Onnie B. Jacobson
PRINCETON -- Onnie B. Jacobson, 69, of 1050 West M35, Princeton, entered eternal life early Tuesday morning, February 6, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital where he was a patient for one day. He was in ill health for the past four months.
Onnie was born November 26, 1931, in Princeton to the late Charles and Minnie (Soderman) Jacobson and was a life long resident. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War in Okinawa. He retired from KI Sawyer Civil Service in 1995 and also owned and operated Jacobson's Excavating until retirement. He was a life member of Gwinn VFW Post 5670 and a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Onnie enjoyed spending time at the VFW Post with his friends and being with people.
A devoted husband, proud and loving father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lois, whom he married on November 28, 1953, four sons: Dale (Bobbie), Brian, and David all of Princeton, Jeff (Julie) of Milwaukee, WI, six grandchildren: Jeremy, Brianna, Senja, Adam, Nick and Kyle, two sisters: Signe Herman of Negaunee and Ruth (Art) Ontto of Gwinn, one sister-in-law: Carmen Jacobson of Gwinn and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and seven sisters.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 8, 2001 at 11:00 am at the Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. George Kaiser officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the VFW Post in Gwinn.
The Perala Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph F. Laurich
MARQUETTE -- Joseph F. Laurich, 74, of 304 Meeske Ave., died Monday, February 5, 2001 at his home.
He was born February 17, 1926 in Traunik, MI to Matt and Beulah (Flake) Laurich and was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Marine Corps. Prior to his retirement in 1984 he worked for the State of Michigan at the National Guard Armory in Marquette for 33 years. He was a member of the Michigan National Guard, American Legion Post 44 of Marquette, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a longtime volunteer at the Marquette Medical Center.
Joseph is survived by his wife, the former Dorothy Sandell, who he married on July 1, 1950, three daughters; Patricia (Stanley) Wittler and Nancy (Dave) Anderson, both of Marquette and Susan Laurich of Cincinnati, OH, a son Dan Laurich of Marquette, two sisters, Frances (Earl) Radloff of Herington, KA and Dorothy Perumean of Palm Springs, CA, a brother Matt Laurich of Ferndale, Ml and four grandchildren, Mike (Timarie) Wittler, Ted Wittler, Mark Anderson and Kelly Anderson. He was preceded in death by a brother Walter.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Thursday, February 8, 2001 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Lawrence Jones officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery with Stan, Mike and Ted Wittler and Dave, Mark and Kelly Anderson serving as pallbearers. Friends may call at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home from 4 to 8 P.M. this evening.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
George E. Durfee
ZION, IL -- George E. Durfee, age 68 of Zion, IL., died January 14, 2001 at Provena St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan.,
He was born December 13, 1932 in Republic, MI. He was a member of Our Lady of Humility Church in Zion and the Senior Club of Zion.
He worked for the U.S. Steel for 17 years and retired from 14 years of service from Taubunsee Steel in Wheeling.
He is survived by his wife Karren, four sons, Richard Durfee, Arnold, Joe and Peter and one daughter Lori Durfee, five grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, his mother Mary Durfee and one sister Deloris Johnson.
Preceded in death by his father George and a son Thomas.
Funeral mass was held on January 17, 2000 at Our Lady of Humility Church, with Father David Mulvihill officiating. Place of burial is Republic Cemetery in Republic. The Marsh Funeral Home of Gurnee, 305 Cemetery Rd., assisted the family.
Ruth Violet Bergquist
ISHPEMING -- Ruth Violet Bergquist, age 91, formerly of 111 Bluff St., Ishpeming, died Wednesday, February 7, 2001, at the Mather Nursing Center.
Ruth was born March 14, 1909 in Negaunee to the late Frederick & Ellen (Erickson) Bergquist. she was a life long area resident. Ruth worked as a seamstress for the H.W. Gossard Company for many years. she was a member of the United Evangelical Covenant Church of Ishpeming.
Ruth is survived by a brother, Oscar Bergquist and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother Frederick Bergquist and a sister Elsie Whittler.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2001 at the United Evangelical Covenant Church, Ishpeming with Rev. Terry Cathcart officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the United Evangelical Covenant Church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Dr. Jack E. Rickman
LOUISVILLE, KY -- A funeral service for Dr. Jack E. Rickman (Rick), 62, of Clarksville, IN was held at 4 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2001 at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarksville. Reverend Richard Renfrow conducted the service. Dr. Rickman died Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at Clark County Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville, IN after suffering a massive stroke on January 12.
Jack E. Rickman was born January 12, 1939 in Arnolds Park, Iowa. He graduated from Arnolds Park High School in 1956. Patricia Schmeltzer of Marquette, MI and Jack were married on May 25th, 1963. After serving in the Air Force for 20 years, he attended college and received his Doctorate of Psychology in 1987. Dr. Rickman was a Professor of Psychology for Jefferson Community College Southwest in Louisville, KY at the time of his death.
Survivors include his wife Patricia of Clarksville, IN; daughters, Debbie and Roy Hisle of Sellersburg, IN, Terri and Mark Renfrow of New Albany, IN, son, Larry and Renay Rickman of Birmingham, AL: grandchildren, Cory and Cassie Hisle, Jacob Renfrow, and Kyla and Braedon Rickman. Sisters and brothers, Joan Bryon of Yelm, WA, Querida and Ben Decker of Spencer, IA, Peggie Miller of Arnolds Park, IA, Ray and Madeline Rickman of Ypsilanti, MI, Bob and Jody Rickman of Arnolds Park, IA, Luana Jaycox of LeSueur, MN and several nieces and nephews.
Dr. Rickman was preceded in death by parents; Ray and Blanche Rickman, sisters; Billie Ruth Rickman and Mona McGary, and father-in-law; Leo Schmeltzer.
Wilho A. Partanen
NEGAUNEE -- Wilho A. Partanen, beloved husband, father, & grandfather, age 77, of 508 Croix St. Negaunee, died peacefully at his home at 6:10 PM on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Partanen was born June 14, 1943 in Keweenaw Bay, MI to Olli & Amanda (Keranen) Partanen, attended Michigamme High School and was the valedictorian of the Class of 1941. He married Laina (Franti) in Ishpeming on June 24, 1944, and was a Negaunee resident since 1945. He worked as a salesman for P.C. Monday Tea Company for 15 years and was a sales representative for Lutheran Brotherhood for 33 years, retiring in 1990.
Wilho was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee. Although in ill health, he continued his regular attendance at Sunday services. In early retirement years he and Laina enjoyed winters in Hawaii & Arizona. A very devoted family man, he always enjoyed sharing times at family gatherings and was known to often say; "We'll have to do this again soon!"
Surviving are his wife, Laina, his children; Kathryn (Albert) Sundine, Negaunee, Kristine Hill, Chandler, AZ, Dennis (Kathleen) Partanen, Negaunee, Kay Vercoe, Negaunee, 8 grandchildren; Scott & Heidi Hill, Laurie (Ben) Lunstad, Erik Sundine, Amanda & Davin Partanen, Ryan & Taryn Gleason, 1 great granddaughter, Keale Kaolulu, 1 sister, Helmi (Emil) Wiljanen, Michigamme, numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers; Herbert & Willard, and a son-in-law, Raymond Hill.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee with Rev. Christine Thomas- Echelbarger officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Mr. Partanen's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Friends may call at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 12:00 noon until the time of services at 2:00 PM on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Wilho's memory.
The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Chrissie M. Reynolds
NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- Chrissie M. Reynolds, formerly of 166 Midway Drive, Negaunee Township, entered eternal life Sunday morning, February 4, 2001, on her 85th birthday, at Brookridge Heights following a brief illness. She had resided at Brookridge Heights since January 31, 2000.
Born February 4, 1916 in Ishpeming, a daughter of the late Harry and Chrissie (Lawson) Scarffe, she was raised in Ishpeming, and was a 1934 graduate of the Ishpeming High School. She entered St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing and on October 13, 1937 received her Registered Nurse's certification. On August 25, 1936 she married Lowell J. Reynolds in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marquette. Over the years, Chrissie was employed as a nursing supervisor at the former St. Luke's Hospital (now Marquette General Hospital) and also served on the operating room staff. She later was employed with Ophthalmologists, Dr. Daniel Hornbogen, Dr. Fred Sabin, and Dr. John Kublin, in both their offices and on their surgical staff. She retired in 1976.
She and her husband were charter members of St. Michael Catholic Church and both were active in Scouting. Chrissie served as a Girl Scout leader and was also involved in leadership training. She and Lowell loved to travel, and were actively involved in many travel trailer associations throughout their lifetime, holding a variety of offices in local and Avion International trailer travel clubs. For 18 years, she and Lowell wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida.
A loving mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and sister, she is survived by: a daughter, Carol (Donald) Sherbinow of Skandia; a son, Alan Reynolds of Negaunee Township; her grandchildren, Scott (Michelle) Reynolds, Todd (Debbie) Reynolds, Amy (Steve) Anderson, Ernie (Kerry) Sherbinow, and Archie (Jennifer) Sherbinow; great- grandchildren, twins Christopher and Jessica Reynolds, Mercedes Reynolds, Regan Reynolds, Hanna Anderson, and Madeline Sherbinow; a brother, Norman (Carol) Scarffe of Ishpeming; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Chrissie was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell J. Reynolds on February 12, 1997; and a brother Henry Scarffe.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Monday, February 12, from 5 to 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday evening at 6:30 pm in St. Michael Catholic Church with Rev. Basil Goerner as celebrant. Inurnment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
Chrissie's grandchildren will serve as her honorary escorts.
A coffee and dessert reception for family and friends will follow the services in the St. Michael Parish Center. The family would like to express special appreciation to the management and staff of Brookridge Heights Assisted Living for the care and compassion Chrissie received while residing there. The attention, surroundings, and friendships helped to fill her life with quality time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Brookridge Heights Assisted Living. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Donald S. Beauchamp
ISHPEMING TWP. -- Donald S. Beauchamp age 69 of 1790 Glenwood Lane, Ishpeming Twp. passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, at his home with his family, and the care of Jamie Lancour of Lake Superior Hospice at his side following a lengthy illness.
Donald was born November 11, 1931 in Kingsford, MI to the late Roy & Stella (Piche) Beauchamp. He lived in Hardwood, MI prior to residing in Ishpeming for the past 50 years. He worked as a self- employed salesman of TV's & appliances and also worked for the C.C.I. Mining Company where he retired from.
Don was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Musician Local, and had his own country band, Don's Country Serenaders.
Don is survived by four children: Steve (Debra) Beauchamp, Mike (Margaret) Beauchamp, Debra (Norman) Marcus and Gregg (Alice) Beauchamp all of Ishpeming, two sisters: Karen (Kenneth) Orzel of Wisconsin Rapids and Arnabelle Paquette of Iron River, MI, two brothers: Honore (Shirley) Beauchamp of Hardwood and Fran (Martha) Beauchamp of Iron River, 9 grandchildren: Allen, Lisa, Eric, Peter, Brady, Tammy, Robert, Chad and Michael, 1 great grandson Gregory, several nieces & nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife Betty, brothers: Robert, Ernest, Edwin, Leslie and Emanuel, and sisters Eunice and Lorraine.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM (E.S.T) Sunday, February 11, 2001, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Bruce C. Hatch officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Sunday from 1:00 pm until the time of service.
Elfie B. Zenker
WOODBURY, MN -- Former Newberry resident, Elfie B. Zenker, 91, of Woodbury, MN, died Friday morning February 9, 2001 at the Woodbury Health Care Center.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Pastor Peter Bartlett officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. where a Rebekah memorial service conducted at 4:00 p.m. with the Order of Eastern Star memorial service following.
Francis J. LaPorte
MARQUETTE -- Francis J. LaPorte, 88, of 1008 W. Bluff Street, Marquette, died Thursday morning at his home after a brief illness.
Mr. LaPorte was born April 4, 1912 at Hart, Michigan to the late John H. and Anna (McDaquette) LaPorte. He served with the 5th and 45th Divisions of the U.S. Army during World War II and was wounded at Anzio Beach. During the time of his service, he was decorated with two purple hearts.
On October 1, 1950, he married the former Alice J. Bishop at St. John's Catholic Church in Marquette and together they began to raise their family.
Francis worked at the former Cliff Dow Chemical plant as a foreman and later at Marquette Senior High School in maintenance until his retirement.
He loved to fish and hunt and received hours of enjoyment from watching his grandchildren play hockey. He was a Packer fan and a great fan of all levels of hockey from Marquette Junior Hockey to the pros.
Francis was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, American Legion Post #44 and the DAV.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Alice J. LaPorte of Marquette; six children, Juanita Withers of California, Stephen LaPorte of Ada, MI, Joseph LaPorte of Manistee, MI, Vicki (Tom Sarasien) LaPorte of Marquette, Cynthia (Joseph) Benson of Marquette, and James (Laura) LaPorte of Coppell, TX; 12 grandchildren, Jon Cornelius, Gina and Geoffrey LaPorte, Tanya (Thomas) O'Connell, Dana LaPorte, Michael Sarasien, Bradley, Nicholas and Joel Benson, Caroline, Elizabeth and James LaPorte; two great grandchildren, Emma and Olivia O'Connell; one sister, Wilfreda (Eldred) Greenway of Marquette; one brother, William D. LaPorte of Marquette; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents were two brothers, Raymond and Donald LaPorte and a sister, Verita Rose.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday evening at 6 p.m. in St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. James Roetzer officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the mass in the Bishop's room of the Cathedral. Inurnment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
A reception will be held at St. Peter Cathedral Hall immediately following services.
The Canale- Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Julia Koski
HUMBOLDT -- Julia Koski, age 93 formerly of 2205 Co. Rd. Champion, died Thursday evening February 8, 2001 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.
Julia was born December 27, 1907 in Humboldt to the late Peter & Bertha (Kangas) Koski. She spent most of her life in the Humboldt area except for seasonal work as a caretaker in Illinois. She was known for her wit and was loved by all. Her hobbies included crocheting, crossword puzzles and baking.
She is survived by a sister Mary Kiiskila of Ishpeming, along with several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by 4 Brothers- William, Eli, Arvid & Eino Koski and 3 Sisters- Ellen Mattson, Hulda Mattila & Bertha Walters.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2001 at 4 PM at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation on Co. Rd. 492, Negaunee with Charles Prusi to officiate. Burial will be in the Humboldt Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Sunday.
Pallbearers will be Paul Mattila, Robert Walters, Peter Koski, Lawrence, Richard & Donald Mattson.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Matthew John CLark
NEWBERRY -- Matthew John Clark, infant son of William & Kerri Clark, was called into the arms of Jesus at 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2001 following almost eleven hours of love and comfort from his family and caregivers at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 12, 2001 at 9:00 a.m. at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Fr. George Maki officiating. Interment will take place at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
George R. "Murphy" Jandron
NEGAUNEE -- George R. "Murphy" Jandron, age 86, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, of 109 Tilot Road, Negaunee died peacefully at 9:25 P.M. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center with his loving family at his side. He had been a patient there for 3 weeks.
Murphy was born July 25, 1914 in Negaunee to George and Nellie (Sullivan) Jandron, was raised in North Lake and attended the North Lake School. He married Lydia Rovedo on Sept. 29, 1935 and the couple lived most of their years in Negaunee's Cambria Location.
He worked as an underground miner for Inland Steel, C.C.I., and at J & L's Tracy Mine until its closure in 1971. He then worked as a custodian & bus driver for the N.l.C.E. school district until his retirement in 1980.
Mr. Jandron was a mernber of St. Paul Catholic Church and was an honorary life member of the Negaunee Knights of Columbus. He loved sports and was involved with youth baseball for over 25 years. He was an avid Detroit Lion and N.Y. Yankee fan. Among his greatest thrills in sports was being there to watch the Negaunee Miners win the state basketball championships in 1957 & 2000. He loved to bowl, play cribbage, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving are 5 sons; Robert (Dolores) Jandron, Negaunee, Richard Jandron, Marquette, Paul (Laura) Jandron, Negaunee, Dave (Judy) Jandron, Negaunee, Ray (Jean) Jandron, Ishpeming, 2 daughters, Catherine (Charles) Durocher and Sharon (Daniel) Landmark, both of Negaunee, a daughter-in-law, Priscilla Jandron, Negaunee, 3 sisters; Pat LaMere, Peggy Treloar, and Shirley (Robert) Marcotte, all of Negaunee, 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 63 years, Lydia (Rovedo) on Oct. 8,1998, 2 brothers; Leroy & Lawrence, 1 sister, Alice Quayle.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Monday at St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee with Rev. John J. Shiverski officiating. Entombment will be at the Northland Chapel Gardens Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be grandsons; Robbie, Kurt, Dale, Richie, & Ramon Jandron, & Kevin Landmark. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Friends may call at St. Paul Church from 10:00 A.M. until the time for services at noon on Monday.
The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Katherine "Katy" Lezotte
MUNISING -- Katherine "Katy" Lezotte, age 94, of 815 W. Munising Ave., died on Thursday evening, February 8, 2001 at the Superior Health Haven in Munising. Katy was born daughter of the late Aaron and Mary (Alexander) Powell and great granddaughter of Abraham Warren Williams on December 12, 1906 at Powell's Point and she was a lifetime Munising area resident. She went to grade school at the "little red school house" on the point of Grand Island Township, the Froble school, the West Ward ( where Lincoln school now stands ) and she attended Wm. G. Mather High School. During WWI, Katy worked for the Red Cross knitting for the soldiers and she also rolled bandages during WWII. On June 24, 1924, Katy married Frederick F. Lezotte. After over 58 years of marriage, Fred preceded her in death on February 22, 1983. Katy was a homemaker and a very active lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Munising. She was a charter member of the church's West Minister Guild and she also served as a deacon. Katy was a member of the Women of the Moose, the American Legion Auxiliary and a charter member of the Alger County Historical Society. Katy enjoyed music and she loved to sing, especially during sing-a-longs, and she most enjoyed her family.
She is survived by five daughters, Colleen (Frank) Rodman of Hermansville, Kathryn (Robert) Erickson of AuTrain, Janet Lezotte of Munising, Patricia (Nick) Kovanis of Howell, and Doris Bateson of Grand Rapids, nineteen grandchildren, twenty two great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, one niece, one nephew, and numerous cousins. Besides her parents and husband, Katy was preceded in death by two brothers, Luther and Aaron Powell and two sisters, Doris Rodgers and Letitia Powell.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 5:00 until 8:00. The funeral will be conducted by Reverend Calvin Fahrion on Monday, February 12, 2001 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Munising. Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising and she will be escorted by her grandsons, John Rodman, Michael and Matthew Erickson, Loukas Kovanis, and Phillip, Scott, Todd and William VanLandschoot. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Negaunee.
