HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning May 20, 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, May 20, 2007 – No obituaries reported Monday, May 21, 2007 Martha F. Dronsella Martha F. Dronsella, 97, of Sebewaing, died Saturday, May 19, 2007, at Scheurer Hospital following a brief illness. She was born March 27, 1910 in Brookfield Township, daughter of the late Christian and Ernestine (Kurzer) Roemer. She was confirmed March 25, 1923 by R.A.D. Stoskoph at St. John Lutheran Church in Kilmanagh. She was united in marriage to John G. Dronsella on February 10, 1937 in Kilmanagh. He preceded her in death on September 23, 2001. Martha was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. She loved being outdoors gardening and in her flowers and she also enjoyed reading. Surviving are one daughter, Florence and her husband, Norman Kuhl, of Sebewaing; two granddaughters, Christine Kuhl and Teresa and Daniel Mavis, all of Saginaw; also two sisters, Florence Volz and Clara and her husband, Claude Hornbacher, all of Sebewaing; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Elmer Roemer, on August 10, 1970. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in the Silverlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. She will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church. Memorials maybe given to the Immanuel Music Fund, Radio Mission Fund or the charity of the donor's choice. Joann Fisher Joann Fisher, 68, of Colfax Township, died Friday, May 18, 2007, at her home. She was born in Harbor Beach on January 17, 1939 to the late Robert and Anna Susalla. Joann and Harold Fisher were united in marriage on June 22, 1957 at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Joann cooked at the BP Gas Station in Bad Axe for many years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed playing bingo, lottery tickets, going to the casino, gardening, playing cards, canning, watching old movies, cooking Polish food and visiting with family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Kathleen (Robert) Ruth, of Bad Axe; one son, Daniel (Tracy) Fisher, of Elkton; three sisters, Sylvia Linday, of Port Huron, Alice Kosal, of Warren, and Beatrice (Raymond) Krantz; three brothers, Norman (Marion) Susalla, Harbor Beach; Wilford (Virginia) Susalla, of Harbor Beach, and Irvin (Allene) Susalla, of Port Hope; four grandchildren, Krista (Matthew) Klosowski, of Bad Axe, Deanna Fisher, of Sterling Heights, Amber (Michael) Blackstock, of Bad Axe, and Joshua Ruth and his special friend, Hillary Crane, of Mount Pleasant; two great grandchildren, Haley and Morgan, of Bad Axe; three stepgrandchildren, Joshua, Brandon, and Amanda Czewski, all of Ubly; and several nieces and nephews. Joann was preceded in death by three sisters, Marie Dean, Lillian Pawloski and Diana Susalla; two brothers, Joseph and Archie Susalla. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church of Bad Axe with Fr. James Carlson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today at the MacAlpine Chapel of Bad Axe and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. A scripture service will be at 7 p.m. today. Arlene C. Kunisch Arlene C. Kunisch, 92, died Thursday, May 17, 2007, at Iosco Medical Care Facility in Tawas City following a six-month illness. She was born February 14, 1915 in Sebewaing, daughter of the late Jacob and Helena (Stamnitz) Martens. She was married to Jack V. McHalpine in 1936. She then married Arnold J. Kunisch on February 1, 1953 in Sebewaing. He died November 29, 1981. Arlene was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing and served as the church and school secretary for 26 years and also was a member of the Ladies Aid for many years. She was proud to have been the first elected president of the Sebewaing schools PTA, which she helped form. She did volunteer work for the county social services for many years. Our loving Christian mother's first love was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Arlene was a beautiful seamstress and enjoyed playing cards with her many friends and doing cross word puzzles. Surviving are her children, Gary (Pat) McHalpine, of Lake Orion, LoAnn (Duane) Rieman, of Sebewaing, Suzanne (Chuck) McGathy, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Timothy (Maryanne) McHalpine, of Macomb Township, Thomas McHalpine, of Westland, Catherine (James) Butler, of Grosse Pointe Park, Morley McHalpine, of Coopersville, and Lynn (Daniel) Zuzga, of Tawas City; 29 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Scott McHalpine, on June 10, 1979; two brothers, Harvey and Morley Martens; four sisters, Corrine Clabuesch, Vera Martens, Helen Eremia, and Lucille Deming; also one great granddaughter, Cassidy Lynn McHalpine. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. She will lie in state at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Donna M. Neeb Donna M. Neeb, 80, died in New Jersey on Saturday, February 17, 2007, after a long illness. She was born August 13, 1926, daughter of the late John C. and Ida (Snodden) Neeb. Donna was the valedictorian of the Bad Axe class of 1944. She earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan and did further studies at MIT and USC. Her work in computers included work for GE, MIT, U of M, Rand Corporation, Systems and Development Corporation. She retired as a Director of Development with Computer Science Corporation. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, Bad Axe. Donna enjoyed traveling and playing bridge. She had visited all 50 states, all the provinces of Canada, all the countries of Europe, and all seven continents. She is survived by one brother, Phillip J. (Sally) Neeb; seven nieces and nephews, John (MaryAnne) Neeb, Bill (Susan) Neeb, Bob (Jan) Neeb, Barbara (Jim) Warschefsky, Kathy (Rod) Gettel, Becky (Wayne) Brady, and Martha (Fritz) Crisler. She was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Ralph and Alan Neeb. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Bad Axe. Funeral arrangements are being handled by MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Delbert D. Pattee Delbert D. Pattee, 79, of Flushing, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at his home. He was born February 9, 1928 in Detroit, son of the late Paul and Alice Pattee. He married Thelma E. Mosher on May 18, 1946 in Sandusky. She preceded him in death on September 6, 1995. The couple lived in Sanilac County before moving to the Flushing area. He was a self-employed cement mason for 30 years and served in the U.S. Army. He is survived by three sons, William (Marjorie) Pattee, Daniel (Cheryl) Pattee, and Benjamin (Daphne) Pattee, all of Flushing; one daughter, Charlotte Reid, of Flushing; two brothers, Joseph Pattee, and Thomas Pattee, both of Deckerville; four sisters, Pauline (Glen) Willett, of Carsonville, Donna (Jerry) Pacheco, of Arkansas, Asenath "Dee Dee" (Larry) Ross, of Sebring, Florida, and Gloria (Fred) Kritzman, of Deckerville; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Paul Pattee; and two sisters, Priscilla Conely and Dorothy Green. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Officiating will be the Rev. James Willett. Burial will be in the Forester Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Beva B. Wallace Beva B. Wallace, 92, of Cass City, died Sunday, May 20, 2007, in Hills and Dales General Hospital, Cass City. She was born May 19, 1915 at home in Argyle Township to Rexford and Bertha (Hillaker) Nichols. She married Donald Edmund Wallace in Detroit. He died April 29, 1970. Beva worked at Walbro Corporation in Cass City for 26 years, retiring in 1982. She loved her flowers and was an excellent cook. Beva is survived by her children: Robert (Bea) Wallace, of Hemlock, Betsy (Jim) Mayfield, of Decker, Jack (Marlene) Wallace, of Cass City, Marilyn Ziemba, of Decker, Sharon (Arnold) Erla, of Cass City, Carol Hartman, of Cass City, Alfred (Charleyne) Wallace, of Cass City; 17 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; brother, Dallas Nichols, of California; half sisters: Kathleen Bresky, Katheryn Donovan; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Leonard Ziemba; brother, Harmond Nichols, half-brother, Harley Nichols, sister, Wanda Shaner, twin sister, Belva B. Hartwick. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, in Shabbona United Methodist Church with Pastor Ellen Burns officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shabbona United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Elkland Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Rawson Memorial Library, Shabbona United Methodist Church or Tendercare Nursing Facility. Orla M. McGee Orla M. McGee, 78, resident of Bad Axe and Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2007, in Florida. Cremation has taken place at Palm State Crematory in Clearwater, Florida. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe. A full obituary will appear in the Tribune at a later date. Tuesday, May 22, 2007 Charles "Spike" Bourdo Charles "Spike" Bourdo, 64, of Oliver Township, died Sunday afternoon, May 20, 2007, at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, after suffering from a ruptured thoracic aneurysm. He was born March 31, 1943 in Pontiac, son of the late Charles and Mary (Davis) Bourdo. Spike worked alongside his father who started Updyke Tool, a tool and die shop, making parts for the auto industry, in Pontiac. In 1991, Spike moved his business to Huron County, which became Moore Industries and later Versant Engineering, near Elkton, until recently when he retired. On August 4, 1997, he married Joanne Stuart on Mackinac Island. They traveled together and enjoyed nature. Spike was an avid hunter. He loved to hunt all kinds of game, pheasants, deer, small game, and especially ducks. He spent much time on the water, boating and fishing in Saginaw Bay. It has been said that he was a "people person", with his perpetual smile and sense of humor; he attracted friends like a magnet. He was a member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited and a former member of the Caseville Rod and Gun Club and will be missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his wife, Joanne; two children, Michele and Sam; a granddaughter, Libby; his sister, Joan Bevelacqua, of Olympia, Washington; a niece, Alexandra; and his faithful dog, Mack. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at his home at the end of Haist Road at Moore Road. Friends may gather there. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, Pigeon Conservation Pheasant Program or Ducks Unlimited. Words of condolence may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com. Dorothy E. Jerome Dorothy E. Jerome, 91, of Bay Port, died Friday evening, May 18, 2007, at Apache Junction Health Care Center, Apache Junction, Arizona, following a lengthy illness. She was born April 30, 1916 in Bay Port to the late Darrell and Dorothy (Carrington) Holtzman. In the '50s, she directed and composed many songs for a number of Follies to raise money for the Bay Port High School. Her residence in Bay Port was the birthplace of the notorious Over the Hill Gang parties, known the world over. In her early years, she worked as a nightclub singer and entertainer. She was the wife of 62 years to the late Harold F. Jerome, dear mother of Michael, and the late Judith Smith. Dorothy was a member of the Bay Port United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Dorothy was a lifelong resident of Bay Port moving to Arizona near her son in 2001 for health reasons. Surviving are her son, Michael (Ramona) Jerome, of Apache Junction, Arizona; son-in-law, Robert Smith, of Bloomfield; grandchildren, Kevin and Mark Smith, David Jerome, and Paula Willett; nine great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her daughter, Judith; her daughter-in-law, Pamela (Gebauer) Jerome; a granddaughter, Kerri Weickel; her brother, Robert Holtzman; and a sister, Natalie Dutcher. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2007, at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton. The Rev. Douglas Mater, pastor of the Bay Port United Methodist Church, will officiate with burial next to her husband in New Bay Port Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and after 10 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to her church, hospice of the donor's choice, or Alzheimer's Disease Association. Words of condolence may be shared by signing the guess book at www.cfcElkton.com. Donald W. Kirsch Donald W. Kirsch, 70, of Highland Township and a former resident of Milford, died after a two-year battle with cancer on Sunday, May 20, 2007, at Canterbury on the Lake in Waterford. Born on May 21, 1936, the son of Wilbert and Margaret (nee Messing) Kirsch, Don grew up in Sand Beach before going to Detroit in 1956 to begin his work with Malloy Manufacturing. In the early 1970s, he and numerous other stockholders from the company went westward to open Uniflow, an automotive fitting and special parts company in Novi. Don's children were raised in Troy and years after his divorce, he met Karen Reck in 1987 while polka dancing. They later married on June 3, 1987 and have been dancing ever since that day. Don enjoyed being active. His and Karen's love for polka dancing afforded them many memorable times while traveling to cities throughout Michigan or taking cruises abroad; enjoying the camaraderie with other polka dancers that in turn began many lasting friendships. Unforgettable memories were also shared during family deer hunting trips to Houghton, where Don kept a mobile home for the season. Back home, he enjoyed gardening with his wife and was especially handy around the home. He maintained and rented two condominiums in Royal Oak, also serving as chair on the board of directors with condominium management. After his retirement from Uniflow in 1998, Don began his work with his local parish - St. Mary's Catholic Church in Milford, assisting in the organization of the church's annual fair, helping with luncheon gatherings following funeral and memorial Masses and keeping up on the church's daily maintenance. He was always friendly and welcoming to anyone who came through the church's doors needing a hand. In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by his children, Kathy (Jim) Brinker, Larry (Julie) Kirsch, Karen (Phil) Krason, Connie (Dave) McLaughlin, Dennis (Jan) Kirsch, Lisa (Kevin) Kasak; stepchildren, John (Christine) Strong, Barrett (Karen) Strong; 11 beloved grandchildren; brother, Richard (Linda) Kirsch; sisters, Delores (Ken) Arndt and Joyce (Ray) Puvalowski; many dear friends, fellow parishioners, colleagues and neighbors who join to mourn his passing while giving thanks to God for his life among them. A Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Road, Milford, with Fr. Ron Anderson officiating. Burial will be at the Christian Memorial Cemetery in Rochester. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford. For further information, call (248) 684-6645 or visit www.LynchFuneralDirectors.com. Local information provided by Zinger- Smigielski Funeral Home, Ubly. Doris Christine Nicholl Doris Christine Nicholl, 78, of Caseville, died suddenly on Monday, May 21, 2007, at her home. Doris was born May 2, 1929 in Hamtramck to the late Carl and Irene (Andrzejak) Smith. She attended St. Florian grade school in Hamtramck and graduated from Girls Catholic Central in Detroit. After high school, she attended nursing school at the University of Michigan to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). On October 28, 1972, Doris married Max Nicholl, of Caseville, at Our Lady of Lorretto Catholic Church in Redford. Max predeceased her on July 21, 2005. After marrying, Doris moved to Caseville. Doris was an active member of St. Roch Catholic Church where she had faithfully served as sacristan for many years. Doris' love of shopping made her well known in many stores all over the area. She enjoyed traveling, theater, keeping a beautiful home, and spending time with her many friends in and around Caseville. She was an elegant, classy lady who appreciated and delighted in the many blessings she experienced throughout her life. She is survived by her son, Joseph and his wife, Meg, of Caseville; her grandson, Joseph II, of Caseville; and granddaughter, Dani, of Caseville. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 24. 2007, at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville with Fr. Ken Yaroch presiding. Burial will be in St. Roch Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville and from 10 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. There will be a scripture service at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the St. Roch Food Pantry or Caseville School Boosters' Club. Condolences may be shared at www.cfcCaseville.com. Wednesday, May 23, 2007 Lillian Fern Hanby Lillian Fern Hanby, 94, of Cass City, died Monday, May 21, 2007, in Tuscola County Medical Care Facility, Caro. She was born June 9, 1912 in Turner, Michigan to Ralph and Edith (Moore) Ward. She married Ralph D. "R.D." Hanby on July 3, 1933 in Angola, Indiana. He died February 11, 1981. Lillian graduated from Cass City High School in 1931. She worked for Stevens Nursing Home for 25 years and then Caro Medical Care Facility, from where she retired. Lillian was a member of Hills & Dales General Hospital Auxiliary, Cass City Retired People, and Cass City First Baptist Church. She loved to read and refinish furniture. The home Lillian lived in has been in her family since 1921. Lillian is survived by her children, Donald (Barbara) Hanby, of Cass City, Richard J. (Karen) Hanby, of Grand Haven, and Mary Louise (Larry) Anners, of Sequim, Washington; grandchildren, Sharon (Robert) Todd, James (Rita) Hanby, Jeff (Michelle) Hanby, Lori (Randy) Patera, Greg (Kristi) Hanby, Kristyn (Dave) Ireland, and Sheryl (Jason) Wille; great grandchildren, Shannon, Wesley, and Mary Beth Todd, Eric, Kurt, Bradley, Kyle, Caleb, Jacob, Kendal, Ian and Reese Hanby, Rachel and Joel Patera, Kaylee and Alexis Ireland, and Max Wille; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Fred Ward. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2007, in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, with Pastor David G. Hill officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Cass City First Baptist Church or Tuscola County Medical Care Facility. Family and friends may share memories, prayers, and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Dorothy May Hurren Dorothy May Hurren, 85, of Harbor Beach, passed away Monday, May 21, 2007, at the Lakeview Extended Care Facility in Harbor Beach. Dorothy was born July 8, 1921 in Harbor Beach to the late John and Lucy (Dain) Fyfe. She married Elvin Hurren on September 21, 1940 in Harbor Beach. He preceded her in death on May 4, 1976. Dorothy was a graduate of Harbor Beach Elementary School. She was a parishioner and attended services at the First Baptist Church in Harbor Beach. Dorothy enjoyed quilting, tours with friends, and traveling to Texas and Missouri to visit family. Dorothy is survived by one son, Dale Hurren and his wife, Jannelle, of Nunnelly, Tennessee; daughter, Karen Lenton and her husband, Wayne, of Ubly; four grandchildren, Lori Pearson, William "Bill" Hurren and his wife, Debbie, Diane Michalski and her husband, Joseph, and John Lenton and his wife, April; five great grandchildren, Nathan Michalski, Anthony Meyer, Kayla Hurren, Joseph Portnova, and Stephanie Bole; one brother, Charles Fyfe and his wife, Vonda, of Harbor Beach; former daughter-in-law, Anna Beaulne and her husband, Albert "Bert", of Sterling Heights. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Harbor Beach. The Rev. Ralph Parkins, retired pastor of the First Baptist Church in Harbor Beach, will officiate. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 3:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. Ferry Siemen Ferry Siemen, 81, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2007, at the home of her son, near Harbor Beach, with hospice care. Born in Ruth on April 3, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Christian and Feary (Schmid) Weber. On May 29, 1943, Ferry Weber and Marcus Siemen were united in marriage. Marcus preceded her in death on May 11, 2000. Ferry loved being with her family and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. She is survived by her children, Pat Tenbusch and her husband, Allen Jr., of Marion, Indiana, Don Siemen and his wife, Agnes, of Harbor Beach, Carl Siemen and his wife, Sue, of Harbor Beach, Linda Hill and her husband, Dennis, of Harbor Beach, Shirley Klaska and her husband, Mark, of Bad Axe, Tom Siemen and his wife, Donna, of Kissimmee, Florida, Jim Siemen and his wife, Lill, of Harbor Beach, Dale Siemen and his wife, Nancy, of Harbor Beach, Christine Veldman and her husband, Dave, of Port Huron, Janet Nowiski and her husband, Mark, of Harbor Beach, Sheila Hagedon and her husband, Paul, of Port Huron, Jean Burkhard and her husband, Richard, of Harbor Beach, Lisa Sweet and her husband, Larry, of Harbor Beach; 48 grandchildren; 51 great grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Weber, of Mount Clemens, and Hank Weber, of Florida; and a sister, Martha Crofchack, of Detroit. Ferry was preceded in death by a brother, William Weber, and a sister, Theresa Woychowski. A Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2007, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church with Fr. T.J. Fleming officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Ramsey Funeral Home, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Thursday, May 24, 2007 Ernest F. Oppliger Ernest F. Oppliger, 84, of Port Huron, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 9, 2007, in Port Huron Hospital. He was born to Edwin and Eleanore Oppliger on September 2, 1922 in Lincoln, Kansas. He attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska before serving with the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Later he graduated from Valparaiso University Law School in 1951 and married Florence K. Krueger in Harbor Beach on June 16, 1951. He came to Port Huron in 1957 and practiced law until being appointed Circuit Court Judge by Governor William Milliken in 1974. He retired from the bench in August 1994. Judge Oppliger was a member of the Michigan Bar Association and was a member and past president of the St. Clair County Bar Association. He was also a member and past president of both the Optimist Club and Our Saviour Lutheran Church, and was a member of Port Huron Golf Club. Judge Oppliger is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Florence; his five children, Ellie (Ralph) Banish, of Port Huron, Karen (Richard) Widerynski, of Long Beach, California, David (Kristine) Oppliger, of Fort Gratiot, Douglas (Shawn) Oppliger, of Hancock, and Cynthia (Tim) Baker, of Noblesville, Indiana; 10 grandchildren, Laura Banish, Stasia Widerynski, Eric and Lucas Oppliger, Karen, Louise, and Ruth Oppliger, Zachary, Melissa and Elizabeth Baker; his sister, Sue Oppliger, of Shreveport, Louisiana; his brother, Paul Oppliger, of Traverse City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jeffrey Banish. The funeral service was conducted on Saturday, May 12, 2007, with burial in Rock Falls Cemetery, Harbor Beach. The Smith Family Funeral Home-North, 1525 Hancock Street, Port Huron, handled the arrangements. Pallbearers were Richard Huegli, Cindy Lane, Judge Allen Keyes, Tim Hoffman, Dan Harpold, and Dan Saunders. Members of the St. Clair County Bar Association were honorary pallbearers. Contributions may be made in Judge Oppliger's memory to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, the YMCA, or Blue Water Hospice. To send condolences, visit smithfamilyfuneralhome.com. Suzanne Hamlett Hauprich Suzanne Hamlett Hauprich, 60, of Chester, Maryland, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2007. Suzanne Hamlett was born December 9, 1946 to the late Lois Jean Baldwin who raised her with her stepfather, Chester Ankney. Suzanne grew up in Romeo and Caseville. After graduation in 1965, she moved to Washington DC and began working as a secretary at the Pentagon. She later worked as a legal administrator with the law firms of Ginsberg, Feldman & Bress, Miller & Holbrook, Miller VanEaton, and Miles & Stockbridge. Suzanne was an avid fisherman and gardener. She also fostered dogs with the Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue Organization. She was the beloved wife of John F. Hauprich III. She is also survived by her dear son, Toby Daschbach and his wife, Gina, and granddaughter, Cleo Rae, of Piermont New York; brothers, Charles Hamlett (Carol), of Deltaville Virginia, David Hamlett, of Seaside Oregon; sisters, Jean Kline (Tom), of Warren, Cordelia Hamlett, of Bay Port, Mary Margaret Bustos, of Seaside, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, Maryland 21619. She will be laid to rest at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Visitations will be conducted from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Mid-Atlantic German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue, Inc., 6429 Old Washington Road, Sykesville, Maryland 21784 or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Fwy, Ste 250, Dallas, Texas 75244. Mark Andrew Prill Mark Andrew Prill, 28, of Bonita Springs, Florida and formerly of Caseville, passed away suddenly, Monday, May 21, 2007. He was born in Dearborn on October 31, 1978, the son of Peter P. Jr. and Janice E. (Paulson) Prill. He was a 1996 graduate of Caseville High School and received his business degree in 2000 from Michigan State University. While in Caseville, Mark played basketball, baseball, soccer and was a member of the National Honor Society. He worked at the State docks and the water slide as well as at the Scenic Golf and Country Club pro shop. He especially enjoyed golf. As a student at Michigan State University, Mark played intramural sports. He loved sports and enjoyed participating in and watching all of them. He was recruited and hired by Old Kent/Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids while a student at Michigan State University and was transferred to Naples, Florida to be branch manager in May 2006. He is survived by his dear friend, Breanna Waligora of Bonita Springs, Florida; his parents, Pete and Jan Prill, of Caseville; his grandmother, Agnes Paulson, of Pigeon; a great aunt, Sophie Rangus, of Pigeon; an aunt, Julie Paulson, of Orlando, Florida; and many other relatives and close friends. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Memorials in Mark's memory may be made to Caseville Athletic Boosters or to the Caseville Kiwanis Club Scholarship Fund. Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, Pigeon, conducted the arrangements. Friday, May 25, 2007 Venice M. Finan Venice M. Finan, 84, of Port Austin, died Friday, May 25, 2007, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Funeral arrangements which are incomplete at this time are being handled by the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. A complete obituary will be in Tuesday's edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. Richard L. Kieft Richard L. Kieft, 79, of Bay Port, died Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Sunrise Assisted Living Home in Grosse Pointe Woods. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. A full obituary will be in a later edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. Arrangements are being handled by the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. 1