retiring July 1, 1988. Gerald was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 1230 in Pontiac. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Gerald is survived by his wife, Deanna, of Pontiac; two brothers, Charles Staroska and his wife, Gloria, of Harbor Beach, Tom Staroska and his wife, Joan, of Columbiaville; one stepsister, Kathleen Osentoski, of Oxford; two nieces; two nephews; two brothers-in-law, James Ed Miracle, of Monroe, Elmer Lee Miracle, of Detroit; one sister-in-law, Juanita Glossop, of Detroit. Gerald was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and William; and one stepbrother, Gary Karges. A Funeral Mass, with military honors, will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2007, at St. John Catholic Church in Forestville. The Rev. Paul Bala, pastor, will officiate. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. Dale Champagne Dale Champagne, 56, of Ubly, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2007. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and are incomplete at this time. A full obituary will appear in a future edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. Friday, June 15, 2007 Marilyn M. Ferguson Marilyn M. Ferguson, 72, of Bad Axe and formerly of Port Austin, died Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. She was born May 17, 1935 in Pontiac to the late Alfred R. and Olinda (Theisen) Briggs. She was united in marriage to Larry Ferguson on December 12, 1953. She was preceded in death by her late beloved husband and best friend, Larry, on March 6, 2001. She was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary for 52 years, a life member of the VFW Auxiliary No. 3644 for 16 years and a member of the American Legion Post 499 for 13 years. Marilyn was co-owner of Larry Ferguson Sales and Service in Pinnebog for 17 years. She is survived by her sister, Doris (Charles) Mason, of Clarkston; her brother, Dale (Nancy) Briggs, of Ann Arbor; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. In keeping with Marilyn's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services. Memorials may be given to the Cass City VFW Aux 3644. Arrangements were handled by the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Mildred M. Biener Midred M. (Timreck) Biener, 80, of Clinton Township and formerly of Port Hope, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2007. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2007, in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. A complete obituary will be in a future edition of the Huron Daily Tribune or viewed at RamseyFH.Com. 1