Eleanor D. Vercoe
GWINN -- Eleanor D. Vercoe, 87, of 222 W Jasper St., died Wednesday, May 2, 2001 at the Norlite Nursing Center.
She was born December 12, 1913 in Escanaba to John and Wendla(Carlson) Swanson and had lived in the Gwinn area for many years. She was a graduate of the Gwinn High School. She and her husband lived in Keeseville, NY, where they owned and operated a motel prior to moving back to Gwinn in the early 1970's. Eleanor was a member of the Gwinn United Methodist Church, VFW Auxiliary #5670 of Gwinn, and served as a hostess for the Merry Mixers. She was a former member of Presque Isle Chapter Order of Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. She loved playing bridge, traveling and being with her grandchildren. On September 14, 1947 she married John Vercoe and he preceded her in death in 1976.
She is survived by a daughter Susan Vercoe and a son John (Sue) Vercoe, both of Gwinn, five grandchildren, Molly & Sally Strohm, Lauri Kivi, Gerald Setter and Kristian (Matt) Mitchell, and two great grandchildren, Rochelle Johnny John and Whitney Kivi.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 4, 2001 in the Gwinn United Methodist Church with Rev. Jackie Roe officiating. Burial will be in the Forsyth Township Cemetery with David Daugherty, Louis Nordeen, Matt Mitchell, and Lloyd Tuskan acting as pallbearers. Visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 AM on Friday. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Frederick I. Eggan
ALPENA -- Frederick I. Eggan, 86, of Alpena, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2001, at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, Florida.
Frederick was born August 1, 1914 in Ishpeming, Michigan. On November 25, 1943 he married Bette Anne Richey; she preceded him in death on February 23, 1988. Mr. Eggan served as an officer in the Army during World War II; later he was employed with the State of Michigan as a highway traffic engineer, retiring in 1987.
He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alpena, Elks of Alpena, past president and current member of Lost Lake Woods Club, past president of the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education, past chairman of Alpena-Alcona Area Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and he was currently serving on supervisory board at Alpena-Alcona C.U. and on the executive board of Blue Ox Chapter of Credit Unions.
Surviving are 3 Sons, Frederick Jr. of Los Angeles, California, Andrew and wife Linda of Ann Arbor and Eric and wife Jean of Grand Ledge; 3 Grandchildren, Julie, Bryon and Kelly; 1 Sister, Elizabeth (Mrs. Norman) Johnson of Michigamme, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Eggan has been taken for cremation. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 10, 2001, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Alpena with Rev. Donald R. McLeod and Rev. Sanford K. Wright officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Alpena, 1600 W. Chisholm Street, Alpena, MI 49707 and the Fred and Bette Anne Eggan Memorial Scholarship at Alpena Community College, 666 Johnson Street, Alpena, MI 49707.
Alice E. Hadden
BARAGA Alice E. Hadden, 50 of Baraga passed away suddenly May 3, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L'Anse. Alice was born on September 28, l950 in Beartown to the late William (Boyzie) and Mary (Mino) (Cardinal) Jondreau. She attended Baraga High School and was a 1968 graduate. She was a lifetime resident. On June 6, 1981 she married Stephen Hadden in L'Anse. Alice was employed by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as a police officer for 24 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant in 1992.
Alice was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins. She was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and former tribal council member and throughout the years held many tribal posts. She was a member of the Assinins Historical Society, a charter member of the Assinins Harvest Feast. Alice was instrumental in the successful William Jondreau lawsuit against the state of Michigan to reinstate the fishing treaty rights for the tribe. She was the founder and chairman of the newly formed Cultural Class in Assinins. When she was only sixteen she was the first Native American to have an audience with Pope Paul the VI in Rome. She was also the first Native American police officer in Michigan. Alice was a leading KBIC tribal member and participated in numerous Native American activities as well as the Bishop Baraga Society, and the Baraga County EMT. Alice loved to garden and do crafts and was an "Awesome Cook."
Alice is survived by her loving husband Stephen, son, William (Roberta) Jondreau of Baraga, three daughters, Helen Jondreau and her special friend Robert Curtis Jr. of Baraga, Suzanne Jondreau of Baraga, and DeAnna Hadden of Baraga, a grandchild Ty Curtis, and one soon to be expected. She survived by two step-sons, Daniel (Tina) Hadden of Marquette, Dale (Christa) Hadden of Algonac MI, stepdaughter, Delana (Scott) Reynolds of New Baltimore, MI and 5 step-grandchildren. Alice is also survived by two brothers, Gerald (Susan) Jondreau of L'Anse, Robert (Jamie) Jondreau of Williamsburg, VA. sister, Nancy (Rod) Edwards of Newhall, CA. In addition, numerous nieces, nephews and cousin also survive. Alice was preceded by her two year-old brother William, and sister Elaine Maki in 1989.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs Hadden will be celebrated on Monday, May 7, 2001 at 11 a.m. from Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins. Father Greg Heikkala will be the celebrant and burial will take place in the Assinins Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 6 until 9 p.m., wžth a Native American ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse.
Arvid H. Salo
MARQUETTE Arvid Hjalmer Salo, 90, of 145 E. Fairbanks St., died Friday, May 4, 2001 at his home.
He was born May 2, 1911 in Hurley, Wl to Victor and Ida (Tunturi) Salo and had lived in this area since 1964. Prior to retiring at age 62 he worked in construction as a union carpenter. Arvid was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Carpenter's Local 1510 of Marquette.
He is survived by his wife Alice, to whom he had been married since 1935, a son Donald A. (Sandra) Salo of Marquette, a sister Ellen Maslanka of Hurley, Wl, grandsons Donald(Karla) Salo and Michael Salo, both of Marquette and Mark Salo of Iron Mountain, and great grandsons Samuel and Ryan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Marlin.
Services will be held today at 2:30 PM in the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home with Rev. Kurt Kovanen of Munising officiating.
Brayden Michael Nardi
ISHPEMING -- Brayden Michael Nardi, infant son of Nicole F. Lawry and Michael S. Nardi Jr., passed away on Saturday May 5, 2001 of SIDS.
Brayden was born March 24, 2001 in Ishpeming and gave six weeks of joy to his family, which includes his parents, his maternal grandmother, Leslie Stephens of Green Bay, WI; his maternal grandfather, Michael Lawry of Ishpeming; his paternal grandparents, Michael & Diane Nardi Sr., of Ishpeming; maternal great grandparents, Sharleen Hill of Ishpeming, Greg & Kris Hill of Prescott, AZ; Nancy Cope of Ishpeming and Roger Lawry of Grand Rapids, MI; paternal great grandparents, Reuben & Kay Ollila of Ishpeming, John & Doris Nardi of Ishpeming and Mark & Laverne LeClaire of Ishpeming; Aunts Tiarra Stephens and Holly Nardi along with several other aunts, uncles and great and great great aunts and uncles.
Private funeral services were held on Monday May 7, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Msgr. Peter Oberto officiating. Burial was in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Alden P. Peterson
MARQUETTE -- Alden P. Peterson, age 81, of 955 Erickson St., died Monday morning, May 7, 2001 in Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio. He was born on September 30, 1919 in Marquette to Simon and Mildred (Wallin) Peterson. Prior to his retirement he was employed as a foreman of the Bridges and Building Department of the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad.
Alden attended Messiah Lutheran Church and was a member of the Marquette Township Lions Club, Range Engineers and the Vasa Lodge. He enjoyed camping and was a veteran of WWII having served with the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille and a brother Carl E. Peterson.
Survivors include a daughter Kay (John) Presensky of Ft. Wayne, IN and a son Paul (Marcia) Peterson of Heath, Ohio. Six grandchildren Crystal (Ken) Kent, Heather, Eric, and Patrick Peterson, Matthew and Philip Presensky. Two great grandchildren Zachary and Austin Kent. Brothers Harold (MaryLou) Peterson of Marquette and Albert Peterson of Zephyrhills, FL. A sister Shirley Peterson and a sister in law Signe Peterson both of Marquette and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday afternoon May 10, 2001 in Messiah Lutheran Church with Reverend Tim Bernard officiating. Friends may call at the church from noon until time of services. Burial will take place in Northland Chapel Gardens. Memorials to the Messiah Lutheran Church Choir.
The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Toivo J. Wilson
NEGAUNEE - Toivo J. Wilson, 89, of 98 Croix Street, Negaunee, died Monday morning, May 7, 2001 at Bell Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient for one day. He was in ill health the past five years.
Toivo was born July 22, 1911 in Woodruff, WI to the late Matt and Ida (Hakala) Wilson and was a lifelong resident of Negaunee. He attended Negaunee Schools and worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co., retiring from the Humboldt Mine in 1974. He also worked
at the Athens and Bunker Hill Mines and for a time as custodian at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Toivo was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Negaunee Township Senior Citizens group. He enjoyed spending time at the camp on Dead River and watching the sunset over Teal Lake. Toivo loved being with his family, especially his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. On May 28, 1930 he married Vieno Karvela, to whom he was married for 65 years. She preceded him in death on December 11, l 995.
Surviving are: one son; Michael (Suzanne) Wilson of Negaunee, three daughters; Rita (David) Violetta of DeWitt, Donna (Bruce) Jennings of Swartz Creek, and Kristine Wurtzel of Negaunee, one brother; Leslie Wilson of Anaheim,CA, 14 grandchildren, Dean Jennings, Kurt (Janet) Jennings, Lynn (Myron) Dembrey, Steve (Doreen) Violetta, Scott (Carolyn) Violetta, Stacy (Steve) Schultz, David (Karen) Wilson, Andrea (Scott) Stone, Julie (Joe) Denofre, Leslie (Joe) Durocher, Kyle Wilson, Sharon Juchemich, Tanya (Justin) Menard, Bill Juchemich, and 17 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Vieno, his parents, his sisters; Ellen Lamppa, Ida Pelto, Elsie Weddion, and Martha Brisson and a brother Emil Wilson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2001 at 2:00pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Christine Thomas Echelbarger officiating. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from I:00 pm until the time of services. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Perala Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Vieno W. Laxo
REPUBLIC -- Vieno W. Laxo, age 89, of Rt. 1, Republic, passed away on Sunday May 6, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.
Vieno was born November 21, 1911 in Gardner, MA to the late Vilho S.C. and Hilda L. (Heikkila) Lehtola. She moved to this area at a young age and resided in Marquette County since. Vieno and her late husband Axel were the co-founders of the Northern Specialty Co. in 1929, where she served as business manager for many years until her retirement. She was a member of the Republic Apostolic Lutheran Church.
Survivors include a son Axel W. Laxo of Republic; 3 daughters- Dorothy Armstrong of Norman, OK, Maria (Jim) Gengler of New Winsor, NY and Shiela (Lloyd) Glover of Waterford, WI; 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Axel G. Laxo, a sister Sylvia Wojtkoviak, a brother Joe Lehtola and 5 sons.
Funeral services will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home at 1:00 PM on Thursday May 1O, 2001 with Herb Jarvi to officiate. Burial will be in the Republic Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Thursday.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Vieno's Grandsons.
Daryl Scott Garceau
RENO, NV -- Daryl Scott Garceau, 38, of Reno, NV (former resident of Ishpeming, MI) died April 18, 2001.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Donna (Marketty) Garceau and his sister, Laura Garceau. He is survived by his son Bennett, daughters Tara and Christine; brother Brian and Claire Garceau, two nephews, Brad Smail and Tony Garceau; two nieces, Jodie and Megan; grandmother Agnes (White) Marketty; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Correspondence may be sent to Attn: Brad Smail, P.O. Box 163, Ishpeming, MI 49849.
The National Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements. A private service will be held at a later date. The family asks that you say a prayer at your next church visit.
John I. Wierikko
BARAGA -- John I. Wierikko, age 83, of Baraga passed away on Monday, May 7, 2001, at Bayside Village in L'Anse.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 1:00 pm at the Jacobson Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Dean Franz will officiate. A time of fellowship and a luncheon will follow the service in The Sharing Room at the Jacobson Funeral Home.
The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Kevin A. Rice
MARQUETTE -- Kevin A. Rice, 29, of 2050 Wright Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Sunday morning, May 6, 2001, at his home. He had been in ill health for the past year.
Kevin was born June 21, 1971 in Marquette, the son of Kevin A. and Kathleen (Iery) Rice, and was raised in Marquette until the age of eight when he moved to Billings, MT. He resided most of his lifetime in Billings, returning to Marquette a year and a half ago. Kevin held a variety of jobs throughout the years, but most recently had worked as a maintenance man at the Superior Fast Lube and Wash in Marquette. He was an avid motorcycle buff, enjoying riding and performing mechanical work on them. He also enjoyed building model cars and motorcycles, fishing, hunting, and building and watching bonfires.
Kevin is survived by: his four-year old twin daughter and son, Amber and Alex Rice of Billings, MT; his mother and step-father, Kathy and Chuck Howell of Columbia Falls, MT; father and step-mother, Kevin and Cheree Rice of New Orleans, LA; a sister, Katheryn Rice of Kansas City, MO; Maternal grandparents, Paul and Betty Iery of Marquette; a nephew, Seth Sterba of Kansas City, MO; and a soon to be expected niece, Elizabeth Sterba; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A private family Service of Remembrance in celebration of Kevin's life will be held at the Fassbender Funeral Home.
Lyla S. Sharon
ISHPEMING -- Lyla S. Sharon, age 91, formerly of 111 Bluff St., Ishpeming, a resident at the Eastwood Nursing Center, passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital.
Lyla was born February 27, 1910 in Ishpeming to the late Herman and Miina Kangas. She was a lifelong area resident. Lyla worked for the H. W. Gossard Company as a seamstress for 33 years. She was a member of the H. W. Gossard Retiree's and a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church of Ishpeming.
Lyla is survived by her husband of 45 years William Sharon, who resides at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee, 2 special nieces Susan (John) Bartle of Negaunee and Muriel Erickson of Belleville, MI along with other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter Florence Stewart in 1998.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, May 11, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. C. Bruce Ulstad and Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Ode Olson
MARQUETTE -- Ode K. Olson, age 73, of 730 Erickson Street Marquette Township died Monday evening May 7, 2001 in his home. He was born September 4, 1927 in Big Bay to Ole and Martha (Swensen) Olson. He was a 1945 graduate of the Baraga High School.
Ode was a World War II Navy veteran and prior to his retirement he was co-owner of Olson Brothers Builders. He was member of Messiah Lutheran Church and the American Legion and former member of the Marquette Township Lions Club. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed being with his family and friends at his camp in Skanee.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ole.
Survivors include his wife the former Merle Koski, they were married on June 27, 1950. His mother Martha Olson a resident at Norlite Nursing Center. Two sons John (Pam) Olson of Stevensville, MI and Tom (Beth) Olson of Marquette. A daughter Susan (Joseph) Cherrette of Marquette. His grandchildren Lauren, Andrew, Matthew and Mark Olson, Allison and Angela Cherrette. A sister Gladys (Charles) DuVall of Tucson, AZ. His brother Sigward (Phyllis) Olson of Marquette and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM Thursday evening May 10, 2001 in the Messiah Lutheran Church with Reverend Tim Bernard officiating. Friends may call at the church from 4 PM until time of services. His grandchildren will serve as honorary escorts. Pallbearers will be Charles Pool, Jack Rantanen, Paul Ward, Sig Olson, Elmer Everson, and Don Salo.
Burial will take place in the Skanee Cemetery.
Memorials to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Michigan Chapter, 31313 Northwest Highway, Suite 209, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 or the U.P. Home Health Care and Hospice.
The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Suzanne Marie Mercier
APPLETON, WI - Suzanne Marie Mercier, age 67, died Saturday, May 5, 2001 at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, WI. She was born March 13, 1934 in Milwaukee, daughter of Ernest and Eileen (Pelissier) Richer. Suzanne is survived by her mother, Eileen Hansen, Marquette, Michigan; her daughter, Lyn Durant; two sons: Michael and Timothy Clemins. Private family services will be held. The Kessler Funeral Home in Neenah, Wisconsin assisted the family.
Myrtle Reynard
MUNISING -- Former Munising resident, Myrtle Reynard, died April 23, 2001 after a brief illness while visiting with her son Thomas' family in Madison, Alabama. She was 88 and had been in good health prior to her death.
Mrs. Reynard had resided in Del Cielo Park, CA for several years where she was active with St. Andrews Methodist Church, the Newcomers' Club, the Mussel Senior Center, Sons of Norway, United Methodist Women and the Eastern Star.
Born Myrtle Landin October 12, 1911 in Door County, WI, Myrtle moved to Munising in 1945 where her husband William C. was on active duty with the United States Coast Guard. They celebrated 53 years together before his death in 1983. While in Munising, Myrtle worked as a cook at Munising's Hospital, served the Lutheran Church as Sunday School superintendent, sang in the church choir and held several offices of the Ladies Guilds. Myrtle also was active in square dancing in the Munising area.
Myrtle Reynard is survived by three sons: William (Erna) of Santa Maria, CA; Jerry (Brenda) of Leelanau, MI and Thomas (Inge) of Madison, AL., 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, two sisters, Solveig Jorgenson of Sturgeon Bay, WI and Martha Glatus, Cooks, MI., two brothers, Edward Nundahl, Sturgeon Bay, WI and Gerhard Nundahl, Norfolk, VA. plus many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service and intermenty will be held May 19 in Sturgeon Bay, WI at Shiloh Cemetery in that city.
Mr. Arvo W. Jarvi
FRUITPORT -- Mr. Arvo Wilhelm Jarvi, age 76, died May 10, 2001. Mr. Jarvi served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army Air Corps & was a life member of the VFW of Fruitport. Mr. Jarvi had worked at Kaydon & Teledyne prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Finnish American Society of West Central MI & was also an active member of the church he loved, Our Saviors Lutheran Church.
Mr. Jarvi is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ruth; 3 children, Bill (Jeanne) Jarvi of OK, Gary (Bev) Jarvi & Rick (Judy) Jarvi both of Fruitport; his brothers, Oscar Jarvi of Negaunee, MI & Oliver Lahti; sisters, Taimi Tremblay & Helmi Koski; 5 grandchildren & 5 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Ruth.
Services will be held Monday, May 14, 2001, 11:00 am at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with the Reverends John Grostic & Tom Williamsen officiating. Military rites will follow.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 13, 2001 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Clock Funeral Home & one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial: Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Hospice of Muskegon- Oceana County.
