HURON DAILY TRIBUNE, Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan Local obituaries for the week beginning September 4, 2005 Contributed 2005 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 represent- ative 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, September 4, 2005 William D. Bohn William D. Bohn, 65, of Sebewaing, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2005, at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City following a one-year illness. He was born June 18, 1940 in Unionville, son of the late Nelson F. and Florence (Karr) Bohn. He was united in marriage to Linda Jo Koehler on July 7, 1962 in Sebewaing. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Bill had been employed at Sebewaing Tool and Engineering for more than 30 years before retiring in 2003. He was a member of the New Salem Lutheran Church in Sebewaing and served on many of the church's offices. Surviving are his wife, Linda; one son, David Bohn and his wife, Cheri, of Unionville; one daughter, Pamela Jo Nitz and her husband, Vincent, of Sebewaing; six grandchildren, Justine, Stefani and Kaylie Bohn, Mackenzie, Gage and Kaden Nitz; one brother, Robert Bohn and his wife, Delorise, of Unionville; one sister-in-law, Joyce Bohn, of Unionville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Walter and Charlene Koehler, Donald and Clarene Parsell, Dale and Geraldine Koehler, all of Sebewaing; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, James Bohn. The funeral services will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2005, at New Salem Lutheran Church. Rev. William Mayhew will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. He will lie in state from noon until the time of service at the church today. Memorials may be made to the New Salem Lutheran Church of the American Cancer Society. Virginia M. Booms Virginia M. Booms, 67, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2005, at Tendercare of Cass City. She was born in Parisville on July 8, 1938, the daughter of the late Aloise and Nettie (Mazure) Wrubel. On October 3, 1959, Virginia and Marvin Booms were united in marriage in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parisville. She was a member of the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Helena and the Altar Society. Virginia is survived by her husband, Marvin Booms, of Harbor Beach; her children, Russell Booms and his wife, Lorie, of Bad Axe, Gregory Booms and his wife, Sandy, of Harbor Beach, Roy Booms and his wife, Peg, of Minden City, Dale Booms and his wife Pam, of Harbor Beach, and Carol Fisher and her husband, Len, of Kinde; eight grandchildren; a brother, Archie Wrubel, of Carsonville; two sisters, Adeline Rudy, of Bad Axe, and Alice Wrubel, of Pontiac. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2005, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Helena, with Fr. Andrzej Boroch officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A parish vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Monday followed by an Altar Society Rosary at 8 p.m. in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation or the Family Discretionary Fund. John Pierce John B. Pierce, 71, of Port Austin and formerly of Northville, died Saturday, September 3, 2005, at his home. He was born June 6, 1934 in Detroit, son of Mary (Flynn) and the late Edmund Pierce. John married Joann Rice on July 12, 1958 in Allen Park. John was the manger of the Latin American Credit Operations for Ford Motor Company. He traveled extensively to Latin American countries. After retiring in 1990, he worked as a consultant in South Africa for a short period of time. John and Joann moved to Port Austin from Northville in 1995. John made many friends in the area and cherished them all. He loved the good life that this area provided. John was a former owner of harness racing horses and always enjoyed going to the races and looked forward to seeing the familiar faces of the owners and jockeys at the Huron Community Fair each year. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the American Legion Frank Horetski Post No. 499 and the U & I Club, both in Port Austin. John was an avid card player and was a constant fixture playing euchre at both the American Legion and the U & I Club. John and his wife, Joann, spent their winters in Florida where he was very involved in community activities there, as well. John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joann; three sons, Tom Pierce and his wife, Tracee, of Lake Orion, Robert Pierce and his wife, Cerise, of Fort Meyers Florida, James Pierce, of Southfield; two grandchildren, Nicholas and Jessica Pierce, of Lake Orion; his mother, Mary Navin, of Allen Park; a sister, Patricia Arquette, of Allen Park; a brother, Edmund Pierce and his wife, Margaret, of Wilmington, Delaware; a sister-in-law, Arvella Majeski, of Kinde; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2005, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Kinde. Officiating will be Rev. Mieczyslaw Oniskiewicz. Cremation will follow at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. There will be a vigil at 7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Hospice Service. Monday, September 5, 2005 – Labor Day Holiday Tuesday, September 6, 2005 Sophie Bilkie Sophie Bilkie, 81, passed away on September 4, 2005. She was the beloved wife of Robert for 54 years and dear mother of Jay and his wife, Terri, Roberta Stamper and her husband, Ken, Ray and his wife, Tanya, Kathy McCloskey and her husband, Pat, and Robert Jr. and his wife, Shari. She had 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Paula Fiddler. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2005, at St. Roch Catholic Church Caseville. The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimers Association of Michigan. Philip G. Cook Philip G. Cook, 94, of Harbor Beach, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2005, at Harbor Beach Community Hospital. He was born on May 1, 1911 in Harbor Beach, son of the late Frank K. and Bernice (Duda) Kucharczyk. He married Gladys Susalla on May 6, 1933 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. They celebrated 72 years of married life. Philip attended Bad Axe High School before becoming a wheelsman on the Great Lakes. He farmed in Sigel Township for 50 years before retiring. He and Gladys enjoyed traveling and spent 27 winters in Texas and Florida. Philip enjoyed fishing, senior activities, gardening, playing cards with family and friends and visiting with everyone. He was a member of the Harbor Beach and Port Hope Senior Citizens Clubs, past Sigel Township Clerk, past member of the Eccles school board and a 60-year member of Our Lady of Lake Huron parish. Philip is survived by his wife of 72 years, Gladys, of Harbor Beach; two daughters, Delphine, of Long Beach, California, and Joanne and her husband, John, of Ortonville; and four sons, Melvin and his wife, Bonnie, of Midland, Hilary and his wife, Marie, of Verona, Tom and his wife, Arlene, and Dan and his wife, Linda, all of Harbor Beach. He also is survived by 11 grandchildren, Marc, Kathy and Michael Jance, Lori Reder, Douglas Cook, Melanie Shugart, Leann Walker, and Randy, Matthew, Ryan and Tina Cook; and 13 great-grandchildren, Philip, Nathan, Christopher, Becky, Kaitlan, and Jessica Jance, Joshua, Tyler, and Ericka Reder, and Jacob and Taylor Cook, Josie Walker and Harrison Cook. Philip is also survived by one sister, Gertrude O'Berski, of Ubly; and one brother, Walter Cook and his wife, Minnie, of Harbor Beach. He has three sisters-in-law, Mary Cook, of Parisville, Edith Cook, of Harper Woods, and Rita Cook, of Harbor Beach. He was preceded in death by one sister, Angeline Grifka; and five brothers, William, Clements, Gordon, Carl and Albert Cook. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2005, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach. The Rev. T.J. Fleming, pastor, will preside. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. There will be a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church or to the donor's choice. Anita P. O'Berski Anita P. O'Berski, 53, of Cass City, died Sunday, the Lord's Day, September 4, 2005, at Covenant Medical Center-Harrison Campus in Saginaw. She was born September 7, 1951 in Cass City to Harley and Edith (Ross) Scott. She married Dennis E. O'Berski on January 31, 1976 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ubly. Anita received her associate's degree from St. Clair Community College and her bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University. Anita was a teacher at Kingston Elementary School for 31 years and currently taught fifth grade. She taught many different grades during the years, but fifth grade was her favorite. She had a great love for teaching and, in her own way, felt she helped many children. Anita considered the staff of Kingston Elementary School her extended family. Anita was a member of Living Word Worship Center and a member of the choir. She helped with a variety of church activities. She had a great love for her church. Anita enjoyed reading, watching the birds and taking long walks on their property. She had many special friends who she enjoyed visiting and talking with. Anita is survived by her husband, Dennis; children, Garret O'Berski, of Cass City, Julie Kolb and her husband, David, of Muskegon; brother, Ross Scott and his wife, Linda, of Sandusky; nieces, Christine Scott and Rena Scott; mother-in-law, Bernice "Bunny" O'Berski, of Ubly; sisters-in-law, Kathy Kelly and her husband, Larry, of Bad Axe, Diana Adrianse and her husband, Ron, of Oscoda; brothers-in-law, Ken O'Berski and his wife, Chris, of Ubly, Garret O'Berski, of Ubly; nieces and nephews, Jodi Nelson, Richard Nelson, Michelle O'Berski, Chad O'Berski; cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Edith Scott; and her father-in-law, Elmer O'Berski. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Anita's birthday, Wednesday, September 7, 2005, at the Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City with Pastor Keith Misany, of Living Word Worship Center Church of God, officiating. Interment will be in Novesta Township Cemetery in Cass City. Pallbearers for Mrs. O'Berski are Ken O'Berski, Garret O'Berski, Ron Adrianse, Larry Kelly, Richard Nelson and Chad O'Berski. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Kingston Community Schools Library. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Leonard Lautner Leonard Lautner, 85, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2005. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2005, at Frieburg Cemetery. Wednesday, September 7, 2005 Freda Jane Esch Freda J. Esch, 76, of Pigeon, died Monday, September 5, 2005, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe after a lengthy illnesses caused by diabetes and heart disease. She was born November 2, 1928 in Elkton to the late Peter and Flora (Parker) Kivel. On August 28, 1948, she and Clayton D. Esch were united in marriage at his parent's home in Winsor Township. Freda was a homemaker and devoted mother all her life. In the late 1960s, she became a beautician and owned and operated Freda's Beauty Salon on Main Street in Pigeon for more than 10 years. She and her husband enjoyed collecting antiques and antique glassware, and traveled to flea markets around the state as vendors. She also collected porcelain dolls and stuffed animals. Together, the couple enjoyed spending time together at their cabin near Mio. Freda also was a member of the Community Wesleyan Church in Elkton. Surviving are her family, who were so important to her, Clayton, her husband of 57 years; three sons, Denny (Dee) Esch, of Pigeon, Chuck (Cathy) Esch, of Elkton, and Bill, of Pigeon; seven grandchildren, Gina (Mike) Heilig, Chad (Sharon) Esch, Jeremy Esch, Holly (Marc) Smith, Matt (Lisa) Esch, Julie Esch and Erik Esch; 10 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan, Morgan, Conner, Nicholas, Carter, Chaston, Justin, Lauren and Tori; two sisters, Reatha (Frank) Lawrence, of Sebewaing, and Doris (Archie) Dickinson, of Harbor Beach; four sisters-in-law, Ruby Kivel, of Harbor Beach, Pat (Jack) Bruce, of Elkton, Dody (Lloyd) Eicher, of Littleton, Colorado, and Marilyn (Jack) Ludwig, of Peoria, Arizona; one brother-in-law, Dwight (Ofie) Esch, of Valley Center, California; two special friends, Ron Kimm, of Grosse Pointe, and Denise DeLong, of Kingston; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. Preceding her in death with three brothers, Orville, Oscar and Bill Kivel; two sisters, Helene Mendel, and Janet Kivel; three nephews, Jack Bursick, Larry Kivel, and Dan Geiger; one niece, Donna Rideout. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2005, at the Community Wesleyan Church in Elkton with burial in the Grand Lawn Cemetery in Pigeon. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton and at the church after 10 a.m. on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Community Wesleyan Church or the Huron County Medical Care Facility Resident Activity Fund. Jeanette F. Guza Jeanette F. Guza, 80, of Harbor Beach, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2005, at her residence under hospice care following a short battle with cancer. She was born on April 23, 1925 in Detroit to the late Boniface and Phoebe (Lorkowski) Zurek. Jeanette and Edmund M. Guza were united in marriage on October 9, 1948 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Smith Corners. She was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson as well as an active member of St. Rita's Altar Society at St. Joseph's. Jeanette, with her husband, Ed, also was a member of the Rapson Sportsman Club. She was an avid quilter and crocheter. She loved to work in her flower and vegetable gardens. She also loved being with her grandchildren. After a beautiful marriage of 56 years, Jeanette is survived by her husband, Ed, of Harbor Beach; 10 children, Diane E. Seidl and her husband, John, of Ruth, Ronald E. Guza and his wife, Karen (Booms), of Harbor Beach, Duane C. Guza and his wife, Carolyn (Particka), of Harbor Beach, Bonita M. Essenmacher and her husband, Gordon, of Metamora, Beverly J. Wichert and her husband, James, of Sandusky, Paul J. Guza and his wife, Valerie (Koroleski), of Deckerville, Marilyn A. Pionk and her husband, Herbert, of Ruth, JoAnne M. Gentner and her husband, Keith, of Minden City, Edmund J. Guza and his wife, Colleen (Roggenbuck), of Bad Axe, Audrey M. Siemen and her husband, Joseph, of Harbor Beach; 35 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Zurek and his wife, Jardine, of Bad Axe, and Melvin Zurek and his wife, Jean, of Harbor Beach; four sisters, Evelyn Kubacki, of Ubly, Phyllis Kociba and her husband, Marvin, of Harbor Beach, Anna Mae Learman and her husband, Gerald, of Filion, Margaret Ritter and her husband, James, of Bad Axe. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Boniface and Phoebe Zurek; and one brother-in-law, Clemens Kubacki. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2005, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rapson. The Rev. James Carlson, pastor, will preside. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today, from 1 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. There will be a rosary prayer led by St. Rita's Altar Society at 7:30 p.m. today and a parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both prayer services will be at the funeral home. Per the family's request, memorials may be directed to Right to Life or Huron County SafePlace. Thursday, September 8, 2005 Bert D. Dore Mr. Bert D. Dore, 81, of Palms, passed away Monday, September 5, 2005, at the Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe. He was born on April 24, 1924 in White Rock to the late Edwin and Melissa (Anderson) Dore. Bert attended the White Rock Elementary Country School. He worked on the family farm before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946 in the Pacific Theater. He worked on the Great Lakes for a few years, married, and moved to Harbor Beach and other areas of the Thumb. He was a general mechanic in area garages. He enjoyed gardening and baseball. Bert is survived by one daughter, Sharon Jurn and her husband, Dan, of Sandusky; seven sons, Richard Dore, of Howard City, Edwin "Ronald" Dore and his wife, Karen, of Deckerville, Bert Howard Dore and his wife, Nancy, of Camino, California, Clifford Dore and his wife, Carol, of Sandusky, Mark Dore and his wife, Vicky, of Shabbona, Robert Dore, of Deckerville, James Dore and his wife, Tracey, of Ubly; 22 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Faye Braun, of Ruth, Melissa Brandow, of Harbor Beach. He was preceded in death by two infant sons, John and Michael Dore; one sister, Barbara Klee; three brothers-in-law, Bernard Braun, Walter Brandow, and Roman Klee. A funeral service will be at noon on Saturday, September 10, 2005, at the Smigielski Funeral Home on Cass Avenue in Minden City. Pastor John H. Rapson, of the Minden City United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the White Rock Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the service time at noon on Saturday at the funeral home. Jeanette Wood Jeanette Wood, 92, of Port Austin, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2005, at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. She was born October 21, 1912 in Detroit, daughter of the late Frederick and Helen (Alfather) Milatz. She married Ardy Wood on December 31, 1939 in Detroit. They lived in the Detroit area until his death in 1974. Jeanette is survived by two daughters, Joyce Stanek, of Port Austin, and Susan Durcynski, of Wyandotte; a granddaughter, Kathy Moody and her husband, Steve, of Ann Arbor; a great-granddaughter, Clara Moody, of Ann Arbor; a special nephew, Charles Gailis, of Texas; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; four brothers, Norman, Hazen, Frederick and Lawrence; two sisters, Evelyn Wood and Alverna Gailis; and son-in-law, David Durcynski. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde. Burial will be at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Port Austin Community Players or to Heartland Hospice. Friday, September 09, 2005 Andrew D. Leskowich Andrew D. Leskowich, 90, of Sebewaing, died Thursday, September 8, 2005, at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City following a six-month illness. He was born June 1, 1915 in Detroit, son of the late Daniel and Katherine (Wituszynko) Leskowich. He was united in marriage to Ruth M. Armbruster on June 18, 1955 in Unionville. Andy had been a farmer in the Sebewaing area for many years and had also been employed at Michigan Sugar Company in Sebewaing during the campaigns for 40 years. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He loved to fish and enjoyed woodworking. Surviving are his wife, Ruth, of Sebewaing; one daughter, Gail Singer and her husband, Brad, of Unionville; one step-daughter, Marlene Main and her husband, Michael, of Highland, California; three grandchildren, Ross, Jamie, and Linsay Singer; two step- grandchildren, Michael Main, Monica (Ray) Juarez; four step-great-grandchildren, Alexis, Savannah, Kayla, and Chrisie; one sister, Irene Bolzman and her husband, Maurice; one brother, Fred Leskowich and his wife, Augustine, all of Sebewaing; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Frances Quick. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. The Rev. Daniel Hahn will officiate with burial in New Bay Port Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday at Dinkel-Juengel Funeral Home in Sebewaing. He will lie in state from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the church. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Oren H. Brown Oren H. Brown, 58, of Port Hope, passed away Thursday evening, September 8, 2005, in the long-term care unit at the Harbor Beach Community Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2005, at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Hope. A scripture service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home and from noon until the time of services on Monday at the church. A complete obituary can be seen in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune or by viewing RamseyFH.Com. Cara D. Thompson Cara D. Thompson, 23, of Harbor Beach, passed away Thursday evening, September 8, 2005, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are being handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. A complete obituary will be in Sunday's Huron Daily Tribune or by viewing RamseyFH.Com. 1