Esther M. Gustafson
L'ANSE -- Esther M. Gustafson passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2001 in the Skilled Nursing Unit of Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L'Anse at the age of 102. She was born in Pequaming on April 28, 1898 the daughter of the late Theodore and Marie (Martinson) Soli. Esther attended the Pequaming School and later attended music school in Minneapolis, MN. In August of 1926 she married Nels Gustafson in Pequaming. He preceded her in 1985.
Esther was a member of the United Lutheran Church in L'Anse, the L'Anse VFW Auxiliary and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary in L'Anse. She was the organist in Pequaming prior to moving to L'Anse. Mrs. Gustafson enjoyed knitting, crocheting and working in her flower garden. Pleasant weather found her at the family cottage on Huron Bay.
She is survived by 2 sons, Richard (Shirley) of L'Anse and John (Carol) of Traverse City, MI, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and a great great grandchild. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded by 5 brothers and 4 sisters.
Funeral services for Mrs. Gustafson will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the United Lutheran Church in L'Anse with Pastor Margaret Grant officiating. Interment will take place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. Family members will honor her as casket bearers. The family will receive friends at the Reid Funeral Servcie and Chapel on Thursday, April 19 from 6 until 8 p.m. The VFW and American Legion auxiliary members will hold a memorial service at 7 p.m. at the chapel. A visitation will also be held at the church for one hour before the services on Friday. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests memorials to United Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel who assisted the family with arrangements.
Frank J. Tonella
MARQUETTE -- Frank J. Tonella, 77, a lifelong Marquette resident and former owner of Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette, died at 3:20 a.m. today at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans where he had resided since October of 1998.
Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 8p.m. Additional arrangements will be announced by the funeral home. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Jacobetti Home For Veterans Activity Fund at 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or St. Michael Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
George Allen Youren
MARQUETTE -- George Allen Youren, 80, of 345 E. Michigan St., died Monday, April 16, 2001 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where he had resided since May 2000. He was born to Benjamin and Mabel (Allen ) Youren on May 15, 1920 in Negaunee and was a 1937 graduate of Negaunee High School.
His young years were typical of the youth of the area, including time spent hunting, fishing, ice skating, and swimming. In later years he and his wife enjoyed outdoor walks, and walked at the Dome in winter months.
After a stint in the CCC, George joined the National Guard 107th Engineers, followed by service in the Army, including 3 1/2 years in the ETO. His service totaled five years and he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He earned a Bronze Star Medal, an American Defense Service Ribbon, a District Unit Badge, six Overseas Bars, and a Good Conduct Ribbon.
George and Viena Ranta of Ishpeming were married in October, 1945. He worked as a lab technician at the former Cliffs Dow plant and later worked as a pit electrician at the CCI Empire Mine until he retired.
Preceding him in death were his parents, an infant son, a brother William, and two sisters, Agatha Hecko and Shirley LeBoeuf.
Survivors include his wife Viena, a son Joseph (Sue) of Ishpeming and three daughters; Lynn (Scott) Stobbelaar, Marquette, Connie Stanford, Highland, MI, and Christine Smith, Mason, MI. Nine grandchildren also survive; Carl Stobbelaar, Carrie (Bryce) Hamilton, Sarah Stanford, Franklin Stanford, Erica Smith, Amanda Smith, April Youren, Amos Youren and Benjamin Youren. Nieces and nephews also survive.
Services will be held at 1 PM on Friday, April 20, 2001 at the Grace United Methodist Church, 927 W. Fair Ave. in Marquette, with Rev. Charles West officiating. Visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 AM on Friday. Burial will be in Park Cemetery. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested memorials be made of the Grace United Methodist Church.
Ida L. (Swanson) Santamore
ISHPEMING -- Ida L. (Swanson) Santamore, age 89, longtime Ishpeming resident passed into eternity on April 15, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.
Ida was born February 4, 1912 in Ishpeming to the late Carl & Louisa (Fredrickson) Swanson and was a lifelong area resident. Ida worked at the H.W. Gossard Co. for over 45 years retiring in 1977 as a production supervisor. After her retirement she continued working part time in the Gossard Gift Shop and wintered in Punta Gorda, FL with her late husband Ray.
She was an avid bowler and had many trophies which she proudly displayed. She love quilting and spending her leisure time at her camp on the Dead River Basin. Her travels included many Caribbean cruises which she described very proudly. Ida was an active member of the United Evangelical Covenant Church and a member of the United Evangelical Women.
Survivors include her brother Iner Swanson recently of Lakeland, FL and moved to Shelby Twp., MI; two granddaughters- Cheryl (Stanley) Pogozelski of Warren and Brenda (Russell) Beach of Marquette; a grandson Jack Hill of California; 6 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; 3 step-children- Ron Santamore of Tavernier, FL, George and William Santamore both of Ishpeming; along with several step-grandchildren, nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Santamore in April of 1992; a daughter Joyce Longtine in April of 1993 and a son Dwight LaFreniere in 1991.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00PM on Saturday, April 21, 2001 at the United Evangelical Covenant Church in Ishpeming. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the United Evangelical Covenant Church from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Saturday.
Pallbearers will be great grandsons- Tood Koski & Troy Emond, nephew Michael Morisette along with Russell Beach and Stanley Pogozelski.
The family suggests memorials be directed to the United Evangelical Covenant Church.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Leonard J. Dembroski
PAULDING -- Leonard J. Dembroski, 49, of Paulding, died Monday, April 16 at his home. He was born December 11, 1951 in Paulding, son of John I. and Eleanor (Isaacson) Dembroski. Leonard graduatd from Ewen-Trout Creek High School in 1970. He worked in Marquette for several years and most recently worked at Lac Vieux Desert in Watersmeet.
Survivors include his mother Eleanor of Paulding and five sisters, Wanda (Jim) Pietila of Boulder Junction, Carol Fowler of Paulding, Hilma (Paul) Feltner of Marquette, Adeline (Joe) Beauchaine of Marquette and Bernita (James) Bieniewski of Paulding. Also five nieces, seven nephews, ten great-nieces and two great-nephews. His father preceded him in death in 1987.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. (E.D.T.), Thursday, April 19 at the Wandersee Funeral Home in Bruce Crossing with the Rev. John Kuziej officiating. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bruce Crossing. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday for an hour before the service.
Marlene Marie Burns
MARQUETTE -- Marlene Marie Burns, 56, of Box 113 County Rd. 550, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer, Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at her home.
She was born March 6, 1944 in Ishpeming to Edward and Marie (Johns) Juchemich and had lived in this area all her life. She was a lifetime member of St. Christophers Catholic Church and enjoyed fishing, bingo, camping and spending time with her grandchildren.
Marlene was a loving mother, grandmother, wife and a devoted friend. She is survived by her former husband of 37 years, Robert H. Burns of Marquette, her children, Debra (Michael) Wescott of Gaylord, Ml., Ricky (Brandy) Burns of Friendship, Wl, Doug Burns of Marquette and Michelle (Loy) Ellis of Big Bay, sisters and brothers, Diane (Allen) Langevin of Marquette, Carol (Raymond) Perrault of Ishpeming, William (Joan) Juchemich of Harvey, Dale (Harriet) Juchemich of Gwinn, Glenn Juchemich of Marquette and Eddie (Peggy) Juchemich of Stevens Point, Wl, grandchildren, Shannon, Crystal, John Robert, Amanda, Jimmy, Josh, Matthew, Donald, Ashley, Cassie, Brittany, Dustin, Saraya, Michael and Nick, and three great grandchildren. Also surviving are dear friends Joyce Peterson, Gary & Betty Beaudry, and Jeanette Hoover. She was preceded in death by her brother Timothy Juchemich and mother Rose Marie Juchemich.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, April 20, 2001 in St. Christopher's Catholic Church with Rev. Alex Sample as celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery with her children acting as pallbearers. Visitation will be at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home from 4 - 8 PM , Thursday, April 19, 2001 with liturgical services at 7:30 PM.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Daniel Hardie and to the staff of U.P. Home Health & Hospice, especially Lydia, Pam and Tammy.
Patrick Hanley
DETROIT -- Patrick Hanley, age 77, died at 2:56 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2001 in Detroit from a heart attack.
He was born October 30, 1923 in Escanaba, MI, the son of Mahala (Gorman) Hanley and Terrance Hanley, who pre-deceased him. He attended Escanaba and Marquette schools, graduated from Northern Michigan University and received his law degree from the University of Michigan.
He was a Navy pilot in World War II.
He married Nancy Ellis in 1952, who predeceased him. He is survived by his two children, Tara Bratton and her husband, Hanson, and Patrick L. Hanley and his wife, Shirley.
He is also survived by his niece, Dolores Sawall, and his nephew, Thomas Hanley.
Services will be held Tuesday at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI with committal services at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Park Cemetery in Marquette. The Rev. Steve Rhoades of the First United Methodist Church will officiate, intermenty will take place at Park Cemetery.
Frank J. Tonella
MARQUETTE -- Frank J. Tonella, 77, of Marquette, died at 3:20 a.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2001 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans where he had resided since October of 1998.
Mr. Tonella was born March 30, 1924 in Marquette to the late Frank J. and Mildred (Frei) Tonella, Sr. and had been a lifelong Marquette resident. He was a 1942 graduate of Bishop
Baraga High School and then served with the United States Navy during World War II with the Seabees. He spent 29 months in Alaska and the Phillipines.
Frank then attended the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1949, returning to work at Tonella's Funeral Home, the family business founded by his grandfather, Carl Tonella in 1893. Althogether, he was employed for over 40 years at the funeral home, sharing ownership with his father and late brother, John Tonella, unitl assuming full ownership of the funeral home in 1960. He retired on December 31, 1985, but stayed on at the funeral home, serving as a consultant and director until September 1, 1998.
Frank was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church where he was an usher for many years, was a member of Monsignor Nolan B. McKevitt Council 689, Knights of Columbus with honorary life status, was a member of Marquette Elks Lodge #405, a life member of American Legion Post #44, AMVETS and also the Michigan Funeral Directors Association.
Survivors include his wife, Alice L. Tonella of Marquette whom he married on August 2, 1969 in Marquette; three children, James Tonella, Mary Jane Tahlier and Kathleen Boex, all of Green Bay, WI; three step-children, Karen Johnson of Brandon, FL, Peggy Metz of Marquette and Fred (Nancy) Evenson of Holt, MI; 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents were siblings, Robert, John "Jack" and Carl Tonella and Carol Leary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1 p.m. in St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. Rev. Nancy Amacher of Messiah Lutheran Church will also participate by offering some personal remarks. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at the Canale- Tonella Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. where members of the Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 5:30 p.m., members of Marquette Elks Lodge #405 will conduct a funeral ritual at 6:30 p.m. and a parish prayer service will be recited at 7:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Finger, Travis Evenson, Dan Evenson, Scott Johnson, Jere Stafford, James Laurinaho and Mark Canale. Members of Michigan Funeral Directors Association District 10 will act as honorary escorts.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund at 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or St. Michael Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
George Barnes
MARQUETTE -- George J. Barnes, 82, of Marquette, died Wednesday morning April 18, 2001 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans after a lengthy illness.
Mr. Barnes was born October 9, 1918 in Manistique, Michigan to the late John and Catherine (Kochinsky) Barnes. On October 9, 1940, he married the former Grace M. VanLandschoot.
He volunteered for service in December of 1942 with the U.S. Army at the outbreak of World War II serving in the 615th Ordnance Maintenance Battalion. He also served in the European Theater from September 1, 1944 until the end of the war.
George wored at A & P stores in Manistique, Munising, Marquette, Calumet, Escanaba and Menominee serving in the capacity of both assistant manager and manager spanning a period of 26 years.
He then moved to Pontiac, Michigan in 1955 and took employment with General Motors Coach Division as an inspector for 26 years.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing and camping. George was also a great conversationalist, but nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with his family.
George and his late wife, Grace, returned to Marquette in November of 1990. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.
Survivors include three sons, James J. (Clare) Barnes of Commerce Township, MI, Thomas L. (Mary Kay) Barnes of Marquette and John P. (Nancy) Barnes of Ishpeming; five grandchildren, Philip, Anna, Anthony, Christine and Catherine Barnes; one brother, Robert (Donna) Barnes of Brookfield, WI; three sisters, Irene (John) Burley and Betty (James) Slining, both of Manistique, Jenny (Tom) Zuehlke of Sandy, UT; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace on May 13, 1995; and infant son, Michael Barnes; also siblings, Mary, Anna, Margaret, Frank, Joseph, John, Carl and Adolph.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 7 p.m. in St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 5 p.m. until the time of the mass. Mr. Barnes's grandchildren will serve as his pallbearers.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Dorothy M. St. George
L'ANSE -- Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Dorothy M. St. George, 71, of L'Anse, who passed away on Thursday morning, April 19, 2001 at her home, will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 21, 2001 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in L'Anse with Fr. Greg Heikkala to officiate.
Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2001 at the Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse were liturgical prayers will be recited at 8:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held 1 hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.
Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery.
Her grandsons will serve as Pallbearers.
The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse is assisting the family.
Karen J. (Funk) Dagenais
ISHPEMING -- Karen J. (Funk) Dagenais, age 40, Ishpeming resident passed away Thursday, April 19, 2001 at the Mather Nursing Center where she has resided since May 1994 after suffering with Multiple Sclerosis for many years.
Karen was born February 4, 1961 in Oshkosh, WI to Robert G. & Geraldine J. (Peterson) Funk. She attended Merrill Elementary School in Oshkosh, and was a member of the YMCA, & Rotary YMCA Children's Glee Club.
Karen and her family moved to Marquette in 1970 where she attended Silver Creek Elementary School & Bothwell Middle School. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School, Class of 1979. While in high school she was active in choral and drama groups, taking parts in Showboat, Brigadoon & Okalahoma. Karen placed first in Solo at the state finals in 1978.
Active at Grace United Methodist Church in Marquette, she sang in the choir and directed a children's choir. Karen was Past Honored Queen of Jobs Daughters, Marquette. Became Grand Bethel Musician for the State of Michigan in 1975.
Karen attended N.M.U. as a music major. She toured in Europe twice with the N.M.U. Arts Chorale. She attended Kansas State University after marring David. Returning to the UP in 1989, she was most recently a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She also taught private music lessons out of her home.
Karen is survived by her husband David Dagenais of Gwinn, whom she married on December 23, 1983, a son Aaron Austin Dagenais of Gwinn, parents Robert & Geraldine Funk of Marquette, 3 brothers; Mark (Pauline) Funk of Rochester, MN, Bruce Funk of Marquette and Brian (Randi) Funk of Wallingford, CT, 9 nieces & nephews; Greg (Carrie) Funk, Eric Funk, Kristen Funk, Brandon Funk, Elizabeth Funk, Joseph Dagenais, Rachelle Dagenais, Lindsey Pryor and Matthew Pryor, Aunt & Uncle-God Parents Helen & William Johnson of Iron Mountain, her mother in law Cass Dagenais of Marquette and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her father in law Donald Dagenais in 1996.
A memorial service will be held 4:00 P.M. Sunday, April 22, 2001 at the Wesley United Methodist Church- Ishpeming. Inurnment will take place in the Memorial Garden at Wesley United Methodist Church.
Friends may call at the Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday from 3:00 P.M. until the time of service.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorials may be directed to the Activity Department at the Mather Nursing Center, Bay Cliff Health Camp or Wesley United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Laina E. Wigg
NEGAUNEE -- Laina E. Wigg, 86, of 96 Croix St. Apt. #3, Negaunee died at 8:30 AM on Thursday, April 19, 2001 at Bell Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for 3 weeks.
Mrs. Wigg was born October 11, 1914 in Covington to August & Aliina (Rajala) Mattson and attended the Covington Schools. She lived in Chicago for several years where she worked in the production of aircraft during WWII and also for the Sears Co. She moved to Negaunee, married Toivo Wigg, and was a Negaunee resident for the past 56 years. She worked for several years at the Negaunee Dress Factory and was a homemaker.
Laina was a member of Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church, Negaunee, the Eastwood Women's Circle, and the Prayer Chain.
Surviving are 2 sisters; Elsie Lehtonen, Negaunee, Ruth Hill, Covington, 1 brother, Wesley Mattson, Ishpeming, several cousins, nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Toivo Wigg in 1986, 2 brothers; Eli & Raymond, 2 sisters; Agnes Strilich & Ellen Wigg.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church, Negaunee with Rev. D. Michael Carriere officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Pallbearers will be; Scott Juidici, Randy Mattson, Gene Maki, Swen Nurkala, Ronald Wigg, & Andrew Wigg.
Friends may call at Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church from 1:00 PM until the time of services at 2:00 PM on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church in Laina's memory.
The arrangements are being handled by the Koskey Funeral Home.
Mary E. Syria
MARQUETTE -- Mary E. Syria, 84, of 222 S. Fifth Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Thursday afternoon, April 19, 2001 at her home, in the care and comfort of her family and UP Home Health and Hospice. She had been in ill health for the past two and a half years.
She was born July 26, 1916 in Ishpeming, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Maenpaa) Takanen, and was raised in Watton. On January 23, 1934 she married John Syria in Trout Creek. The couple resided in the Covington area for a time, later moving to Negaunee in 1951. In 1954 they moved to Marquette.
Mary was an accomplished musician, playing the violin, mandolin, accordion, and saxophone. She began playing for dances when she was 12 years old, accompanied by her brother, Wayne Takanen. Later, she and her husband, John, played for dances throughout the UP for over 40 years. She composed numerous songs, some of which are still played on the Suomi
Kutsuu program. Mary also performed with her three sons for various activities over the years, and made a guest appearance, performing with son, Derrell, in the Conga Se Menne Band. In later years, following her husband's death, she entertained at nursing homes throughout Marquette County with her friend, Irene Campbell, until her illness two and a half years ago.
A homemaker, she was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, and Musician's Local #218 for 47 years. She was among the first residents of Snowberry Heights and was active in various programs sponsored by A devoted mother, proud grandparent, and friend, she is survived by: two sons, Melvin (Loraine) Syria of Gwinn and Derrell (Janet) Syria of Beaver Grove; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Helen Takanen of L'Anse; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Syria on February 16, 1969; by a son, Stanley Syria in 1978; and by brothers, Arven and Wayne Takanen.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Saturday, April 21, from 4:00 - 6:30 pm. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm Saturday evening in the Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Nancy Amacher and Rev. Timothy Bernard officiating. Honorary escorts will be Mary's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held on Monday, April 23, at 2:00 pm in the Covington Cemetery.
