Florence Brown
SKANEE -- Florence Brown, age 102, of Skanee, passed away on Tuesday July 3, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital's skilled nursing unit.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 7 at 3:00pm, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Judy Mattson will officiate. Burial will be in the Skanee Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Irma N. Lindahl
SKANEE -- Irma N. Lindahl, age 89, of Skanee, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
She was born February 15, 1912 in Skanee, daughter to the late Johns and Hannah (Carlson) Nelson. Irma married Fred Rantanen. He preceded her in death in 1942. She then married Marvin Lindahl in 1953. He preceded her in death in 1998. Irma was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the WELCA.
Irma is survived by one son, John "Jack" (Beverly) Rantanen of Skanee; one daughter Janet Magnant of Skanee; a daughter-in-law Greta Rosebrook of Cheboygan, MI; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her two sons, Darryl in 1973, and Ralph in 1933, and twelve brothers and sisters.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 5, at 4:00pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee. Visitation will be from 2-4:00pm at the church. Pastor Judy Mattson will officiate. Burial will be in the Skanee Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Robert Paul Petersen
KENOSHA, WI -- Robert Paul Petersen, of Kenosha, died Thursday June 21, 2001 at Lakeland Medical Center, Elkhorn. Mr. Petersen was born November 23, 1936 in Marquette. Services were held on June 26, 2001. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2323 N. Mayfair Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226. The Bruch Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Weldon D. Hart
MARQUETTE -- Weldon D. Hart, 79, of 2362 Moran Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday morning, July 3, 2001 at his home. He had been in ill health for the past few weeks.
Weldon was born November 17, 1921 in Van, Michigan, a son of the late Victor and Emeline (Davenport) Hart. He had been a Marquette area resident since 1950, previously residing in Harbor Springs. Weldon was a veteran of World War II, having served in the US Army. He had been involved in the campaigns and battles of New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon, receiving the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, and 5 Overseas Service Bars. Weldon was employed as an auto body mechanic with Olson Motors for 19 years and then later for 19 1/2 years as an instructor at Northern Michigan University's Jacobetti Skills Center, retiring in 1986. He was a member of Marquette Moose Lodge #1059 and Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion.
Survivors include: a daughter Janith (Samuel) Vasquez of San Diego, CA; a son Lane Victor (Connie) Hart of Santa Cruz, CA; six grandchildren; and special friend Janet Tilly of Negaunee.
In addition to his parents, Weldon was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel J. Hart in 1996, and by a daughter, Alicia Hart in 2000. At Weldon's request, no public services will be scheduled.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.
Zona Belle Green
NEWBERRY -- Zona Belle Green, 83, of Newberry, died at the Luce County Annex in Newberry on Sunday, July 1, 2001. She had been lovingly cared for in her own home by her husband of 66 years, her daughter Sandra Richardson, and Northwoods Home Nursing and Hospice until 10 days prior to her death.
Born in West Branch, Michigan on October 16, 1917, a daughter of Garfield and Elizabeth (Deaton) Stamper, she lived in Curtis until she married Frank Lloyd Green on March 31, 1935. They moved to Newberry in 1944, except for 8 years in Allegan in the 1980's. Zona was an LPN for the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center from 1950 until 1979. She enjoyed flower gardening, was a devoted mother, and an avid player of card and board games. She was a past member of the United Methodist Woman, The Business and Professional Woman of Newberry, the Rebecca's and the Gazelle's. Preceding her in death besides her parents were a son, Frank Jr. in 1976, a brother Carl, Roy, Sam and Buck Stamper, and her sisters Lillian Owens, Mae Fossit and Bea Burns.
Survivors include her husband Frank; 4 daughters, Sharon (Al) LeMaire of Newberry, Sandra Richardson of Newberry, Elizabeth (Tom) Daniels of Battle Creek and Mary (Jeff) Haller of Allegan, MI; 5 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; a brother Harold (Margaret) Stamper of Curtis; and a sister Jean (Chuck) Grant also of Curtis.
Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Newberry on Thursday, July 5, 2001 with Pastors Audrey Dunlap and Jane Logston co-officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Home Cemetery, Newberry. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 4, 2001 from 5-8 and for 1 hour preceding services at the church on Thursday.
The family suggests contributions may be made in her honor to the United Methodist Church of Newberry Building Fund.
Beaulieu Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
George S. Raish
BOYNTON BEACH, FL -- A Memorial Mass for George S. Raish, 92, of Marquette and Boynton Beach, Florida will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2001 at 12:00 noon in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Members of Bishop Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will act as honor guard.
Inurment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery following the Mass. Mr. Raish died on February 8, 2001 in Boynton Beach after an extended illness.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mildred V. Uren
ISHPEMING -- Mildred V. Uren, age 84, of 810 S. Pine St., Ishpeming, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2001 at the Mather Nursing Center, where she had been a resident since October of 1999.
Mildred was born February 27, 1917 in Gay, Michigan to the late Oscar and Matilda (Danula) Hattula. She was raised in Trout Creek and moved to Ishpeming in 1937. Mildred was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, William A. Uren of Ishpeming; 2 sons, James (Nancy) Uren of Corona, CA and Gerald Uren and his girlfriend Marlene Kulju of Ishpeming; 3 daughters, Janet Coron of Ishpeming, Dorothy Morris of Ishpeming and Diane (Phillip) Poirier of Ishpeming; a sister Ardith (Tom) Grooms of Sidnaw; 2 brothers, Einar Hattula of Iron River, MI and Harold (Sharon) Johnson of Menominee Falls, WI; a sister-in-law Marie (Gerald) Nault of Taylor; a brother-in-law Robert Uren of Ishpeming; 15 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father Albert Johnson, a sister Dorothy Seppanen, a brother Carl Hattula and her faithful furry friend "Rambo".
Funeral services will be held at 7:00pm on Friday July 6, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. C. Bruce Ulstad to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:30 until 7:00pm on Friday July 6, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Mildred's grandsons.
Teresa A. Poirier
ISHPEMING - Teresa A. Poirier, age 78, of Ishpeming Township passed away on Tuesday, July 3, 2001. She was born September 5, 1922 in Princeton, Michigan to Louis and Mary (Bonetti) Gardoni and had lived in the Ishpeming area since she was four years old.
Teresa was a homemaker and a wonderful, caring person who will be missed by all who knew her. She was a past member of the Ishpeming Township Fire Department Auxiliary and the Ladies Guild of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Teresa was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles E. Poirier; two daughters Barbara Poirier of Ishpeming and Mary Ann (Bud) Mantyla of Columbus, Indiana; three sons Charles L. Poirier of Fort Wayne, Indiana; David (Cheryl) Poirier of Ishpeming and Donald (Jeanne) Poirier of Cashmere, Washington; four grandchildren - Derek (Susan) Mantyla of Indianapolis, Indiana; Robbi Mantyla of Ishpeming; Eric Poirier of Ishpeming; and Katie Poirier of Ishpmeing; one great grandchild, Kori Faull of Ishpeming; one sister, Angeline (Paul) Collick of Palmer, MI; two half sisters - Severina (Ed) Roose of Ishpeming and Natalie (Jim) LaFreniere of Ishpeming; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at 5:00PM on Friday July 6, 2001, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming with the Rev, Fr. James Challancin to officiate. Inumment will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon in the church hall will follow the service.
The family will greet friends at the St. Joseph Catholic Church from 4:00PM until the time of services on Friday. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101 or St. Vincent DePaul Society - Negaunee, c/o Treasurer, 1004 Oak St., Negaunee, MI 49866
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Alfred N. Moros
MUNISING -- Alfred N. Moros, age 82, of 408 E. Varnum, Munising, died on Friday, July 6, 2001 in the early morning at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising. He was born September 21, 1918. There is no public viewing scheduled. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2001 at 11:00 a.m at the Sacred Heart Church, with Deacon James Anderson officiating. Interment will be Maple Grove Cemetery.
Martha W. Hongisto
HOUGHTON - Martha W. Hongisto, 88, a resident of Arbor Green, Houghton, passed away early Thursday morning, July 5, 2001 at Portage Health System in Hancock, where she had been a patient for the past 2 days.
The former Martha Laho was born on August 22, 1912, in Houghton, a daughter of the late Matt and Wilhelmina (Risumaki) Laho. At an early age she moved to Pelkie, later living in Portage Township, Phoenix, Arizona, Farmington, Milford, and then moved back to Portage Township to make her home. For over the past 19 years she had made her home at Arbor Green in Houghton, where she and her late husband were one of the first people to move in.
She had attended the Pelkie school.
Her first husband, Waino Lahti, preceded her in death. On May 7, 1938, she was united in marriage to Emil N. Hongisto, and he preceded her in death on December 14, 1984.
Martha was a member of the Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Church.
Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Martha Aileen; 2 grandsons, Bruce Lahti and Darrell Sleeman; her parents; and 5 brothers- Walter, Paul, Emil, Wilho, and Toivo.
Surviving are: 2 sons, Donald (Pauline) Lahti of Lake Worth, Florida and Albert E. (Betty) Hongisto of Portage Township; 1 daughter, Annette (William) Sleeman of Houghton; 15 grandchildren; 51 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Sylvia Manninen of Copper City and Amelia Honkala of Farmington, MI; 1 brother, Eric Laho of Rockford, Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 9, 2001 at 11am in the Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Church with Pastor James Frantti to officiate. Burial is to be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.
Friends may call from 5 to 8pm on Sunday at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock, and from 10am until time of services at the church on Monday.
Patrick B. Burke
HIAWATHA, IA - Patrick B. Burke, 39, of 308 2nd Ave., Hiawatha, Iowa, died Monday, July 2, 2001 at home. Memorial services will be held at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home at 11am Friday with no visitation.
Survivors include: his wife, Leah (Wixtrom); a son, Joseph at home; his mother Terese Snyder of Hiawatha; 2 sisters- Diane Giebelstein of Clarence and Shelly Hammond of Vinton. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, Jack and Hannah Wixtrom of Republic.
Patrick was born February 6, 1962 in Des Moines, Iowa. He married Leah Kay Wixtrom on September 15, 1984 in Libertyville, Illinois.
Pat worked in maintenance at Hunter Specialties for 4 years. While in college at Northern Michigan University, he was involved in Student Radio. He was also a Cub Scout leader and Treasurer, and served in the Navy.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Pat's name is being established.
Susan P. Washburn
RIVER FALLS, WI - Susan P. Washburn, age 48, of River Falls, WI, formerly of Superior, WI and Marquette, MI, died on July 4th at the River Falls Area Hospital. She is survived by her husband Lee; daughters Angela (Andrew) Thompson and Lacey; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial services are on Saturday at 10:30am at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls. Visitation is Friday from 5-7pm at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls.
Alfred "Alfie" Nickolas Moros
MUNISING -- Alfred "Alfie"Nickolas Moros, age 82, of 408 E. Varnum Street, Munising, died on Friday, July 6, 2001 at 12:40 a.m. at Tendercare Health Center in Munising. He was born on September 21, 1918 in Munising, Michigan to the late Nick and Borghild (Severson) Moros. Al graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1937. He was a WWII Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Asiatic Pacific and American Theaters. Al's duties included the USS North Hampton, USS Mobile, and the USS Robert K. Huntington. He earned the American Defense Ribbon, the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 7 stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Alfie married Anne Cianciolo on January 11, 1947. He was a self-employed carpenter and worked at the Bowerman & Son furniture store. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Alfie volunteered many hours prior to his illness to the Legion, and he was an honorary life member, and Past Commander of the American Legion Post #131, and also a member of the D.A.V. He loved fishing in the summer and winter and he enjoyed picking blueberries and cranberries.
He is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Anne Moros of Munising; their children - Angela "Jill" (Ron) Rochon of Milledgeville, GA, Alfred (Barb) Moros of Sussex, WI, and Joanne Moros of Chassell, MI; grandchildren - Garnet (Jennifer) Rochon, Aryan Rochon, Jean (Bob) Cornell, Sandy (Jeff) Rehle, and Leah (Jeff) Hintze; sister - Betty Dunn of Ishpeming; nephew - Hayden Dunn; and niece - Irene Dunn.
Deacon James E. Anderson will conduct the funeral service on Saturday, July 7, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising where the American Legion Honor Guard and Veterans Council will conduct graveside services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post # 131.
Charlene M. Hiltunen
BARAGA -- Charlene M. Hiltunen, age 61, of Baraga, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
She was born on September 16, 1939 in L'Anse, daughter of Melford and Rita (Miron) LeClaire. Charlene grew up in Baraga and graduated from Baraga High School in 1957. She married Richard Hiltunen on May 21, 1960 at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Charlene was a teacher's aide for the Baraga Area Schools for about 20 years, retiring in 1999. She enjoyed reading books, baking, shopping and crafts. She was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church.
Charlene loved her family and was a great wife and mother. She is survived by her husband Richard of Baraga; mother Rita LeClaire of Baraga; five sons, Dennis of State College, PA, Steve (Michele) of West Olive, MI, Richard Jr., (Tina) of Lakeville, MN, Brian (Ann) of Janesville, WI, and Larry of Rochester Hills, MI; four brothers, James (Carol) LeClaire of L'Anse, Leonard, Doug, and Paul LeClaire all of Baraga; five sisters, Kathryn (Lance) Heikkinen of Baraga, Mary (Gary) Glover of Chicago, IL, Carol (Stu) Hamacher of Norway, MI, Joanne LeClaire of Baraga, and Lorraine (Raymond) Maki of Baraga; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her father Melford LeClaire, and two brothers Pete and Joe LeClaire.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 9, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baraga. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home, and on Monday from 10-11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's. Fr. George Joseph will officiate. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.
Edwin C. "Ed" Dawe
MARQUETTE -- Edwin C. "Ed" Dawe, 84, of 725 Altamont Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Friday morning, July 6, 2001, following a lengthy illness. Ed was born June 2, 1917 in Ishpeming, a son of the late Edwin and Maude (Sleeman) Dawe. He was raised in Iron River and was a graduate of the Iron River High School. He had been a Marquette area resident for the past 27 years. For over 43 years, Ed was employed with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, retiring as an electrician from the Empire Mine in 1979. Following his retirement, he and his wife wintered in Arizona where he could avoid all snow shoveling chores. His hobbies and interests centered around his family first, and also included fishing, hunting, and spending time at camp. He was a member and past president of the United Steel Workers of America Union Local 4950.
A devoted husband, father and proud grandparent, he is survived by: his wife, Margaret "Babe" (Sullivan) Dawe, whom he married in 1973; two daughters, Barbara (Dave) Gilbert of Laurium and Jean (Dennis) Suardini of Gwinn; three step-sons, Paul (Diane) Blemberg of Alexandria, VA, Patrick Blemberg of Marquette and Bill (Patti) Blemberg of Colorado Springs, CO; his grandchildren, Lori (Mark) Skreljia, Nicole Suardini, Stephen (Judy) Gilbert, Robert (Cindy) Gilbert, Bruce (Carole) Gilbert and Shannon Blemberg; several great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lois Dawe of Leadville, CO; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Dawe in 1972; grandson, Dustin Blemberg; and a brother Calvin Dawe.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, July 9, at the Fassbender Funeral Home beginning at 12 noon. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Monday afternoon in the funeral home with Rev. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marquette County Humane Society or the Marquette-Alger Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Donna Jean Pabst
SAN DIEGO, CA Donna Jean Pabst, 77, formerly of Marquette, died July 4, 2001 at the Alvarado Hospital in San Diego, CA. She had lived in California the past seven years.
Donna was born September 10, 1923 in Balaton, MN to Harry and Anna (Gifford) Hillquist and had lived in this area for many years. Prior to retiring, she worked as a nurse aide at St. Mary's and later Marquette General Hospital. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marquette and attended the Santa Sophia Catholic Church in Spring Valley, CA. She also belonged to the Lemon Grove Senior Center in California.
Donna is survived by two daughters: Tamara (Gregory) Gerber of Whitmore Lake, MI and Joelyn (Rion) Pabst-Fish of San Diego, CA; a son: Kelly (Dianne) of Marquette; 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Joseph in 1981.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home with Reverend Charles West of the Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Northland Chapel Gardens. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 11:00am on Tuesday.
Albert Brunk
BARAGA -- Albert Brunk, 69, of Baraga, passed away at his home Sunday July 8, 2001 surrounded by his loving family following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born June 1, 1932 in Watermeet, MI a son of the late Frank D. and Martha (Polar) Brunk. Albert attended school in Watersmeet and Marquette and had been a resident of Baraga for over 35 years moving here from Watersmeet. On January 16, 1954 he married the former Elizabeth, Kenosha, Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army and was a proud service veteran. Until his retirement in 1997, Albert was employed by the Pettibone Corporation as a line assemblyman. His love of sports knew no bounds. He was active in bowling, basketball, pool, golf, baseball and softball serving as a team member, manager, coach and umpire. Mr. Brunk was a member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Ojibwa Senior Citizens, V.F.W. L'Anse post 3897, where he had been an active member until his illness.
Albert is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth, 4 sons; Albert (Ann) of Baraga, Robert and his special friend Vanessa of Watersmeet, David (Linda) of Mole Lake, WI and Ronald (Diane) of Baraga, 4 daughters; Sharon Brunk of Watersmeet, Brenda and her special friend David Robinson of Baraga, Nancy (David) Pawlowski and Sally Brunk all of Baraga, 14 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a brother James Brunk of Lansing, MI, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also surivive. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 4 nephews and 1 niece.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday July 12, 2001 from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with James Williams officiating. Interment will take place in the Baraga Cemetery. His casket escorts will be Arne and Daryl Putala, William Brunk, John Johnson and Mike Hazen St., and Mike Hazen Jr. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evenings from 6 until 9 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel and 1 hour prior to the services on Thursday. Baraga County area veterans under the direction of the L'Anse V.F.W. will accord military honors at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel, followed by traditional ceremonies. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse who assisted the family with service arrangements.
