Robert J. Selkey
BARAGA -- Robert J. Selkey, 81, of Baraga, passed away at his home Saturday, September 1, 2001. Bob was born in Utica, MI on February 22, 1920, a son of the late Anthony and Agnes (Anderson) Selkey. He attended Utica schools and moved to Baraga. He entered the service during WWII and served in the U.S. Army until his discharge in 1943. On June 20, 1942, he married the former Gladys Anderson in Pelkie, MI. She preceded him in death on May 30, 1993. Mr. Selkey worked for CCI at the Tilden Mine, then was employed at Baraga Manufacturing Company. In 1959, Bob founded the Selkey Manufacturing Company in Baraga, producing metal fabricating parts. He remained active in the business until 1976 when his family assumed management. Bob was a founding and charter member of the L'Anse Golf Club, a member of the American Legion Baraga Post 444 and a disabled American Veteran. He helped form and was a former member of the Ottawa Sportsmen's Club and had been honored as the king of the Baraga Lumberjack Days Parade. He loved hunting, fishing, golf, snowmobiling, traveling, animals and farming. His homegrown sweet corn continues to be a local favorite. Bob's generosity to the community took many forms and included his support of the March of Dimes and interest in the youth of the area.
Bob is survived by sons John "Butch" Selkey, Anthony "Tony" (Kathleen) Selkey, adopted son John "Tinker" Anderson; daughters Melanie Elizabeth Selkey and Bethany (John) Preston, all of Baraga; grandchildren Sheryl (Ed) Janisse and T.J. Selkey, both of Baraga; great grandson Robert Janisse; step-grandchildren Michael, Tim, Debbie, Kristine and Kenneth; step-great grandchild McKenna; a sister Lorraine (William) Huber of Lower Michigan; and several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by 2 grandsons, 2 brothers and a sister.
Funeral services for Mr. Selkey will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, September 5, 2001 from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Rev. Carter Preston officiating. Interment will take place in the Baraga Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel from 6 until 8:00pm on Tuesday. The Baraga County area veterans under the direction of the American Legion Baraga Post 444 will acord military honors at 7:00pm in the Chapel and at graveside on Wednesday. The family suggests memorials to the Robert and Gladys Selkey Youth Endowment, a part of the Baraga County Community Foundation. Envelopes for this purpose will be available at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse, who assisted the family with service arrangements.
Eva Violet "Toots" Gauthier
MARQUETTE -- Eva Violet "Toots" Gauthier, 92, of 670 Cedar Street, Ishpeming, and former Marquette resident, entered eternal life early Monday morning, September 3, 2001, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming, where she had resided for the past two years. "Toots", the nickname given her by her father, was born February 3, 1909 in Big Bay, a daughter of the late Alfred and Adeline (Beerman) Feltner and was raised in Big Bay. She resided in Big Bay and Marquette most of her childhood and adult life. On February 13, 1925 she married James Jordon Gauthier and the couple began to establish their home and raise a family that would eventually include numerous descendants. For a time she resided in Milwaukee, WI while her husband was being treated for cancer, and in 1994 she moved to Milwaukee, WI to reside with her son, Lyle Gauthier. In 1996 she returned to Ishpeming to live with her grandson and his wife, Joe and Sandy Hebert.
Throughout her life, Toots worked at a variety of jobs, doing factory work, working in restaurants, and doing housekeeping. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and was an avid BINGO participant. A loving mother, devoted grandmother to 113 grandchildren, sister, and head of six generations, she is survived by: her daughter, Joyce (Leo) Hebert of Little Chute, WI; son, Lyle Gauthier of Friendship, WI; 13 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 59 great great grandchildren; 4 great great great grandchildren; three sisters, Cleo Krivi of Calumet, Martha Kalisch and June Hebert both of Marquette; a brother, James (Lenore) Feltner of Marquette; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who came to know and love her.
Toots now joins her family in Heaven, her parents; husband, James Jordon Gauthier; daughter-in-law, Juanita Gauthier; grandson, Blaine Thomas Hebert; granddaughter, Jane Marie Gauthier; sisters, Cora Barger and Marge DePetro; and brothers, Robert, Oliver, and Alfred Feltner. Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon in St. Michael Catholic Church with Rev. Lawrence Gauthier, as celebrant. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Escorts will be grandsons, Leo, Lyle, and Joe Hebert, Gordon, Darrell, and Mitchell Gauthier. Eva's granddaughters will serve as her honorary escorts. The family wishes to thank all the employees of the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the compassionate care and love they bestowed on Toots while she was a resident there. Love, the Family of Toots Gauthier.
THIS IS JUST A RESTING PLACE
Sometimes the road of life seems long as we travel through the years, with a broken heart and eyes brimmed full of tears.
We falter in our weariness and sink beside the way, but God leans down and whispers, "Child, there'll be another day."
And the road will grow much smoother and much easier to face, so do not be disheartened, this is just a resting place.
-by daughter, Joyce Hebert
Glenn Williams
NEWBERRY -- Glenn Williams, 92 of Newberry, died Sunday morning September 2, 2001 at the Luce County Annex in Newberry. At request, cremation services will take place with a graveside inurnment service to be held at a later date at the Prairieville Cemetery in Barry County. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Melva Roselin Tuch
CROSSVILLE, TN -- Melva Roselin Tuch, age 55, of Crossville, Tennesee died September 1, 2001 in Crossville Tennesse. Melva was born February 11, 1946 in West Virginia. Funeral services will be held at First Congregational Church on Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. with Cecil McFarland officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 - 9:00 pm Tuesday at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home.
Senia A. Lidey
NEGAUNEE -- Senia A. Lidey, 93, a former owner of Wonderland Motel in Florida Location and former resident of Florida Location & Keasarge passed away Friday August 31, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Home in Negaunee, where she was a resident-patient since 1992.
The former Senia A. Kahkonen was born on July 6, 1908 in Boston Location a daughter of the late Amanda (Oikarinen) & John Kahkonen and attended the Cloverland School. She later lived in Allouez, & Big Traverse. In 1948 she moved to Florida Location where she and her husband Ernest owned & operated the Wonderland Motel from 1950 to 1967. In 1973 she moved to Keasarge and lived their until 1992 when becoming a resident patient at the Eastwood Nursing Home in Negaunee. She also was employed at the Calumet Public Hospital as a Practical Nurse for several years.
On June 1, 1929 she married Ernest Lidey in Highland Park, Mich., & he passed away on Feb. 23, 1996. She was a member of the National Lutheran Church of Calumet. She was also preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, Nelma, Ida & Edna & a brother Reino. Surviving are: A daughter, Shirley (Herbert) Teddy of Ishpeming, 4 grandchildren, Mary (Bruce) Jacobson of Ishpeming, Jean (Ray) Jandron of Ishpeming, Rodd Teddy of Ishpeming, David (Sue) Teddy of Green Bay, Wisc., 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, a sister, Lillian (Eino) Ahonen of Laurium, several nieces, nephews & cousins.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday Sept. 5, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. in the Erickson Crowley Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Quandt to officiate. Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet. Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Funeral Home on Wednesday from 11 AM until time of services at 1 PM.
Signe Remillard Thornton
MARQUETTE -- Signe Remillard Thornton, 88, formerly of 222 S. Fifth Street, Marquette, died Sunday, September 2, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee where she had resided since March of this year.
Mrs. Thornton was born on June 9, 1913 in South Range, Michigan to the late Charles and Ida (Paso) Hietala. She attended South Range area schools and had resided in Marquette since 1928. Mrs. Thornton lived at Snowberry Heights in Marquette for 21 years and was one of its very first residents.
Signe was a licensed cosmetologist and previously owned and operated Remillard's Beauty shop on Preque Isle Avenue in Marquette. She enjoyed gardening and won several awards for her flowers. She also loved to go shopping with her daughters. More than anything else, Signe was very proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved spending time with them.
Survivors include two daughters, Dona (Bern) Pelto of Marquette and Terry (Robert) Davis of Palm, Beach Gardens, FL; one sister, Rose Potocki of Buena Park. CA; also four grandchildren, Steve (Wendy) Pelto and Brian Pelto, both, of Marquette, Tim Davis of Jacksonville, NC and Kelli (Corey) Park of Pembroke Pines, FL; three great grandchildren, Courtney and Meredith Pelto, both of Marquette and Hailey Park of Pembroke Pines, FL; also surviving are five nieces and one nephew. Preceding her in death besides her parents was her first husband, Alphonse Remillard In 1954, her second husband, Peter Thornton in 1973; also two grandchildren, Tammi and Cory Davis.
Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Wednesday from noon until the time of a memorial service scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Msgr. Louis C. Cappo officiating. Inurnment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider a charity of the donor's choice.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
A. Arthur. Arthur Salminen
ST. JOHNS -- A. Arthur "Art" Salminen died September 3, 2001 at the age of 71. He was born in Humbolt, MI on January 12, 1930, the son of Gust and Maria (Arola) Salminen. He retired from the State of Michigan -Department of Civil Service. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Betty Gee Salminen whom he married on March 5, 1955. Also surviving are four sons, Joe (Judy) Salminen of Grand Ledge, Michael (Gina) Salminen of
Ypsilanti, Rev. Jon (Linda) Salminen of Pearland, Texas, and Rev. Bryan (Casey) Salminen of St. Louis, MO, six grandchildren, Sean, Bethany, Daniel, Lauren, David, and Michael, numerous nieces/nephews and many
friends. Art was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Gertrude Salminen, and four brothers, George, Lawrence, Charles, and Gust Salminen. Funeral services will by 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 6, 2001 at St. Johns Lutheran Church with Rev. George Brinley officiating.
The family will receive friends 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to U of M Cancer Research.
Dale Schroeder
GWINN, Ml -- Dale Schroeder, 81, of P.O. Box 202 Gwinn, Ml 49841, departed on his journey to Heaven September 2, 2001. Dale was formerly of Dearborn, Ml.
Dale is survived by his wife of 54 years Florence Schroeder; daughter Maryann Schroeder; daughter Carolann (Eric) Wischman of Georgia; grand-daughters Carolyn, Lisa, and Ericka; great-grandsons Donald Anthony, Brandon, lan and Joseph; sister Rose Neal of
Adrian, Ml and brother Henry (Iris) Schroeder, Jr. of Lyons, OH. Dale's journey is preceded by a son, Donald Schroeder; his sister Doris Cooper; and parents Henry and Zelah Schroeder.
Dale and his family received the loving care of Lake Superior Hospice with special consideration by Linda, Pat, David, Michelle, Jamie and Robin.
The family will hold a private memorial service at Northland Chapel Gardens in Marquette, Ml September 7, 2001.
Juanita P. "Neat" Beck
LIMESTONE -- Juanita P. "Neat" Beck, age 89 of N3212 M-67, Limestone died on Tuesday, Septmber 4, 2001 at 2:05 a.m. at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising. She was born on January 23, 1912 in Mio, Michigan to the late Benjamin and Alta (Furney) Tubbs. Neat was a lifelong resident of Limestone. She is survived by her children - Henry Beck of Baldwin, George (Sharon) Beck of Muskegon, Bonnie Koch of Limestone, Ben (Sally) Beck of Allegan, Arbutus (Dan) Miller of Fenwick, Gilbert Raymond Beck - address unknown, and Florence Marie Beck - address unknown, and also by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Pastor Ted Jolls will conduct graveside services at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham, Michigan on Friday, September 7, 2001 at 2:00 p.m.
Leo S. Sapila
LANSING - Leo S. Sapila, age 70, died peacefully August 27, 2001 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born March 12, 1931 in Ishpeming, Mr. Sapila was a 1948 graduate of Ishpeming High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. He served in the Korean Conflict with the United States Army and was a member of Morley S. Oates V.F.W. #701. He retired in 1991 from the State of Michigan, Secretary of State as a service auditor after 31 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edla and Samuel; 2 sisters, Helvi and Gertrude; 3 brothers, Bill, Ray and Marty. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Shirley (Moses) Sapila; 3 sons, Mark Sapila, Bill (Marilyn) Sapila and David Sapila; sister, Rachael Ostlund of Ishpeming; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet, Puggy.
Services were held Friday, August 31 at Delta Hillside Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by the V.F.W. #701. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements were made by the Tiffany Funeral Home.
Marvin F. Smith
NEWERRY -- Marvin F. Smith, 53, of Newberry, died Monday September 3, 2001 at his residence. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 7, 2001 at 10:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Fr. Paul Karottekunnel officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday September 6th from 5-7 pm.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Norman R. Vial
ISHPEMING -- Norman R. Vial, age 54, of 673 W. Division St., Ishpeming, entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 4, 2001 at his home in Ishpeming.
Norman was born July 21, 1947 in Ishpeming the son of Raymond and Irene (Johnson) Vial. He was a life long Ishpeming resident, working for the C.C.I. Co. for 34 years, retiring August 1, 2001 from the Empire Mine.
He is survived by a daughter Tina Vial of Wausau, WI; a son Michael Vial of Ishpeming; his parents Raymond and Irene Vial of Ishpeming; grandchildren Justin Hemstock and Alina LaMere both of Wausau, WI; his former wife Bonnie Vial of Ishpeming; a special friend Peggy Gonzales of Ishpeming; a brother David (Connie) Vial of Ishpeming; a sister Diane (Mike) Mingori of Negaunee along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, August 6, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Chappel to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 11:00am until the time of services on Thursday.
Pallbearers will be Michael and David Vial, Bill Pawnee, Lee Gauzzetti and Jeff Gray.
A luncheon will be served at the Good News Assembly of God Church on US 41 in Ishpeming following the service.
Ruth Kolhek
LITTLE LAKE -- Ruth Kolhek, 80, of LittIe Lake, died Monday, September 3, 2001 at her home.
She was born August 19, 1921 in Green Garden to Robert and Freda (Binder) Priebe, and had lived in this area all her life. She was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School and attended Northern Michigan University. Prior to retiring she owned and operated several area businesses including the Coachlight Restaurant for 15 years, Buck's Restaurant in Ishpeming for five years and the Quartz Mountain Inn Motel for 12 years. She also owned and managed Kolhek Properties of Marquette. Ruth was a longtime member and former church council member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She was an active member of numerous community organizations and sat on the following boards: Ishpeming and Negaunee Chamber of Commerce Boards, Mather Inn Restoration Board, Negaunee Iron Town Board, Marquette County Tourism Board, Snowmobile Trails Board, NMU Olympic Training Board, Marquette County Welfare Board, Co. E.D.C. Board, O.E.D.P.Board, the Job Force Board and the Mental Health Board. In addition she was a member of the Six County Consortium, Brieting Hotel Rest Group, Marquette BPW where she was voted Woman of the Year, Marquette County Homemakers where she served as chairwoman and a longtime member of the Marquette Federated Womens Club where she served as House Chairperson for 16 years. She was awarded the Negaunee Volunteer of the Year Award, the Marquette County Tourism Life Time Achievement Award, and was given the honor of being the Parade Marshall for the Negaunee Pioneer Days Parade.
Ruth is survived by two daughters and their spouses; Faye and Dave Holmen of Muskegon and Nola and Jack McConaha of Negaunee; four grandchildren; Noel and Tim Gorges of Aurora, IL, Brian Holmen of Muskegon and Sheri VanBrocklyn of Grand Rapids and nine great grandchildren, Christina, Matt, Mike, Cory, Dustin, Madilyn, Brandon, Christopher and Brooke. She was preceded in death by her first husband Phillip Clish, her second husband Jack Kolhek, and her son Martin Clish.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, September 7, 2001 in the Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Nancy Amacher and Rev. Tim Bernard officiating. Burial will be in the Green Garden Cemetery, with Steve Dupras, Kimmie Petersen, Stan Wittler and Richard Reader acting as pallbearers. Visitation will be at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home from 7 to 9:00 PM on Thursday and at the church after 1:00 PM on Friday.
Memorials can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.
Dylan James Croschere
MARQUETTE -- Dylan James Croschere, expected infant son of Kristy Wilt and Ken Croschere of 777 Pioneer Road #178, Marquette, was stillborn Wednesday morning, August 29, 2001, at Marquette General Hospital. In addition to his parents, Dylan James is surivived by two sisters, Amber and Cara Croschere both at home; maternal grandparents, Donna Maki of Marquette and Jay Wilt of Detroit; paternal grandparents Ken and Debbie Croschere of Marquette; paternal great- grandmother, Irene Croschere of Marquette; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Dylan James was preceded death by a sister, Cheyene Croschere in 1996; and by his paternal great- grandfather, Leslie Croschere. Graveside services will be held Friday, September 7, at 11:00 a.m. at the Northland Chapel Gardens.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.
Thomas Lee McCollum
AUTRAIN -- Thomas Lee McCollum, age 52, of E5180 Evergreen Drive, AuTrain, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 4, 2001 in the emergency room of Marquette General Hospital. He was born March 14, 1949 in Munising to the late George and Elmira (St. Martin) McCollum. Tom graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1967. He worked at Kimberly Clark before entering the U.S. Army on February 5, 1969. He served in Korea during the Vietnam War. Following the service, he worked for Limberg Construction and Rodger's Insulation. In 1977, Tom began his own company, T.M. Trucking, which hauled wood for Cleveland Cliffs and then Shelter Bay Forest. Tom married Mary Stephens on December 11, 1982. He was a past member of the Independent Trucking Association and a member of the Timber Producers. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and four-wheeling.
He is survived by his wife, Mary McCollum of AuTrain; daughter, Chelsea Marie McCollum of AuTrain; sisters, Ann (Len) Clapp of AuTrain, Judy (Bill) Rautanen of Munising and Connie (Jeff) Moore of AuTrain; brother, Mark (Kris) McCollum of AuTrain; father and mother-in-law, George and Nancy Stephens; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Patrick Stephens.
Father Dennis L. Borca will conduct a memorial service on Friday, September 7, 2001 at the Bowerman Funeral Home at 3:00pm. Visitation with Tom's family will be from 1:00pm until the time of the service.
Violet M. Hooper
NEGAUNEE -- Violet M. Hooper, age 93, died at 8:26 AM on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center where she had been a patient since 1996.
Violet was born June 21, 1908 in Negaunee to Edward & Alfreda Hooper and was an honor student at Negaunee High School, graduating in 1926. She left Negaunee at the age of 19 and lived in Detroit for 10 years and Chicago for 29 years. She was employed as a secretary for the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago and retired in 1965. Following retirement she returned to Negaunee. Ms. Hooper was a member of Mitchell United Methodist Church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the services provided at the Negaunee Public Library. She also enjoyed walking.
Surviving are 1 sister, Dorothy Lyon, Negaunee, a brother and sister-in-law Eldred & Aurelia Hooper of Negaunee, numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters; Lois H. Robbins & Myrtle H. Henderson.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at the Negaunee Cemetery. Rev. Scott Harmon, pastor of Mitchell United Methodist Church will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by the Koskey Funeral Home.
Elsie M. Kerttu
ARNHEIM -- Elsie M. Kerttu, age 91, of Arnheim, passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at Portage Health System in Hancock.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 8 at 11:00am at Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service. Rev. Ted Koehl will officiate. Burial will be in the Pelkie Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.
