Gerald J. LaForest
NEGAUNEE -- Gerald J. LaForest, 71, of 104 Sterling St., died Sunday, August 5, 2001, in Sands Township of natural causes.
He was born in Negaunee on November 18, 1929 to the late Wilfred and Exilda (LaJoie) LaForest. Gerald was a graduate of St. Paul High School. He worked in construction, retiring in 1985, and was a member of Local 1329 of Iron Mountain.
Suriving are his wife Lois "Dolly", four sons; Gerald (Donna) LaForest, II, James (Liz) LaForest, William (Ann) LaForest and John LaForest all of Negaunee, one granddaughter; Michelle, two grandsons; Jesse and Jason, and four sisters; Priscilla, Joyce, Viola, and Marge.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; LeRoy and Willard, and one sister; Mildred.
The family will have a private memorial service. The Perala Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Rilla Christian Larson
ESCANABA -- Rilla Christian Larson, 96, of 2801 3rd Ave. South Escanaba died on Sunday evening August 5, 2001 at the Christian Park Village following a brief illness. She had been a residen of the village for a short time.
Rilla was born November 14, 1904 in Ishpeming, MI, the youngest daughter of John Quale and Martha (Vicary) Christian. She graduated from high school in 1921 at the age of 16 and graduated from Northern Michigan Normal College in Marquette, MI in 1923 with a Lifetime Teaching Certificate. Rilla was married to Nils H. Larson on August 3, 1935 in Iron Mountain, MI. He preceded her in death on January 13, 1973. Rilla had taught school in Stambaugh, Humbolt, and Newberry, MI and for 30 years in Escanaba at the Franklin School second grade retiring in 1970.
She loved to play bridge, knit, crochet and shop. She had a keen sence of wit and a wonderful sence of humor. Rilla loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always noticed babies when shopping and loved all babies.
She was a member of hte M.E.A.; N.E.A; N.A.C.R.A. and M.A.R.S.P. of Delta County. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.
Survivors include: 1 Son: William, 2 Daughters: Mary Bunnin and Judith (Anthony) Micheau all of Escanaba. Eleven Grandchildren Jay M. Larson of Manassas, West Virginia, Kimberly (Bruce) Olson, Terry C. Larson, Crystal (Jeff) Racine, Rhonda Bunnin, Jeffrey Bunnin, Lori Bunnin, Anthony Micheau II, Tracy Micheau, Josh Micheau. Eleven Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rilla was preceded in death by her parents; 3 sisters: Edith Sivula of Ironwood, MI, Myrtle Kirby of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Viola Rau of Kingsford, MI; Husband Nils; 1 son Nils Jay; and infant daughter, Martha Christine.
Rilla's family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 9th at the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Funeral services celebrating the life of Rilla will be held at 2:00 PM with Reverend Dr. Ken McCall officiating. A lunch will follow in the church hall.
Memorials in her name should be directed to the Rilla Larson Scholarship Fund which will be established for the Escanaba School area.
The Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home of Escanaba is assisting the family.
Russell Marvin Bartanen
MARQUETTE -- Russell Marvin Bartanen, 65, of 1809 Gray St., died Monday, August 6, 2001 at St. Michael's Hospital in Milwaukee where he had been a patient since Sunday.
He was born March 19, 1933 in Fulton, MI to Ivar and Eleanora (Siivikko) Bartanen and moved here in 1968 from Rudford Township. He served with the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. Prior to retiring in 1992, Russell worked as an installer/ repairman for Michigan Bell, now Ameritech for 35 years. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, American Legion Jopling Post 44 of Marquette and Bell Pioneers. In his free time he enjoyed hockey, fishing and hunting.
Russell is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Lucille Hiltunen; a daughter Della (Philip) Slavsky of Marquette, two sisters, Florence Piiranen of Redford Twp., MI and Della (Ken) Dushane of Belleville, MI and a granddaughter Laura Marie. He was preceded in death by his son Peter in 1981 and his brother Albert.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, August 9, 2001 in the Messiah Lutheran Church with Reverend Tim Bernard officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 AM Thursday. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.
Caryl Mercadal Fair
Washington, DC -- Caryl Mercadal Fair, of Washington, DC since 1970 died of cancer July 3, 2001. Caryls is the daughter of H. Katherine Brendle, an Ishpeming resident of 2 years, and sister of Joan Mercadal an Ishpeming resident of 20 years. She was born in Ludington, Michigan, January 2, 1945 and graduated from Ludington High School in 1963. She lived in Paris, France 1966-1970, and attended the American University in Paris 1967 & 1968. She graduated from George Washington University in Washington DC with distinction, BA in English & Human Development in June, 1972, and taught French in DC public schools, 1973-1980. Caryl also operated Svensk, a crepe eatery in Cape May, NJ for 10 years, and taught French & Spanish in Maryland Public Schools, 1991-1996. Survivors include her mother, H. Katherine Brendle, Ishpeming, sister Michele Mercadal Talbot
of Asbury, New Jersey, sister Joan Mercadal and brother, Kim Mercadal, of Ishpeming. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Albert J. Mercadal, of Clearwater, FL.
A private memorial service will be held Saturday, September 1, 2001 at 5 PM, Ishpeming City Cemetery, Deer Lake, Ishpeming and on Friday, September 21, 2001 at 7 PM Washington Ethical Society, 7750 - 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20012, 202/882-6650, with Mary Herman, officiating. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice. For more information: Call Michele Mercadal at 908/689-1563.
William P. Cleven
ISHPEMING -- William P. Cleven, age 87, formerly of 903 N. Main St. Ishpeming passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2001 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility where he had been a resident since this past October.
A graveside inurnment service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 10, 2001 in the Ishpeming Cemetery with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge arrangements.
Willis A. "Ki" Kemp
NEGAUNEE -- Willis A. "Ki" Kemp, age 93, of 659 Mitchell Ave., Negaunee, died at 9:00pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 at the Mather Nursing Center where he had been a patient for 4 days.
"Ki" was born July 5, 1908 in Ishpeming to Provis and Harriet (Richards) Kemp, was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1927 and was a lifelong area resident. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during WWII serving with the Medical Corp. He owned and operated Ki's Bar in Negaunee for 42 years. It was here that he hosted neighbors, visitors and family at the unofficial town meeting place. Following the sale of the tavern to the Barr family, he continued to tend bar for over 20 years, retiring in 1999.
Mr. Kemp was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Negaunee. He was a member of the American Legion and was a familiar participant in community events when he was in business. Ki was an avid Green Bay Packer and Negaunee Miner fan. He was recently honored by the Negaunee Booster Club for his many years of loyal backing of the Negaunee High School football and basketball programs.
Surviving are his wife, Mary M. (Juidici) whom he married on August 12, 1939; 2 sons, Bruce Kemp of Ishpeming and Gary (Kathy) Kemp of Ada, MI; 7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 1 brother, Clarence Kemp of Ishpeming; 1 sister, Harriet Guizzetti of Chicago, IL; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Rhodes and a grandson, Bruce A. Kemp.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on Friday at the Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. Virginia Peacock, Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 12:00 noon until the time of services at 1:30pm on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Negaunee High School Booster Club in Ki's memory.
Adam "Albert" Weldum
ROCK -- Adam "Albert" Weldum, formerly of 4379 Trombly 35th Road, Rock, died August 8, 2001 at the Marquette Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.
Albert was born April 7, 1908 near Gleason, WI. He was the son of the late Christ and Eva (Jeskewitz) Weldum. On May 2, 1934 he married Selma Sarring and they moved to the Rock area. Adam worked cutting timber and owned his own sawmill. He enjoyed farming and in later years woodworking. He was a former member of the Rock Sportsman Club, the Rock Senior Citizens Center and since 1943 a Charter Member of the Rock Lions Club. He and his wife served as the Lions Club Grand Marshal in the 2000 Rock Labor Day Parade.
Adam is survived by his wife, Selma Weldum who resides in the Marquette Medical Care Facility, 2 sons; Ronald Paul (Janet) Weldum of Stockton, CA and Theodore Albert (Mary) Weldum of Negaunee, MI, 1 daughter, Nancy Weldum of Phoenix, AZ, 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters; Ann (Al) Will of Merrill, WI and Ameilia Grauden of Owen, WI, 2 nephews, and 1 niece.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson Larry Weldum.
There will be a memorial service for Adam later this month. Skradski Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Herbert Nordeen
LANSING- Herbert Nordeen, age 79, of Lansing, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2001. He was born December 10, 1921 in Gwinn, MI, the son of the late Peter and Anna (Sundberg) Nordeen. Mr. Nordeen served his country proudly in Europe during WWII with the U.S. Army. He returned to the U.S. where he worked and retired from Oldsmobile (B.O.C.) as a Millwright after 40 years of service. He was a member of U.A.W. Local #652. Mr. Nordeen was also a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and was an avid bowler and enjoyed the outdoors and carpentry. He was preceded in death by his son, Gerald Scott. Surviving are his beloved wife of 51 years, Jeanne; 7 children, Eric, Paul (Joyce), Larry (Leah), Lisa (Lobo) Nelson, Mary Margaret Nordeen-Huff, Donald (Linda) and Carol (Patrick) Bolander; 3 grandchildren, Jordan Nordeen, Richard Huff and Kyle Bolander; sister Elizabeth (Floyd) Erickson. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 11:00am at Immaculate Heart of Mary with Rev. Fr. John Byers as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8, where a scripture service will be held Sunday evening at 6:00pm. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Habitat for Humanity or Sparrow Home Hospice in memory of Herbert Nordeen.
Glenn W. Manning
MARQUETTE -- Glenn W. Manning, 71, of 1727 Longyear Avenue, Marquette, entered eternal life Thursday afternoon, August 9, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He had been hospitalized since Monday.
Glenn was born December 5, 1929 in Munising, a son of Malcolm and Lucille (Dugas) Manning, and had been a Marquette resident since the age of 16. He was employed as a brakeman with the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad for 35 years, retiring in 1987.
Survivors include: his wife of 51 years, Mary A. (Belmore) Manning; five daughters; his mother; two brothers; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.
At Glenn's request, no visitation or public services will be scheduled.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.
J. Berlyene Miller
NEGAUNEE -- J. Berlyene Miller, age 72, of 223 E. Main St., Negaunee, died Wednesday, August 8, 2001 at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor. Ms. Miller had been hospitalized since being overcome by smoke in a fire at her home on June 24.
Berlyene was born April 27, 1929 in Oklahoma, was raised and attended school in Norman, OK. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from East Central State College in Ada, OK in 1949. She began her teaching career in Dalkart, Texas in 1949. She joined the faculty of the Negaunee Public Schools in September 1954 teaching English and Speech. During her tenure at Negaunee High School Berlyene headed the drama department and directed many memorable plays and productions. She coached the debate and forensic teams, many of them winning championships. She served for many years as the student council advisor. She retired from NHS in January, 1986.
Berlyene served various education associations with vigor and dedication for many years. She was a member of the Negaunee Education Association, served as the local president, the negotiations chairperson, was the MEA and NEA RA delegate, was a member of the MEA and was the SNAP Bargainer, was a member of the NEA and was the Region President, had served as the Upper Peninsula Education Association President, was a member of the MEA-Retired and served as the statewide Treasurer, Vice-President and Board Member. She was instrumental in the formation of the Marquette-Alger MEA-Retired Chapter.
She was active in community events, often organizing and putting on pageants, programs, and other events during local celebrations. She was always willing to help her former students prepare for a speech or presentation. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, canning and preserving and gourmet cooking. She especially loved her dog, Bingo.
Berlyene leaves many friends, fellow teachers, administrators and students who dearly loved her and will miss her.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00pm on Monday at the Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. Rudolph Kemppainen officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 3-5pm prior to the service on Monday. Memorials may be directed to the Berlyene Miller Scholarship Fund to be established at Negaunee High School.
Marilyn P. Gelmi
MANISTIQUE - Marilyn P. Gelmi, age 70, formerly of Indian Lake, Manistique, Michigan, died August 8, 2001 at her residence at Northwoods Assisted Living in Escanaba, Michigan. She was born October 29, 1930 in Ishpeming, Michigan the daughter of the late Theodore J. and Leona Nault and was a graduate of Ishpeming High School. On December 26, 1953, the former Marilyn P. Nault married Mario L. Gelmi in Ishpeming, MI. They lived in Ishpeming and in Crystal Falls for several years and moved to the Manistique area 15 years ago. Mario preceded her in death on February 15, 2001.
Marilyn was employed at the Marquette Branch State Prison and later as the office manager at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Office in Crystal Falls. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church and St. Anne's Altar Society of Manistique and the Indian Lake Golf and Country Club. She was very devoted to her church and enjoyed flowers and handicrafts. She was also an accomplished seamstress.
Survivors include: her daughter, Susan (Ralph) Bjorne of Manistique; her son, Robert (Debbie) Gelmi of Eden, Wisconsin; 4 grandchildren, Andrew Bjorne, Dean Bjorne, Tara Bjorne and Michelle Blattner; her brother, Theodore Nault of Ishpeming; her sister, Ann Gaboury of Ishpeming; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son Michael Gelmi and a grandson Nicholas Bjorne.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, August 16, 2001 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique with Father Peter Minelli officiating. Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Francis de Sales Education Foundation.
Arrangements were handled by the Messier-Broullire Funeral Home of Manistique.
Einar Roos
GWINN -- Einar Roos, 71, of Gwinn, passed away Thursday night, August 9, 2001.
Born May 20, 1930 in Gwinn, a son of the late Eli and Mary (Maki) Roos, he was a lifelong Gwinn resident. Einar was a U.S. Army veteran. He worked for C.C.I. prior to being employed by Forsyth Township and had been retired for several years. Einar enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Surviving him are two brothers, Eino Roos of Wyandotte and Jalmer (Gladys) Roos of Gwinn; two sisters, Vivian (Harold) North of Shingleton and Hazel (Wayne) Roy of Gwinn; a sister-in-law, Elaine Roos; a special sister-in-law, Ellen Roos; and several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be conducted at the family's convenience. Memorials may be made to the Forsyth Senior Center.
The Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Kay F. 'Tyke' Nelson
GWINN -- Kay F. 'Tyke' Nelson, 51, 158 Pine St., Gwinn, died at 6:35pm on Friday, August 10, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital with her family at her side, following a lengthy illness.
Kay was born November 30, 1949 in Princeton to Francis Corkin and Esther (Syrjala), grew up in Midway Location and attended Negaunee High School. She was a lifelong area resident. She worked as a waitress at several Gwinn restaurants, at Shop-Ko and most recently as a noon hour supervisor for the Gwinn Area Public Schools.
Mrs. Nelson was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and was a former member of the Gwinn VFW Auxiliary. She loved to play bingo and cards.
Surviving are her husband of 31 years, Fred O. Nelson; a son Terry (Peggy) Corkin, Gwinn; a daughter Amy Nelson, Gwinn; 2 step-sons, Chip (Vicki) Nelson, Gwinn and Mike (Regina) Nelson, Suomi Location; 5 grandchildren, Craig, Bobby and Sarah Nelson, Callie and Travis Corkin; 4 brothers, Jerry (Marian) Johnson, Baraboo, WI, Duane (Grace) Wendt, Baltimore, MD, Lee (Peggy) Johnson, in Tennessee, Melvin Wendt, Gwinn; 6 sisters, Dolores (William) Kangas, Suomi Location, Lynn (Tom) Kramer, Anchorage, AK, Rosalie (Richard) Renfors, Negaunee, Edel (Leif) Strand, Anchorage, AK, Carol (Bill) Thomas, Anchorage, AK, Karen Anne Campbell, Fort Mitchell, KY; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm on Monday at Grace Lutheran Church, Gwinn. Pastor Nancy Kauppi will officiate and burial will be in the Gwinn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bill and Mike Kangas, Ron Ebner, Craig Nelson, Fred Khollman, Louie Deldin, Jack Ghiardi and Jim Filizetti. Friends may call at the Grace Lutheran Church from 11:00am until the time of services at 1:30pm on Monday.
The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Orissa K. Anderson
ISHPEMING -- Orissa K. Anderson, age 86, died June 3, 2001 in lower Michigan where she has resided for the past 10 years. She was born March 1, 1915 in Ishpeming and was a longtime Ishpeming resident.
An inurnment graveside service will be held 11:00am Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at the Keese Family Plot in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Russell James "Bud" Knight
HARVEY -- Russell James "Bud" Knight, 76, of 201 Cherry Creek Village, Harvey, entered eternal life Friday evening, August 10, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital Inpatient Acute Care Unit under the care of UP Home Health and Hospice. He had been a patient for only a few hours and had been in ill health for the past month.
Bud was born on April 21, 1925 in Detroit, a son of the late Russell James and Bertha A. (Kokko) Knight, Sr., and was raised in Detroit, spending many summers in the Pelkie area. Following graduation from high school, he entered the military, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon being honorably discharged, he entered into the bricklayers apprenticeship program, working as a bricklayer for many years until his retirement in 1983. On May 15, 1959 he married Mary Lou Major in Oakland, and the couple moved to the Baraga area where Bud was involved in construction projects over the years at the Baraga County Hospital, Michigan Tech, and Northern Michigan University. In 1973, Bud and his family moved to Big Bay where they resided for 25 years. He had been a Harvey area resident for the past three years. Bud was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and being near Lake Superior.
Survivors include: his daughter, Pam (Pat) Walsh of Palmer; a son, Nicholas (Deanna) Knight of Carpentersville, IL; ten grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Knight in 1997; a sister, Joyce Olson; and brother, Lowell "Pat" Knight.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Monday, August 13, beginning at 5:00pm. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 7:00pm Monday evening in the funeral home with Rev. Paul Olson, UP Home Health and Hospice chaplain, officiating. Inurnment will be made in the Powell Township Cemetery in Big Bay.
