Herbert Campbell Remien
Grand Rapids -- Herbert Campbell Remien, 72, of Grand Rapids, Michigan died on Saturday, September 1, 2001 at the Home of Hope Hospice Center in Grand Rapids following a four month illness. He is loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.
Herb was born on May 11, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, son of the late Herbert Claude and Genevieve (Campbell) Remien. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Then, after serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to the Grand Rapids area where he and his brother were General Agents for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company for over thirty-five years. After his retirement, he and his wife of fifty years delighted in traveling the world extensively. Herb had an exuberant spirit and a great zest for life. He was a passionate fly fisherman and bird hunter and a long-time member of the Kinne Creek Association. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in East Grand Rapids. Herb loved visiting his children and grandchildren in Lewistown, Montana and Ishpeming, Michigan.
Herb is survived by his wife, Mary Zoe (Hadley) Remien of Grand Rapids; father-in-law, Harold Hadley of Grand Rapids; son, Herbert "Cam" (Helen Haskell) Remien of Ishpeming; daughter, Sally (Randy) Matchett of Lewistown, Montana; four grandchildren, Peter and Christopher Remien of Ishpeming and Sam and Maggie Matchett of Lewistown; brother, William (Barbara) Remien; sister Mary (Larry) Mulvihill. He also is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Hadley Remien, in 1976, and by a long line of bird dogs.
A family memorial service was held at Grace Episcopal Church in East Grand Rapids on Saturday, September 8, 2001. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Home of Hope Hospice Center in Grand Rapids, or to a charity of your choice.
James M. "Jitney" Narovich
BIG BAY -- James M. "Jitney" Narovich, 69, of 4164 County Road KA, Big Bay, entered eternal life Monday afternoon, September 10, 2001, at his home. He had been in ill health since last October.
Jitney was born February 25, 1932 in Big Bay, a son of the late Maron E. and Tressie (Bristol) Narovich, and was raised in Big Bay. He worked in the woods for many years before entering the construction industry where
he worked as a heavy equipment operator through Operating Engineers Local #324. In the early 1960's he moved to Lower Michigan where he later owned and operated the first car crusher in Michigan. In 1972 he
moved back to Big Bay where he owned and operated the Half Way Bar. Jitney sold the bar in 1976 and established Narovich's Auto Salvage and was active in that business up until his illness. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially spending time with his grandchildren at his camp.
A loving father, proud grandfather, brother, and friend, he is survived by: his daughter, Debra S. (James Taylor) Narovich of Big Bay; son, James M. (Kari Eherenfeldt) Narovich, stationed with the US Navy in Sedro Wooley,
WA; his grandchildren, Samantha Narovich, Rebbekka Taylor, Tabytha Narovich, James Narovich Jr, and Charles Narovich; a sister, Olga "Dolly" Narovich of Zeeland; two brothers, Mike "Tonny" (Joyce) Narovich of
Manton and Edward Narovich of Alma; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Bob, Jack, and Mary Lou. In addition to his parents, Jitney was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Trepanier and Mary Jane Ward.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held Friday morning, September 14, at 11:00 a.m. at the Powell Township Cemetery in Big Bay with Darryl Small officiating. Jitney's family will serve as his escorts.
Joseph E. Kelley
MARQUETTE -- Joseph E. Kelley, 46, of Marquette, died early Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital after a short illness.
Mr. Kelley was born December 28, 1954 in Marquette and had been a lifelong area resident. He was a 1973 graduate of Marquette Senior High School and was formerly employed at both the Vollwerth Meat Company and Reinhart Foods in Marquette. Joe was an avid Detroit Red Wings, Lions Football and Tiger Baseball fan.
Survivors include his mother, Mary (Aird) Beauchamp; two brothers, James Kelley, Sr. and John Kelley; one sister, Kathy (Brian) Johnson all of Marquette; also nieces and nephews, Jeffrey, James, Jr. and Jenni Kelley, Michael Kelley, Daniel, Jeffrey and Jeremy Johnson, all of Marquette. His father, James W. Kelley and a brother, Jeff Kelley, preceded Joe in death.
Friends may call at the Canale- Tonella Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. where funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Kelley, James Kelley, Jr, Jenni Kelley, Michael Kelley, Brian Johnson and Michael Cain.
Mary Houseman
NEGAUNEE -- Mary Houseman, age 90, formerly of 98 Croix St., Negaunee died at 6:40 PM on Monday, Sept. 10, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center where she had been a patient since January of 1998.
Mary was born Feb. 16, 1911 in Ishpeming to Leonard & Mrytle (Ongie) Pellow, was a life long area resident, and was a homemaker. He was a former member of the Negaunee Eagles Auxiliary and the Negaunee Cribbage League.
Suriving are many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William Houseman in 1970, a sister Dorothy Melka iin 1988, 2 brothers; Leonard Pellow in 1993 and William Pellow in 1998.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday at the Koskey Funeral Home. Rev. David Echelbarger, pastor Immanuel Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 12:00 noon until the time of services at 1:00 PM on Thursday.
Bertha L. Soyring
GWINN -- Bertha L. Soyring, 77, of 216 Pine St., Gwinn, died at 2:15pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 under the loving care of her family and the compassionate staff at the Eastwood Nursing Center where she had resided since Feb. 8, 2001.
Bertha was born January 25, 1924 in Austin Location to Andrew and Jennie (Hill) Keskimaki. She married Edward Soyring on December 24, 1940. She was a graduate of the Gwinn Community School Adult Education Program in 1969 and with daughter Jennie, they became the first Mother/ Daughter graduates of a Gwinn High School graduating class. After graduation, she worked as a recruiter for the Community Schools Program helping other adults better themselves by her example. She retired in 1986. Her hobbies included handwork of all kinds and she was an avid bird watcher. She was a remarkably strong person and raised her family alone after her husband's death in 1965.
Surviving are 3 daughters, Lynda (Bill) Bearss, Charlevoix, MI, Janet (Tim) Yager and Laura (Peter) Bianchi, both of Gwinn; 1 son, Edward (Angela) Soyring, Benson, AZ; 3 sisters, Ellen Korpi, Ishpeming, Elaine Bollero, Negaunee and Marilyn (Joe) Cholette, Gwinn; 2 brothers, George (Arlene) Keskimaki, Gwinn and Albert Keskimaki, Gladstone; 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 2 daughters, June Lowry and Jennie Colombo; 1 granddaughter, Annie Bolduc; 3 sisters, Elsie Anderson, Eleanor Elsner and Irene Heino; and a brother, Art Keskimaki.
Honoring Bertha's request, there will be no public services or visitation. Interment will be in the Gwinn Cemetery. Her family asks that in her memory to please spend time with a senior citizen.
The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Emmett Leroy Vincent
GWINN -- Emmett Leroy Vincent, beloved infant son of Debbie Hatahet and Jeffrey Vincent, of Gwinn, returned home to God on Tuesday, September 4, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital.
Emmett is survived by his parents; maternal grandparents, Leroy (Bonnie) LaFrenz of Dodge Center, Minnesota; paternal grandparents, Keith (Edith) Vincent of Daggett, Michigan and Joan Wheeler of Menominee; a sister, Linnea Vincent; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may call at the Gwinn Funeral Home on Saturday, September 15, 2001 from 12 noon until 1 p.m. A memorial services will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Jackie Roe officiating. Friends and family are then invited to attend a time of fellowship and sharing at the Gwinn VFW Hall where a potluck luncheon will be held.
The Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mary J. LaCombe
ISHPEMING -- Mary J. LaCombe, 85, of Ishpeming, Michigan died Thursday, September 6, 2001 in Fort Mill, South Carolina after a short illness. She was born on August 28, 1916 in Negaunee to Sylvester & Maria (Spelgatti) Paris. She was a lifetime resident of Ishepming until moving to South Carolina in 2000 to reside with her son and daughter-in-law. She was predeceased by her husband James H. LaCombe in 1957, a sister Theresa Nault and a brother Dominic Paris.
She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming, a longtime employee of Bell Memorial Hospital working in the Central Supply and the Dietary units. Mary was also a member of the Bell Memorial Auxiliary.
Mary is survived by her son, James A. (Helen) LaCombe of Fort Mill, SC, and a daughter, Susan Parker of Plano, TX, Grandchildren include, Lisa (Steve) Berube, Becky LaCombe, Michelle (Bernard) Vanderwood, Ann Marie Parker, James Parker and a sister Irene Sivula. She is also survived by six great grandchildren; Christopher, Stephanie and Sean Berube, Tori, Nicholas and Deanna Vanderwood.
Mary avidly enjoyed quilting, knitting and cross-stitching. She was a frequent traveler, visiting her children and grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2001 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic with Fr. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Burial will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Saturday, September 15, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Mary's grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church- Hospital & Pastoral Care of the Sick, or the Bell Memorial Hospital.
Robert S. "Bob" Billings
RICHMOND TOWNSHIP -- Robert S. "Bob" Billings, 51, of 448 County Road ML, Richmond Township, entered eternal life Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, at the UP Home Health and Hospice's Inpatient Unit located at Bell Memorial Hospital, in the care and comfort of his family and the caregivers of UP Home Health and Hospice. He had been hospitalized since Sunday and had been in ill health for the past year and a half. Bob was born March 13, 1950 in Marquette, a son of Leonard J. and Armande G. (LaBlanc) Billings, and was a lifelong Marquette resident. He earned his GED from the Marquette Senior High School in 1968 and then served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, being stationed in Korea. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for the Alger-Marquette Community Action Board as a maintenance person for AMCAB clients. He later was employed as a custodian-manager for the Presque Isle Apartments, a position he held until he became ill. Bob was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a very giving person and was always willing to help anyone out whenever or wherever needed. He was a former member of the Marquette Moose Lodge. Bob is survived by: two daughters, Brandie Lou (Javier) VasQuez of Glenwood Springs, CO and Kaylee Swenor of Marquette; two sons, Shawn Robert Billings of Detroit and Chad Tyler Billings of Ishpeming; his granddaughters, Ariel Victoria and Angelina Elizabeth VasQuez; his mother, Armande Billings of Marquette; a sister, Joyce C. Morris of Marquette; three brothers, Dany J. (Diane) Billings of Marquette, Frank A. (Robin) Billings of Appleton, WI, and George H. Billings of Little Lake; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Leonard J. Billings in December 1971. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Saturday, September 15, beginning at 12 Noon. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 2:00p.m. Saturday afternoon in the funeral home with Rev. Guy Thoren officiating. Following services, inurnment with military honors by the Vietnam Veterans of America will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens.
Carl F. Branstron
PERKINS -- Carl F. Branstron, age 81, 5741 Hwy M-35; Perkins (P.O. Box 70) passed away peacefully at his home on Monday afternoon Sept. 10, 2001 following a lengthy illness.
Carl was born in St. Nicholas to Charles and Alma (Kossow) Branstrom, April 14, 1920 and was a lifelong Perkins resident. He married the former Beatrice M. "Bea" Beauchamp May 8, 1940 in Perkins and she survives.
Later he was enlisted into the US Army during World War II for 2.5 years, serving with the First Armored Division in the European, African, and Middle Eastern Theaters receiving numerous citations and ribbons.
Having been employed in construction work much of his working life, Carl was a 43 year member of the Operating Engineers Local #324 of Escanaba and was General Superintendant for A. Lundberg & Sons and G. Hocking Construction before his retirement.
He worked on such projects as the Mackinac Bridge, KI Sawyer Air Force Base and numerous highway projects in the UP and also including 18 miles of I-69 in Lower Michigan.
Carl was a member of St. Joseph Church in Perkins and a charter member of the Perkins American Legion Post #540. Besides his enjoyment for his work, he spent much time with his family, the children, the grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Having enjoyed the woods and the outdoors, he also loved spending time at his camp, plowing snow, mowing grass, and working at Branstroms Store in Perkins, which his wife "Bea" owned.
In addition to his loving wife of 61 years, survivors include: 1 Daughter- Jane (John) Nelson of Perkins; 3 Sons- James (Jean) Branstrom of Perkins, Steve (Debbie) Branstrom of Novi, MI, Mark (Laurie) Branstor of Perkins; Grandchildren- John and Todd Nelson, Laurie LaBlanc, James Branstrom Jr., Wendy Maki, Heather Koutz, Stephen Branstrom Jr., Shawn Howe, Lacy, Mark Jr., Carl, Brett & Hunter Branstrom; Great- Grandchildren- Mandi Catling, Paul & Ian LaBlanc, Kristi Kyle, Kaitlyn Nelson, Stephen Vanderlinden, Justin Macki, Tyelor Wymer, Wyatt & Aynslee Koutz, Chad, Trey & Kaylie Branstrom; 1 Brother- Ernie (Agatha) Branstrom of Perkins; 1 Sister- Betty DeBacker of Watson; Special Friends of the family- Dale Schneider and Fred (Connie) Branam; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family of Carl F. Branstrom will receive friends on Friday at the Skradski Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Parish Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. and Military Rites will be conducted at 7:45 p.m. by the Perkins American Legion. Funeral Services will follow on Saturday at St. Joseph Church in Perkins at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Gilbert Nearohr officiating. Burial will be in the Perkins Cemetery.
Edna M. Engstrom
ISHPEMING -- Edna M. Engstrom, age 87, of 111 Bluff St. #412 passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at the Mather Nursing Center where she had resided for the past month.
Edna was born April 26, 1914 in Ishpeming to the late Edward and Anna (Olson) Carlson and was a lifelong Ishpeming resident. She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1932. Edna worked as a seamstress for the H. W. Gossard Co. for 36 years retiring in the 1960s.
Edna was an active member of the United Evangelical Covenant Church, where she took part with the Covenant Women, Christian Women's Club, Swedish Classes, the Choir, the 55+ group, as well as having served as Sunday School Teacher and Confirmation Mentor. Edna also enjoyed doing needlepoint.
Survivors include nephews- Scott (Vicky) Davenport and Kurt Davenport of Garner, NC; Bruce (Lois) Talus of Ishpeming; Dale (Barbara) Talus of Negaunee; and a brother-in-law Lloyd Davenport of Garner, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond "Peg" Engstrom in 1988; 2 sisters- Bernice "Bud" Davenport on August 16, 2001 and Lydia Talus in 1981.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 15, 2001 at the United Evangelical Covenant Church with the Rev. Terry Cathcart of officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the United Evangelical Covenant Church from 11:00 AM until the time of services on Saturday.
The family suggests memorials be directed to the United Evangelical Covenant Church.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Francis T. Verran
REPUBLIC -- Francis T. Verran, age 79, longtime Republic resident passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at the Mather Nursing Home.
Francis was born October 12, 1921 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Frank & Catherine (Murphy) Verran. He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korea Conflict.
Francis worked as an electrician at the Republic Mine and retired from the Tilden Mine in 1984. He enjoyed playing cards.
Inurnment took place in the Republic Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Helen A. Saari
MARQUETTE - Helen A. Saari, in her ninety-fifth year, died in the early morning of September 13, 2001 at the Hultgren Foster Care Home on Werner Street, where she had lived since 1995. She had been under hospice care since late May.
Helen was born on December 28, 1906 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Frank and Martha (Neumann) Luebchow. She attended Wausau Senior High School, where upon graduation in 1924 she was the first recipient of the Kate Landfair Award, given to the young woman "who shall stand highest in scholarship, character and womanliness." From 1924 to 1928 she attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she trained to be a high school science teacher. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in 1928. In Madison she also met her future husband, Leonard V. Saari, a second-generation Finnish American who hailed from the Ironwood-Hurley area. Helen taught zoology for two years at Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. After her marriage to Leonard in 1930, she gave up her teaching career and moved with him to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Leonard began a forty-year career with Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company and Helen dedicated herself to the welfare and education of their three children. She raised the children alone during the wartime years, while Leonard served as an officer in the Army Signal Corps in North Africa and Europe. Following the War, the family moved to Whitefish Bay, a Milwaukee suburb, where Helen lived for 45 years until she moved to Marquette in 1995 to be near her son and daughter-in-law.
Surviving are her three children, daughters JoAnn Face (Cincinnati and Taos, New Mexico) and Margaret M. Saari (New York City), and son Jon L. Saari (Marquette); daughter-in-law Christine Saari (Marquette); three grandchildren, Jennifer (Ric) Paulden of Taos, Alexander (Mary Jo) Saari of Rochester Hills and Matias Saari of Fairbanks, Alaska; five great-grandchildren, Orion, Forrest, and Melia Paulden and Kristoff and Lily Saari. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 57 years who died in 1987.
A memorial service for family and friends will take place in the spring of 2002 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau, Wisconsin, where her ashes will be buried next to her husband Leonard and her parents Martha and Frank. The family wishes to thank Upper Peninsula Home Care and Hospice and Hannah Hultgren for their special care during these last months of Helen's life.
The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Inez M. Gerou
NEWBERRY -- Inez M. Gerou, 84, of Newberry, died Wednesday evening, September 12, 2001 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry.
Born December 18, 1916 in Gladstone, daughter of the late William and Dora (McKnight) Stewart, Inez had been a resident of Newberry for several years. A devoted housewife and homemaker, Inez was a member of St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Newberry and her hobbies included cooking, writing, reading and the outdoors.
Besides her parents, Inez is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth on August 30, 1985, and also her siblings. Survivors include several nieces and nephews, including Stanley (Christie) Gerou of Munising; several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 11:00am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Fr. Paul Karottekunnel of St. Gregory's Catholic Church officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, September 15th from 10:00am until time of services.
Those who wish may contribute to St. Gregory's Catholic Church in memory of Inez M. Gerou.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
