Obits from the Midland Daily News, Midland, Michigan Copyright © 1998 by Joan Brausch. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. _____________________________________________________________________ Obituaries for Monday March 30, 1998 James M. Letts Sr. James M. Letts Sr., of Midland, died early Sunday morning, March 29, 1998, at the MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland after a brief illness. James was born on December 28, 1922, in Midland, the son of Frank and Liddie (June) Letts. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, bowling and camping. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jean (Davis) Letts; his children, James (Donna) Letts; Betty (Robert) Reid, Robert Letts, Larry (Kathy) Letts, and Alice Jean (Steven) White, all of Midland, 27 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Peter (Daisy) Letts and Cleo Letts of Midland. He was preceded in death by one sister, Lorene Anthony, and one brother, Gale Letts. A private funeral service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are requested by his family to consider the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund. The Smith-Miner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harold E. "Ike" Gerhinger Sr. Harold E. "Ike" Gerhinger Sr., 70, of Auburn died early Saturday morning, March 28, 1998 at the MidMichigan Center in Midland after an extended illness. Ike was born May 23, 1927, in Williams Township, the son of the late Andrew G. and Maude (Smith) Gehringer. He had resided in this area all his life. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Monitor, workd for RWC for 18 years and had worked prior for the James V. Schmidt Builders for 25 years. He was a pit steward at the Tri-City Motor Speedway for more than 30 years, vice president of the Tri-City Computer Club, a life member of AMA and an avid outdoorsman. On May 6, 1970, he married the former Margaret M. Rindhage. She survives him. Also surviving are 12 children, Harold "Ike" (Lynn) Gehringer Jr., Donald (Deb) Gerhinger, Andy (Roxanne) Barrera, John (Joyce) Gerhinger, Richard Barrera, Dorothy Alice (Chris) Gundy, Andrew "Andy" (Linda) Gerhinger, Laura Roth, Nancy (Mark) Lewis, Dawn (Kim) Lederer, Gloria Harris, and Deb Black; 30 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; four brothers and sisters, Dorothy (Jack) Greenleaf, Maxine (Len) LeBeau, Gary (Doris) Keopke and Joyce (Lloyd) Zastrow; his former wife, Pauline; and many neices, nephews and friends. Ike was also predeceased by a brother Dale Koepke. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 1998, from Trinity Lutheran Church in Monitor. The Rev. Norman Aman will officiate with cremation at Sunset Valley Crematory, Bay City. Ike's family will receive friends at the Auburn Chapel of the Cunningham-Taylor Funeral Homes, Inc. today from 2-9 p.m. and then at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution envelopes for Trinity Lutheran of Monitor Debt Fund will be available at the funeral home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Midland County Obituaries for March 31, 1998: Thomas J. Dean Thomas J. Dean, 87, of Midland died early Monday morning, March 30, 1998, at the MidMichigan Medical Center. He was born Feb. 4, 1911, in Mount Haley Township, son of the late Anthony and Sarah (Moore) Dean. He was raised and educated in Jam, Mount Haley Township. As a youth Tom had worked at the Jam Store helping his uncle, Jim Dean. Mr. Dean had also helped on the family farm for a number of years and continued to run the farm after his father's death. He married the former Dora Heppner on November 16, 1940, in Napoleon, Ohio. She predeaceased him in 1988 after being married for 48 years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, employed with the Dow Chemical Co., retiring as a supervisor in 1969 after 34 years of service. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most importantly, he like to spend time with his grandchildren and watch their sporting events. Surviving are his children, Thomas C. Dean, Douglas B. Dean, Carol and Dan Jaster, all of Midland, Ronald J. and Cindy Dean of Newport, N.C., grandchildren Jeff Jaster and his fiancee, Amy Tolfree, Kelly and Glenn Barrie, Kari Jaster, all of Midland; two sisters-in-law, Edna Dean and Mary Finney, both of Midland; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Dean was predeceased by five brothers, Patrick, Anthony, William, Robert and Edward Dean. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 1998, from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Father Jack Johnson will officiate, with committal services to take place at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Mr. Dean's family will recieve friends today at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. A Christian Vigil service will be today at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Blessed Sacrament Church or the Arnold Center. Donald Chapin Donald Chapin, 88, of Chapel Hill, N.C., died at his home on Thursday, March 27, 1998. He resided at 250 S. Estes Dr., No. 100. Mr. Chapin was born in Detroit on July 12, 1909. Don married Glenna on June 15, 1933. They lived in Midland until moving to Chapel Hill in 1977. Mr. Chapin was employed at The Dow Chemical Co. as a chemical engineer from 1941 until his retirement in 1968. He was a member of the Midland Historical Society as its representative on the Board of Directors for the Midland Center for the Arts and also as it treasurer. He also served on the Midland School Board and the Midland County Board of Commissioners. He was a member of the Midland Kiwanis Club. Surviving besides his wife; are son, David (Margot) Chapin of Houston, Texas; and daughters, Donna Chapin Bergholz of Chapel Hill and Alice (Gene) Crosby of Midland. Other survivors include a brother-in-law, Douglas (Katharine) Lake of Midland; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. As a memborial contributions may be made to the American Printing House for the Blind, P.O. Box6389, Louisville, KY 40206-0389 or to the donor's favorite charities. David D. Shipps David D. Shipps, 53, of DeWitt, died Sunday, March 29, 1998. Mr. Shipps was born September 21, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. He worked at John Henry C. as a territorial manager. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War receiving the Purple Heart. He attended the Catholic Community of St. Jude, was a member of the Michigan Floral Association and the President's Club at John Henry Co. Surviving are his wife, Kendra; one daughter, Stacy (Steve) Langdon of Holland; one son, Stephen (fiancee, Christine Dalton) of Brighton; mother Corrine (Tom) Shipps Andrews of Gun Lake; one brother, Andrew (Kathy) of California; and one sister, Marnee (Tom) Sinnot of Illinois. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 1, 1998, 10 a.m. at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge St. of DeWitt, with the Rev. Bernard L. Reilly, pastor, officiating. Graveside services will be held in Robbins Cemetery, Gun Lake, at 2:30 p.m. Friends may call from 2 p.m. today at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. DeWitt Chapel, DeWitt, where the fammily will recieve friends from 2 to 5 p.m. and the Scripture Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Betty E. Duffy Betty E. Duffy, 73, of Midland, passed away Sunday, March 29, 1998, at the MidMichigan Medical Center. The daughter of the late Chester and Lorraine (Johnson) Moon was born February 21, 1925, in Battle Creek, where she was raised and educated. On July 19, 1952, the former Betty Moon married Donald Duffy of Midland. Betty was active with the Waldo Town and Country Diners and enjoyed making crafts. Surviving in addition to her husband, Don, are her sons, Gordon of New Orleans and Greg Dorn and his wife, Shirley, of Mesquite, Texas; half sister, Phylis Jackson of Lansing; grandsons, Matthew, James and Daniel; and a great-grandson, Daniel. she was predeceased by her step-father, Floyd Mesnerd. Graveside service for Betty will take place at 11 a.m. at the Midland Cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Arrangements are in care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Obituaries for Midland County, April 1, 1998, John "Bill" Winger John "Bill" Winger, 55, of Wellsburg, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 1998, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo of heart failure. Bill was born on June 11, 1942, the son of John and Eileen (Dunkle) Winger in Ionia. He graduated from Pinckney High School and later attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. He was united in marriage to Joan Nederhoff on August 14, 1964, in the First Congregational Church in Eldora, Iowa. Bill was employed at Quality Products in Eldora for 15 years. He was a member of the St. Peter's United Church of Christ, serving as a board member, Meadowbrook Golf Course and he was an avid golfer. He is survived by his wife, Joan, of Wellsburg; parents the Rev. John and Eileen Winger of Midland; his children, David and Michelle of Des Moines, Iowa, Darrell and Kara of Bakersfield, California, Sheila and John Cole of Grundy Center, Iowa, and Greg and Sarah of Wellsburg, Iowa; two brothers, Donald, and Doug and Beverly, all of Midland; and three grandchildren, Cody Cole of Grundy Center, Iowa, Alexander Winger of Bakersfield, California, and Megan Winger of Des Moines, Iowa. He was predeceased in death by an infant sister. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 1998, at the St. Peter's United Church of Christ, rural Wellsburg, with burial following in the church cemetery. Pastor Ronald Fisher will officiate. A memorial fund has been established. The Doyen-Abels Funeral Home in Wellsburg is in charge of the arrangements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Obituaries for Midland County, April 2, 1998: Aileene R. Vasquez Aileene R. Vasquez, 62, of Midland, died Tuesday, March 31, 1998, at MidMichigan Medical Center. The daughter of the late Charles and Leila (Fair) Conrad was born November 4, 1935 in Saginaw. She married Domingo Vasquez on September 21, 1970, in Saginaw. Aileene worked as a security guard for the Conley Security Co. She was a member of the Midland Loyal Order of Moose No. 1541 and the Midland V.F.W. Post 3651. Surviving is her husband, Domingo Vasquez; her daughter, Vickie France; her son Edward Anger, all of Midland; grandchildren, Tonya, Shane and Kayla; and her sisters, Laverne Austin of Farwell, Ida Day of Saginaw, and Joyce Leyer of Saginaw. She was predeceased by her son Forest Eagle. A memorial luncheon for Aileene will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 1998, at the Midland Loyal Order of Moosse No. 1541, 2100 Bay City Road, Midland. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Owen F. Wuelfing Sr. Owen F. Wuelfing Sr., 80, passed away Tuesday morning, Mrch 31, 1998, at Tendercare Nursing Center in Mount Pleasant. The son of the late Joseph and Alice (Burley) Wuelfling was born March 13, 1918, in Pontiac, where he was raised and educated. Owen was a welding instructor for General Motors in Flint. He retired on October 1, 1974. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle, the American Legion in Pontiac and a member of the UAW Local 594 retirees. Owen had served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Marion; his sons, Owen F. Wuelfing Jr. of Fr. Myers, Florida, and Roy (Virginia) Burch of Midland; his daughters, Evon Wuelfing of Twelve Mile, Indiana and Joy (Jeff) Reed of Logansport, Indiana; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Maxine Campbell of Drayton Plains. He was predeceased by two sisters, Iris Harrelson and Betty Winchester. The funeral service will take place Friday afternoon, April 3, 1998, 1 p.m. from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Pastor Fred Becknell of Midland Missionary Church will officiate. Interment will be in Midland Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home today from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Memorials are available for the American Cancer Society. Helen Evanchek Helen Evanchek, 51, of Tecumseh died Wednesday, April 1, 1998, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti. She was born in Midland on December 1, 1946, to Stephen and Mary (Virginski) Skalnican. She married John Evanchek on September 28, 1974. He survives her. Helen had been a resident of this area for two and a half years, coming from the Dexter area, where she owned and operated a beauty shop for 20 years. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh and had served on the Altar Society there. In addition to her husband, John, she is survived by her mother, Mary Skalnican of Midland; a son, John Evanchek of Tecumseh; a daughter Christina Evanchek of Tecumseh; two brothers, Tony Skalnican of Illinois and Andy (Rene) Skalnican of Midland; and two sisters, Catharine Skalnican of Midland and Gertrude (Eward) Longazel of Lansing. She was preceded in death by her father. Friends may call at the Couture-Handler Funeral Home, 313 W. Pottawatamie St., Techumseh, today from 1-4 p.m. and this evening at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Tecumseh from 7-9 p.m., where there will be a scripture service at 8 p.m. The Funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 1998, at the church, with Fr. Daniel Wheeler as the celebrant. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh. Memorials may be made in Helen's memory to the American Cancer Society. dz