Jon "Rob" Labby
GRESHAM, WI -- Filmmaker, musician. theater owner and former Marquette resident, Jon Labby, 50, passed away peacefully at his home in Gresham, Wisconsin on September 12, 2001, following a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Betsie and four stepchildren, Matthew, age 18, twins Sara and Heidi, ages 16, Mitchell, age 15, all of Shawano. In addition to his family, he leaves behind devoted friends and admirers worldwide.
The son of Dr. Jack and Gayle Labby, both deceased, Rob was born in Chicago on March 31, 1951. Following the untimely death of his father, a prominent Chicago veterinarian, in the late 1950s, Rob and his mother moved to Marquette. There the family owned and operated the Orchard Rest Hoome on Grove Street for many years. Rob attended St. John's Catholic School, Marquette Senior High School and Bay de Noc Community College. He eventually earned a degree in filmmaking from Northern Michigan University.
A multi-talented artist and musician, Rob had two main passions in life: movies and music. Rob began his filmmaking career while still in grade school, producing and directing numerous 8mm thrillers that he would show to his friends in his basement. He later moved his film enterprise to his garage, which he upgraded over the years from a 16mm silent projection system to a full blown 35mm Cinemascope theater with an attached editing studio and film vault. Know simply as "The Garage" the facility also housed a recording studio that Rob grew from a simple two-track recording facility into a 24-track professional studio used by musicians and production companies from throughout the Upper Peninsula.
Rob supported his filmmaking habit by working at local movie theaters for many years. Starting as an usher in early teens, Rob advanced himself to head projectionists/ chief technician at the Delft and Nordic Theaters in Marquette. He later worked as a consultant to theaters throughout the Midwest, designing and installing state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. The couple later moved to Wisconsin, where they owned and operate movie theaters up until the time of his death. Rob was longtime member of the National Association of Theater Owners.
In addition to his work as an exhibitor, Rob made films throughout his adult life. His 16mm work in the 1970s included such slapstick classics as "Alfie Likes to Eat", "The Wall", "One Fine Day Walking the Pug Dog", "Our Peninsula" and "Neap". In the 1980s, he wrote, directed and produced an original 35mm film about the real life of Ed Gein, the notorious Wisconsin killer whose crimes inspired Alfred Hitchcock's fictional film classic, Psycho. In the 1990s, he worked as director of cinematography on a feature film, a crime drama set in Detroit, produced by a German concern.
Rob's musical career was equally diverse. A drummer for numerous local rock bands in the 1960s, Rob picked up the guitar for the notorious proto-punk band known as The Ski-Doos. A promoter as well as a musician, Rob was the main instigator behind Beerstock, a series of underground music festivals held each summer in the Upper Peninsula in the 1970s. The final Beerstocks, held in 1980 and 1981 at the Champion, Mich., fairgrounds, were the only legitimate festivals in the series. It features numerous bands and raised more than ten thousand dollars for a local charity.
At his Grove Street garage/ studio Rob produced recordings for numerous local acts. In 1985, he co-wrote and co-produced "We Go Green Bay", a rollicking polka novelty tune about an Upper Peninsula couple's trip to the big city. Recorded by Bill Etten and the Heritage Band, the song received airplay throughout Upper Michigan and Wisconsin and was even played several times by radio stations in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as around the country. Sony Music eventually licensed "We Go Green Bay" for use as the lead cut on an Green Bay Packers commemorative CD.
Rob was known and loved for his immense creativity, his absurd sense of humor, his unfailing generousity and his encyclopedic knowledge of history, film and music. Whether he was plowing snow in his pickup truck or discussing the camera techniques of his favorite Hollywood directors, Rob lived life with gusto. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him and those who wish they had.
A memorial service for Jon R. Rockin, Rob Labby will be held in Marquette at a later date. Details will be announced in comming weeks.
Arne Erick Piirainen
SHAFTSBURG, MI -- Arne Erick Piirainen of Shaftsburg, formerly of Lansing was born on July 28, 1937 to Arne & Florence (Haataja) Piirainen in Paavola, Michigan. He died on September 13, 2001 in Lansing, MI.
He attended Negaunee High School and graduated from Calumet High School. He was a submariner in the U.S. Navy and worked for the IBM Corporation for 32 years. Arne was an active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church.
He was predeceased by his parents and his son Matthew who died in January 2001.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Paulette, his son Joseph, a special daugter-in-law Crystal Van Antwerp and her children Dale Platte and Bethann Platte; one sister Helen (Robert) Saari of Gwinn, MI, two brothers, John (Jean) of Gwinn, MI, and Carl (Diane) Piirainen of Negaunee, MI; brother-in-law, Jacob Holappa of Palmer, MI, and numerous nieces & nephews.
Visitation is from 1-4, 5-8 PM Sunday in the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, September 17, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 2900 N. Waverly, with Pastor Gary A. Bunge officiating. Viewing will be from 10AM to 11AM Monday at the church.
Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan or The Mission Endowment Fund of St. Stephen Lutheran Church.
Helen R. Delongchamp
SULLIVAN, MO -- Helen R. Delongchamp, age 72, former Ishpeming resident passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2001 in Sullivan, Missouri.
Helen was born May 4, 1929 in North Lake to the late Peter & Aldea (Morin) Delongchamp. She graduated from the Ishpeming High School, then went to serve in the U.S. Army. She worked at Pentagon as a Staff car driver prior to moving to Sullivan, MO in 1964. While residing in Sullivan she worked as a steam presser at Nu-Way Dry Cleaning for many years.
Helen was a member of Saint Anthony Catholic Church and the V.F.W. Auxiliary #3987 in Sullivan. She enjoyed traveling to Michigan & California to visit her nieces & nephews.
Helen is survived by a brother Jack (Brenda) Delongchamp of Beaumont, CA, 2 sisters; Jeannie Mosca and Alice Thexton both Sullivan, along with several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Irene Delongchamp and great great niece Courtney Poirier.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:00 Noon Monday, September 17, 2001 at St. Jospeh Catholic Church with Fr. James Challancin officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial considerations may be directed to the Ishpeming Cancer Society.
Pallbearers will be Michael Fraser, Timothy Romback, Gerald Hebert, Donald McGlure, Pius Arseneau, and Roger Junak.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Helen S. Kallio
ISHPEMING -- Helen S. Kallio, age 94, longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at the Mather Nursing Center where she had been a resident for the past 7 1/2 years.
Helen was born October 14, 1906 in Houghton, MI to the late Joseph and Katherine (Lassila) Honkala. She was a graduate of the Houghton High School. She moved to Ishpeming after High School, marrying the late John Kallio in October 17, 1964. She was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.
Survivors include a sister- Elsie Aro of Dodgeville, MI; two sisters in law- Bertha Honkala and Bertha Tamblyn; 2 nephews- James and Edward Aro; 3 nieces- Judy May, Caryl Vogel and Marlene Kappel; several great nieces and nephews; along with many friends on the staff of the Mather Nursing Center who became family to Helen over her years spent at the nursing center. She was preceded in death by her husband John; and 3 brothers William, Edward and Hubert Honkala.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, September 17, 2001 at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.
Friends may call at the Bethel Lutheran Church from 10:00 AM until the time of services on Monday.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Paul O. Moilanen
TAPIOLA -- Paul O. Moilanen, 62, a summer resident of Tapiola, and of Hancock, passed away Friday, September 14, 2001, at his home in Tapiola following a 7 month illness.
He was born in Painesdale, on April 25, 1939, a son of the late Adam and Rauha (Kerttula) Moilanen, and had resided for most of his lifetime in Tapiola. Since 1958, he had made his home in Hancock.
Paul was a 1958 graduate of the John A. Doelle High School in Tapiola.
He formerly worked at the Mineral Research Department at Michigan Tech, and also for the Superior Block Co. in Houghton.
He was a veteran having served with the United States Army.
Surviving are: 1 Sister; Mrs. Eleanor (Bob) Jutila of Newberry, 1 Brother; Niilo Moilanen of Hancock, 1 Nephew; Terry (Rita) Jutila of Marquette, 2 Great Nieces.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 17, 2001, at 1 P.M. in the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell with Rev. Michael Laakko to officiate. Burial to be in the Elo Cemetery.
Friends may call on Monday from 12 Noon until time of services at the funeral home.
Ronald J. Oljymaki
MIDWAY LOCATION -- Ronald J. Oljymaki, age 80, a former Midway Location, Richmond Township resident died at 3:45 PM on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facilty where he had been a patient for 2 years.
Ronald was born May 22, 1921 in Gwinn to John & Fannie (Peltonen) Oljymaki, attended the Gwinn Schools & was a life long area resident. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. He worked for CCI for over 36 years, retiring in 1983 from the Empire Mine.
Mr. Oljymaki was a member of the V.A. Romo Post V.F.W. #3165, Negaunee, the Charlie Lakes Campers Association, was a former member of the Negaunee Eagles Club and the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club. He loved feeding & watching birds, loved animals and had many pet dogs over the years, and greatly enjoyed his camp at Charlie Lakes.
Surviving ar 3 nieces; Sharon (Jim) Skewis, Negaunee, Karen (Bill) Pepin, Ishpeming, Janet (Michael) Skytta, Marquette, 2 nephews; Ronald Salmer, Negaunee, Dennis (Cheryl) Salmer, Ishpeming, several cousins, great nieces & great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister & brother-in-law, Dorothy & Clarence Salmer.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, Sept. 28, 2001 at the Koskey Funeral Home. Rev. David L. Echelbarger will officiate. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 12:00 Noon until the time of services at 1:00 PM on Friday, Sept. 28.
Charles T. Devonshire
MARQUETTE -- Charles T. Devonshire, 88, of 222 S. Fifth St., died Friday, September 14, 2001 in the Norlite Nursing Center.
He was born September 3, 1913 in Duluth, Minnesota to Charles T. and Ruth (O'Brien) Devonshire and had lived in this area since 1931. He was a graduate of Graveraet High School and was owner of the Pellow Roofing Company prior to retiring. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Marquette Elk's Lodge and the Marquette Masonic Bodies.
Charles is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Florence Tourangeau; five daughters, Patricia (Hugh) Reamer of New Port Richey, FL, Nancy Smith of Harperwoods, MI, Karen DeBruyne of Clinton Twp., MI, Judy Cochran of Oklahoma City, OK and Jill Revord of Clinton Twp., MI; three sons, Walter of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Thomas (Gail) of Marquette and James of Harrison, MI; 24 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter Charlene.
Private services will be held at Park Cemetery. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Joy A. Rolstone
NEGAUNEE - Joy A. Rolstone, 46, of 435 Gold St., Negaunee, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital where she was a patient for 4 days. She had been in ill health for the past five years.
Joy was born in Ishpeming on September 11, 1955 to the late John and Jean (Bath) Rolstone. She worked in the home health field as a caregiver. She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church of Ishpeming.
Surviving are one sister, Joan (Patrick) Ferguson of Marquette; one niece, Melissa Ferguson; two nephews, Kris Petoskey and Thomas Falk; two grand nieces, Hailee and Courtney Petoskey; special friend Shirly Waters; and aunts, uncle and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Jeanie Petoskey and Judy Ellis.
Funeral services will be held Monday September 17, 2001 at 4:30pm at the Bible Baptist Church in Ishpeming with Pastor James Hill officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00pm until the time of services at the church. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Perala Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mark Joseph "Sparky" McCollum
AUTRAIN -- Mark Joseph "Sparky" McCollum, age 40, of E5463 Park Avenue, AuTrain, died on Friday, September 14, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital. He was born on October 15, 1960 in Munising, Michigan to the late George and Elmira (St. Martin) McCollum. Mark was raised in AuTrain and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1978. He worked for Roger's Insulation and he tree planted for Evergreen Forestry for three years. Mark worked as an aide and bus driver for the children of Marquette Alger Intermediate School District. He then went to Northern Michigan University and graduated from their corrections program. Mark was a prison guard for the Alger Maximum Security Prison. He was a founding member of the AuTrain Township Fire Department and was the township's sexton and maintenance man. He was also a scuba diver for Alger County's Search and Rescue. On September 4, 1999, Mark married Kristine A. Hume and became father to her son, Austin. He loved spending time with Austin and he enjoyed being outdoors. He enjoyed shooting paintballs with and at his friends, hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, snowmobiling and four-wheeling.
He is survived by his wife, Kris McCollum of AuTrain; six year old son, Austin at home; sisters, Ann (Len) Clapp of AuTrain, Judy (Bill) Rautanen of Nugent Lake and Connie (Jeff) Moore of AuTrain; sister-in-law, Mary McCollum of AuTrain; step-brothers, Ed (Muriel) Moore of Menominee, MI, Bruce Moore and Ralph Moore, both of Christmas; step-sister, Mary (Andy) Shepley of AuTrain; other sisters and brothers-in-law, Fred (Carolyn) Hume of Marquette, Bob (Ellen) Hume of Middleburg, FL, Pat (Marilyn) Hume of Big Bay and Mary Sue Kelley of Marquette; numerous nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Mary K. Peterson, Kirt Harmon and Thom Hall. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elmira McCollum; his in-laws, John and Suzanne Hume; brother, Thomas McCollum; brother-in-law, Michael "Bubba" Hume; step-sister, Frances Moore; and step-brother, William Moore.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Monday, September 17, 2001 from 11:00am until 12:30pm. Pastors Mary Beth and Kurt Kovanen will conduct the funeral on Monday at 1:00pm at the Eden Lutheran Church. Mark will be escorted by Thom Hall, Kirt Harmon, Jeff Moore, Cole Hume, Len Clapp and Jack McCollum.
Mary Louise Fulcher
MUNISING -- Mary Louise Fulcher, age 85, of 1434 Washington Street, Munising, died on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 8:00pm at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising. Louise was born on January 1, 1916 in Slapneck, Michigan to the late Alexander and Linda (Zimmerman) Chartier. She graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School and had worked at the Atlas Plywood. Louise married Truman "Doc" Fulcher. He preceded her in death in April of 1970. She was a homemaker, an active member of Sacred Heart Church and a member of the Munising Senior Citizens. Louise enjoyed bird watching, gardening and she loved to take care of and cook for her family.
She is survived by her children, Ronald (Kim) Fulcher of Flatrock, MI, Richard (Sue) Fulcher of Munising, Annette (Lou) Luebcke of Crown Point, IN, Theodore (Barb) Fulcher of Munising, Thomas (Mary Kaye) Fulcher of Munising, Robert Fulcher of Marinette, WI, Kenneth (Karen) Fulcher of Valdez, AK, Linda (Robert) Grooms of Aho, AZ and Mary (Dennis) Chenail of Wilcox, AZ; daughter-in-law, Nancy Fulcher of Wetmore; 30 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; brothers, Ben (Jean) Chartier of Munising and Gerald Chartier of Green Bay, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews. Louise was also preceded by her daughter Geraldine Bebo, her son Raymond Fulcher, an infant grandson Thomas Daniel Fulcher, sisters Gertrude Froberg, Beatrice Niemi, Geraldine "Honey" Doenitz and Clara Grondine, and by an infant brother Richard Chartier.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5:00 until 8:00pm with a parish vigil service conducted at 7:00pm. Father Dennis L. Borca will conduct the funeral from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Munising on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 10:00am. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising. Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Church in memory of Louise.
David E. Karvonen
PELKIE -- David E. Karvonen, age 64, of Pelkie passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital. The funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Rev. Larry Saunders will officiate. Burial will be in the Pelkie Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.
EmmaJean M. Lustila
GERMFASK -- Lifetime Germfask resident, EmmaJean M. Lustila, age 80, died September 15, 2001 at the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique.
She was born March 14, 1921 in Germfask the daughter of Albin and Charlotte (Burns) Barton and graduated from the McMillan High School.
On September 20, 1940 she married Harold M. Lustila, Sr., in Gould City. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1979.
EmmaJean was a member of the Doran-Keating V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #6030 of Germfask and the Ida Chapter #54 Order of Eastern Star of Manistique. She formerly owned and operated a restaurant in Germfask and also cooked at the school and various area restaurants. She was a Tupperware dealer and manager for many years. She was a 4-H leader and the Schoolcraft County Representative to the Michigan 4-H Council for many years. EmmaJean loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.
She is survived by a son, Harold "Butch" (Brenda) Lustila, Jr., of Germfask; two brothers, Clayton (Peggy) Barton of Grassy Key, Fl and Don Barton of Moore Haven, FL; four grandchildren; four great granchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Campbell; a son Roger Lustila and three brothers; Howard, Albin "Bud" and Dale Barton.
Visitation will be at the Messier-Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, September 17, 2001. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 with Reverend David Hueter officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Germfask.
J. Donovan Jackson
Dr. J. Donovan Jackson, 83, of 1530 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, died Saturday, September 15,2001 at his home.
Dr. Jackson was born on July 10,1918 at Early, Iowa to the late Faye and Amber (Hamm) Jackson. He graduated from Mitchell, South Dakota High School in 1935 and received his undergraduate degree from Dakota Wesleyan College in 1939. Don then pursued his master's degree in music from Drake University in DesMoines, Iowa. He held a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in guidance and counseling.
Dr. Jackson served during World War II with the United States Navy band as featured trumpet soloist in Washington, D.C. during which time he helped organize the first U.S. Navy dance band.
His music career included playing with the Benny Goodman Band, the Jimmy Dorsey Band as well as the U.S. Navy Band. At one time he maintained his own band for several years in the East Lansing and Grand Rapids areas.
Dr. Jackson previously taught at Michigan State University in their Department of Continuing Education and was also the Associate Director of Bands there. He later worked for Sentry Insurance Company in Grand Rapids. Dr. Jackson retired from Northern Michigan University on June 30, 1979 as a professor of business and Dean of Continuing Education. When he first arrived at NMU, he served as the director of the Jobs Corps. While in the Department of Continuing Education, he established the D.J. Jacobetti Skills Center as well as the Women's Center. After his retirement, he helped establish the NMU Retirees Association and served as its charter president in 1985-1986.
Don was a member for many years of the Marquette Noon Kiwanis Club and held offices of club president, Governor of the Wisconsin-Michigan District and served on the executive board of Kiwanis International.
He served as a former chairman of the United Way Fund Drive and was a long time board member of both the United Way and the Salvation Army. He was a member of the NMU Golden Wildcat Club and the Blue Line Club where he was an avid NMU hockey fan and proud grandfather of Jimmy Jackson who currently plays for the Wildcat hockey team. He was formerly active in Marquette youth baseball as both a coach and mentor. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Marquette and was a long time member of the Marquette Golf and Country Club. He received the Michigan Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Elizabeth Breckenridge whom he married on November 22,1943 in Washington, D.C.; two sons, Jim (Anne) Jackson and John B. Jackson, both of Marquette; five grandchildren, Scott Jackson, Chris (Shannon) Jackson, Jimmy Jackson, Stina Jackson and Kristian Jackson; two great grandchildren, Tyler and Ryleigh Jackson; one brother, Dale (Ellen) Jackson and a sister, Ardyce Westegaard, both of Whiting, IA; also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 19 at First
United Methodist Church in Marquette at 5:30 p.m. with the Rev. Stephen E. Rhoades officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from noon to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. until the time of services. A graveside service will take place at noon on Thursday at the Park Cemetery. Kiwanis members Walter J. Norris, Ronald R. Perkins, Alfred A. Camilli, Richard A. Peura, Jerry R. Irby, Steven Thompson, Wesley Wentela, and Gov. John W. Winneroski will serve as escorts. Other members of Marquette Noon Kiwanis Club will serve as honorary escorts.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to a scholarship fund to be established in Don Jackson's memory at Northern Michigan University or to the Salvation Army, 1009 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
