Nancy Gray (Kimber) LaFave
MARQUETTE -- Nancy Gray (Kimber) LaFave, 76, of 1624 Woodland Ave., died Thursday, March 21, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, where she had been a patient since March 11, 2002.
Nancy was born November 6, 1925 in Marquette to George and Luella (Gray) Kimber and was a life long resident. She was a graduate of Graveraet High School, attended NMU for 2 1/2 years and was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church. Prior to retiring, she worked in the admitting department at MGH for 22 years, worked as a phone operator at Michigan Bell and ran the Bob-In Sewing Shop with her mother, where they made wedding dresses throughout the years for many different businesses and friends, and also made uniforms for the Majestics Drum and Bugle Corps. She touched the lives of everyone she met. She was warm and loving, caring and friendly and was always there for her children for support and advice. She had a beautiful smile, a kind word for all and her heart was as big as they come. She loved spending time at camp with her husband and her family and cherished time spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the seasons, gardening, watching the hummingbirds, the call of the Whip-poor-Will, jets in the blue sky, a gentle rain, Dolly and Molly the deer at camp, the Island deer, the chipmunks who visited them at camp and feeding the birds. She also enjoyed reading, learning, working crossword puzzles, cross stitch and sewing. She enjoyed a party with her children and loved music. She accepted what life gave her without complaint. She was a rock. What a galant lady she was. She tap-danced her way to heaven. She will be greatly missed by all of us.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Leo LaFave, Jr., who she married on July 23, 1946; five daughters, Christine (Bruce) Sandstrom of Marquette, Kathy (Steve) Christensen of Sault Ste. Marie, Mary (Dale) Wirta of Green Bay and Ann (Dan) Lindberg and Patricia (Scott) Guidebeck, both of Marquette; five sons, Pat (Denise) and Mike (Cathy), both of Marquette, Steve (Rhonda) of Spring Lake, MI, James of Green Bay and George (Wendy) of Marquette; two sisters, Kay (Wallace) Porter of Illinois and Donna (Robert) Long of Marquette; a twin brother, George Kimber of Massachusetts; 34 grandchildren,Eric, Brett, Heather, Jason, Bryan, Jeffrey, Lisa, Shelly, Nick, Stacy, Bradley, Scot, Aaron, Megan, Tyler, Jason, Derek, Ana, Matthew, Brian, Kyle, Cole, Kelsey, Joshua, Chad, Carrie, Kaia, Whitney, Lucas, Courtney, Kimber, Ashton, Lexi and Kobie; and eight great grandchildren, Destinee, Carter, Adam, Holly, Emily, Ryan, Ryne and Mason.
Funeral services will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home with Reverend Guy Thoren officiating. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 4:00pm on Tuesday.
Grace Lois DeVries
MARQUETTE -- Grace Lois DeVries, 98, of 907 West Magnetic Street, died Sunday morning, March 24, 2002 at the Norlite Nursing Center where she had been a resident since 1998.
Mrs. DeVries was born on July 8, 1903 in East Lowell, Maine to the late Sadie and Harrison Wakefield. She moved to Detroit as a girl and was married there. She and her husband Arthur C. DeVries moved their family to Marquette in 1943. Grace loved her family, her church and her many friends. She will be missed by all.
She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline (Marvin) Heitman of Marquette, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Mrs. DeVries in death were her husband Arthur on October 18, 2000, her son Donald on January 2, 2002, two brothers and six sisters.
Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 1 :00 PM Wednesday, March 27, 2002 with Reverend Ross Nicholson officiating. Visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will take place in Park Cemetery with Marvin Heitman, David Heitman, Brad Saari and Michael Brennan acting as pallbearers. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth James Owen
MARQUETTE -- Kenneth James Owen, 92, formerly of 917 Lee St., died Saturday, March 23, 2002 at the Brookridge Heights Assisted Living Facility, following a three year illness.
He was born October 2, 1910 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Clifford and Ethel Owen and moved here from Whitehall, MI in 1966. Prior to retiring he owned and operated a Ford Dealership in Whitehall. He was a veteran of World War II, where he served with the U.S. Navy.
Kenneth is survived by a son Rick Owen of Marquette, a daughter Susan Owen of Grand Rapids, MI, and grandchildren Max and Sadie Owen of Marquette. His wife Janet died in October of 1999.
Memorial services will be held in Whitehall, MI at a later date. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Lydia E. Perna
REPUBLIC -- Lydia E. Perna, age 93 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 & 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, numerous nieces & nephews. Lydia was preceded in death by her 1st husband Karl "Birger" Forsberg, her second husband Walfred Perna, a son Charles Perna, a daughter Joanne Laakso, 2 grandsons Curtils Laakso and Danny Nelson, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation in Negaunee (Co. Rd. 492) with Dan Hintsala to officiate. Burial will take place in the Humboldt Twp. Cemetery.
Friends may call the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Norman F. Roy
ISHPEMING -- Norman F. Roy. age 76, of 724 Duncan Ave., Ishpeming died at 3:55 A.M. on Sunday March 24, 2002 at Bell Memorial where he had been a patient since Tuesday, March 19th.
Norman was born May 19, 1925 in Negaunee to Delore & Emma (White) Roy, was a graduate of Negaunee St. Paul High School in 1943, and was a life long area resident. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He worked for the U.S. Government at K.I. Sawyer AFB for over 20 years, retiring as a government contract inspector in 1986. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ishpeming. He is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Roy, 2 sons; Mike Roy and Mark Roy, both of Ishpeming, 3 grandchildren; Angie, Joe & Jake Roy, 4 step sons; Lowell Anderson, Ishpeming, Gary (Sue) Anderson, Green Bay, WI, Bernard (Vikki) Anderson, Hancock, David (Elise) Anderson, Phoenix, AZ, step-daughter, Diane (Lance) Gauthier, Ishpeming, 16 step-granchildren, 3 step great- granchildren, 4 sisters; Lorraine Basolo, Gail (Howard) Davey, both of Negaunee, Betty (Walter) Wilson, Detroit, Mildred Gensheimer, Lansing, several nieces & nephews, He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Gloria (Costello), a step- daughter, Barbara Stefaniak, 2 brothers; George & Ray Roy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 Am on Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ishpeming with Rev. James Challancin officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives & friends in the church hall following the service. The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangments.
Pauline Katherine Pillote
MICHIGAMME -- Pauline Katherine Pillote, Michigamme, formerly of Escanaba, died Saturday, March 23, 2002 following a lengthy illness. She was 103. She was born on October 2, 1898 in Atlantic Mine, near Houghton, the daughter of Godfried & Delphine Ann (Bohr) Kenel and attended schools in the area.
She later moved to Detroit where she married Joseph Anthony Pillote on August 2, 1922 at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. She had resided in Escanaba from 1926 until 1993 when she moved to live with her children.
Mrs. Pillote was a member of St. Thomas Church and enjoyed sewing, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed her time with her family at Round Lake which was instrumental in her many long loving relationships with people. She is survived by: 4 sons, Raymond (Miriam) Pillote, Mt. Clemens, MI., Vernon (LaVerne) Pillotte, Rockford, IL., Robert (Barbara) Pilotte, Mt. Pleasant, MI., John (Ann) Pillote, Michigamme, 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph on November 8, 1981; 5 brothers, and 1 sister.
The family will receive friends on Thursday at the St. Thomas Church in Escanaba, after 10:00 A.M. The Mass of Christian Burial for Pauline Pillote will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Rick Courier officiating. Interment will be in the gardens of rest. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Holy Mass School. Assistance with memorials will be available at the church or the ALLO FUNERAL HOME.
Scott Peter Willman
SPREAD EAGLE -- Scott Peter Willman, 41 of Spread Eagle, Wisconsin, formerly of Marquette, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2002 surrounded by his family. Scott was a patient at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Zion, Illinois, fighting liver cancer which had spread from a 15-year battle with Crohn's disease.
Scott was born August 15, 1960 in Appleton, Wisconsin, son of Clare W. Willman, currently of Kingsford, and Patricia H. Vezina, currently of Tucson, Arizona. Scott married Janine Marie LaFave on August 29, 1980 of Little Lake, and she currently resides in Spread Eagle with their four children, Scott Jr., Ashley, Briana and Alexa.
Scott is also survived by two brothers, Eric Willman of Gwinn and Sean (Jill) Willman of Everett, WA; three sisters, Monica Willman of Marquette, Moira (James) Noetzel of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Kelly Willman of Pensacola, Florida; three nephews, Anthony and Nicholas Willman of Marquette and James Noetzel Jr; one niece, Alexandra Noetzel; one grandfather, William Willman of Kingsford; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will be a celebration of Scott's life, in Marquette on Tuesday, March 26th and funeral services will be in Iron Mountain on Wednesday, March 27th.
The Marquette celebration will commence at 6 p.m. with a "pond hockey" game at the Berry Events Center ice rink. We are hoping to see all of Scott's friends and their families enjoy a game of pond hockey with us to celebrate Scott's life. Please bring either boots or skates. Extra childrens skates and hockey sticks will be available. We are hoping on one will be exluded - just show up and have a good time. Following the game there will be a get together at the West Donors Room in the Lakeview Arena from 7 to 10 p.m. Food and refreshements will be available. Please bring any hockey- related pictures, programs, or articles that included Scott.
The Iron Mountain service will commence at 5 p.m. with visitation, followed by a service starting at 7:30 p.m. The service will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1210 South Kimberly Avenue.
Florence B. Altobello
KINGSFORD, MI -- Florence B. Altobello, age 92 of 1820 Evergreen Ave., Kingsford & longtime Ishpeming resident passed away Monday, March 25, 2002 at Dickinson Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon Monday, April 1, 2002 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming with the Rev. Monsignor Peter Oberto officiating.
Friends may call St. John Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday, April 1, 2002 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home of Ishpeming.
Merle Virginia ("Ginger") Gummerson-Shelp
DETROIT- Merle Virginia ("Ginger") Gummerson-Shelp passed away on March 24, 2002.
She was born on December 8, 1907 in Ishpeming.
She was the dearest mother of Georgeann (Barden), James (Margie), Dorinda (Louis) Winkler, Robert and Richard; beloved grandmother of 24; loving great grandmother of 34; and ecstatic great great grandmother of 3. She was a previous Senior Regent of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Moose Lodge in Rockwood, Michigan. Many felt her wit and charm. Her love encircled everyone. Her love of dancing will be remembered. She was born in heaven (Ishpeming, Michigan) and to heaven she returned. The family will appreciate remembrances made in her name, Merle Virginia ("Ginger") Shelp, to: Moose Charity Endowment Fund, Route 31, Mooseheart, Illinois 60539.
Hazel Elson Larson
DURHAM, NC -- Hazel Elson Larson, age 83, died Saturday, March 23, 2002, at Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham, NC. She was a native of Ishpeming, Michigan, and an elementary schoolteacher in Montgomery County, Maryland for thirty years. Born September 7, 1918, Hazel was the daughter of Walfrid Elson and Elma Kauppila. Hazel graduated from Ishpeming High School and Northern Michigan Teachers College in Marquette, Michigan, and earned a masters degree in education from the University of Maryland.
She was the wife of the late Raymond D. Larson, also of Ishpeming, Michigan. She is survived by her two sons; Ray R. Larson, of Durham, NC, ad David G. Larson of Vienna, Virginia; and by her five grandchildren; Anna Larson of Louisville, Kentucky; Sara L. Lassater of Wake Forest, NC; and Lincoln, Claire and Wren Larson of Durham. A memorial family service was held on Sunday, March 24.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to support the library collection at Durham School of the Arts, Media Center, 400 N. Duke St., Durham, N.C. 27701.
Rev. Herbert M. Ingraham
MUNSING -- Rev. Herbert M. Ingraham, age 85, of E9322 Shannon Drive, Munising, died on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 4:11a.m. at Marquette General Hospital from complications following surgery last Tuesday. He was born on March 15, 1917 in Batavia, New York to the late Harry M. and Nellie F. (Tuttle) Ingraham . Bert graduated from Batavia High School in 1934 where he had been a member of the National Honor Society. He studied two years at the University of Rochester, NY and then onto Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1938. While at Syracuse, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Bert attended Boston University from 1938 until 1942 and earned his Bachelor of Sacred Theology While at Boston University, he met and married Earlene Louise Eaton on April 8, 1941 in Everett, MA. They were blessed with two sons, Paul Eaton Ingraham born on October 21, 1944 and Stephen Earle Ingraham born on July 26, 1946.
Rev. Bert spent his life involved with Christian Ministry and teaching around the country and around the world. In Everett, MA he was the Youth Pastor at the Glendale Methodist Church in 1940. In 1941, he served as the Youth Pastor at the Auburn and North Chester Methodist Churches in New Hampshire. He was the Pastor in Charge at the Lake Avenue Methodist Church in Ashtabula, Ohio in 1943. Then in 1943 he was the Minister of Music and Youth at the First Methodist Church of Warren, Ohio. In 1947, he was the Pastor in Charge at the Church Hill and Coalburg Methodist Churches in Ohio. Rev. Bert came to the U.P. in 1949 where he served as the Pastor in Charge ofthe Methodist Churches in Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield and then in 1953, the Pastor of the First Methodist Church of Munising. He retumed east and was the Chaplain and Latin teacher for the Columbus Boy Choir (American Boy Choir) in Princeton, NJ. Rev. Bert returned to Munising in 1956 as the Interim Pastor ofthe Presbyterian Church of Munising and as the English and French teacher at Mather High School. From 1956 until 1961, he studied at Northern Michigan University. He earned his M.A. in 1961 and was a graduate of the first Masters Class at NMU. He continued teaching at Mather until 1964, when he became the Associate professor of French, English, and Humanities at Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana. While at Manchester College, he served as the Director of Junior Year Abroad for Brethren Colleges Abroad program in France at the Strasbourg I Jniversity in Strasbourg, France from 1964 until 1972. During that time, he also studied at the University and worked toward his Ph.D. His thesis topic was "The Demonic and the Demoniac in the Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Julien Green." In 1979, he retired from Manchester College.
In l980, he and Earlene returned to Munising where he was the Vicar at St. John's Episcopal Church. In 1983 and 1984, they moved to Bukavu, Africa, where Rev. Bert was the Teacher of the New Testament at the French-speaking Seminary of the Diocese of Zaire. In 1984, they returned to St. John's where he continued as Vicar until 1987, and then in 1988, he became the Ministry Support Team Music Coordinator.
Father Bert, as he was affectionately called by many friends, was an important and active member of all of the communities where he had lived. He was active with the Foreign Exchange Student Programs with Youth for Understanding in Munising and Europe and the Rotary International in Munising and Europe. He was an active Rotarian for many years and named a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions to the Rotary organization. Rev. Bert was a member of the Alger County Ministerial Association, the Alger Area Arts Council, the Alger Literacy Council, PUSH (People United to Save our Hospital), the Munising Memorial Hospital Association and Auxiliary, a Life Member of the Girl Scouts USA, and a Council Board Member of the Girl Scouts of Peninsula Waters
Rev. Bert was blessed with musical talents and shared them throughout his life. He played string bass in the High School Orchestra in Batavia, NY, the NMU Community Orchestra, Manchester College Community Orchestra, and the Philharmonie de Strasbourg in France. He was the organist at Boston University School of Theology Chapel, Glendale Methodist Church in Everett, MA, and at St. John's in Munising. He was a student of piano at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and was an accompanist for the Boston University School of Theology Seminary Singers on tour. Father Bert taught the organ, piano, and piano accordion in Munising, and he directed the Messiah Chorus and City Band in Munising.
Other interests of his were homebuilding and remodeling. He remodeled the "Shay Nu" apartments and tea room in Munising, his Sand Point home, the Damron Drive farmily room addition in North Manchester and his Shannon Drive log home in Munising. He also collected N-scale railroad models and stamps. He loved to travel and traveled Europe via ship, plane, train, and car. He and Earlene traveled throughout Kenya and Eastern Zaire while in Africa. They also made a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands by air and boat.
He is survived by his wife of over sixty years, Earlene of Munising, their sons Paul Ingraham of Mountain View, California and Stephen (Becky) Ingraham of Denver, Colorado, and one grandson - Jonathon Earl Ingraham of Denver.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00. For those wishing to sing in an interfaith choir, please gather at Sacred Heart Church at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday for choir practice that will be part of the funeral liturgy. James A. Kelsey, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan will preside at funeral service on Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 12:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice in memory of Rev. Herbert Ingraham.
Jacqueline Faye Nelson
MANITOWOC, WI -- Jacqueline Faye Nelson, age 63, a resident of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, died peacefully on March 27, 2002 at her home.
She was born September 15, 1938 in Lake Linden, Michigan to Clarence and Melba Dupuis. Jackie was a graduate of Lake Linden-Hubbel High School. She was a majorette and enjoyed participating in forensics speech competitions. She attended the McConnell airline school in Minneapolis and worked for Captial Airlines. She worked other various jobs but devoted most of her life to being a wife and mother.
On November 28, 1959, she married C. Ted Nelson of Houghton, Michigan. Throughout her life she lived in Marquette, Michigan, Willmar, Minnesota and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She enjoyed playing bridge, bowling, crafting, cooking and being a wonderful wife and mother.
Survivors include her husband Ted, daughters Carla Courtney and husband Dean of Brownstown, Michigan, Kelly Nelson and Elgin Carter of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Amy Anderson and husband Todd of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Grandchildren Rachel, Ryan, Phillip, Cameron, Chanel, Ashley and Kayla.
Her mother, Melba of Lake Linden, sister Jill Molise and husband John of Negaunee, Michigan and brother Jay Dupuis of Osceola, Wisconsin, and many other relatives also survive her. She was preceded in death by her father Charles Dupuis.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden on Saturday March 30, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.
Edward L. Cadwell
BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA -- Edward L. Cadwell, 81, of Brooksville, Florida died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 6, 2002 at his home. Born and raised in Levering, Michigan, Edward also resided in Pinconning and Munising before retiring to Brooksville in 1987. In 1947 he founded Levering Telephone Company, which provided telephone service to Levering, and later to Brutus, Alanson, Elmira and Boyne Falls areas before becoming part of the Century Telephone Company in Munising and served as an officer and a long-standing member of various telephone associations. He was founding trustee of North Central Michigan Community College in Petoskey, Michigan and was active in the Lions Club, serving as the Munising chapter President, and in the Boy Scouts. A patriot, and a proud American, Edward a Navy Seabee veteran of World War II.
Edward is survived by his wife Mary J., sons Marvin S. (wife Bonnie), James T. (wife Carolyn) and Ralph M. (wife Anne), daughters Mary E. Gardner and Deborah K. Becker (husband Rex), brothers Albert (wife Lorraine) and Jerry (wife Lynn), 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Donations may be directed to the Edward Cadwell Education Fund, established by his children in their father's memory, at Pellston Public Schools, Pellston, Michigan 49769.
Eino A. Piippo
MARQUETTE -- Eino A. Piippo, 88, formerly of 316 Pine St., died Thursday, March 28, 2002 in the Jacobetti Home for Veterans where he had been a resident since last May.
He was born March 5, 1914 in Forest Lake, MI to Jack and Elina (Muurmaki) Piippo. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945. Prior to retiring in 1970, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Los Angeles, CA for twenty years, returning to this area in 1972.
Eino is survived by two sisters, Bertha (Jack) Carberry and Elma Mellin, both of Munising; a brother, William (Mary) Piippo of Chatham; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, April 1, 2002 in the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home with Reverend Paul Kelto of the Zion Lutheran Church in Chatham officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 11:00am on Monday.
Fern M. (Wood) Jones
PENSACOLA, FL -- Fern M. (Wood) Jones, 77 of Pensacola, FL died unexepectantly at home on March 26, 2002. Fern was born June 6, 1924 in Ishpeming to the late Edward & Ruby (Uren) Wood. She resided in Pensacola since 1966.
Fern is survived by her husband Benie Jones, 3 children, Terry Longtine, Scotty Longtine, and Renee Andrued, her 1st husband, Sammy Longtine, grandson, Christopher Andrued and great grandson, Christopher Bethune, one sister, Phyllis L'Huillier as well as several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death besides her parents were siblings, Bernice, James, Hazel, William, Russell, Emily, Thomas, Howard, and Carol. The family is planning a private service in Pensacola.
Florence B. Altobello
KINGFORD, MI - Florence B. Altobello, age 92 of 1820 Evergreen Ave. Kingsford & longtime Ishpeming resident passed away Monday, March 25, 2002 at Dickinson Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Florence was born October 4, 1909 in Negaunee to the late Constantine & Margaret (Perchetti) Basolo. Florence graduated from Negaunee High School. She worked for the Ishpeming Chamber of Commerce & for Holiday Travel.
Florence was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society of Ishpeming, Paisano Club and Daughters of Isabella.
Florence is survived by 3 children: Leonard (Judi) Altobello of Chino Valley, AZ, Mary (Dean) Geronimi of Kingsford and Barbara (Harvey) Miller of Tustin, MI, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, & numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, a grandson, a brother, and a sister.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon (e.s.t.) Monday, April 1, 2002 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming with the Rev. Monsignor Peter Oberto officiating.
Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday, April 1, 2002 from 11:00a.m. (e.s.t.) until the time of service.
Memorial considerations may be directed to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at 322 Cleveland Ave. Ishpeming in lieu of other expressions of sympathy.
Arrangements ar being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home of Ishpeming.
Vivian S. Sharland
ISHPEMING - Vivian S. Sharland, age 90 formerly of 124 N. Davis St., Ishpeming passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2002 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she had resided since March 6, 2000.
Vivian was born on May 30, 1911 in Negaunee, the eldest child of Emil and Helmi (Hirvikoski) Heikkila. She attended the Negaunee Schools and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1929. She married Thomas (Ted) Sharland on September 17, 1937, and resided in Ishpeming since that time. She was active in P.S.A. and other functions of her parish, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She enjoyed crocheting and other craft work, cooking, and the company of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by five sons- Thomas (Mary) Sharland and Joseph (Bonnie) Sharland both of Ishpeming, Michael (Paula) Sharland of Gwinn, Patrick (Evelyn) Sharland of Davenport, FL and Richard Sharland serving with the U.S. Government in Korea; Grandchildren- Daniel, Bradley, Kristin, Jill, Bethany, Michael and Heather; great grandchildren- Cecelia and Nora; step-grandchildren- Matt and Tarina & Mark and Mary; step-great grandchildren- Jessica, Alyssa, Austin, Loren and Delaney; a special niece Beverley Koski as well as many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ted in 1988; two sisters- Lempi "Pat" Gagnon and Lillian Elliott; and a brother William Heikkila.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 6:00PM on Monday, April 1, 2002 at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Peter Oberto to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the St. John's Catholic Church from 4 until 6PM on Monday.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Constance Rita "Connie" Bowers
BIG BAY -- Constance Rita "Connie" Bowers, 85, formerly of 202 Balke, Big Bay, entered eternal life Friday afternoon, March 29, 2002 at the Norlite Nursing Center following a lengthy illness. Connie had resided at Norlite since 1996.
Connie was born March 11, 1917 in Pittston, PA, a daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Paczkowski) Czuprewski and had been a Big Bay resident since 1982. She previously resided in Cicero, IL, where, prior to her retirement, she was employed as a housekeeper at St. Mary's Hospital in Cicero. Connie's hobbies and interests included dancing and reading. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Big Bay.
Survivors include, 2 step-sons, Charles Austin (Linda) Bowers III of Flagstaff, AZ and Dennis A. (Bonnie) Bowers of Harvey; 4 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great grandchildren; and a brother, Peter Czuprewski, residing in Florida.
In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Austin Bowers II in 1995; and by a step-daughter, Priscilla Graham.
Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Powell Township Cemetery in Big Bay and will be announced. There will be no public visitation.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.
Gordon J. "Brick" Williams
ISHPEMING - Gordon J. "Brick" Williams, age 78, of 206 E. North St., Ishpeming, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2002 at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
Gordon was born June 19, 1923 in Ishpeming to the late John and Mildred (Nylander) Williams. He attended the Ishpeming Public Schools and served in the United States Army during World War II. Gordon owned and operated Gordy's TV Repair Shopf for many years in Ishpeming, retiring in the early 1980's. His hobbies included playing the clarinet, listening to Big Band music and playing golf. Gordon was also an avid sports fan, especially of the Green Bay Packers.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Dolores Williams of Ishpeming; 3 daughters, Joan (Clay) Miller of Burnsville, MN, Debbie Richardson of Ishpeming and Cathy (Joe) Carriere of Ishpeming; 6 sons, Larry (Marty) Williams of Duncanville, TX, Dennis Williams of Washington, DC, Robert (Gracey) Williams of Monroe, MI, Donald (Jacque) Williams of Chandler, AZ, James (Cindy) Williams of Iron River, MI and Daryl Williams of Ishpeming; 4 sisters, June Valenti and Grace Lahti, both of Negaunee, Shirley (Chinney) Mosca of Saginaw and Barbara (Francis) Harris of Ishpeming; a brother, Donald Williams of Ishpeming; 16 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Charlotte Kemp, Alice Williams and Marie Williams; and 2 brothers, John and Robert Williams.
A private memorial service will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Monday, April 1, 2002 with the Rev. Douglas Dirks to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery Columbarium.
