Pamela Claudette Palmer
Pamela Claudette Palmer, age 62, of Brooklyn, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2005, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 6, 1943 in Jackson. Pam graduated from Cement City High School and Jackson Beauty Academy. She retired from X-ACT Products of Brooklyn.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Maureen (Emmons) Green; son, Steve Bliss and step-sister, Kathleen Holmes. She is survived by her husband, Gene Palmer; children, Charles and Tanya Bliss, Rhonda Whiting, Debbie, John, Hilda and Mike Palmer; brothers, Bill Green and David Knapp; step-brothers, Jim and Bill Sweezey; and grandchildren, Tyler, Faith, Jessie, Haley, Mikey and Nick.
Visitation will be held on Thursday 4 to 8 P.M. at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel in Brooklyn. A Celebration of Pam’s life will be held on Friday, Nov. 4, 2005, at the funeral home beginning at 2 p.m. The Rev. Dave Knapp, Pam’s brother, will officiate the service. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Eagles in Brooklyn. Memorial contributions may be directed to Gene Palmer to help defray medical expenses or to the American Cancer Society.
Debra (Mommers) Dalles
Debra M. “Debbie” (Mommers) Dalles, age 39, of Laramie, Wyoming, died at her home surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 29, 2005, concluding her courageous battle with breast cancer since the summer of 2001.
Debbie was born on October 16, 1966 in Saginaw, Mich. to Guillaume and Brenda Mommers. Debbie was raised in Brooklyn, Mich. where she graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1985.
In 1987 Debbie enlisted in the United States Navy and received her training as an electronics technician. She was responsible for and maintained communication and weather equipment to support Naval Air Traffic Operations. Upon her honorable discharge in 1993 she received a 3.96 (out of 4.0) performance evaluation in addition to a “Good Conduct Medal” and “Letter of Commendation” in 1993.
While stationed in San Diego, California she met and eventually married her “Soul Mate and best friend” Brian Dalles on July 1, 1989 who was also serving in the Navy at the time.
On September 6, 1992, Debbie gave birth to their first son Wesley “Wes” and in 1993 the family eventually all moved to Laramie and had a home built on the Dalles family ranch. On August 20, 1996 Debbie and Brian celebrated the birth of their second son “J.W.” Debbie had always stated that being a mother as well as a wife was her “true purpose in life” adding that she enjoyed it more than anyone could articulate.
In keeping with her true interest in the caring of others, Debbie entered and eventually graduated in 1997 from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor degree in Social Work. Even more impressive was that she did it with “Honors,” all while seeing to her overwhelming duties as a homemaker.
From June of 1993 to 1996 Debbie worked as an administrative assistant with Veterans Affairs in Laramie to support veterans obtaining college funding from the Military. Most recently Debbie was employed by the Albany County School District #1 at the Little Laramie Valley School since 1996 throughout periods of her illness. She spoke often of her true pleasure of being around the children and teachers on a daily routine basis.
Just prior to passing Debbie had requested a thank you to Dr. Merrill and his wife Lisa in addition to everyone at the Cancer Center for their hard work, compassion and friendship. She wanted all people that had come into her life to know that they all played a very important role with her and each person was very special to her, and again wanted those all thanked for their individual friendships and love.
Family members and friends all knew Debbie have been amazed at how children were attracted to her as well as her attracting to the children. If there was a baby in the crowd she would eventually be holding him/her in her arms. She was observed by many people to be driving a vehicle actually packed with children to one event or another and actually defined what the “Neighborhood Mother” was all about.
Never did Debbie think of herself first. She always remembered the birthdays and went the extra step of having little dinners and picnics to make people as happy as possible. Christmas was definitely one of her favorite days as she adored the giving of presents to others.
Beyond her internal and external beauty, Debbie will be remembered for her love of life, infectious laugh, intelligence, and more importantly her love of family.
Debbie’s overriding concern while nearing her time of passing was the welfare of her two sons and husband. She had mentioned earlier that she hoped people were willing to simply write a short letter to her sons Wes and J.W. to describe what they recalled of her so that the boys could have it to refer to not only now but later in life.
Debbie was preceded in death by her Grandparents Casper and Agnes Mommers, and Paul and Marge Janke.
She is survived by her husband, Brian Dalles of Laramie; sons, Wes and J.W. of Laramie; parents, Guillaume and Brenda of Brooklyn, Mich.; brothers, twin brother Richard (Melissa) Mommers, of Bowling Green, Ohio, John (Edith) Mommers of Indian Head, Maryland, James (Debbie) Mommers of Onsted; and sister, Tammy (Dharmesh) Gada of Adrian, Mich.
Debbie was also loved and greatly admired as family and friend by all her unnamed brother and sister-in-laws and her many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, December 16, at 2 p.m. at the Gateway Community Church, 268 S. Main, Onsted, Mich.
In lieu of flowers Debbie had asked that if anyone wished to do so please donate to the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, 225 N. 30th, Laramie, Wyo. 82072, or Hospice of Laramie located at 1262 N. 22nd, Laramie, Wyo. 82072.
A fund for Debbie’s two sons Wes and J.W. has also been set up at First Interstate Bank in care of Sharleen Castle, 1771 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, Wyo. 82070.
JoAnn Schiel
JoAnn Schiel, age 70, of Brooklyn, passed away at W. A. Foote Memorial Hospital on November 30, 2005. JoAnn was born June 26, 1935 in Detroit, the daughter of Paul and Frances Dray.
She married Richard Schiel on July 29, 1954 in Bay City and he survives.
Mrs. Schiel was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family. Besides her husband of 51 years, Mrs. Schiel is also survived by her children, Richard Jr. (Darcy) Schiel, Randy (Jeanette) Schiel, Scott (Joan) Schiel, Lester (Cathy) Schiel, and Chad Schiel; and grandchildren, Joshua, Polly, Jason, Darby, Joseph, Jessie, Kyle, Derek and Eli. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Paul Dray, Jr.; and infant sister, Ruth Dray.
A Celebration of life was held on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel, Brooklyn, with Pastor Robert Malsack officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of donor’s choice and envelopes are available at the funeral home. Interment was at Highland Cemetery.
Marion Annieve Giffin
Marion Annieve Giffin, age 81, of Sumpter Township, Mich., formerly of Taylor and Sweezy Lake, Mich., died at her home on Monday, December 5, 2005. She was born June 8, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Edna Lorene (Alger) Fidler. She was preceded in death by her husband Neal C. Giffin in 1999. Also preceding her in death were her parents and two sisters, Frances and Ruthie.
She is survived by two children, Beverly Phillips, of Allen Park, Mich. and Michael (Joy) Giffin, of Belleville, Mich.; one brother, Lloyd (Margie) Fidler of Missouri; eight grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Troy, Mich. Marion was an avid writer who was working on a reference book comparing the Old Testament to the New.
Interment was at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to Arbor Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements were made by David C. Brown Funeral Home, Belleville, Mich.
Arnold William Graves
Arnold William Graves, age 90, of Brooklyn, passed away Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 at his residence. He was born Aug. 10, 1915 at his present home in Cambridge Township, the son of William and Louella (Billmeyer) Graves. He lived in the Brooklyn area all his life and moved into his family farm after his parent’s passing.
He married Ruth Mulnix on April 17, 1938. She preceded in death. Arnold was a retired Dairy Farmer and Clarke Equipment Co. employee. He was a member of the St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church at Cambridge Junction where had been Senior Warden of the Vestry and a member of the Brooklyn Historical Society. Arnold enjoyed local history, gardening and hunting and in 1956 won an award for the most points (29) on a deer rack shot in Michigan.
Survivors include a granddaughter, Anne (Ivan) Graham of Jackson; a grandson, Phillip (Amy) Baxter of Marysville; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth; two daughters, Margaret Bilby and Mary Jane Baxter; by a grandson, Brian Bilby; and by a sister, Mary Lutz. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 in the Dunn Chapel, Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Onsted with the Rev. Sandy Benes officiating. Interment will be made in the Maple Shade Cemetery in Onsted. The visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Robert E. “Cowboy Bob” Garner
Robert E. “Cowboy Bob” Garner of Clarklake, age 59, passed away at home Nov. 23, 2006, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Born March 2, 1947 in Charlotte, N.C., he was the son of Harry C and Helen S. Garner. He married Johnna (Parris), the love of his life, on April 4, 1987 in Rockton, Ill and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Amy (Brandon) Stiller and Robert Mitchell Garner, both of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Ashley, Jamie and Lori Johnson; brothers, Fred (Carolyn), Harry W. (Barbara), Van (Debbie), and Michael Garner; many nieces and nephews and numerous dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970. He spent most of his career in the field of industrial engineering, but most recently worked with Century 21 in Napoleon.
Bob was a member of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Division and Michigan Trail Riders Association. He developed numerous friendships through his involvement with these organizations. He enjoyed horseback riding, kayaking and was an avid outdoorsman. He was an animal lover and will be missed by his beloved horses and basset hound, Mille Ans.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, followed by a celebration of Bob’s life at 6 p.m. at Sherwood Funeral Home, Grass Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Hillsdale County or Jackson County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Division.
George E. Bryja
George E. Bryja, 70, had a massive stroke following surgery on Sept. 1, 2006. We were all blessed with more days to spend with him. He fought hard but eventually died Nov. 23, 2006.
He was born to Walter and Jeanette Bryja in Dearborn, Mich., on February 22, 1936. He served in the U.S. Army on Taboga Island, Panama as a radar operator from 1958 to 1960. He married Esther Sieradzki on February 24, 1962, and was a product designer at Ford Motor Company for over 20 years until his retirement in 1991.
After retirement, he continued the commute bringing fresh eggs and his homemade "George's Preserves" to his friends in Dearborn.
He was a member of the Eagles and had many hobbies including, hunting, fishing, making fishing lures using recycled materials, gardening, and especially spending time with his 17 grandchildren.
George was a kind-hearted man who always had time to chat and to tell a good story.
He is survived by his wife, Esther; children, Cathy (Ed) Foreman, George Jr. (Jeannie), Karen (Todd) Bagdon, Jennifer (Alfred) Brown, James (Kari), Robert, and Sarah (Grant) Tinney; grandchildren, Catherine, Amanda, Alfred IV, Liam, George III, Joshua, Phillip, Indigo, Zoe, Jasmine, Joseph, Abigail, Ashur, Seth, Trinity, Ingrid and Gabrielle; a special brother and friend, Bob; brothers, Walter, Daniel, and Thomas; sisters; Theresa and Jeannette.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Judith Ann and Sandra.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006 at St. Joseph Shrine Catholic Church in the Irish Hills, with the Rev. Fr. Carl Simon officiating.
Interment will follow in St. Joseph Shrine Cemetery, Brooklyn, Mich. with military honors conducted by Michigan National Guard Military Funeral Honors.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian and one hour prior to funeral mass at the church. A scripture service will be held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
