Douglas E. Larson
MARQUETTE -- Douglas E. Larson, 68, of 1403 Waldo St., passed away in his home Monday, January 15, 2001, following a one year illness.
Doug was born November 29,1932 in Negaunee, the eldest son of the late Eugene and Ruth (Mulgren) Larson. He moved to Marquette at a young age and graduated from John D. Pierce High School in 1950. After completing one year of college he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he earned the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. For many years he was co-owner of Larson & Krieg Wholesale and later co-owner of Vacationland Wholesale, retiring in 1988 due to illness. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, a life member of the VFW of Marquette, a member of American Legion Post #44 of Marquette, and the Marquette Moose Lodge 1059.
Doug is survived by his wife, the former Evelyn Winslow of Marquette, who he married on June 30,1956. He is also survived by a daughter Diane (Tim) Lindberg of Marquette; three sons, Alan (Nancy) Larson of Big Bay, Donald (Mary) Larson of Ishpeming, Dale Larson and Tammy of Marquette, a daughter-in-law Kristine Larson of Marquette; three brothers, Paul Larson, Warren (Judy) Larson and Lowell (Pearl) Larson, all of Marquette; 14 grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, several nieces
and nephews, and his very close friend Karen Ostermeyer. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Eugene L. Larson, who died November 15, 1998.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 18, 2001 in the Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Nancy Amacher and Rev. Tim Bernard officiating. Burial will be in Northland Chapel Gardens with his sons and brothers serving as pallbearers.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home and at the church after 12:00 pm on Thursday.
Kevin O. "Kayo" Popps
BRUCE CROSSING -- Kevin O. "Kayo" Popps, 50 of Bruce Crossing died Sunday, January 14, 2001. He was born September 3, 1950 in Ewen, son of Ora and Gloria (Kopsi) Popps. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1968. From 1969 to 1973 he served in the US Navy on the USS Juneau where he was a Gunners Mate and cook for the Officers Mess. Kayo was a Boiler Maker for 26 years and worked at Smurfit-Stone in Ontonagon. He was also a familiar sight on the corner of M-28 and US 45 in Bruce Crossing where he sold Christmas trees each December. On July 26, 1997 he married Jannine Webber in Ontonagon. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boiler Maker's Local 169 and was a Past-Commander of VFW Post 2439 in Marquette. He was also an avid outdoorsman.
Survivors include his wife Jan of Bruce Crossing, two sons, Daniel and Kory of Bruce Crossing , his mother Gloria of Marquette, three brothers, Jerry of Marquette, Bill of Escanaba and Pete ( Brenda) of Marquette and two sisters, Sherry (David) Anderson and Tracey (Bob) Lewis, both of Marquette. Also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son Michael and his father Ora.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. (EST) Thursday, January 18 at the Wandersee Funeral Home in Bruce Crossing. Military Rites will be accorded by the Henry A. Holappa VFW Post in Bruce Crossing. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. (EST) until the service.
Lois J. Olson
MARQUETTE -- Lois J. Olson, 86, of 1215 N. Third St., died Saturday, January 13, 2001 at Brookridge Heights.
Lois's life began February 8, 1914. She was born in the home of her parents, Richard George and Ethel Frances Rowe, on Wedge ST. in the "New Town" neighborhood of Calumet, MI. Raised in nearby Laurium, she graduated from Calumet High School in 1930. She attended one year of college at the Calumet Junior College, and then majored in French at Northern State Teachers College where she received her Bachelor's degree. On November 24, 1933, Lois married Wesley "Wackey" Olson, the eldest of the Olson family for whom Olson Arena at Marquette Lakeview Arena is named. Her life centered around spending time with her husband and children at the Palestra Ice Arena, attending hockey games, skating, and preparing for annual ice shows for several decades. For many years she was employed as a sales clerk at Buck Nystrom's Tog Shop. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, but in her later years sometimes attended St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Lois lived at her home until four months ago when she became a resident of Brookridge Heights. She was preceded in death by her son Gregory in 1950 and her husband Wesley in 1974.
Surviving are: her sister, Ethel Rowe of Marquette; three daughters, Judy (Dave) Nelson of Dearborn Heights, MI, Karen (John) Flanagan of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Wendy (Pete) Cornish of Lawton, MI; six grandchildren, Julie Nelson of Silver Spring, MD, David (Kristine) Nelson of Rochester, MI, Dan Nelson of Dearborn, MI, Robin (TIm) Balster of Darien, IL, Jason Cornish of Kalamazoo, MI, and Laura Cornish of Kalamazoo, MI; and three great- grandchildren, Nathan Nelson, Nicholas Nelson and Douglas Balster.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2001 in the Swanson- Lundquist Funeral Home with Rev. Leon Jarvis officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7:00- 9:00 pm on Friday. Pallbearers will be David Nelson, Dan Nelson, Jason Cornish, Tim Balster, Mark Carlson, Mike Carlson, Steven Matt, and Jay Olson.
Memorials may be made to the Bay Cliff Health Camp, 310 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855 or to the Marquette Figure Skating Club at Lakeview Arena, 401 E. Fair Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
Carl J. Nelson
LAKEWOOD, OH -- Carl J. Nelson beloved husband of Jean (nee Garceau), dear father of Laura Nelson Brewer (Brent), Phillip Nelson (Janet), Lisa Nelson (Ray Painter), Christine Nelson (Jeff Janosik), and Justine Nelson, loving grandfather of George and Madeleine Nelson and Emma, Jack and Grace Janosik, brother of Anne Marie Hammar, Bernard and Paul Nelson. Passed away Saturday, January 6, 2001 at Lakewood Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility. Services were held on Tuesday, January 9, 2001 at 8:00 pm. Cremation by Busch Crematory. Visitation was held at The Busch- Saxton- Parker- Daniels Family Chapel, 15800 Detroit Ave. 216-221-2300.
Dorothy E. Lemire
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA -- Dorothy E. Lemire, 71, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, formerly of Marquette, died peacefully early Wednesday morning at the Apple Valley Health Care Center from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.
Mrs. Lemire was born July 15, 1929 in Negaunee to the late Morgan H. and Myrtle Marion (Hawke) Quinn, Sr. On July 15, 1950, she married Peter Clifford Lemire in Marquette. Dorothy was a former member of St. Michael Catholic Church and was a member for over 30 years of Post 44, American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Peter Lemire; two daughters, Katherine (Gerald) Franti and Mary Lemire; two grandchildren, Olivia and Quinn Franti, all of Burnsville, MN; eight sisters, Marion (Edward) Boyle of Atwater, CA, Marjorie (Thomas) Enwright of Marquette, Patricia (Walter) Aument of Chicago, IL, Helen (Barry) Kurcz of Brown Deer, WI, Katherine Quinn, Barbara (Joseph) Levandoski, Frances (Robert) Dupras and Carol (Gerald) Larson-King, all of Marquette; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death besides her parents was a stillborn son and a brother, Morgan Quinn, Jr.
Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Saturday from 11 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Members of Post 44 American Legion Auxiliary will conduct memorial rites at 12 noon Saturday. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home with Rev. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Interment will take place at NorthIand Chapel Gardens.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Marquette-Alger Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, M1 49855.
Donald T. Hewitt Sr.
ENGADINE -- Donald T. Hewitt Sr., 62 of Engadine, died Tuesday afternoon January 2, 2001 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry. Funeral services will be held Friday January 5, 2001 at 11:00 am at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Engadine with Pastor John Walker officiating. Interment will take place at the Engadine Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday January 4th from 5-8 pm. Beaulieu Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Edith R. Pohja
NEWBERRY -- Edith R. Pohja, 88, of Newberry, died Tuesday morning January 2, 2001 at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 7, 2001 at 5:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Pastor David Hueter officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday January 7th from 2-5 pm. Beaulieu Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Glenn W. Radloff
MUNISING -- Glenn W. Radloff, 66, of 224 W. Onota Street, Munising, died in the early morning on Thursday, January 4, 2001 at his winter home in Port Aransas, Texas. He was born June 30, 1934 in Munising. Complete arrangements to be announced by the Bowerman Funeral Home.
Philip L. Johnson
ISHPEMING -- Philip L. Johnson, age 72 of 735 N. 1st. Ishpeming, died Wednesday January 3, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
Philip was born July 18, 1928 in Negaunee to the late Philip & Pearl (Goodman) Johnson. He was a life long area resident. He worked as a Maintenance man at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming for over 30 years. He also worked for over 40 years as a custodian at the Presbyterian Church in Ishpeming. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, the Church Choir, VASA Lodge, St. Paul Church Choir of Negaunee, and former member of the Negaunee Male Chorus. Phil loved to be at his Camp Wolf with his family, where he enjoyed hunting, especially Turkey and fishing. He did volunteer work for St. Vincent De Paul Society and enjoyed all his grandchildren. He was loved by all and touched many lives who knew him. He was special to many people.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Pauline (Stephens) of Ishpeming; 3 sons Philip "A J" (Cynthia) Johnson of Negaunee, David (Julie) Johnson of Ishpeming & Kenneth Johnson of Iron Mountain; a daughter Marsha (Michael) Jarvi of Negaunee; a brother Melvin (Carol) Johnson of Negaunee; 9 grandchildren - Emily, Elizabeth, Jolee, Sarah, Bobby, Nicole, Eric, Ryan & Christine along with several nieces & nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 6, 2001 at 11:00 A.M. at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Thomas Lee to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 4 until 8:00 P.M. on Friday and at the Bethany Lutheran Church on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.
Pallbearers will be Philip's grandchildren.
Arne G. Moe
MUNISING -- Arne G. Moe, age 68, of E9582 Lehnen Road, Munising, died on Monday, January 15, 2001, at his home, surrounded by his wife, Julie, and daughter, Carolee, following a sixteen month illness with a final diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in February of 2000. Arne was born on September 24, 1932 in Eben, Michigan to Arneth and Sylvia (Pitkamaki) Moe. He attended Wm. G. Mather High School into the tenth grade. When Aren left school, he went to work on his grandmother's farm in Eben. He also worked for Bailey's Stoneworks where he learned many skills that were of great value to him when he later owned his own business. Arne worked underground in the mines in Ishpeming and later was employed by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation for eleven years. He then ventured into his own excavating business and it was there that he found his true love. Arne owned and operated Moe's Excavating for twenty-six years. Jobs throughout town included work on: Harthowe, Kimberly Clark, Munising Public Schools, UPPCO, and the new county Courthouse. After the fire, Arne demolished and hauled away twenty-eight truckloads of the old Courthouse to the back of his property. He literally put in hundreds of septic tank systems and cleared hundreds of home and camp sites, and he removed snow. . . lots of snow. Each winter, Arne would patiently wait for his "Eskimo gravel" to fall. In 1985, Julie and Arne built the Tanglewood Restaurant in Shingleton. He loved work, any kind of work, and his best hobby was work. In February of 1989, Arne suffered a massive and debilitating head injury. He made a remarkable recovery. During and after his recovery, Arne changed his priorities and found enjoyment in other things besides work.
He is survived by his companion, wife, and best friend of over twenty years, Julie Hayes Moe, whom he married on February 26, 1985; children- Carolee (Ron Van Handel) Moe of Appleton, WI, James (Mary Tidd) Moe of Wickenberg, AZ, and Terrie Nielsen of Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren- Alicia (Steve) Ambrosia, John Field, and Jesse Moe; his mother- Sylvia Moe of Munising; sisters- Jean (Mike) Hayes of Munising, Kathy (Mike) Furlott of Port Washington, WI, Nancy (Roger) Thompson of Brighton, MI, and Elaine (Ken) Bodell of Escanaba; aunt- Gertie Lasak of Munising. Additional survivors include Julie's family; mother-in-law- Gertrude Hayes of Rapid River, sisters and brothers-in-law- Mary (Kirk) Nigro of Ishpeming, Phyllis (James) Steele of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Maggie (Bill) Kline of Green Bay, WI, William (Anita) Hayes of Marquette, Peter (Merrylie) Hayes of Tustin, MI, and Michael (Kathy) Hayes of Waukee, IA, also numerous nieces and nephews, his dog, Bear, and his cat, Stubby. Arne was preceded in death by his father, Arneth, a sister, Janis Moe, and a brother, John Moe.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 9:00. A celebration of Arne's life will be on Thursday, January 18, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising. Honorary escorts will be Mike Furlott, Mike Hayes, Roger Thompson, Michael Hayes, Peter Hayes, and William Hayes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Munising Hospital Auxiliary in memory of Arne for the purchase of hospital equipment.
Kevin O. "Kayo" Popps
BRUCE CROSSING -- Kevin O. "Kayo" Popps, 50 of Bruce Crossing died Sunday, January 14, 2001. He was born on September 3, 1950 in Ewen, son of Ora and Gloria (Kopsi-Bellows) Popps. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1968. From 1969 to 1973 he served in the US Navy on the USS Juneau where he was a Gunners Mate and cook for the Officers Mess. Kayo was a Boiler Maker for 26 years and worked at Smurfit-Stone in Ontonagon. He was also a familiar sight on the corner of M-28 and US 45 in Bruce Crossing where he sold Christmas trees each December. On July 26, 1997 he married Jannine Webber in Ontonagon. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boiler Maker's Local 169 and was a Past-Commander of VFW Post 2439 in Marquette. He was also an avid outdoorsman.
Survivors include his wife Jan of Bruce Crossing, two sons, Daniel and Kory of Bruce Crossing , his mother Gloria (James) Bellows of Marquette, three brothers, Jerry of Marquette, Bill of Escanaba and Pete ( Brenda) of Marquette and two sisters, Sherry (David) Anderson and Tracey (Bob) Lewis, both of Marquette. Also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son Mikel and his father Ora.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. (EST) Thursday, January 18 at the Wandersee Funeral Home in Bruce Crossing. Military Rites will be accorded by the Henry A. Holappa VFW Post in Bruce Crossing. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. (EST) until the service.
Delia E. McMullen
NEWBERRY -- Former Newberry resident, Delia E. McMullen, 91, of Petosky, died Wednesday morning January 17, 2001 at the Bortz Health Care Center in Petosky.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 20, 2001 at 11:00 am at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Newberry with Fr. George Maki officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, January 20th from 10:00 am until time of services.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
George W. Bergerson
BARAGA -- George W. Bergerson, 77, of Baraga, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2001, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing unit. Mr. Bergerson had been in ill health for some time. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse.
John H. Matthews
NEGAUNEE -- John H. Matthews, age 91, of 41 Midway Drive, Negaunee Township, died at 4:45 AM on Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at Eastwood Nursing Center where he had been a patient since December 1999.
Mr. Matthews was born June 13, 1909 in Humboldt to Joseph & Johanna (Hendrickson) Matthews, was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1927, and was a lifelong resident. He work as a carpenter and shift foreman for CCI at various company properties for 44 years, retiring in 1971. He was a life member of the Negaunee Eagles Club. His hobbies included fishing and raising 'fancy chickens' which won him many awards at county and state fairs.
Surviving are his wife Viola L (Jokinen), 2 sons; John J. Matthews, Negaunee Township, Robert L. (Judy) Matthews, Stillwater, MN, 1 brother, Paul (Mary) Matthews, Negaunee, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 2 sons; William H. & Francis E. Matthews, 2 sisters; Emmaline & Helen and one brother, Joseph.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Harmon, pastor of Mitchell United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 5-7 PM on Friday.
Edward John Toyra
MANISTIQUE -- Edward John Toyra, age 92, of 400 Intake Park Road, Manistique, was call unexpectedly to eternal rest on January 17, 2001.
He was born October 18, 1908, in Calumet, MI, the son of the late Jack and Hilma (Huttula) Toyra. His father moved the family to Detroit when Ed was 8 years old. Ed attended Southeastern High School where he was a member of the national postal match championship school rifle team.
On September 1, 1928, he married Mary Barnes in Bowling Green, Ohio. They were married for 69 years. She preceded him in death on December 16, 1997. Ed was employed as a meat manager for the A&P Store & Schuster's Market for several years. For the war effort he was employed as a machinist for the Manistique Tool and Die during WWII. Following the war, he was a sales representative for Haviland Products and then subsequently employed at Manistique Papers where he retired in 1973.
He was a member of the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and was a third degree life member of the Knights of Columbus. Ed lived a full and good life. He had a keen sense of humor, was a wonderful storyteller and was an eternal optimist.
Ed was a boxing coach to the Manistique youth for over 50 years with many regional and state champions and some even boxing in college and on the USA Olympic Team. Ed was later appointed as the regional boxing and wrestling Inspector for the State of Michigan. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the out-of-doors. He was a long time Lions and Tigers fan. He touched many lives.
Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Toyra and Dolores Theut, both of Manistique, one sister, Genevieve Juntti of Marysville, Washington; four grandchildren, Patrick (Michele) Theut of Tomahawk, WI; Dore (Michael) Shepard of Utica, MI; Joseph (Denise) Theut of Mt. Clemens, MI; Edward (Kathie) Theut of Washington, MI; eight great grandchildren, Katrina, Erin, Edward, and Eric Theut of Tomahawk; Michael Shepard of Utica; Joseph and Kimberly Theut of Mt. Clemens; and Jacob Theut of Washington; in addition several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and cousins.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Henry and a sister, N. Victoria Burcar.
Visitation will be at the Messier- Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Friday, January 19, 2001, with parish liturgical prayers said at 7:00 PM and K.C. Rosary said at 8:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis de Sales Church at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2001 with Father Peter Minelli officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery at Manistique.
The Lord created Ed and now called him home.
Howard C. Amell
BROWNSBURG, INDIANA --Howard C. Amell, 77, of Brownsburg and formerly of Linton and Logansport, passed away at 1:15 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000 at Hendricks Community Hospital in Danville.
Born Sept. 22, 1923 in Gwinn, Mich., he was the son of Stephen and Florence Amell.
He was a self-employed musician, retiring in 1994. He played in several bands; was a salesman for Thompson Music Co. of Logansport; and a music volunteer for Linton schools from 1990-93 and Brownsburg and Bethesda Schools from 1993 - 94. He was a member of the Bethesda Baptist Church of Brownsburg. He was a veteran of World War II in the Army.
Survivors include, his wife, Lois Amell of Brownsburg; three daughters, Mary Sullivan of Indianapolis, Sheila Amell of Chicago, Ill., and Laura Fischer of Linton; two step sons, Gary Gaunnac of Brownsburg and Michael Gaunnac of Fishers; two sisters, Doreen Brown of Ishpeming, Mich. and Nancy Ostlund of Liverpool, NY; a sister-in-law Thelma Bjourne; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents Steven and Florence Amell; a sister Jeanne Fernea; his first wife Hazel Heikkala Amell.
Funeral Services were held Dec. 31 in Brownsburg, Indiana.
Irene M. Contway
MARQUETTE -- Irene M. Contway, of 1218 N. Second Street, Marquette, died Tuesday afternoon at Marquette General Hospital.
Miss Contway was born in Marquette to the late Harold and Patricia (McGann) Contway and had been a lifelong Marquette resident. Irene was a graduate of Bishop Baraga High School and later worked as a bookkeeper for many years for the former Guelff Printing Company, retiring as a part owner.
She was a member of St. Michael Church as well as its altar society. In her free time, Irene enjoyed bowling and bingo.
Survivors include two sisters, Marie Lowe of East Lansing and Helen Hlavacek of Greenfield, WI; one niece, Nancy (Jeff) Daase of Ixonia, WI; four nephews, Rodney Hlavacek of Missoula, MT, Richard (Laura) Hlavacek of Muskego, WI, Scott Lowe of Traverse City and Stuart (Shelley) Lowe of Okemos; also surviving are eight great nieces and nephews and many godchildren who cherished her.
A memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the St. Michael Church Memorial Fund, 401 W. Kaye Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale- Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Albert L. "Abby" Christensen
MARQUETTE -- Albert L. "Abby" Christensen, 77, of 1062 S. Lake Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Thursday morning, January 18, 2001 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born June 10, 1923 in Naubinway, a son of the late Lawrence and Christina (Vincent) Christensen, and was raised in Naubinway. His family had been engaged in commercial fishing in the Naubinway area for many years, and Abby moved to Marquette with his family, settling on South Lake Street, in the 1930's. He was a 1941 graduate of the Bishop Baraga High School. Abby served in the U.S. Army with Company C of the 84th Engineers during World War II, being involved in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in Detroit for a time before returning to Marquette where he enrolled at Northern Michigan University. As an older student, he chose to pursue a teaching career, receiving his Masters Degree in Education from NMU in the early 1960's. Over the years, Abby taught in the Trenary and L'Anse school systems, retiring in 1985 after a 20 year teaching career. He was a devoted brother and beloved uncle who always was interested and involved in the lives of his many nieces and nephews. He was a member of Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion and the Michigan Retired Teachers Association. His hobbies and interests included working crossword puzzles, playing Lotto, going to the casino, and assisting with BINGO both at St. Peter Cathedral, for the American Legion, and the Norlite Nursing Center.
Survivors include: his sister, Lorraine Baker of Naubinway; his sisters-in-law, Ruth Christensen, Blanche Christensen, Elsie Christensen, and Clara Christensen all of Marquette; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, Abby was preceded in death by three sisters, Lenore Christensen, Treasa Lancour, and Mary "Mame" Christensen who died December 25, 2000; seven brothers, Patrick, Arthur, Carl, John, Julius, Henry, and Lawrence "Red" Christensen; and two brothers-in-law, Forrest Baker and Ernest Lancour.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Sunday from 3 to 5 P.M. and at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Monday beginning at 10 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning, January 22, at 11 A.M. in St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey with Rev. Guy Thoren, pastor, as celebrant. Abby's nephews and great-nephews, Chris and Jon Zinski, Dan Dulany, Scott Goodreau, Ken Williams, and Brock, Gary, and Bill Christensen, will serve as his escorts. Spring burial, with American Legion honors, will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion, 700 W. Bluff St., Marquette, MI 49855 or the Activity Fund of the Norlite Nursing Center, 701 Homestead, Marquette, MI 49855.
