HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan

Copyright © 2001 by Carol Morrison. This copy contributed for use in 
the MIGenWeb Archives.  

 

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Local obituaries for the week beginning June 16, 2002


Sunday, June 16, 2002


Raymond Krozek 
Raymond E. Krozek, 68, of Filion, died Friday, June 14, 2002, from injuries received in a 
farm machinery accident.  He was born Oct. 9, 1933 in Rapson to the late Joseph and 
Mary (Myjak) Krozek. He married Virginia Schipinski on Feb. 27, 1960, at St. Joseph 
Catholic Church of Rapson.  Raymond was a graduate of the Rapson Country School. He 
farmed with his family in Rapson until 1979. He enjoyed euchre, hunting and fishing, 
visiting with family and friends, gardening, the Red Wings, and Tigers.  He is survived 
by his three daughters, Susan Robinson and her husband, Mark, of Bad Axe; Mary 
Tamblyn of Caseville, and Sally Cornillie and her husband, Jason, of Clinton Township; 
two grandchildren, Michael Errer and Rande Krozek; two sisters, Alice Hanson and her 
husband, Jay, of Orange Park, Fla., and Jean Kolar and her husband, Jim, of Warren; a 
brother-in-law, Sylvester Peyok of Kinde; and many nieces and nephews, friends and 
neighbors.  He was preceded in death by three sisters, Leona Pollum, Anna Peyok, and 
Eva Krozek; and four brothers, Bernard, Edward, Anthony, and Eugene Krozek.  Funeral 
services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2002, at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral 
Home of Ubly. The Rev. Stanley Surman will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph 
Cemetery of Rapson.  Visitation will be from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, and from 9:30 a.m. 
until the time of service Monday, at the funeral home.  Memorials are requested to the 
Family Discretionary Fund. 

Donna St. John 
Donna L. St. John, 61, of Caseville, died Friday afternoon, June 14, 2002 at her home 
following a short illness.  She was born Nov. 28, 1940 in Hazel Park, the only child of the 
late LeRoy and Dorothy (Collis) Ainsley.  On March 19, 1960, she was united in 
marriage to Michael St. John at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Rochester. They lived and 
raised their family in Madison Heights and had been visiting Caseville since 1972. In 
1990, they moved and made their home in Caseville. Two years later they built and 
opened the Cozy Cafe in downtown Caseville. They sold it and opened Shakers in 1998, 
where you could find Donna dipping ice cream and visiting with customers. She and her 
family enjoyed working and being a part of their community. She loved her family and 
friends, work, her dog, "Suzie Q," bird watching, playing cards, and gambling.  Surviving 
are her husband, Michael; her children, Ronald and Denise St. John, Jerry and Connie St. 
John, and Dawn and Ken Urick, all of Caseville; her grandchildren, Amanda St. John, 
Scott St. John, and Christopher and Marcie Papkey.  Preceding her in death was one son, 
Michael, in 1988.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2002, 
at St. Roch Catholic Church, Caseville. The Rev. Fr. Kenneth Yaroch, pastor, will 
officiate with burial in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at 
the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Caseville, and after 10 a.m. Monday at the church. 
Messages can be left for the family at www.CFCcaseville.com.  Memorials may be given 
to Scheurer Hospital. 

Monday, June 17, 2002

Robert Thick 
Robert F. "Bob" Thick, 78, of Bay Port passed away Saturday, June 15, 2002, at Scheurer 
Hospital in Pigeon.  He was born on July 3, 1923, in Bay Port, son of the late David Sr. 
and Altha May (Conger) Thick. He was united in marriage to Annabell D. Mattice in 
Bowling Green, Ohio, on Jan. 18, 1945.  Mr. Thick was in the United States Navy during 
World War II for six years. While in the Pacific, he served on the U.S.S. Nashville, which 
returned Gen. Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines.  He retired in 1986 from Evans 
Products in Gagetown, where he was a tool and die maintenance worker for 29 years. 
Prior to that he was a welder and worked at DeFoe Shipbuilders in Bay City.  Mr. Thick 
was an avid gardener. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cribbage. He was a 
member of the Community of Christ Church in Bay Port.  He is survived by his wife, 
Annabell; son, Bob Thick and his wife, Jean, of Orion; daughter, Pamela Hodges and her 
husband, Edward, of Sand Springs, Okla.; three grandchildren, Kimberly Edler and her 
husband, Darrin, Robert Thick, and Nichole Young and her husband, Derrick; six great-
grandchildren; brother, Daniel Thick and his wife, Violet, of Lewiston; a special niece, 
Carol Dronsella; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, 
David, Elvin and Donald.  The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 
June 18, 2002, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon with Elder Ervin 
Haley of the Community of Christ Church in Bay Port officiating. Burial will be in the 
New Bay Port Cemetery.  Visitation is from noon to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and 9 
a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorials for Mr. Thick 
may be made to the American Lung Association, Bay Port Community of Christ Church 
or the charity of the donor's choice. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2002

Eleanor Adler 
Mrs. Eleanor Adler, 80, of Ruth passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002, at St. Mary Medical 
Center of Saginaw.  She was born on July 18, 1921, in Ruth to the late Henry and Helen 
(Tenbusch) Messing. She married John Adler on May 25, 1946, at SS. Peter & Paul 
Catholic Church in Ruth.  Eleanor was a graduate of SS. Peter & Paul Elementary 
School. She worked with her family on the farm until going to Detroit to work at Packard 
Motor Car Co. for a few years. She returned home to marry and raise a family. She was a 
member of St. John Chrysostom Catholic Church in Forestville and St. John's Christian 
Mothers. She enjoyed gardening, euchre, dancing, scrap booking, spending time with 
family and visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Eleanor is survived 
by her husband of 56 years, John, of Ruth; one daughter, Darlene Schelke and her 
husband, Larry, of Harbor Beach; three sons, Ron and his wife, Ruth Ann (Kirsch), of 
New Hudson, Jerry and his wife, Kathy (Ginnel), of Ruth, Jim and his wife, Jan 
(Kriewall), of Ruth; 11 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 
two brothers, Leonard Messing and his wife, Theresa, of Harbor Beach and Andrew 
Messing of Bad Axe; three sisters, Anna Essenmacher of Bad Axe, Magdeline Kranz of 
Bad Axe and Dorothy Roggenbuck of Harbor Beach.  She was preceded in death by four 
brothers, Leo, Walter, Arthur and Lawrence Messing; four sisters, Helen Kirsch, Clara 
Clor, Irene Samulski and an infant sister.  The funeral mass for Eleanor Adler will be at 
11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at St. John Chrysostom Catholic Church in 
Forestville. The Rev. Paul Bala, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church 
cemetery.  There will be a parish vigil service by Fr. Bala at 7:30 tonight at the Zinger-
Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly.  Visitation is from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. today and 8:30 to 
9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to St. John 
Chrysostom Catholic Church of Forestville. 

Mary Bush 
Mary Lavonne Bush, 74, of Eastpointe and formerly of Harbor Beach went home to our 
Lord on Sunday, June 16, 2002, at St. John's Hospital in Detroit after an extended illness.  
She was born on June 8, 1928, in Harlan, Ky. to the late Ben and Mary Stringer. She and 
Earl W. Bush were united in marriage on May 4, 1956, in Detroit. He preceded her in 
death on April 4, 1979.  Mary retired from Harbor Beach Community Hospital in 1999 
after 25 years of service to the health care needs of the people of Harbor Beach. She was 
a member of St. Felix's Parish of Eastpointe and Our Lady of Lake Huron Parish in 
Harbor Beach. Mary enjoyed flower gardening and raising beautiful roses and she 
especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.  Mary is survived by a 
daughter, Tami Stapleton and her husband, Ralph, of Eastpointe; two sons, Michael and 
his wife, Katherine, of Harbor Beach and Sean Bush of Mount Clemens; the loves of her 
life, her grandchildren, Patrick and Katie Bush of Harbor Beach; one brother, J. Kenneth 
Stringer of Ohio; nieces and nephews; two very dear lifelong friends, Mary Wood of 
Roseville and Marie Alisoglu of Harbor Beach.  Preceding her in death were her husband, 
Earl; five sisters; one brother.  A celebration of Mary's life will take place Wednesday, 
June 19, 2002, at Alcomo Hall on East 9 Mile Road in Eastpointe. A graveside service 
will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2002, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Cemetery with 
the Rev. Jerry Kukla, pastor of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church officiating. 
Inurnment will take place at the cemetery.  Arrangements have been made through the R. 
Ruggero Chapel of Great Lakes Crematory in Detroit.  Memorials may be made to 
Harbor Beach Community Hospital. 

Virginia Hirn 
Virginia M. Hirn, 79, of Flushing died Friday, June 14, 2002, at home.  Mrs. Hirn was 
born on Feb. 1, 1923, in Flint, the daughter of James and Marie (Renox) Stewart. She 
married Daniel J. Hirn on July 17, 1954, in Flint. He preceded her in death on April 6, 
1992.  Mrs. Hirn was a member of St. Robert Catholic Church. She graduated Magna 
Cum Laude from St. Michael's Catholic High School and Suma Cum Laude from 
Marygrove College. Mrs. Hirn taught at Civic Park Elementary School where she met her 
husband, Dan. She retired from teaching after 10 years to raise her eight children. She 
taught CCD and was active in the Altar Society at St. Robert and St. Agnes Catholic 
churches. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and a volunteer at Genesys 
Regional Medical Center. She loved flowers and she especially loved her grandchildren.  
She is survived by her children, Mary Walker and her husband, Jim, of Redlands, Calif., 
Dan Hirn and his wife, Joan, of Plano, Ill., Jane Lambert and her husband, Gary, of 
Grand Blanc, Jim Hirn and his wife, Becky, of Bad Axe, John Hirn and his wife, 
Michelle, of Simi Valley, Calif., Paul Hirn and his wife, Debbie, of St. Joseph, Pat Hirn 
and his wife, Anne, of Avon, Colo., Ann Kessler and her husband, Aran, of Valpraiso, 
Ind.; 19 grandchildren, Jessica, Katelyn and James Daniel Walker of Redlands, Calif., 
Jackie and Jamie Hirn of Plano, Ill., Max, Taylor, Mackenzie and Hunter-Danielle 
Lambert of Grand Blanc, Mitchell and Madison Hirn of Bad Axe, Christin and John M. 
Hirn Jr. of Simi Valley, Calif., Megan Virginia and Morgan Hirn of St. Joseph, Trexler 
and Erikson Hirn of Avon, Colo., Andria and Alex Kessler of Valpraiso, Ind.; three 
brothers, Jim Stewart and his wife, Carol, of Flint, Patrick Stewart of Flushing and Larry 
Stewart and his wife, Irene, of Grand Blanc; one sister, Barbara Stewart of Flushing; 
sister-in-law, Maryann Stewart of Flushing; many nieces, nephews and friends.  She was 
preceded in death by her brother, Bob.  The funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on 
Thursday, June 20, 2002, at St. Robert Catholic Church in Flushing. Fr. Steven Makranyi 
will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Robert Catholic Cemetery. A vigil service will take 
place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Rossell Funeral Home in Flushing.  Visitation will take 
place from 6 to 8 p.m. today and noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral 
home.  Memorials may be made to St. Robert Catholic Church, Powers Catholic High 
School Scholarship Fund, the American Cancer Society or the Macular Degeneration 
Research. 

Earl Longuski 
Mr. Earl T. Longuski, 69, of Ubly passed away Monday, June 17, 2002 at Bay Medical 
Center in Bay City after a short illness.  Earl was born on May 26, 1933 in Ubly, son of 
Leo and Victoria (Warchuck) Longuski. He was united in marriage to Mary Jane Wrubel 
on Oct. 22, 1955 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Parisville. He attended Kelly Rural 
School and Ubly High School.  Earl served in the United States Army. He attained the 
rank of corporal during the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1955, serving in Hawaii and 
Korea where he was a tank mechanic. He joined his brother Lawrence in the silo 
construction business, Longuski Silo Company, which operated for 35 years. He was also 
part owner of Ubly Snowmobile Sales and Service. For the past 13 years he was a part-
time truck driver for Thumb Plastics and Gemini Plastics.  Earl enjoyed fishing and 
hunting and always had a humorous joke to tell. He was one of the founding members of 
the Ubly Fox Hunter's Club, where he was a past president and current honorary member. 
He was also a past officer and member of the Ubly Community Club, a member of the 
Huron Aviation Club, and a former volunteer firefighter for 20 years. He was a member 
of the Zurek Graham V.F.W. Post #6965 and the Thumb Veterans Organization #1.  Earl 
also served on the Ubly Village Council for 24 years, and as village president for 16 
years. He was also a hunters' safety instructor for 30 years at Ubly Fox Hunters. He was a 
lifelong member of St. John's Catholic Church of Ubly where he was a former usher and 
choir member. He was an endman and chorus member for all the Alabama Jubilee 
musical productions. He was a sponsor and member of the Longuski Silo Bowling Team 
for many years.  Earl is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, of Ubly; two sons, Eugene of 
Bad Axe, and Earl J. and his wife, April, of Shepherd; three daughters, Karen Maurer and 
her husband, David, of Harbor Beach, Kathy Kirsch and her husband, Michael, of Harbor 
Beach, and Shelly Messing and her husband, Gregory, of Bad Axe; one foster-daughter, 
Barbara Nugent and her husband, David, of Grass Lake; his mother, Victoria Longuski of 
Ubly; three brothers, Lawrence and his wife, Florence, of Ubly, Jerome and his wife, 
Arlene, of Ubly, and Marvin and his wife, Mary Anna, of Peck; two sisters, Beatrice 
Rutkowski of Carleton, and Gertrude Pawlowski Fudala and her husband, Chester, of 
Troy; 12 grandchildren, Kylee and Kerri Dhyse; Brittney and Crysta Maurer; Andrew, 
Jolene, Jacqueline, and Janelle Kirsch; Ashley, Kevin, and Lauren Messing; and Daniel 
Nugent; and many nieces and nephews.  Earl was preceded in death by his father, Leo; 
one son-in-law, Arvid Dhyse; two brothers-in-law, Marshall Rutkowski and James 
Pawlowski; and one god-child, Lee Rutkowski.  Funeral mass for Earl Longuski will be 
at 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2002, at St. John's Catholic Church of Ubly. The Rev. T.J. 
Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a 
parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of 
Ubly.  Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, and 
11:30 to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. 

Marguerite Luedtke 
Marguerite D. Luedtke, 86, of Pigeon passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2002, at the 
Huron Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.  She was born in Pigeon on March 3, 1916, 
daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Krohn) Schumacher. She graduated from 
Pigeon High School.  On Aug. 25, 1940, she was united in marriage to Leo C. Luedtke at 
St. John's Evangelical Church in Berne. He preceded her in death on April 20, 1998.  
Mrs. Luedtke retired in 1981 from the Pigeon post office, where she worked as a postal 
clerk for 40 years. She enjoyed quilting, knitting and playing cards. She was a member of 
the bridge club, Scenic Golf and Country Club and St. John's Evangelical Lutheran 
Church in Berne.  Her survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Liska and her husband, 
Allan, of Pigeon; granddaughter, Melissa Liska of Essexville; sister, Helen Garthe of Bad 
Axe; sister-in-law, Mildred Schumacher of Bad Axe; several nieces and nephews.  She 
was preceded in death by a sister, Pearl Goebel; two brothers, Arnold and Arthur 
Schumacher.  The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 
2002, at the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon with the Rev. James A. 
Gorsegner, pastor of St. John's Evangelical Church officiating. Burial will be in the 
church cemetery.  Visitation is from 3 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of 
the service Wednesday.  Memorials may be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran 
Church. 

Ula Rae Messing 
Mrs. Ula Rae Messing, 73, formerly of Helena, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2002, in 
Spring Hill, Fla.  She was born Sept. 5, 1928 in Pigeon to the late Clarence and Edlie 
Mae (Commins) Horton. On June 21, 1947, she married James W. Messing in Detroit. 
The couple was soon to be married 55 years.  For many years, Ula Rae resided in 
Roseville, where she was an active leader in Bluebirds and Boy Scouts. With an outgoing 
personality, she was "mom" to many. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Church 
of Roseville and St. Anthony's Catholic Church of Helena. She most recently attended St. 
Theresa Catholic Church of Spring Hill, Fla. She enjoyed camping, swimming, fishing, 
singing, traveling, gardening and bingo. She was also a talented artist.  Ula Rae is 
survived by her husband, James, of Fla.; one son, Larry D. Messing and his wife, Betty, 
of Collierville, Tenn.; two daughters, Elaine Messing and her life partner, Becky Albus, 
of St. Petersburg, Fla., Rene Newton and her husband, Douglas, of Jackson; foster 
daughter, Paula Listman Tocco of Westland; three grandchildren, Larry Messing Jr., 
Christy Messing and Kenneth Newton; three sisters, Marie Malone of Independence, 
Mo., Madeline Marks of Lapeer, and Donna Belle Messing and her husband, Clem, of 
Ruth; one brother, Larry D. Horton and his wife, Ruth, of Grand Haven.  She was 
preceded in death by two sisters, Eva Moore and Thelma Arntz; three brothers, Corporal 
George Emerson Horton, Clarence Horton and Lewis Horton.  Funeral mass for Ula Rae 
Messing will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2002, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic 
Church of Ruth. The Rev. Charles Hammond, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church of 
Parisville will officiate. Burial will be in the Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery. There will be a 
parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly 
by Fr. Hammond.  Visitation will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 9 a.m. 
Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are requested to the family discretionary fund. 

Wednesday, June 19, 2002

LaVerne Bismack 
Mr. LaVerne Bismack, 57, of Minden City passed away on Monday, June 17, 2002, at 
Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe.  He was born Dec. 17, 1944, in Bad Axe to Minnie 
(O'Parka) Bismack and the late Robert Bismack. He never married.  LaVerne was a 
graduate of Ubly High School. He lived and worked in Minden City and worked on the 
family farm. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Parisville. He 
enjoyed cars, sports, euchre, crossword puzzles and was an avid Tiger fan.  LaVerne is 
survived by his mother, Minnie Bismack of Minden City; two brothers, Thaddeus "Ted" 
and his wife, Dorothy, of Henderson, S.C. and Robert and his wife, Diana, of Saginaw; 
seven nieces and nephews.  The funeral mass for LaVerne Bismack will be at 10 a.m. on 
Friday, June, 21, 2002, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. The Rev. Charles 
Hammond, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. There will be a 
parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Smigielski Funeral Home in Minden 
City.  Visitation is from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home and from 9 to 
10 a.m. on Friday at the church.  Memorials requested to the Family Discretionary Fund. 

Edith Perry 
Edith M. Perry, 71, of Whitehall and formerly of Caseville, passed away Sunday, June 
16, 2002, at her home.  She was born in Wyandotte on Oct. 13, 1930, the daughter of the 
late George Charles and Ethel (Pepke) Perry. She retired in 1978 after 16 years of  
employment with the Howmett Corp. Alcoa. Her hobbies included fishing. She lived in 
Whitehall for three months.  Her survivors include her children, Dave Perry and his wife, 
Brenda, of Caseville, and Donald Perry of Fruitport; three grandchildren, David T. Perry 
and Jacqueline Flowers of Muskegon, Tracy Loera and her husband, Robert, of Twin 
Lake, and Gidget Perry of Tennessee; four great-grandchildren, Janella and Amanda 
Florez, and Kellie and Danielle Perry; a brother, Glenn Perry and his wife, Doris, of 
Wyandotte; two nephews, Scott and Steven Perry; an aunt, Virginia Ballard and her 
husband, Dave; and many friends.  She was preceded in death by a son, Danny.  The 
funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at the Clock Funeral 
Chapel in White Lake. The graveside committal service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 
22, 2002, at the Caseville Township Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Andrus, retired United 
Methodist pastor, will officiate.  Funeral arrangements are conducted by the Meyersieck-
Bussema Funeral Home, a Golden Rule Funeral Home in Pigeon. 

Shirley Rabideau 
Shirley R. Rabideau, 80, of Port Austin died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, in Tuscola County 
Medical Care Facility in Caro.  She was born on Sept. 14, 1921, in Cass City to Charles 
and Emma (Seeger) McCaslin. She married Leland Rabideau on Nov. 15, 1947, in Cass 
City. He died on May 26, 1985.  Shirley worked for Walbro for 17 years. She wintered in 
Fort Meyers, Fla. for 15 years. Shirley was a member of Hills & Dales General Hospital 
Auxiliary. For years, she entertained her family and friends at her home on the lake. She 
enjoyed ceramics and home decorating. She was a wonderful cook and she loved to 
dance.  Shirley is survived by her children, Karen Parsell of Caro, Richard Gracey and his 
wife, Gloria, of Texas City, Texas, Mary Ann Stanley and her husband, William, of Flat 
Rock and Lynnea Rabideau Matthews and her husband, Daniel, of Pinconning; 
grandchildren, Troy Parsell and his wife, Anne, of Caro, Dawn Vandemark and her 
husband, Daniel, of Caro, Lian Mowry and her husband, the Rev. Stewart Mowry, of 
Ellendale, N.D., Robert Gracey of Houston, Texas, Christina Gracey of Whittier, Calif., 
Bill Stanley, Corry Stanley, Dr. Shane Stanley and Marika Stanley, all of Flat Rock; 
great-grandchildren, Amber, Katie, Bethany, Drew and Sarah Parsell, Tad, Kyle, Tyler 
and Bryce Vandemark, Emily, Drew, Geoffrey and Abigal Mowry, Corry and Bazil 
Stanley; brother, William Clark McCaslin of Port Austin; sister, Genevieve Deckert of 
Florida; many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her sisters, Donna 
Lonergan and Kathleen Haas.  Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, 
June 21, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with Pastor James Solomon of Living 
Waters Chapel in Caro officiating. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery in Cass 
City.  Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the 
funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Northwood Meadows Dementia Care. 

Edith Sageman 
Edith E. Sageman, 95, of Clarkston and formerly of Waterford and Bad Axe, died 
Monday, June 17, 2002.  She was born on Feb. 2, 1907, in Bingham Township, the 
daughter of the late Peter and Phoebe (Martin) Murray.  Edith and Edwin Sageman were 
united in marriage July 29, 1929. He preceded her in death June 4, 1994.  She enjoyed 
bowling, playing cards, reading, bingo, crossword puzzles and golf. She bowled for more 
than 50 years, including many years for MacAlpine Funeral Home. Edith worked for the 
federal government for 27 years. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church in Bad Axe and a graduate of Ubly High School.  Edith is survived by her 
daughter, Eileen Briggs and her husband, Richard; three grandchildren, Diana, Karen and 
Roger; five great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Keri, Lisa, Bradley and Michael; two great-
great-grandchildren, Hailey and Karson; a sister, Kathleen Gumpper; many nieces and 
nephews.  She was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas Murray, Clarence 
Murray and Martin Murray; five sisters, Mary Maurer, Helen Maurer, Beatrice 
Schonbok, Blanche Kelly and Bessie Hagen.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. 
on Thursday, June 20, 2002, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Fr. John Weis 
will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 to 9 
p.m. today and 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials may 
be offered to the family discretionary fund. 

John Sullivan 
John Richard "Dick" Sullivan, 78, of Bad Axe was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, 
June 18, 2002, at Veteran's Hospital in Saginaw.  Richard was born on Oct. 3, 1923, in 
Royal Oak to the late John Clinton and Caroline (Irwin) Sullivan, formerly of Bad Axe. 
He moved with his parents back to Huron County where he attended the Wakefield 
Country School and the Elkton School.  He served in World War II from 1944 to 1946. 
After returning from the service, he worked at O'Brien's Tire Shop in Bad Axe and then 
at Marlette Homes until his retirement.  He married Sylvia Krinkie, daughter of Anthony 
and Martha (Poloski) Krinkie on Nov. 11, 1972.  Dick was very active in the two-way 
radio field. He got his start in the days of citizens band radio in the 1960s and 1970s. 
Later he switched to amateur radio and had the position of treasurer in the Lake Huron 
Amateur Radio Club for many years. He worked with emergency services and was a 
weather spotter for the United States Weather Service. Whenever there was a disaster or 
drill, he was there. He acted as coordinator for the radio club during the Bad Axe 
Christmas parade. He always participated in the annual radio club picnic and the Amateur 
Radio Field Day.  Dick was very active in the VFW, also. He very seldom missed a 
meeting or a veteran's funeral. He was senior vice commander of Pigeon Post No. 2236 
when he entered the hospital. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed 
a lift. He enjoyed squirrel and deer hunting, also.  Richard is survived by his wife, Sylvia; 
three sisters, Gratta Grigg of Bad Axe, Virginia Tait of Bad Axe and Ruth Morgan and 
her husband, Bill, of Kent, Wash.; a cousin, Marion Shuart.  He was preceded in death by 
his parents, twin brothers and a sister, Greeta Sullivan Smith.  Funeral services will be 
conducted at 11 a.m. on June 21, 2002, at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Pastor 
Richard Shuart will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 
2 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Memorials may 
be offered to the family discretionary fund. 

Cornelius Michels 
Cornelius C. Michels, 88, of Cass City died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, in Tendercare 
Nursing Facility in Cass City.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, 
June 21, 2002, at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Cass City with the Rev. Steve Fillion 
officiating. Interment is in St. Michael Cemetery in Wilmot.  Visitation is from 7 to 9 
p.m. today and 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City.  
Memorials may be made to St. Pancratius Catholic Church.  

Thursday, June 20, 2002

Eileen DeFrain 
Eileen M. DeFrain, 77, of Harbor Beach passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at 
her home with hospice care.  Eileen was born on July 16, 1924, to the late James and 
Fern (Chesney) Bell.  She was an active member in the American Legion Auxiliary of 
Harbor Beach. She enjoyed cooking, baking and decorating cakes. Eileen was an 
employee of Harbor Beach Community Hospital, retiring in 1992 after 27 years.  Eileen 
is survived by her husband, Leonard DeFrain, of Harbor Beach; two daughters, Lori 
Holdwick and her husband, Carl, of Ruth and Lynn Robinson and her husband, Shawn, of 
Brutis; one sister, Elaine Nedrich of Coldwater; 10 grandchildren, Marja Waskiewicz and 
her husband, Mike, Trina Bailey and her husband, Mike, Erin DeFrain, Garrett and Kristy 
Robinson, Joshua, Carley, Caitlyn and Chelsea, Cassie Holdwick; four great-
grandchildren, Kayla and Matt Waskiewicz and Artic and Treasure Wrouble.  She was 
preceded in death by one daughter, Gloria Martin; one brother, Macklin Bell.  Funeral 
services for Eileen will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2002, in the Ramsey Funeral 
Home in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Theresa Cutler officiating. Burial will follow in Our 
Lady of Lake Huron Cemetery.  Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. today, 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 
9 p.m. Friday and noon until the time of the services Saturday.  Memorials may be given 
to Huron Memorial Hospice, Harbor Beach Community Hospital or Eastern Huron 
Ambulance. 

William Heiden 
William L. Heiden, 87, of Minden City died on Tuesday, June 18, 2002, in the home of 
his daughter.  He was born on Aug. 29, 1914, in Minden City, the son of Edward and 
Alma (Faerber) Heiden.  He married Clara Case on Jan. 9, 1937, in Royal Oak. She 
preceded him in death on Dec. 15, 1990.  He was a member of the Marion Lodge No. 392 
F&AM. He served as lodge master in 1990. He was a former Detroit policeman. He 
played drums in the Nobleman Band and the Moonlighters Band, also.  He is survived by 
his daughter, Diane Kramer and her husband, James, of Ruth; five grandchildren, Daniel 
Schumacher and his wife, Sheri, Michelle Van Erp and her husband, Rod, Chad 
Schumacher, Lora Kramer and Tim Kramer; two great-grandchildren, Noah Schumacher 
and Mikaela Van Erp; three brothers, Harold, Elliot and Edward, all of Minden City; two 
sisters, Mrs. Alma Bane of Florida and Mrs. Dorothy Klawon of Port Huron; several 
nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 
2002, at the Apsey Funeral Home in Deckerville. The Rev. Max Gibbs will officiate. 
Cremation will take place later at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. A Masonic 
service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday.  Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at 
the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to Marion Lodge No. 392 or Huron 
Memorial Hospice. 

Katelyn Koth 
Ten hours here on earth and eternity in heaven. Katelyn Lee Koth was born, baptized and 
taken to heaven on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at Covenant Harrison Hospital in Saginaw.  
Katelyn is survived by her parents, Donald and Kelli (Finkel) Koth; her grandparents, 
Merle and Geraldine Koth of Filion, Gary and Beverly Finkel of Port Hope; aunts and 
uncles, Barb and Chris Schuh of Port Hope, Joan and Mark Manenti of Bad Axe, Linda 
and Les Weiss Jr. of Port Hope, Bethany and James Pawlowski of Port Hope, several 
great aunts and great uncles and cousins.  Katelyn was preceded in death by one uncle, 
James Koth.  A private ceremony will take place Friday, June 21, 2002, at St. Peter's 
Lutheran Church in Kinde. Vicar Robert Niehus will officiate. Burial will be in the Zion 
St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by MacAlpine Funeral 
Home.  Memorials may be offered to the St. Peter's Lutheran Church or the Family 
Discretionary Fund. 

Dennis Morin 
Dennis F. Morin, 50, of Lincoln Township passed away unexpectedly at home on 
Wednesday, June, 19, 2002.  He was born on Dec. 31, 1951, in Pigeon, son of Frederick 
and Lola (Brown) Morin. He married Sheila Maurer on June 7, 1975 in St. Columbkille 
Catholic Church in Sheridan.  He worked as a diesel mechanic at Osentoski Farm 
Equipment and previously owned and operated Morin Brothers Milk Haulers with his 
brother, Larry Morin. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. Dennis 
enjoyed farming and his involvement with breeding cattle.  He is survived by his wife, 
Sheila Morin of Bad Axe; two daughters, Alicia Morin of Essexville and Darnell Morin 
of Bad Axe; parents, Frederick and Lola Morin of Bad Axe; three sisters, Valerie 
Guitierrez and her husband, Mark, of Lafayette, Colo., twin sister, Diane Morin of 
Ortonville, and Kathy Morin of Greeley, Colo.; five brothers-in-law, Noel Maurer and his 
wife, Judy, of Bad Axe, Gregory Maurer of Ubly, Martin Maurer and his wife, Connie, of 
Caseville, Raymond Maurer of Bad Axe and Jeffrey Maurer and his wife, Paulette, of 
Bad Axe; several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by one brother, Larry 
Morin.  A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 
2002, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. Officiating will be Fr. John Weis, pastor. 
Burial will be in St. Columbkille Cemetery in Sheridan. A vigil service will be conducted 
at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe.  Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. 
tonight, 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the time of the 
service on Saturday. 

Friday, June 21, 2002

Alice Shoemaker 
Alice J. Shoemaker, 96, of Owosso and formerly of Bad Axe and Harbor Beach, died 
Thursday, June 20, 2002, at Shiawassee County Medical Care Facility.  She was born 
Oct. 7, 1905, in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of the late Albert and Pauline (Winkel) Bolly. 
Miss Alice Bolly and Calvin Shoemaker were married on Sept. 19, 1930, in Huron City. 
He preceded her in death in 1956.  Mrs. Shoemaker graduated salutatorian from Harbor 
Beach High School in 1923. She continued her education at Ferris State College, then 
known as Ferris Institute. She earned her pharmacist degree in 1926. She did relief at 
various pharmacies throughout Huron County.  Alice continued to help her husband, 
Calvin, who was founder and publisher of the Huron News, a Huron County weekly 
newspaper established in 1934. In 1960, she was selected to establish the first pharmacies 
at the former Hubbard Memorial Hospital and the Huron County Medical Care Facility, 
where she worked until her retirement in 1980. She established the poison control center 
at Huron Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Michigan State Pharmaceutical 
Association.  Mrs. Shoemaker was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe 
and the church's altar guild, the ladies auxiliary and the women's league. She taught 
Sunday school, also.  She is survived by her daughter, Joan Spindler and her husband, 
John, of Owosso; four grandchildren, John Spindler of Virginia, Janet Spindler of Seattle, 
Wash., Jeri Spindler of Ferndale, Jennifer Goulooze and her husband, Dan, of Holland; 
two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Samuel Goulooze; two step-grandchildren, Phil 
Shoemaker of Arizona and Gerda Mail of Dearborn; eight step-great-grandchildren.  
Alice was preceded in death by two stepsons, Philip Shoemaker and Robert Shoemaker; 
two step-grandchildren, Jon Shoemaker and Mary Shoemaker.  Funeral services will be 
conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 24, 2002, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad 
Axe. The Rev. Kenneth Lueke will officiate. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery in Bad 
Axe.  Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the 
MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe.  Memorials may be offered to Shiawassee County 
Humane Society or Our Savior Lutheran Church. 

John Tough 
Mr. John Tough, 26, of Cass City passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at St. Mary 
Medical Center in Saginaw from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  John was 
born on Oct. 4, 1975, in Sandusky to Janet (Hacker) Tough Turner and the late Lonnie J. 
Tough Sr. He never married.  John was a graduate of Sandusky High School. He resided 
in Sebewaing and Cass City for a few years. He worked at Deckerville Plastics as well as 
Regency Plastics. He was working at Tru-Flo Carbide for the past couple of months. He 
enjoyed euchre, checkers, computers, deer hunting and boxing.  John is survived by his 
daughter, Jessica, of Cass City; mother, Janet Turner and her husband, Donald, of 
Carsonville; brother, Lonnie Tough and his special friend, Misty Vallance, of Bad Axe; 
three nephews, Michael, Joshua and Justin Tough; one step-grandfather, Francis "Duke" 
Krumenaker and his wife, Dolores, of Sandusky.   John was preceded in death by his 
father, Lonnie Tough; paternal and maternal grandparents.  Funeral mass for John Tough 
will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2002, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ubly. The 
Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Valley Cemetery in Ubly.   
Visitation is from 4 to 9:30 p.m. today at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly 
and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Family 
Discretionary Fund. 

Byron Groff 
Byron I. Groff, former owner of Groff General Store at Gotts Corner, passed away 
Friday, June 21, 2002, at his home in Caseville.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11 
a.m. on Monday, June 24, 2002, at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville with burial in 
Floral Garden Cemetery in Bay City.  Memorials may be given to the Parkinson's 
Foundation.  A complete obituary will appear in the Sunday edition of the Huron Daily 
Tribune or it can be viewed at www.CFCcaseville.com.  

Jean Michalski 
Jean Michalski, 65, of Port Hope passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2002, in St. Mary's 
Medical Center in Saginaw.  A funeral mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, 
June 24, 2002, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach with burial 
in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 to 5 
p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach.  A 
complete obituary will appear in the Sunday edition of the Huron Daily Tribune or can be 
viewed at www.RamseyFH.Com. 

Rita Simmons 
Mrs. Rita Simmons of Argyle passed away Friday morning, June 21, 2002 at her son's 
residence under hospice care.  Arrangements are being handled by the Zinger-Smigielski 
Funeral Home of Ubly. A funeral mass is being planned for Monday, June 24, 2002 at St. 
Joseph Catholic Church of Argyle.  A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's edition 
of the Huron Daily Tribune. 






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