Larry Jospeh Poisson
SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA -- Larry Joseph Poisson, 58 of Sebastian, FL, died peacefully in his home on March 12, 2002. He was a native of Powers, Michigan, and the son of the late Louis Poisson. Larry spent 4 years (Jan. '61-Jan. '65) in the U.S. Navy and was self-employed most of his life. He and his brother Lee (also deceased) owned and operated the Red Bird Restaurant in Marquette, MI. He later owned Movieland in Powers, MI and had C&L Concessions at the Norway Race Track. Recently he traveled with his wife, Connie, working fairs and festivals with his food concession, and then owned Signs & Designs. Larry enjoyed sponsoring softball teams in both Marquette and Powers.
Larry is survived by his wife of 11 years, Connie Poisson of Sebastian, FL; his mother, Marian Poisson Jenkins of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; his son, Deron (Cyndi) Poisson of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter, Denice (Kevin) Ruh; grandchildren, Monica & Noah Ruh of Plymouth, WI; son P.J. Hodges & family of Fowlerville, MI and son, Curtis Mitchell of Cadillac, MI. He is also survived by his six sisters: Linda (Martin) Williams of Marquette, MI, Louanne Poisson of Groton, MA, Loretta Poisson (Omar Abdelsamie) of Ann Arbor, MI, Lisa Poisson (James Pistilli) of Holly, MI, Laureen Poisson (Scott Denzer) of Vulcan, MI and Lana Poisson of Laguna Niguel, CA; his four brothers: Leslie Poisson of Manhatten, KA, Lenard Poisson of Ann Arbor, MI, Loren Poisson of Escanaba, MI and Louis (Mary) Poisson, Jr. of Wausau, WI and many nieces and nephews.
He will be cremated and a mass and memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Cyril A. "Smokey" Nocenti
NEGAUNEE -- Cyril A. "Smokey" Nocenti, age 77, of 210 E. Case St. Negaunee died at 7:05 PM on Wednesday, March 20, 2002 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans where he had been a patient since December of 2001.
Mr. Nocenti was born June 2, 1924 in Gwinn to Herman & Theresa (Marinello) Nocenti, and was a life long area resident, having lived in Princeton until moving to Negaunee at age 4. He was a graduate of Negaunee St. Paul High School, Class of 1942. He was a U.S. Army veteran on WWII, having served in Central Europe. He worked for many years for CCI, retiring as a tool crib attendant at the Republic Mine after suffering a work related accident in 1976.
"Smokey" was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, the Negaunee Council of the Knights of Columbus, the V.A. Romo Post #3165 V.F.W., Negaunee, and the Ishpeming Amvets Post.
Surviving are 2 sisters; Mary Martin of Ishpeming, Gilda Nocenti of Negaunee, 2 nieces; Susan (Ed) Gagnon of Negaunee, Jean (David) Nowicki of Smiths Creek, MI, 1 nephew, Terry Martin of Ishpeming, 1 great niece, Gina (Charles) Poole of Negaunee, a great nephew, James (Cheri) Donato of Marine City, MI, great great nieces; Melissa, Jessica, and Kaitlyn. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday at St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee with Rev. John J. Shiverski officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of services at 10:00 AM on Saturday.
The arrangements are being handled by the Koskey Funeral Home.
Richard 'Matt' Rajala
BRUCE CROSSING -- Richard 'Matt' Rajala, 70, of Bruce Crossing passed away at his residence March 21, 2002 following a brief illness. Mr. Rajala was the Commander of the Covington VFW Post 8945. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse.
Ronald Allen Juul
GWINN -- Ronald Allen Juul, 48, of 195 County Road 557, Gwinn died Wednesday afternoon at his home surrounded by family and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice.
Ron was born February 24, 1954 in Jamestown, New York, a son of Robert Juul and the late Phyllis Bush. On August 28, 1982 he married Carol Larson at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette. Mr. Juul was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed with the Marquette Branch Prison for several years before his illness. He enjoyed many hobbies including collecting Troll dolls, woodworking, carpentry, hunting, fishing and cooking. His family and friends will miss his wonderful sense of humor.
Ron is survived by his wife, Carol Juul of Gwinn; parents, Bob (Phyllis) Juul of Pennsylvania; children, Wendy Harth of Florida and Wyatt Juul of Ishpeming; a brother, Dave Juul of New Jersey; a sister, Cindy (Bill) Magnani of Pennsylvania; half-brother, Eddie Derry of New York; half- sister, Bonnie Kramer of California; step-brother, Tom Bullock of New York; step-sister, Marjorie Omalyer of Connecticut; grandchidlren, Tate Harth & Athena Garcia of Florida; father and mother-in-law, Ken & Betty Larson of Ishpeming. His mother, Phyllis Bush Juul preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held on Sunday in the Gwinn Funeral Home from 4 until 8 pm and from 10 am until the time of the funeral service on Monday at 11 am in the funeral home. Rev. Charles Tooman will officiate. Interment will be held in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the needs of the family c/o Carol Juul, 195 Co. Road 557, Gwinn, MI 49841.
Theodora J. "Teddy" Olson
MARQUETTE -- A Memorial Mass for Theodora J. "Teddy" Olson will be celebrated at 1:00pm Saturday afternoon, March 23 in St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Louis Cappo, rector, as celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends in the Bishop's Room at the cathedral beginning at 12 Noon Saturday until the time of mass. Mrs. Olson, 72, of 777 Pioneer Road, Marquette, entered eternal life Wednesday evening, March 13, 2002 at home in the care and comfort of her family and Lake Superior Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for Lake Superior Hospice. The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.
Althea L. Ekdahl
L'ANSE -- Althea L. Ekdahl, age 81, of L'Anse, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2002 at Bayside Village in L'Anse.
She was born December 30, 1920 in Cadott, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Theodore and Emma (Waldusky) Bruhn. She married Walfred Ekdahl on May 12, 1944 in Waukegan, IL. They moved to Baraga in 1945 until 1953 when they moved to Champion, MI. They returned to Baraga in 1974.
Althea was a member of the L'Anse United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed crocheting, baking, cake decorating, crafts and being involved with the activity department at Bayside Village. Althea also enjoyed sending cards and notes to people.
She is survived by two sons, Gerald (Carol) Ekdahl of Champion and Bruce (Rose) Ekdahl of Ishpeming; two daughters, Karla (James) Holm of Baraga and Sharon (Melvin) Jones of Harvey; six grandchildren, Michele Irwin, Lisa Cory, Stacey Ekdahl, Melani Jones, Matthew Holm and Laura Holm; three great grandchildren, Andrea Irwin, Brandon and Amber Cory; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Walfred in 1975; her brother, Clarence Bruhn; and two sisters, Alvina Cole and Annette Bruhn.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 25 at 6:00pm at the United Methodist Church. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Rev. David Snyder will officiate. Burial will be in the Keweenaw Bay Cemetery in the spring. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the L'Anse United Methodist Women or the Activities Department at Bayside Village or Baraga County Home Care and Hospice.
Anna L. Anderson
ISHPEMING -- Anna L. Anderson, age 71 of 515 N. 2nd St., Ishpeming, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2002 at the Mather Nursing Center where she has resided for the past month.
Anna was born April 28, 1930 in Ishpeming to the late John & Viola (Niemi) Koski. She was a life long area resident. Anna enjoyed bird watching, fishing, camping & just spending time in the outdoors.
Anna is survived by her husband, whom she married April 3, 1948, Donald R. Anderson, 3 daughters: Colleen (Rene) Lavoie of Ridgecrest, CA, Corine (Ted) Pepin of Ishpeming and Cindy (Duane) Sirtola of Negaunee, a sister Marjorie Nichols of Marquette, 7 grandchildren: Corinne Worby, Minday, Bradley, Carley and Kimberly Pepin, Crystal & Tiffany Sirtola, 3 great grandchildren Bryce Worby, Ashley Hyry and Alexis Montanati, numerous nieces & nephews. Anna was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Arthur "Bear Tracks" Linna.
Private funeral services will be held Saturday, March 23, 2002 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Christine Thomas-Echelbarger to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Donna J. Hardy
NEWBERRY -- Donna J. Hardy, 74, of Newberry, died Thursday morning March 21, 2002 at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette following a brief illness.
Born February 8, 1928 in St. Clair Township, daughter of the late Joseph J. & Gertrude I. (Basney) Wolfe, Mrs. Hardy married Kenneth L. Hardy March 27, 1948 and made Newberry their home. Donna was employed at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center as an attendant nurse and later in the domestic services department until her retirement in 1983. Donna was a life member of the VFW Post $2377 Ladies Auxiliary in Glen Dale Heights, IL, life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart #1976 Ladies Auxiliary in Escanaba, member of the American Legion Post #74 Ladies Auxiliary in Newberry, member of the Eagles #3701 Auxiliary in Newberry, Rebekah Lodge #437 in Newberry and the E.U.P. Antique Equipment Association. Donna was an active member of the sunrise and olympic bowling leagues at Taqua-Lanes and also was a volunteer for the Luce West Mackinac County Fair. Along with bowling, Donna also enjoyed bingo, Yatzee, casino gaming and competing in tractor pulling events.
Besides her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth on October 31, 1994; also two infant sisters and sisters Irene, Rosie, and Agnus. Survivors include her children Kenneth "Dale" (Debbie) Hardy, Marvin (Sandy) Hardy and Karan Hardy all of Newberry and Connie (Roy) Hardy-Ralls of Glen Ellyn, IL; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters Grace Gryzbowski and Al Weymouth both of Port Huron and brothers Joe and Bob also of Port Huron.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 25, 2002 at 10:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Fr. Paul Karottekunnel officiating. Committal rites will take place at Maplewood Cemetery in Rexton. Friends may call at the Beaulieu Funeral Home on Sunday, March 24th from 4-7 pm with a Rebekah memorial service conducted at 5:30 pm and an Eagles memorial service conducted at 6:00 pm.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Lawrence LeRoy Rivord
RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- Lawrence LeRoy Rivord, 63 of Ranch Cucamonga, died March 17, 2002.
He was a groundsman for Chino USD and was in the U.S. Navy for 4 years. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Ontario.
Mr. Rivord is survived by his wife, Diane (nee Basal) Rivord; two daughters, Kim Rivord and Pam Kern; one sister; three brothers and two grandchildren.
Viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002 at First Lutheran Church, 203 E.G. St., Ontario. Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private at Riverside National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or First Lutheran Church.
Richard "Matt" M. Rajala
BRUCE CROSSING, MI -- Richard "Matt" M. Rajala, 70, of Bruce Crossing, passed away at his residence March 21, 2002 following a brief illness. He was born in L'Anse on September 22, 1931 son of the late Nels and Vieno (Norback) Rajala. Matt graduated from L'Anse High School in 1949. Matt enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 attaining the rank of sergeant, when he was discharged in 1955. Following his military career, Matt was employed by the Chrysler Motor Company in Detroit. He was assigned to the Missile program as a research/ development enigineer. He retired in 1995 after 39 years of service. Matt married the former Sarah Pulkas in July 1954. She preceded him in death in 1993. On July 6, 1996 Matt married the former Shirley Pittsley in Covington, MI. Matt enjoyed bowling, golf and most of all being a loving grandfather to all of his grandchildren. Matt was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington, a life member and present commander of the Covington VFW Post 8945, and a member of the Covington AmVets Post.
Matt is survived by his loving wife Shirley, son, Richard (Terry) Rajala of Waterford, MI, daughter, Robin Renee (Larry) Zubrick of Waterford, MI, 2 grandchildren, Aaron and Dayna Rajala of Waterford, MI, 4 brothers, Frank (Leona) Rajala of Watton, Pete (Sue) Rajala, Paul (Marge) Rajala and Jimmy (Mary) Rajala all of Covington, 4 sisters, Alice Besonen of Covington, Marcy (Dale) Collins of Covington, Gloria (Rudy) Franti of Ishpeming and Linda (Marvin) Holma of Watton, step-children, David Pittsley of Lake Nebagamon, WI, Tommy (Cindy) Pittsley of Beach Park, IL and Tammy (Spencer) Ward of Bruce Crossing, 5 step- grandchildren, Larissa, Lindsey, Selia and Spencer of Bruce Crossing, and Tyler of Beach Park, IL. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Carl, John and Reino, 2 sisters, Helen Perrow and Maryann Rajala.
Funeral services for Mr. Rajala will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2002 from Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington VFW Post will serve as casket bearers. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 24, 2002 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. The Covington VFW Post 8945 will conduct military honors for Matt at 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral chapel. Memorials in Matt's honor may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington, MI. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse is assisiting the family with arrangements.
Robert Melvin Anderson
LEAWOOD, KANSAS -- Robert Melvin Anderson, 81, a former Negaunee resident died at his home in Leawood, KS on Wednesday, March 20, 2002 of an apparent heart attack.
Mr. Anderson was born Feb. 28, 1921 in Negaunee to Peter & Esther (Lidbeck) Anderson, was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1939 and Michigan Technological University, where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1943. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII having served as a sergeant with the 11th Infantry, 5 th Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart, 3 Battle Campaign Stars, a Bronze Star for his action in Europe. Following his service to his country, Bob had a distinguished career as an engineer in research & development with General Electric Co. He retired after 35 years with the company and was the holder of 31 issued patients.
Bob was a member of the Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, KS, the Ohio Professional Engineers Society, General Electric Elfun Society, Michigan Tech Presidents Club, Society of the 5th Infantry Division, A.A.R.P., Battle of Normandy Foundation & D.A.V.
Surviving are 3 sisters; Dorothy Maki, Negaunee, Patricia (Charles) Marcotte, Ishpeming, Klista (Randy) Gale, Wyandotte, MI, 3 brothers; Lyle Anderson & Clyde (Bernice) Anderson, both of Negaunee, Donald (Elizabeth) Anderson, Harvey, a sister-in-law, Willa Lawson, Deltona, FL, a brother-in-law, Frank Kelly, Overland Park, KS, and his best friend, Nadine Stransbery, Leawood, KS, several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia (Mercer) in 1993, and a brother William Anderson in 1973.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at the Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. D. Michael Carriere officiating. Burial will in the the Negaunee Cemetery. Relatives & friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 5-7 PM on Sunday.
Memorials may be directed to Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208 in Bob's memory.
Anna A. Heikkinen
ISHPEMING - Anna A. Heikkinen, age 87, formerly of 245 Silver St., Ishpeming, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 22, 2002 in the presence of her children and grandchildren whom she dearly loved and who dearly loved her.
Anna was born on December 18, 1914 in Ishpeming to the late Alfred and Elizabeth (Honkala) Koski. Anna was a life long area resident and worked as a seamstress at the H. W. Gossard Co. in Ishpeming for many years along with being a homemaker and a wonderful Mom. She was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp., the Right to Life and was a supporter of WHWL Christian Radio.
Survivors include 4 daughters, Sharon (William) Fountain of Gwinn, Kathleen (David) Ackland of Ishpeming, Christine (Dr. Pratap) Gupta of Marquette and Julie (Donn) Wolf of Marquette; 4 sons, Ronald (Betty) Heikkinen of Republic, Walter (Avis) Lampi of Ishpeming, James (Beverly) Heikkinen of Calumet and Mark Heikkinen of Ishpeming; 2 sisters, Evelyn Laksonen and Edna Mae (Ed) Oja, both of Ishpeming; 2 brothers, Reuben (Helen) Koski of Ishpeming and Oscar (Eileen) Koski of Richland, WA; 46 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Solka (1943), her second husband, Walter Lampi (1949) and her third husband, Anselm Heikkinen (1972); a son, Gerald Heikkinen; 2 granddaughters, Dona Tait and Mary Lampi; a great granddaughter, Brook Fountain; a great grandson, Cory Manier; 4 brothers, Alfred, Carl, George and John Koski; and 3 sisters, Lillian Sarberg, Eleanor Callahan and Martha Bennett.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, March 25, 2002 at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp. with Reuben Anderson to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 3 until 7pm on Sunday, and again on Monday from 10 until 11am at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, William Fountain, Jr., David Ackland, Jr., Scott Smith, Michael Heikkinen, Andrew Heikkinen, Eric Wolf and Peter Lampi.
"Blessed in the sight of the Lord are the death of his own." Ps116:15
Anna L. Anderson
ISHPEMING -- Anna L. Anderson, age 71 of 515 N. 2nd St., Ishpeming, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2002 at the Mather Nursing Center where she has resided for the past month.
Anna was born April 28, 1930 in Ishpeming to the late John & Viola (Niemi) Koski. She was a life long area resident. Anna enjoyed bird watching, fishing, camping & just spending time in the outdoors.
Anna is survived by her husband, whom she married April 3, 1948, Donald R. Anderson, 3 daughters: Colleen (Rene) Lavoie of Ridgecrest, CA, Corinne (Ted) Pepin of Ishpeming and Cindy (Duane) Sirtola of Negaunee, a sister Marjorie Nichols of Marquette, 7 grandchildren: Corinne Worby, Mindy, Bradley, Carley and Kimberley Pepin, Crystal & Tiffany Sirtola, 3 great grandchildren Bryce Worby, Ashley Hyry and Alexis Montanati, numerous nieces & nephews. Anna was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Arthur "Bear Tracks" Linna.
Private funeral services were held Saturday, March 23, 2002 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Christine Thomas-Echelbarger who officiated. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Loretta M. Reichel
NEGAUNEE Loretta M. Reichel, age 89, formerly of 17 Forge Road, Negaunee Township, died at 9:05pm on Friday, March 22, 2002 at the Eastwood Nursing Center where she had resided since February of 1995.
Mrs. Reichel was born August 25, 1912 in Negaunee's Cornishtown to Robert A. and Marie J. (Larsen) Smith and was a lifelong resident. She worked at the Negaunee Glove Factory and Lingerie Factory and also as a sales clerk at Don's Corner and the Negaunee Co-op Grocery Store. She worked as a volunteer and coordinator of the Negaunee Township Senior Meals Program for several years. She was an avid bowler in her younger years. She and her husband "Bud" were devoted Detroit Tiger fans. She loved working crossword puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune. She was an avid gardener, especially in her raspberry patch and was famous for her raspberry bars, homemade bread and pasties.
Loretta was a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Negaunee and the Ladies Altar Guild. She served on the church vestry and sang in the church choir for 67 years.
Surviving are 1 daughter, Mary (Donald) LaFreniere of Negaunee; 2 sisters, Rose Melka of Negaunee and Violet Bess of Ishpeming; 19 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 51 years, Gordon "Bud" Reichel; 2 sons, Gordon "Manny" and William "Bill" Reichel; 2 grandsons, Dale LaFreniere and Steve Reichel; a brother, Robert Smith; an infant sister, Alice Smith; and sisters, Helen Melka and Carrie Mitchell.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Negaunee with Rev. Virginia Peacock officiating. Inurnment will be in the St. John's Columbarium. The family will greet relatives and friends in the church guild hall following the service where a luncheon will be served.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John's Episcopal Church and/or the Eastwood Nursing Center Auxiliary in Mrs. Reichel's memory.
The Koskey Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Lydia E. Perna
REPUBLIC - Lydia E. Perna, age 92, former Republic resident, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2002 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee, where she has resided for the past 6 years.
Lydia was born April 24, 1909 in Black River Location to the late John and Hilda (Pirttipera) Ruuska. Lydia was a homemaker and a life long area resident. She was a member of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation of Black River.
Lydia is survived by 6 children, Margaret Nelson of Palmer, Raymond (Mary) Perna of Republic, Myrna (James) Heilala of Anchorage, AK, Donald (Carrie) Perna of West Halifax, VT, Melvin (Joy) Perna of Sheboygan, WI and Jeanette (Paul) Pietro of Soldotna, AK; 2 sisters, Hilda Prusi of Hibbing, MN and Toini Hanninen of Black River; 2 brothers, William Ruuska of Floodwood, MN and Charles Ruuska of Ishpeming; 23 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Walfred; a son, Charles Perna; a daughter, Joanne Laakso; 2 grandsons, Curtis Laakso and Danny Nelson; 2 brothers; and 4 sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation in Negaunee (Co. Rd. 492). Burial will take place in the Humboldt Twp. Cemetery.
Friends may call the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation on Tuesday from 2:00pm until the time of service.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
