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John W. Bernatowicz
L'ANSE -- John W. Bernatowicz, age 86, a life long resident of L'Anse, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2002 at Bayside Village in L'Anse.
John was born January 19, 1916 in L'Anse, son of the late Joseph and Sophia (Burczycka) Bernatowicz. He worked for the Ford garage in L'Anse for about 30 years. John was an owner and operator of F & J Welders, Inc. for 20 years until retiring.
He was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. John enjoyed hunting and ice fishing.
He is survived by three nieces, Joan (James) McPhillips of L'Anse, Mary Lou (John) McAnaw of Fairfax, VA and Francis A. (Howard) McMasters of Ishpeming, MI.
John is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Frank J. Bernatowicz.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 15 at 11:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in L'Anse. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Fr. Greg Heikkala will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery in the spring. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Reino "Jon" Wilho Paananen
L'ANSE -- Reino "Jon" Wilho Paananen, 86, formerly of Pelkie, passed away Friday, March 8, 2002 at Bayside Village, L'Anse where he had been a patient since October of 1997.
He was born in Pelkie, MI on June 16, 1915, son of the late William and Aliina (Peltonen) Paananen. Jon lived in the area all of his life and attended the local schools. He worked as a farmer and as a woodsman. Jon was a member of the Pelkie Apostolic Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Wolverine Sportsmen's Club. Jon was an avid softball player and devoted over 55 summers playing with the various ball clubs in the area.
He is survived by five sisters, Grace (Alfred) Scarbarough of Ellenton, FL, Alma Yankovich of Wall, Washington, a step-son, Lincoln Guest and a step-grandchild, Lina OH. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie and his second wife, Postella.
There will be no visitation or services per the deceased request.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Charles R. LaValley
MARQUETTE -- Charles R. LaValley, age 65, of 472 Lakewood Lane, Marquette, after a valiant battle, passed into God’s hands and everlasting life early Saturday morning, March 9, 2002 surrounded by family and friends at Marquette General Hospital.
Charles was born February 2, 1937, to James and Eva (DesJardins) LaValley in Marquette and continued to be a lifelong resident of the area. After High School, Charles spent time in the National Guard and then worked at the Empire Mine from 1963 until his well-deserved retirement in 1995. He married Diana Duvall on September 25, 1987.
Charles was a devoted member of St. Louis the King Parish in Harvey and a member of Knights of Columbus Council 6447 and Bishop Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Charles also volunteered many hours to the St. Vincent De Paul Society and was a financial supporter of The Cross in the Michigan. Besides his community and religious commitments, Charles also enjoyed spending his time with God and nature, hunting and gardening, and spending time with his wonderful grandchildren.
Charles is survived and remembered by his loving wife, Diana; a brother, Wilbur (Grace) LaValley, of Marquette; sisters, June (Edward) Chaperon, of Ishpeming, Grace (Robert) Desormier, of Marquette, and Peggy (Larry) Klaus, of Marquette; a sister-in-law, Grace Gray, and a brother-in-law, James Lafkas; children: Paul (Elizabeth) LaValley, of Marquette, Theresa LaValley, of Marquette, Patrick LaValley, of Newberry, Cindy LaValley, of Marquette, Peter (Laura) LaValley, of Iron Mountain, and Jeremy LaValley and his fiancee, Erin Parmenter, of Negaunee; Step-children: Steve (Laurie VanDamme) Govier, of Gwinn, Wendy Govier, of Ishpeming, Scott Govier, of San Francisco, Washington, and also working for many different logging companies in the Upper Peninsula. He was a small engine repairman and was the owner of the Zephyr Gas Station in Sands from 1971 until his retirement in 1977. Robert has resided in AuTrain for the past 20 years.
Robert was a member of the American Legion Post #131 and the V.F.W. Post both Munising. He loved gardening, fishing & hunting. Robert also enjoyed playing the harmonica and guitar.
Robert is survived by 9 children: Ora L. Westie of Ontonagon, MI, Dennis Pittsley of Racine, WI, Bobbie Vizina of Rockland, MI, Bruce (Sharon) Pittsley of Racine, Donna (John) Mercier of Holly, MI, Tina Benavides of Tempe, AZ, Rhonda McClure of West Olives, MI, Norman (Sherry) Pittsley of Ishpeming and Phyllis (Steve) Wallenius of Alpena, MI, a brother Hollis Pittsley of New Bedford, MA, 25 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, a great great grandson, numerous nieces & nephews, a special friend, Frank Campbell, along with numerous other friends. Robert was preceded in death by is parents, a great grandson Brandon M. Westie, 8 sisters, 5 brothers and a special lady friend Donna Jussila.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2002 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with the Rev. Roy Speck to officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery in Townsend, WI.
Friends may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time services.
Norma E. DeMarse
MARQUETTE – Norma E. DeMarse, 85, of 1718 Fitch Avenue, Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday morning, March 12, 2002, at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming following a lengthy illness. Arrangements will be announced by the Fassbender Funeral Home.
Willard C. St. Onge
L’ANSE -- Willard C. St. Onge, 78, of L’Anse, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2002 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse, following a brief illness. He was born in L’Anse, MI on November 30, 1923, son of the late George and Rose (Decormier) St. Onge. He graduated from L’Anse High School in 1942. Willard then went to West Virginia; daughters-in-law, Pam and Renee. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by two sons, Kevin and Roger; and three brothers, Edward, Leonard and Raymond.
Funeral services for Mr. St. Onge will be held at 11:00am Thursday, March 14, 2002 from the United Lutheran Church, L’Anse with Pastor Margaret Grant officiating. His nephews will be casket bearers and officers from the DNR will be honorary escorts. Spring interment will take place in the L’anse Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse from 6:00 until 8:00pm. The Baraga County Area Veterans under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444 will conduct military honors at 7:00pm Wednesday. Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse.
Doris May Funk
MARQUETTE -- Doris May Funk age 72, of 201 Cherry Creek Road died Tuesday, March 12, 2002 in Marquette General Hospital. She was born on November 28, 1929 in Toledo, Florida. Six grandchildren Tara Layne, Toni, Jordan, Kelly, Heidi, Sarah and three and a half great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 16, 2002 in the Community Room at Cherry Creek Village. Burial will take place in Dundee, Michigan University. After graduating from NMU, Alger continued working towards his masters degree in education at the University of Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Services will be held Saturday March 16, 2002 at 1:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branch in Eckerman with Rev. Jerry Klein officiating. Interment will take place at Colburn Cemetery in Strongs. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Jean Marie Menapace
MARQUETTE -- Jean Marie Menapace, 84, of 246 Jackson Street, Marquette, entered eternal life late Tuesday evening, March 12, 2002, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming, where she had resided one week. The Fassbender Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Leo M. Hakala
NEWBERRY -- Leo M. Hakala, 89, of Newberry, died Friday March 8, 2002 at Tendercare Nursing Center in Munising. Memorial services will be held Sunday March 18, 2002 at 1:00 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Newberry with Rev. Tom Evans officiating. Inurnment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Joan B. ‘NeeNee’ Moloney
MARQUETTE -- Joan Barbara “NeeNee” Moloney, 58, of 316 Pine Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday afternoon, March 12, 2002, at Marquette General Hospital, under the care of Lake Superior Hospice. She had been hospitalized since last Friday. Joan was born February 12, 1944 in Pittsburgh, PA, a daughter of the late Joseph and Wilhelmia (Downs) Moloney, and was raised in Pittsburgh. She moved to the Marquette area in 1968, and in 1979 completed her high school education through the Adult Education Program at Marquette Senior High School. Joan was employed at a variety of jobs throughout the years, including working the concession stand at the Thunder Valley Raceway, serving as a cook at the former Onion Crock Restaurant, and being employed as a clerk at the Fashion Bug and also at Jack’s IGA in Harvey. Joan very much enjoyed her role as homemaker, and her other interests centered around her love of playing BINGO and the challenge of computer games. She was a member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey. A loving mother, proud grandmother, sister, and friend, she is survived by: her daughters, Susan (Mark) Smedman of Harvey and Michelle Leaver of Gwinn; a son, William (Teresa) Leaver, Jr of Romulus; three grandchildren, Mary and Robert Smedman, and Adam Hamilton; two sisters, Mary Eckman of Woodbridge, VA and Judy (Homer) Roberts of Laquey, MO; three brothers, James (Lucille) Moloney of Verona, PA, Timothy (JoEllen) Moloney of Williamsburg, VA, and Phillip (Shirley) Moloney of Suisun, CA; her former husband, William Leaver, Sr of Menominee; several nieces and nephews; and her special best friend, Sherry (Jim) Holman of Harvey. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by a daughter, Loretta Leaver in 1962; a grandson, Michael Smedman; a brother-in-law, Jerry Eckman; and her in-laws, John and Cecelia Schultz. Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, where a parish prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm. Friends may also call at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Friday, March 15, beginning at 10:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1 :00 pm in the church, with Rev. Guy Thoren, pastor, as celebrant. A reception for family and friends will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Gordon Thomas Reynolds
AuTRAIN -- Gordon Thomas Reynolds, age 75, of E5449 Curtis Road, AuTrain, died on Monday, March 11, 2002, at 3:30 a.m. in Munising. He was born on May 17, 1926, in Detroit, Mich., to the late Frank and Nelia (Pruitt) Reynolds. Gordon graduated from Catholic Central High School in Detroit. On September 25, 1944, he entered into the U.S. Army. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated at battles at campaigns in the Southern Philippines and at Luzon. He earned the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, both with two bronze battle stars, the WWII Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Occupation Medal of Japan. Gordon was a photographer with the army and he photographed and wrote for the Stars and Shripes Newspaper in the Pacific Theater. He was discharged from the Army on November 24, 1946. He then attended Michigan. Interment will be at the Serenity Pines Cemetery in AuTrain.
Norma E. DeMarse
MARQUETTE -- Norma Estelle DeMarse, 85, of 1718 Fitch Avenue, Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday morning, March 12, 2002, at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming following a lengthy illness. She had resided at Mather since 2001.
Norma was born December 14, 1916 in Tamarack City, a daughter of the late Alfred and Bessie (Gray) Axford. She was raised in Tamarack City and came to Marquette as a young girl following the death of her parents. On December 28, 1937 she married Hugh F. DeMarse in Marquette, where they established their home and began to raise their family which would eventually include five children. Throughout the years, Norma was employed as a clerk at several businesses along Presque Isle Avenue. She was an avid cribbage and solitaire player, BINGO participant, and became quite adept at working crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed a good ice cream cone and riding around Presque Isle. Norma was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.
A loving mother and proud grandparent, she is survived by: three sons, Wayne DeMarse of Big Bay, Jerry (Mary) DeMarse and Jack (Norma Jean) DeMarse both of Marquette; twelve grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh, on June 4, 1983; son, Donald DeMarse on September 30, 1965; daughter, Barbara Roy on September 16, 1982; six brothers, Raymond, Roy, Melvin, Harold, Lloyd, and Wallace Axford; and two sisters, Beryl Marion Axford and Ruth Lord.
Friends may call at St. Michael Catholic Church on Friday, March 15, beginning at 5:00 pm A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 7:00 pm Friday evening in the church with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick, pastor, as celebrant. A dessert luncheon will follow in St. Michael Parish Center.
Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery. The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.
Elsie Ruth Maki
MUNISING -- Elsie Ruth Maki, age 86, of 300 W. City Park Drive, Munising died following a brief illness at Munising Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, March 13, 2002. She was born on June 22, 1915 to the late Fred and Lempi (Lundholm) Kirmo in Rumely Valley, Florida. Elsie enjoyed playing Bingo and dancing. She was a long time fan of "Finland Calling."
She is survived by sisters-in-law- Lillian Kirmo and Josephine Kirmo of Munising, also Ellen Kirmo of Gwinn; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Andrew, Eino, Martin and Arne Kirmo.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Friday, from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. the time of services. Rev. Paul Kelto will conduct the funeral service at the funeral home on Friday, March 15, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.
Jean Marie Menapace
MARQUETTE -- Jean Marie Menapace, 84, of 246 Jackson Street, Marquette, entered eternal life late Tuesday evening, March 12, 2002, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming, where she had resided one week. Jean was born March 28, 1917 in Maisonnette,
New Brunswick, Canada, a daughter of the late Dominique and Helen (Theriault) Boudreau. She was raised in Maisonnette, moving to Windsor, Ontario while in high school, and later residing in Detroit. She had been a Marquette resident for the past 60 years. Jean was employed for 25 years at the former F.W. Woolworth store, mainly working out of the household domestics department. She retired in 1992. Jean greatly enjoyed fishing and often kept her children's freezers full of her catches. She also loved gardening and going to the casino. A loving mother, proud grandmother, sister, and aunt, she is survived by: her daughters, Harolyn M. Menapace of Marquette and Nadene H. (Stephen Judd) Menapace of Gwinn; a son, Eugene A. (Sally) Menapace of Marquette; her grandchildren, Tia Jean Menapace of Gwinn, Cassie Menapace of Negaunee, Tammy Wills of Gwinn, and Heather LaCombe of Ypsilanti; a recently added great-grandson, James Harold Fortin, Jr, born March 9, 2002, of Negaunee; a sister Adrienne Godin of Canada; brother, Raymond Boudreau of Portland, ME; and several nieces and nephews, among them a special niece, Connie Bondy of Sarnia, Ontario, who throughout the years sent Jean a variety of Canadian teas, so that everytime the two had a cup of tea in their
respective homes, they could think of one another. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by a son, Alan Menapace; four sisters, Pauline LaPage, Lauza Poirer, Kay Price, and Theresa Calver; a brother, Fidele Boudreau; and a nephew, Douglas Bondy. Honoring Jean's request, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.
John R. Selden
MARQUETTE -- John R. Selden, age 90, of Marquette, formerly of L'Anse, passed away on Tuesday, March 12 at the Mather Nursing Home in Ishpeming.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 18 at 11:00am at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in L'Anse. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Fr. Greg Heikkala will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery in the spring. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Laura L. Hermann
NEWBERRY -- Former longtime Newberry resident, Laura L. Hermann, 81, died Tuesday morning March 12, 2002 in Traverse City, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, William & Nancy Hermann. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday March 15, 2002 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Newberry with Fr. Paul Karottekunnel officiating. Committal Rites will take place at Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry on Thursday March 14th from 4-8pm with prayers for the deceased recited at 6:30pm. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
