Dean Alfred Johnson
SKANDIA -- Dean Alfred Johnson, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, died at his home on Saturday, September 29, 2001 after a short battle with cancer, he was 72. He was born August 13, 1929 to Hilda (Stack) and Leanus Johnson, direct descendents to some of Skandia's original settlers, Axel Stack and Ole Johnson.
He was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan. His family moved to Ferndale, Michigan when he was a child. He graduated from Lincoln HS in Ferndale in 1948 after lettering in football and excelling in baseball where he was actively recruited by the St. Louis Cardinals.
He married Rose Marie LaBelle from Royal Oak, Michigan in 1950. Longing to return to his roots, he moved his family back to the Upper Peninsula in 1960. The family lived in Marquette for a year while he built the family home near his ancestors' original homesteads in Skandia.
Dean (Dad) was one of the founding members of the Skandia/West Branch Volunteer Fire Department. In 2001 he received a commendation for 38 years of dedicated service. He also served on many local charitable organizations such as the Moose Lodge, Oscar II, and the Lions Club. He was very active supporting many fund raising events for the community. In 1992 he received the Citizen of the Year Award at the Skandia Centennial Celebration.
Deano chose plumbing as his profession early in life and joined the Plumbers Union Local 414/506 early in his career. In the late 1970s he became a Master Licensed Plumber and started his own business. Due to his reputation for excellence, he assisted in building many prominent local (and regional) commercial and recreational facilities. Many of his construction sites are well known in the area such as KI Sawyer AFB and the expansion of Marquette General Hospital. In addition to his commercial business, he donated many hours of service to the Skandia Township community as well as to those in need.
An avid sportsman and outdoorsman, Big Dean's energy and passion for life came from being outdoors with nature. Fishing and hunting were an integral part of his life. His strength came from living within the borders of the Upper Peninsula and the beauty of its land, its people and its wildlife. He loved country music and his guitar and a good ole country song were never far away from him.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father and brothers: Elmer, Norbert, Ted, and Art, a sister Annie, and great grandson Nathanial Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife Rose (Rosie), his daughters Cheryl and husband Steve Cristanelli, Longmont, Colorado; Lynn and husband Lon Preston, Three Rivers, Michigan; Caron Johnson, Lakewood, Colorado; Connie and husband Jeff Zottola, Heidelberg, Germany; and Tina Johnson, Skandia. Grandchildren: Ryan, Lorien, Lona, Lorinda, Jessica, Sara, Joshua, and Dominic. A sister Marion and husband Larry Johnson, Clinton Twp, Michigan; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 2, 2001 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Skandia Methodist Church, 189 Kreiger Drive in Skandia, Michigan. At 2:00 p.m. a memorial service will be held at the church to honor his life. A luncheon will be held immediately after the service at the Skandia Community Building, 224 Kreiger Drive, Skandia. A private cremation service will be held for the family at a later date.
His family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Lake Superior Hospice (especially Pat Mair, Linda Lake and Cheryl DePlanche), members of the Skandia/West Branch Township Volunteer Fire Department and the many friends who visited, provided comfort and prayers to our family during this difficult time. Your generous gifts of love and support will always be treasured. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skandia/West Branch Fire Department or First Responders.
The Swanson Lundquist Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Gib Norden
NEWBERRY -- Gib Norden, 69, longtime Newberry resident but formerly of Manistique died at Marquette General Hospital on Thursday, September 27, 2001. He was the owner of Norden Foodland Groceries of Manistique and Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Friends may call at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 from 1:00 pm until time of services. Services will be held at the Beaulieu Funeral Home at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ingmar Levin officiating. Those who wish may make donations to Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, Kidney Dialysis Unit c/o Robert Bergh, 502 W. Harrie St., Newberry, Michigan 49868.
Edna M. Francis
LANCASTER, PA -- Edna M. Francis, age 77 of Lancaster, PA., formerly of Millersville, Pa., died after a lengthy illness, Saturday evening, September 29, 2001 in Essa Flory Hospice Center, Lancaster, Pa. She was born October 30, 2001 in Michigamme, MI.
Edna was a homemaker, and a member of Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Millersville, Pa., and was involved in Lutheran Women and various church activities. She was also a member of of the Faculty Wives of Club Millersville University, Millersville, Pa. She enjoyed camping, gardening, cooking and reading.
She was married to George H. Francis, and they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on May 25, 2001. Survivors include son, Bruce A., married to Carol J. Francis, Brenham, Texas, 3 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward T., and Anna Palm Olson. Arrangements are being handled by The Gundel Funeral Home of Lancaster, Pa.
Ellen Maria Lindquist
MUNISING -- Ellen Maria Lindquist, age 84, of 815 W. Munising Avenue, died on Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 9:40 a.m. at the Munising Memorial Hospital. Ellen was born on April 21, 1917 in Munising, Michigan to John Henry and Sofia Beata (Mattson) Lindquist. She was a lifetime resident of Munising. Ellen graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1935, she began employment with the Munising Paper Company March 3, 1944 as a cutter girl in the finishing room, she progressed through various jobs at Kimberly Clark, she worked most of her career as a sorter. When she retired in March of 1981, she was an inspector in the Finishing Room. She was a former member of Rebecca's Lodge.
She is survived by nieces, and nephews. 5 brothers preceded her in death; Carl William, Edward, Harold, Walter, and Gunnard Lindquist.
Deacon John Weber will conduct a memorial service on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at 7:00p.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising. Visiting time with family and friends will begin at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m.
Irvin E. Seymour
MARQUETTE -- Irvin E. Seymour, 60, passed away Sunday morning (September 23, 2001) at the
D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. He was a resident of Wetmore before moving to the Marquette area.
Irvin was born March 30, 1941 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, a son of the late Henry & Maudee (Shepley) Seymour. Irvin had attended Rapid River High School.
He worked for the U.S. Forestry Service for two years before serving in the army, where he was stationed in Maryland for two years. Irvin was employed by Michaels Construction in Wisconsin following his service in the army. He also held a job with his brother, "Red", before working for Seymour Forest Products operating an Iron Mule or more than 25 years and then with Lynn Gayling for three years. Most recently he worked at the Buckhorn Resort in Munising for nine years. Irvin was a member of American Legion Post #131 in Munising.
Mr. Seymour is survived by his children, Darren Seymour of Sanford, Michigan and Robin (Dan) Gohl of Clarksville, TN; a grandson, Dustin Gohl of Tennessee; siblings, Donald (Donna) Seymour of Escanaba, Glenn (Janis) Seymour, Marcel "Red" (Shirley) Seymour, Gerald (Kathy) Seymour and Henry Seymour all of Rapid River; also many nieces and nephews. Mr. Seymour also had another sister, Dorothy who died a few days following him.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at 10:30 am in the D.J. Jacobetti home for Veterans Chapel.
The family would like to give specil recognition to Donny Gatiss for his support of Irvin during and after his illness. Also thank you to Dick & Lynn Beckwith and all his friends at the Buckhorn Resort. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may wish to consider The America Legion Post #131 in Munising. Irvin Seymour's obituary and guestbook may also be viewed at www.canalefuneral.com. The Canale Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette is assistng the family.
Kaino C. Salmi
EBEN JUNCTION -- Kaino C. Salmi, age 69, of 925 Dodge Street, Houghton, died Sunday, September 30, 2001 at the Jacobetti Veterans Home in Marquette after a year long battle with cancer. Kaino was born in Eben on August 22, 1932, a son of the late Andrew and Mary Salmi and attended school in Japan. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army Infantry in Korea and Japan. Kaino worked for C.C.I. and later spent thirty years as a plumber pipe fitter for Local #414 in Marquette. He was a member of the Chatham Apostolic Lutheran Church. Following retirement, Kaino lived in Skandia. In 1996, he married Nell Markham Anderson of Iron Mountain and in 1999, they moved to Houghton. Kaino was an avid Lions and Tigers fan and he enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting and going out to breakfast.
He is survived by his wife, Nell; four children- Tena (Tom) Bailey of Beaver Grove, MI, Sheila (Norman "Sonny") Bonner of Munising, Kim (Tina) Salmi of Negaunee and Roxanne Salmi of Roseville, MI; 8 grandchildren- Chad, Shane, Josh, Breanna and Joy Salmi; and Justin, Beau and Adam McGee; brother- Oswald (Norma) Salmi of Rumely; sister- Cindy Niemi of Eben; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kaino was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Stacey; brothers- Eugene and Sulo Salmi; half-brother- Leslie Salmi; and half-sisters- Sygne Hendrickson and Edith Coponen.
Rev. Reuben Anderson will conduct funeral services for Kaino on Wednesday, October 3, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chatham Apostolic Lutheran Church. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham where the Ikkala Brothers V.F.W. will conduct a veterans graveside service.
Lynn Makinen Barnard
LEXINGTON, NC -- Lynn Makinen Barnard, age 59 of Nottingham Dr., Lexington, died Sunday, September 30 at 1:58 pm in Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She was born in Marquette, on March 6, 1942. There will be no services at this time. Davidson Funeral Home Lexington
Marilyn F. Kontio
NEGAUNEE -- Marilyn F. Kontio, 66, 15 Heritage Drive, Negaunee died Sunday, September 30, 2001 at her home.
Marilyn was born July 21, 1935 in Negaunee to Joel & Violet (Sylvester) Grenier and was a life long area resident. She was a graduate of the Negaunee- Ishpeming Area Community Schools Adult Education Program and was a homemaker.
Mrs. Kontio was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee. In her younger years she enjoyed gardening.
Surviving are her husband, Kenneth H. Kontio, 1 son, Kenneth J. "Timmy" Kontio, Negaunee, 1 daughter, Helen E. Kontio, Palmer, a grandson, Jordan Kontio, California, 1 brother, Joel Grenier, Green Bay, WI, a special nephew, Kenny Grenier, Negaunee, severla nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers; Francis, Raymond, Benjamin & Kenneth Grenier, 1 sister, Aurelia "Bea" Reynolds.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday at the Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. John J. Shiverski, pastor of St. Paul Church officiating.
Rudolph M. Koski
THREE LAKES -- Rudolph M. Koski, age 82, of HCR 1 Box 61 Koski Road, Michigamme-Three Lakes, passed away Sunday, September 30, 2001 at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
Rudy was born June 28, 1919 in Franklin Mine, MI to the late Matt and Ida (Rinkinen) Koski. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. While living in the Copper Country, Rudy worked for Horner Flooring in Dollar Bay.
Rudy worked for C.C.I. Mining Co., working at the Ohio, Mather A, Republic Mines and retired from the Tilden Mine in 1983 after 30 years. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he served on the church council for 18 years, former member of various V.F. W. Posts, and the United Steel Workers Union. Rudy enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and woodworking.
Rudy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Edith (Niemela) Koski; four sons, Richard (Karen) Koski of Spurr Twp., Jon (Linda) Koski of Michigamme, David (Lisa) Koski of Three Lakes and Fred Koski of Three Lakes; a daughter, Peggy (Stanley) Steele of Three Lakes; 12 grandchildren, Jeremy, Joseph, Michael and Christopher Steele, Tania, Jessica and Matthew Koski of Three Lakes, Jon Koski, Lori (Kevin) Daughtry of Goldsboro, NC, Theresa (Paul) Mood of Gilbert, AZ, Daniel (Darcie) Koski of Wausau, WI and Jennifer Koski of Marshfield, WI; 5 great grandchildren, Dylan and Rylee Koski, Steven and Ciera Daughtry and Madeline Moree; sisters Dorothy Elliot of Vancouver, B.C., Virginia (Thomas) Lark of Hot Springs, AR, Annette (William) Larson of Ishpeming and Barbara (Philip) Belisle of Myrtle Beach, NC; numerous nieces and nephews; and 4 step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Viola Dollar, a brother Gordon Koski and a granddaughter Julie Koski.
Funeral services will be held 3:00pm Wednesday, October 3, 2001 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Champion with Rev. C. Bruce Ulstad officiating.
Friends may call at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 1:00pm until the time of service.
Pallbearers will be Rudy's grandchildren.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Sylvia Usitalo Girsch Trowbridge
BARAGA -- Sylvia Usitalo Girsch Trowbridge, age 88, of Baraga, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2001 at Bayside Village in L'Anse.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 4 at 11:00am at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Baraga. Pastor Judy Mattson will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.
Waco Pentley
L'ANSE -- Waco Pentley, age 77 of Wood Haven House in L'Anse passed away on Sunday, Sept. 30 at Baraga County Memorial.
The funeral service will be on Wednesday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Rev. Margaret Grant will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. the Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.
Keith R. Anderson
PALMETTO, FL -- Keith R. Anderson, 71, of Palmetto, Florida, died August 18, 2001. He was born in Marquette, MI to Ray and Edith (McLean) Anderson on May 30, 1930.
He served two years in the U.S. Army, after moving to Flint, MI, working for General Motors for 28 years as a Die Setter.
Survivors include his wife Elinor, two daughters, Kim and Kay of Sarasota, Florida, two sons, Ken of Kalamazoo, MI and David McLean of Corunna, MI, a sister Caroll Weiland of Marquette, MI., many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Beth Helt of Marquette, MI.
He was an Episcopalian.
A Memorial Service will be held in the spring in Marquette, Michigan.
Leslie Abel Takkinen
CHATHAM -- Leslie Abel Takkinen, 79 of Takkinen Road, Chatham died at 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Octobe 3, 2001 at the Tendercare Health Center, Munising, He was born December 4, 1921 in Chatham, Michigan. Complete arrangements to be announced by the Bowerman Funeral Home.
Marie Gould
SHINGLETON -- Marie Gould, 74 of Maple Street, Shingleton died early this morning, Wednesday, October 3, 2001 at the Tendercare Health Center, Munising. She was born December 23, 1926 in Munising, Michigan. Complete arrangements to be anounced by the Bowerman Funeral Home.
Norman L. Foster
EDGEWATER, FL - Norman L. Foster, age 74, of Edgewater, FL, died Friday, September 28, 2001.
Norman was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, and Shriners of the Ahmed Temple of Marquette and American Legion Post 17 of Smyrna, FL.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patricia L. Foster. Survivors include: one daughter, Deborah S. Helton of Riverview, MI; two sons, Michael L. Foster of Bay City, TX and Mark S. Foster of Montgomery, AL; three sisters, Peggy George of Gulf Port, MS, Rosemary Schiele of Camby, IN and Sandra Harding of Indianapolis, IN; nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
Visitation was at the Dudley Funeral Home in Edgewater, FL on Monday, October 1, 2001 from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral services were held at the Sea Pines Memorial Gardens in Edgewater, FL on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at 10:00am. Rev. Mike Welch officiated. Burial will also take place at the Sea Pines Memorial Gardens.
Walter W. Johnson
BARAGA -- Walter W. Johnson, 91, of Baraga passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at the Covington Rest Home where he had been a resident patient for the past 9 days. He was born June 22, 1910 in Elo, MI, son of the late Gust and Briita (Tervo) Johnson. Walter served with the United States Army during World War II, and was wounded in action in France. He was a life time member of the Alston V.F.W. Post #7646, and the Doelle Senior Citizens of Tapiola.
Mr. Johnson is survived by a sister, Evelyn Strang of Elo, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded by his wife, Jennie in 1995. Also preceding him were 2 sisters, and 4 brother.
Funeral services for Mr. Johnson will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2001 from the Reid Fuenral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Reverend Arvo Onermaa officiating. Interment will take place in the Elo Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel from 12 noon until time of service. The Alston V.F.W. Post #7674 will conduct military rites. Friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon following the service in the Harrington Gathering Room located at the funeral home. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.
Harold W. Patten
GLADTSONE, MI -- Harold W. Patten, age 75, of 7 Mapleview Dr., Gladstone, MI (formerly of Rock) died Tuesday October 2, 2001 at home with his family at his side.
Harold was born November 18, 1925 in Flint, MI, the son of Harry W. and Gena (Ainsworth) Patten. He was raised in Flint and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served his country from 1942 to 1946. Albert received the Asiatic Pacific area Campaign Medal, Philippine Libertion Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, World Wor II Victory Medal. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy he returned to the Flint area. He married the former Donna Zimmerman on April 24, 1945 and they resided in Genesse County until 1958 when they relocated to Perkins, MI. Harold married the former Patricia Ann Bogt on December 27, 1974 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Harold was the Business Agent for the U.P. Sheet Metal Local #94 and retired in 1987.
Harold was a member of the Sheet Metal Local #94, former member of the Rock American Legion Post #559, and his hobbies included traveling, camping, fishing and teasing people.
In addition to his wife Patricia, survivors include: 1 son, Harlow (Rita Hazard) Patten of Munising, 2 daughters, Colleen (Pat Dornfeld) Hurkman of Rock, MI, Sue Ann Henning of Rock, MI, 2 sisters, Norma J. (Ernest) Vida of Roscommon, MI, Marie (Moriarty) of Cape Fair, Missouri, 3 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, several step grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services and Military Rites will be held on Thursday October 4, at 2:00 P.M. a Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone with Rev. Randy Brodeen officiating and the Rock American Legion Post #559 performing military rites. The Skradski Funeral Home of Gladstone and Escanaba is in charge of arrangements.
James L. Tourtillott
SKANDIA -- James L. Tourtillott, 60, of 702 Dalton Rd., died Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at his home.
He was born January 6, 1941 in Marquette to Leo and Inez (Johnson) Tourtillott and had lived in the Marquette and Skandia area most of his life. He was a 1958 graduate of Graveraet High School and attended NMU for two years. He began a career in business with Getz's and later worked for Stern and Field. In 1965, James moved to the Copper Country to manage the Stern and Field Store in Hancock and in 1973, went to work for the D & N Bank, returning to Marquette in 1975. In 1977, he left banking and went to work for CCI at the Empire Mine until 1982. He then returned to banking at the D & N in Marquette and Ironwood. In 1992, he left banking to start his own woodworking business, Heritage Woodworks, at his home in Skandia. In 1993, James was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gherig's disease, the progression of which forced him to discontinue his business in 1996. Over the years, he was an active outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed hunting and fly fishing. He was a member of Marquette Lodge 101 Free and Accepted Masons, and served as Worshipful Master in 1995, Scottish Rite Bodies, Ahmed Temple Shrine, a member and Past President of the K.I. Sawyer Square and Compass Club, the Hiram Investment Club, and the Masonic Golf League. In addition, he was a former member of the Marquette Kiwanis, Rotary and Jaycees and coached Junior Hockey.
James is survived by his wife, the former Vicki Suvanto, who he married in 1976; two sons, James (Tammy) Tourtillott and William (Lynn) Tourtillott, both of Dollar Bay; two aunts, Isabelle Marier of Marquette and Evie Christie of Sault Ste. Marie; two uncles, Richard (Dorothy) Johnson of Sault Ste. Marie and Hank (Eleanor) Tourtillott of Casa Grande, AZ; and five grandchildren, Bill, Scott, Joe, Casey and Cory.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 6, 2001 at 1:30pm in the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Bernard of Messiah Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm on Saturday and a masonic service will be conducted at 1:00pm.
Memorials may be made to U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
