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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 March 17, 2002


Sunday, March 17, 2002


Raymond Smith

Raymond H. Smith, 75, of Bay Port, formerly of Pontiac, passed away Friday, March 15, 
2001 at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon.  He was born in California on Nov. 30, 1926, son of 
the late Harry and Florence (Tode) Smith. In 1943 he began attending the Pontiac Motors 
Engineering School. He graduated from Pontiac High School in 1945 and entered the 
United States Army, where he served with the infantry and hospital corps in Italy during 
World War II.  On June 18, 1949 he was united in marriage to Betty J. Thompson in 
Pontiac; she survives him.  Mr. Smith worked for many years as an engineer with Pontiac 
Motors. Following his retirement, he worked as a sales representative for James Flynn 
Company, until he returned to Pontiac Motors as a consultant.  He was a member of the 
Bay Port Chamber of Commerce, the Caseville Retirement Club, and was treasurer of the 
Steele Lambert American Legion Post #533 in Bay Port.  He also assisted his wife Betty 
with her responsibilities with The Bay Port Historical Society. He enjoyed golfing, 
fishing, and hunting. He attended the Bay Port United Methodist Church.  Surviving are 
his wife, Betty, to whom he had been married for more than 52 years; five children, Rick 
and Diane Smith of Lapeer, Rod and Sue Smith of Oxford, Beth and Doyle Bunton of 
Davison, Bonnie and David Elliott of Linden, and Ross and Danielle Smith of Oxford; 13 
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (June) Smith of Lake Orion; 
and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca.  A 
celebration of Mr. Smith's life will take place from 2-6 p.m. today at 9820 Lakeside, Bay 
Port, with Rev. Alger T. Lewis presiding.  Memorials may be made to the family 
discretionary fund.  Arrangements are by the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home, 
Pigeon. 


Monday, March 18, 2002


John Gillis 
Mr. John D. "Jud" Gillis, 82, of Minden City died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at 
Autumnwood of Deckerville.  He was born Jan. 20, 1920, in Ubly to the late Malcolm 
and Mary (Holshoe) Gillis. He married Ila M. Noble on May 1, 1943, at St. Peter & Paul 
Church of Ruth. She preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 1978.  He was a graduate of 
Deckerville High School in 1937. He farmed in the Palms area of Sanilac County until 
1956. He then became the owner of the Gillis Hotel in Minden City. He was a parishioner 
of St. Mary Church of Parisville since 1970. He was a former member of the Table 
Topper Association, a life member of the Minden City Lions Club, a former village 
council member, a member of the Ruth Knights of Columbus Council No. 3823. The 
Minden City Athletic field is named after "Jud". He established Little League in Minden 
City and was sponsor and founder of Babe Ruth and softball teams in Minden City. He 
was a lover of baseball. He enjoyed cards, visiting casinos, singing, hunting, bowling, 
traveling, and antique cars. He was a member of the St. Mary Men's Club.  He is survived 
by his special friend, Florence Bismack, of Minden City; seven daughters, Mary Hassler 
and her husband, Don, of Waterford, Barbara Piazza and her husband, Jerry, of Mount 
Morris, Marge Bennett and her husband, Leo ("Buzz"), of Waterford, Lou Ann Reinelt 
and her husband, Bob, of Snover, Sheila Edwards and her husband, Ben, of Bad Axe, 
Lisa Bischer and her husband, Paul, of Portage, and Laura Klee and her husband, Tim, of 
Ubly; four sons, John Gillis, Jr. of Bad Axe, Jerry Gillis and his wife, Linda, of 
Deckerville, Jim Gillis of Minden City, and Joe Gillis and his wife, Carie, of Sandusky; 
31 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; one half sister, Laura Klee of Minden City; 
one half brother, Clayton Woolner and his wife, Marian, of Milan.  He was preceded in 
death by his grandson, Jeff Kowalski; his brother, Norman Gillis; his sister, Virginia 
O'Steen; and a half brother, Arthur Woolner.  Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. 
Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at St. Mary Church of Parisville. The Rev. Charles 
Hammond, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery of Palms in the 
spring.  Visitation will be from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday 
at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Ave. in Minden City. There will be a parish vigil 
service on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to 
the Minden City Lions Club. 

Howard Koch 
Howard F. Koch, 76, died on Saturday, March 16, 2002, with his family present 
following a lengthy illness.  He was born on May 17, 1925, in Sebewaing Township, son 
of the late Frank and Della (Beitz) Koch.  He was united in marriage to Helen Leonhardt 
on May 12, 1951, in Sebewaing.  Howard was a farmer in the Sebewaing area for many 
years before retiring nine years ago.  He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in 
Sebewaing. He enjoyed flying his own airplane and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  
Surviving are his wife, Helen, of Sebewaing; four daughters, Linda Haberlein and her 
husband, Michael, of Beverly Hills, Mi., Julie Cojeen and her husband, Douglas, of 
Essexville, Janet Gorney and her husband, Jeff, of Toledo, Ohio and Pamela Wagner and 
her husband, Christopher, of Fairgrove; two sons, Thomas Koch and his wife, Kristine 
and Donald Koch and his wife, Ann, all of Sebewaing; 15 grandchildren; two sisters, 
Francis Reinhold of Sebewaing and Marjorie Liken of Bay City; several nieces and 
nephews.  The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at 
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Charles Kuhl will officiate with 
burial in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today 
and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday.  Memorials may be given to the 
United Hospice of Marlette or the American Cancer Society.  

Julia MacIntyre 
Julia MacIntyre, 93, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2002 at Troy Beaumont Hospital.  
She was born July 18, 1908, the daughter of Paul and Frances (Balcer) Duda in Bad Axe. 
She married Terrance MacIntyre in 1934 in Detroit.  Julia was a member of St. Clement 
of Rome Catholic Church.  She is survived by her beloved daughters, Barbara Schaefer 
and her husband, Bill, of San Jose, Calif., and Susan Harmer and her husband, Bob, of 
Northville; beloved grandchildren Kristyn Gomes, Stephanie Schaefer, James Harmer, 
Angela Harmer, Terry Schaefer; beloved great grandchildren Alex Gomes, Kathryn 
Harmer, Elizabeth Gomes, Jason Chittum, and Derik Harmer; beloved siblings Mary 
Micek, Gertrude Duda, and George Duda. She was preceded in death by her husband 
Terrance, and brother Dan Duda.  Funeral services will take place at 11 p.m. on Tuesday 
March 19, 2002 at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church.  Visitation will be from 3 to 8 
p.m. today at the Roth-Muir Funeral Home at 296 South Main Street in Romeo. 

Ben Meske 
Ben C. Meske, 97, of Port Hope passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2002, at his home 
following a short illness.  He was born in Port Hope on Nov. 30, 1904, the son of the late 
Charles and Theresa (Kessel) Meske.  He and Helen Schoech were united in marriage in 
1940 and she preceded him in death on April 19, 1962. Ben and Donelda McIntyre were 
married on Oct. 24, 1964, in Fenton.  Ben was the owner and operator of Michigan Seeds 
and Supply in Louisville for many years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian 
Church in Harbor Beach, the Huron Verona Masonic Lodge F&AM of Bad Axe and was 
a member of the Port Hope Band for many years playing trombone and violin. Ben also 
loved to hunt and fish.  He is survived by his wife, Donelda Meske of Port Hope; a son, 
Alan "Ponch" Pankow and his wife, Darla of Port Hope; step children, Mary Lou and 
Robert Harris of Gladwin and Betty and Bryce Hagen of Ubly; six step-grandchildren, 
Dennis Hagen and his wife, Sharleen, Mary Hagen, Ellen Morman and her husband, 
Michael, E. James Hagen and his wife, Doreen, Connie Gray and her husband, Ronald, 
and Mark Williams; six step-great-grandchildren, Keith Hagen and his fiance, Erin 
Johnson, Clint Hagen and his wife, Melissa, Bradley Hagen, Nicholas Hagen, Jennifer 
Hagen, Joshua Williams; one step-great-great-grandson, Dylan Hagen; special care 
givers, Liz Booms, Sherry Kramer, Kim Umbreit, Geri Vigari and Debbie McNeal.  Ben 
was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Hugo and Walter Meske; six sisters, 
Emma Beck, Flora Hawkins, Agnes VanAkin, Caroline Ackerman, Annie Tice and Ella 
Meske.  Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2002, 
in the First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Beach with the Rev. Theresa Cutler, pastor 
officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. A Masonic memorial service will 
be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach.  
Visitation is from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and from noon until the time of the service on 
Wednesday at the funeral home.  

John Upthegrove Jr. 
John Ellsworth Upthegrove Jr., 80, of Port Austin died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Saint 
Mary's hospital in Saginaw.  John was born Feb. 28, 1922, in Bad Axe to the late John 
Ellsworth Sr. and Bertha (Cramer) Upthegrove.  He and Ethel Marie Soward were united 
in marriage on May 14, 1941, at St. Michael's Parish in Port Austin. She preceded him in 
death on Feb. 1, 2000.  John owned and operated the Port Austin Level Company. He 
was a member and former chief of the Port Austin Fire Department. He served in the 
United States Coast Guard. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. In his 
spare time, John enjoyed fishing.  He is survived by three sons, John Henry Upthegrove 
and his wife, Sharon, of Port Austin, David Upthegrove and his wife, Shirley, of 
Otisville, and Robert Upthegrove and his wife, Linda, of Port Austin; one daughter, 
Shirley Krajewski and her husband, Daniel, of Sterling Heights; two cousins, Evelyn Gay 
and her husband, James, of Alma and Larry Cramer and his wife, June, of Grand Rapids; 
13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.  Mass of Christian burial will be 11:30 a.m. 
Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. Fr. Robert 
Pare will officiate. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery.  A scripture service will be 
offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday at MacAlpine Funeral Home-Gage Chapel in Kinde.  Visitation 
will be tonight from 7 to 9 p.m., 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the 
funeral home.  Memorials may be offered to American Diabetes Association of the 
donor's choice. 

Alice Meinke 
Alice L. Meinke, 79, of Deford died Friday, March 15, 2002, in Hills & Dales General 
Hospital in Cass City.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 
19, 2002, at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with Pastor David Edwards of Cass City 
Missionary Church officiating. Interment is in Novesta Township Cemetery.  Visitation is 
from 3 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the American 
Cancer Society. 

Tuesday, March 19, 2002

William Bunker 
William A. Bunker, 64, of Port Austin passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 17, 
2002, at Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe.  Born in Lansing on Sept. 5, 1937, he was 
the son of the late William Sr. and Dorothy (Black) Bunker.  Bill and Geraldine Stevens 
were united in marriage on July 12, 1970, in Flint.  He was a former member of Local 25 
of the Iron Workers in Flint and moved to the Port Austin area in 1984. He owned and 
operated the Blue Spruce Motel for six years. He was a former employee of the North 
Huron Schools, working as a bus driver and janitor.  Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Bunker of Port Austin; a stepdaughter, Glenda 
Swartz and her husband, Fred, of Harbor Beach; four step-grandchildren, Ronald, Donald 
and his special friend, Noel Eilers, Rhonda Gehring and her husband, Joe, and Delynn 
Swartz; three step-great-grandchildren, Kara and Jared Gehring and Tyler Swartz; twin 
sisters, Janet Evoy of Houghton Lake and Janice Root of Alabama; and a brother, 
Richard Baker and his wife, Coleen, of Wolverine.  Cremation has taken place at Sunset 
Valley Crematory in Bay City.  Memorials may be made to the Eastern Huron 
Ambulance Service, Huron Medical Center or the Harbor Beach Community Hospital 
through the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach, which is handling arrangements. 

Paul Cook 
Mr. Paul W. Cook, 67, of Ubly passed away Monday, March 18, 2002, at St. Mary's 
Medical Center of Saginaw.  He was born on Sept. 23, 1934, in Pontiac to the late Milner 
and Margaret (Smith) Cook. He married Marjorie Coventry on Sept. 23, 1958, at the 
United Methodist Church of Ortonville.  Paul was a 1952 graduate of Ortonville High 
School. He farmed with his family on Seymour Lake Road until 1978 when he moved to 
Ubly to farm. He worked for Curtiss Breeding Service as a distributor and technician 
from 1958 to 1983. He was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association 
(MMPA) and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA). He was a member of the 
Holstein Association and former District 1 president. He also was a member of the 
American Simmental Association. He was a former 4-H and FFA leader in Ortonville. He 
enjoyed cattle shows, farm auctions and cooking.  Paul is survived by his wife, Marjorie, 
of Ubly; four sons, Jeff Cook of Ubly, Bart Cook of Ubly, Scott Cook and his fiancee, 
Cherby Hieber and her daughter, Jordon, of Ubly, and Tom Cook of Ubly; one 
granddaughter, Nicole Cook; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Kniel and her husband, Jack, of 
Barryton, and Martha Bailey of Dearborn; and one sister-in-law, Allyn Burt and her 
husband, Barry, of North Carolina.  Paul was preceded in death by one brother, John 
Cook; and one brother-in-law, Arthur Bailey.  Funeral services will take place at 8 p.m. 
Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly. Pastors 
Ellen Burns and Robert A. Srock will officiate. Burial will be in the Seymour Lake 
Cemetery of Ortonville on Thursday, March 21, 2002, with viewing from 11:30 a.m. to 
noon at the cemetery.  Visitation will be 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Clarence Martyn Jr. 
Clarence "Sonny, Pops" George Martyn Jr., 65, of Bad Axe died Monday, March 18, 
2002, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Saginaw.  He was born March 11, 1937, in Detroit 
to the late Clarence George and Lillian Lucille (Perry) Martyn, Sr.  Clarence was a 
graduate of Berkley High School in Detroit. He served in the U.S. Army where he was 
stationed in Germany. He was a Jaycees member for 27 years. He enjoyed hunting and 
fishing.  He is survived by a son, Kevin Dusseau and his wife, Kimberli, of Swartz Creek; 
four daughters, Cheryl Ann Martyn of Clawson, Cynthia Ann Herweyer and her husband, 
David, of Shelby Township, Catherine Lilly of Detroit, and Christine Pawley of Madison 
Heights; two sisters, Loneda Martyn and Loreta Coldwell of Walled Lake; 12 
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  Visitation will be 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, 
March 20, 2002, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe, after which cremation will 
take place. There will not be a funeral service.  Memorials may be offered to the 
American Lung Association. 

Helen Prich 
Helen L. Prich, 72, of Gagetown passed away Monday, March 18, 2002, at Scheurer 
Hospital in Pigeon following a brief illness.  She was born May 1, 1929, near Unionville, 
daughter of the late John D. and Nellie (Neal) Herman.  She was united in marriage to 
John Prich on April 16, 1955, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Unionville and then settled 
on the family farm near Gagetown.  She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in 
Bach. Helen was a homemaker who loved to knit, go shopping, walk, and talk about her 
children and grandchildren.  Surviving are her loving husband, John, of Gagetown; one 
daughter, Karen Zeitler and her husband, Bernard, of Lansing; two sons, Harold Prich 
and his wife, Janet, of Gagetown and Gerald Prich and his wife, Suzanne, of Bad Axe; 
five grandchildren, Jonathon and Joshua Zeitler of Lansing, Charles Prich of Gagetown, 
and Brandon and Rebecca Prich of Bad Axe.  She was preceded in death by one brother, 
Kenneth Herman.  Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2002, 
at the Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. The Rev. Ernest C. Wendt will 
officiate with burial in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery near Bach.  Visitation will be 10 a.m. 
to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the funeral 
home.  Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer's 
Foundation or the charity of the donor's choice. 

Wednesday, March 20, 2002

Mark Carpenter 
Mark Carpenter, 53, of Port Sanilac died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, in Port Sanilac.  He 
was born Aug. 21, 1948, in Detroit to Charles and Hazel (Karcher) Carpenter.  Mark 
moved to Lake Huron Home in Port Sanilac in 1987. He was a member of St. Michael's 
Catholic Church in Port Austin and attended the Wilson Center Day Program.  Mark 
always had a hug or a smile for the many friends he leaves behind. He loved watching 
TV and listening to music and his favorite was Elvis. He enjoyed outings, especially to 
McDonald's, and spending time with his friends.  Funeral services will be conducted at 
noon on Thursday, March 21, 2002, at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Burial 
will be in St. Michael's Cemetery.  A scripture service will take place at 7:30 p.m. this 
evening at the funeral home.  Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at the funeral 
home.  Memorials may be given to Special Olympics. 

Wayne LaFayette 
Wayne F. LaFayette, 62, of Caseville died Tuesday morning, March 19, 2002, at 
Scheurer Hospital after suffering a heart attack while ice fishing on Saginaw Bay.  He 
was born Sept. 3, 1939, in Saginaw to the late Leonard and Freeda (Bischoff) LaFayette. 
Wayne grew up in the Saginaw area. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the 
U.S. Navy for four years, serving on the USS Ranger.  On May 5, 1963, he was united in 
marriage to Shirley A. Krzyaniak at St. Josephat Catholic Church in Carlton. They lived 
and raised their family in St. Charles. He was employed at Delphi in Saginaw from April 
1963 until retiring in January 1990 for health reasons. In 1995, they moved from St. 
Charles to the cottage near Caseville they had bought in 1976.  Wayne enjoyed his 
surroundings in Michigan's Thumb by hunting deer, ducks and more. He also went 
fishing every chance he got and loved visiting and playing cards with all his friends, but 
he received the most joy by doting on his 1-year old granddaughter.  He was a faithful 
member of St. Roch Catholic Church, serving as an usher. He was an active member of 
the Knights of Columbus, Caseville-Pigeon, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 
Caseville.  Surviving are his wife, Shirley; his son, Leonard LaFayette, USN, of Everett, 
Wash.; his daughter, Leanne Lake and her husband, Dale, of Greenville; his 
granddaughter, Alicia Lake; two sisters, Rosemary Bruske and her husband, William, of 
Saginaw and Ann Musielak of Hemlock; several nieces and nephews; and many close 
friends.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur.  A funeral service will take place 
at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2002, at St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville. The Rev. Fr. 
Kenneth Yaroch, pastor, will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Garden in 
Saginaw.  A Knights of Columbus rosary service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 
the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville.  Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. this evening, 2 
to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, and after 10 a.m. Friday at the 
church.  Memorials may be given to St. Roch Food Pantry, Knights of Columbus, or the 
Alicia Lake college fund. 

Julius Nikel 
Julius "Nick" Nikel, 82, of New Port Richey, Fla., and formerly of Harbor Beach, passed 
away Sunday, March 17, 2002, at his home with hospice care following a long illness.  
Born Oct. 30, 1919, in Latvia, he was the son of the late Herman and Augusta (Walters) 
Nikel.  He and Phyllis Poschke were united in marriage on Nov. 21, 1940, in Cleveland, 
Ohio. They opened the Beach Restaurant in 1950 in Harbor Beach, and they built and 
operated the Helm Restaurant and Motel in 1955 in Harbor Beach until they retired in 
1973.  Nick is survived by his wife, Phyllis Nikel of New Port Richey, Fla.; a daughter, 
Phyllis Jean Schubring and her husband, Larry, of Swartz Creek; a son, Walter Nikel and 
his wife, Sandy, of Harbor Beach; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a 
brother, Augie Nikel of Parma, Ohio; and a sister, Amelia Frank of Wellington, Ohio.  
Nick was preceded in death by a brother, Ernest Nikel.  Funeral services will be 
conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002, in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor 
Beach with the Rev. James G. Wilber, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Flint 
officiating. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City.  Visitation 
will be 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from noon until the time of services Saturday at the funeral 
home.  Memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church, Hernando-Pasco Hospice, W. 
Pasco Parkinson's Fund or the Alzheimer's Fund, all in New Port Richey, Fla., or to the 
charity of the donor's choice. 

Thursday, March 21, 2002

Bernard Schramski 
Bernard J. Schramski, 82, of Dwight Township died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at the 
Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.  He was born on Aug. 20, 1919, in 
Dwight Township, son of the late Joseph and Mary (Polega) Schramski. He married 
Genevieve Indo on Oct. 30, 1943. She preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 1969. He 
married Stella Duda on Nov. 27, 1971. Stella preceded him in death on Sept. 21, 1994.  
Bernard was an usher at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. He enjoyed his 
children and grandchildren and loved to cook and bake. He retired from farming and 
factory work.  Bernard is survived by four children, Caroline Souva and her husband, 
Dan, of Port Austin, Don Schramski of Kinde, Charlene Hatch and her husband, Ken, of 
Port Austin, and Joanie Morris and her husband, Dave, of Shelby Township; nine 
grandchildren, Terry Souva and his wife, Traci, Tracy Zaleski and her husband, Scott, 
Tim Hatch and his wife, Staci, Brian Hatch, Ali Heins and her fiancee, Ryan Ruhala, and 
Jennifer, Jamie, Jessica and Daniel Schramski; two step-grandchildren, Debbie Stepowski 
and Deanna Nowak; two great-grandchildren, Sadie Souva and Benjamin Zaleski; two 
step-great-grandchildren, Donovan and Devynn Stepowski; three brothers, Frank 
Schramski of Port Austin, John Schramski and his wife, Helen, of Kinde, and Joe 
Schramski and his wife, Ruth, of Centerline; and four sisters, Regina Lasceski of Bad 
Axe, Martha Semrau of Roseville, Genevieve Peruski and her husband, Eugene, of 
Minden City, and Marie Osentoski of Ubly.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, 
Tony Schramski, and an infant brother, Felix Schramski; one sister, Anna Lasceski; and a 
daughter-in-law, Dorothy Schramski.  A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, 
March 22, 2002, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. The Rev. Robert Pare', 
pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  A vigil service will be 
conducted at 7 p.m., followed by a rosary service led by the Knights of Columbus at 8 
p.m. this evening at Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde.  Visitation will be 1 to 9 p.m. 
today and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. 


Friday, March 22, 2002

Mary Jane Clink 
Mrs. Mary Jane Clink, 58, of Minden City passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at 
her residence under hospice care.  She was born on Feb. 16, 1944, in Port Huron to 
Robert Umbreit and the late Mary (Stacy) Umbreit. She married Hugh Clink on June 14, 
1975, at the Minden City Methodist Church.  Mary Jane worked at Marwood Manor in 
Port Huron as a Charge CENA (Certified Evaluated Nurses Assistant) and also was 
employed at Autumnwood of Deckerville. She enjoyed knitting, caring for her flower 
beds and caring for her grandchildren.  She is survived by her husband, Hugh, of Minden 
City; one daughter, Kimberly Clink of Minden City; two sons, Jesse Clink and his wife, 
Barbara, of Minden City, and Michael Clink of Forestville; three grandchildren, Makayla, 
Jessi and Michael; her father, Robert Umbreit of Minden City; two sisters, Beth Ann 
Gaszczynski and her husband, Michael, of Cass City, and Tammy Cleland and her 
husband, Ronald, of Saline; and two brothers, Ronnie Umbreit of Harbor Beach and 
Robert Umbreit of Saline.  She was preceded in death by her son, Hugh; and her mother, 
Mary Umbreit.  Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002, at 
the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Avenue in Minden City. The Rev. Charles 
Emmert, pastor of Novesta Church of Christ in Cass City, will officiate.  Visitation will 
be 1 to 9:30 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. until the services Saturday at the funeral home. 

Barney McConnachie 
Barney McConnachie, 82, of Deckerville died Thursday, March 21, 2002, in 
Autumnwood of Deckerville.  He was born April 2, 1919, in Deckerville, the son of John 
and Agnes (Darlington) McConnachie.  He was a veteran of World War II. He was the 
past president of the former Sanilac County Bank, a charter member of the Deckerville 
Industrial Development Corp., founder of the Thumb Singles Club and a life member of 
Marion Lodge 392.  He is survived by one brother, Charles McConnachie of Deckerville; 
one sister, Mrs. Jessie Rich, of Deckerville; and several nieces and nephews.  He was 
preceded in death by three brothers, Grant, James and Gordon.  Funeral services will take 
place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002, in the Apsey Funeral Home in Deckerville. 
The Rev. Robert Srock will officiate. Burial will be in Downing Cemetery.  Visitation 
will be 2 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to the Barney 
McConnachie Scholarship Fund. 

Lucille Power 
Lucille G. Power, 87, of Kinde died Wednesday, March 21, 2002, at Huron Medical 
Center in Bad Axe.  She was born to the late Charles and Johanna (Grace) McGee on 
Oct. 8, 1914, in Bad Axe. Lucille and Everett Power were united in marriage on Dec. 1, 
1945, at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog. He preceded her in death on July 31, 
1994.  Lucille graduated from Kinde High School in 1932 and attended Huron County 
Normal College in 1933. During World War II, she worked at Demery Department Store. 
She owned and operated the Power Country Store in Pinnebog from 1961 until 1980. She 
also was the Lake Township Clerk for five years. Lucille was a former member of St. 
Felix Church and the Women's Altar Sodality and a member of St. Edward's Church.  
Lucille is survived by one son, Robert Joseph Power and his wife, Darlene, of Onsted; 
one daughter, Eileen Delecki and her husband, Gerald, of Swartz Creek; two brothers, 
Joseph McGee and his wife, Orla, of Bad Axe, and Donald McGee and his wife, Irene, of 
Oakland, Calif.; two sisters, Eunice O'Malley and her husband, Alex, of Livonia, and Sr. 
Maxine McGee of White Pigeon; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several 
nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by three sisters, Genevieve, Margaret 
Ann and Margaret Mary McGee; and three brothers, Bernard, Jack and Robert McGee.  
Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2002, at St. 
Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde. Fr. Mieczyslaw Oniskiewicz will officiate. Burial 
will be in St. Felix Cemetery in Pinnebog.  A scripture service will be conducted at 7 
p.m. Sunday at the MacAlpine Funeral Home-Gage Chapel in Kinde.  Visitation will be 2 
to 9 p.m. Sunday and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be 
offered to the Family Discretionary Fund. 

Bertha Ptak 
Bertha Ptak, 96, of Port Austin died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at the Huron Medical 
Center in Bad Axe.  She was born on Nov. 6, 1905, in Kinde, daughter of the late Peter 
and Theresa (Buchkowski) Salowitz. She and Edward P. Ptak were married on April 22, 
1935, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde. He preceded her in death on March 7, 
1998.  Bertha taught school in the Detroit school system and moved to Port Austin after 
retiring in 1970. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin and 
of the Priscilla Club in Port Austin. She worked in the Huron Memorial Hospital gift 
shop for many years. Bertha enjoyed spending her time reading and traveling.  She is 
survived by her daughter, Teresa O'Neill and her husband, Thomas, of Bryan, Texas; one 
grandson, Paul O'Neill and his wife, Jennifer, of Bryan, Texas; and two great-
grandchildren, Jacob and Lucas.  She was preceded in death by two sisters, Agnes and 
Irene; and two brothers, Irving and Adam.  A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. 
Saturday, March 23, 2002, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin. The Rev. 
Robert Pare' will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  A vigil service will 
take place at 7 p.m. this evening at Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde.  Visitation will be 
2:30 to 9 p.m. today and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. 

Douglas Brakenberry 
Douglas E. Brakenberry, 84, a retired Oliver Township farmer, died Thursday afternoon, 
March 21, 2002, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe.  Funeral services are tentatively planned 
for 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2002, at Evangel Life Assembly of God Church in Bad 
Axe.  Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Champagne 
Funeral Chapel in Elkton.  A complete obituary will appear in Sunday's Huron Daily 
Tribune. 

Paul Lemanski 
Mr. Paul Lemanski, 92, of Harbor Beach passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at 
the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.  A funeral mass will take place at 
11 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in 
Harbor Beach.  Visitation will be 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. 
Wednesday at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly.  A complete obituary will 
appear in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune. 

Leslie Marz 
Leslie G. Marz, 71, of Sand Point died Thursday morning, March 21, 2002, at the Aleda 
M. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Saginaw.  There will be no 
visitation. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Cremation has taken 
place with arrangements through the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Caseville. 







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