Eugene "Gene" Allyn Cole
MARQUETTE -- Eugene "Gene" Allyn Cole, age 92, of 203 W. Kaye Ave., passed away October 31, 2001 at the Norlite Nursing Center. He had been in ill health the past two months.
He was born July 3, 1909 in New York City to Edgar Allyn and Eugenia (Stahl) Cole. As a child he moved to Toledo, Ohio and later to Michigan, graduating from high school in Milan, MI. After graduating in 1932 from Michigan Tech as a chemical engineer, he began working in the research lab at what was then Cleveland Cliffs Charcoal Plant. It soon became affiliated with Dow Chemical and became the Cliff-Dow Chemical Plant and later the Royal Oak Charcoal Plant. Following the plant closure he worked in the lab at Marquette General Hospital for four years, retiring in 1969. Like his father, Gene loved music and played trombone in the ROTC band and a dance band at Michigan Tech. After moving to Marquette he played with the NMU Symphony and the Marquette City Band for many years. Since the 1930's, Gene was an active ham radio operator with the call letters W8VJD. He made contacts with hams all over the world but treasured his regular schedules with his U.P. friends. Gene spent much time in the out-of-doors, was an amateur photographer and an avid bird watcher, identifying birds by song.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ruth, to whom he had been married for 67 years; two sons, David (Deborah) Cole of Syracuse, NY and John (Jeannie) Cole of San Jose, CA; two daughters, Kathy Cole of Haslett, MI and Nancy (Dennis) Henderson of Michigamme; grandchildren John (Cherie) Cole, Julie (Mike) Forys, Elizabeth Cole and Nancy Ann Cole; and one great grandchild Skylar Cole. Also surviving are a sister Martha Crawford of California and sisters-in-law Nancy Cole of California, Betty Anderson of Escanaba and Alice Frimodig of Laurium. He was preceded in death by a sister Allene and a brother Scott.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Lung Association of Michigan.
Hilda Ross
MARQUETTE -- Hilda Ross, 99, formerly of 222 S. Fifth St., died Thursday, November 1, 2001 in the Norlite Nursing Center.
She was born September 17, 1902 in Deerton, MI to Elias and Mathilda (Palomaki) Johnson and had lived in this area her entire life. Prior to retiring Hilda worked as a domestic for the Reynolds family for many years. She was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church.
Hilda is survived by a son, Allen (Arlove) Ross of Marquette; a nephew, Donald Paajanen of Christmas; a niece, Elizabeth Snow of Port Huron; a grandson, Kevin (Anjie) Ross of Virginia Beach, VA; and a great granddaughter, Jessica Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1980.
There are no services scheduled. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Joanne M. Boyum
ISHPEMING TWP. -- Joanne M. Boyum, age 83, of 1740 Glendora Ln., Ishpeming Twp., passed away at 3:15PM on Thursday November 1, 2001 at her home. Arrangements will be announced by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Louisa Asplund
MARQUETTE -- Louisa Asplund, 92, of Marquette, died peacefully Wednesday evening in the loving care of Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.
Mrs. Asplund was born January 13, 1909 in Negaunee to the late William and Eliza (Hicks) Vivian. On May 7, 1927 she married Henry Asplund and he preceded her in death on May 1, 1980.
Mrs. Asplund was employed as a store clerk at Corneliuson Bakery in Ishpeming for most of her working life. She also baked and decorated hundreds of wedding cakes for local residents in her home. Oftentimes her cakes were even shipped to weddings in other parts of the country. In her spare time she enjoyed crafts.
Louisa is survived by two loving sons, William (Alice) Asplund of Rosamond, CA and John (Bonnie) Asplund of Marquette; five dear grandsons, William (Gloria), Michael (Terri), Steven (Yvette), Dale (Michele) and Keith Asplund; also seven step great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 at 11 a.m.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Martha Ellen Lahti
ISHPEMING -- Martha Ellen Lahti, age 93, of 741 Park St., Ishpeming, died Thursday, November 1, 2001 at the U.P. Home Health & Hospice's inpatient unit of Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
Martha was born December 12, 1907 in Ishpeming. She moved to Highland Park, IL, where she worked as a housekeeper until moving back to Ishpeming in 1977. She was a member of the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Congregation of Negaunee.
Martha is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 5, 2001 at 7:00pm at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Daniel Hintsala to officiate. Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Monday from 6:00pm until the time of services.
Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Ellen L. Scott
MUNISING -- Ellen L. Scott, age 81, of 300 W. City Park Drive, Munising, died on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 6:50 p.m. at the Munising Tendercare Health Center. She was born on February 16, 1920 in Sanilac County, Michigan to the late Silas and Agnes (Bourdo) Philpott. Ellen attended Rural Snover Schools. She married Lee Shaw in 1938, he preceded her in death in 1962, she later married Harvey Scott, he also preceded her in death. Ellen lived in the thumb area of Lower Michigan until 1981 when she moved to Munising. She was a former member of the Assembly of God Church in North Branch, Michigan. Ellen was a homemaker; she was talented at crocheting and enjoyed reading.
Ellen is survived by 5 sons and daughters-in-law, Charles (Ellen) Shaw of Fairbault, MN- Arthur (Susie) Thompson-Shaw of Ann Arbor, MI- Richard Shaw of Charlotte, NC- William (Kathryn) Shaw of Marlette, MI and Terry (Jane) Shaw of Willis, TX- 2 Daughters, Karen Shaw of Davison, MI and Gail (Wallace) Nesberg of Munising- 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. Ellen was also preceded in death by a son Gary Shaw in 1990, and a granddaughter Dorothy Wilcox.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Sunday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Pastor Kurt Kovanen will conduct a funeral service Sunday, November 4, 2001 at 2:00 P.M. at the Bowerman Funeral Chapel.
Joanne M. Boyum
ISHPEMING TWP. -- Joanne M. Boyum, age 83 of 1740 Glendora Ln. Ishpeming Twp., passed away at 3:15 PM on Thursday, November 1, 2001 at her home.
Joanne was born October 18, 1918 in Minneapolis, MN the daughter of the late Glenn and Mae (Miller) Montgomery. She graduated from high school in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota. She married Burton Boyum in 1942 and resided in Ishpeming for a short time, then moved to Negaunee Twp. residing there until 1965, when she moved to Canada, then to Australia, prior to settling back in Ishpeming in 1973. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Bridge Club, the 3 Arts Reading Club, the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Retired Women of CCI, was a leader in the Girl Scouts and was a member of the Yarn Winders.
Survivors include her husband Burt Boyum of Ishpeming; 2 daughters- Judy (Terry) Parlato of Gwinn and Janet (Walt) Borecki of Port Franks, Ontario; a son Bruce (Janice) Boyum of Kennewick, WA; 7 Grandchildren Jena (Will) Webber, Tony Parlato, Kari Boyum, Nikki Boyum, Laura Borecki, Stephen Borecki and Bryan (Jennifer) Borecki; 4 great grandchildren- Jamie, Joanna, Hudson and Nathanael Webber; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Jeanne Ingmundson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 5, 2001 at the Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Paul Donelson to officiate. Inurnment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.
A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service at the church.
The family suggests memorials be directed to the Lake Superior Hospice or the Wesley United Methodist Church.
Violet G. Flaa
DES MOINES, IOWA -- Violet G. Flaa died Sunday, October 28, in Des Moines, Iowa where she had made her home with her daughter and family the past several years. Mrs. Flaa was a long time resident of Ishpeming and taught for many years in the Ishpeming High School and at Bergland, Michigan. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James E., in 1983. She is survived by her daughter, Randi (Douglas) Holmgren, three grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 10, at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be at the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Penelope Karabetsos
MILWAUKEE, WI - Penelope Karabetsos (Nee Nicolopoulos), 93, died Thursday, November 1, 2001 in Milwaukee. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank Karabetsos, dearest mother of Barbara (Costas) and Jim and the late John and Evan, dear mother-in-law of Elizabeth and Diane, and also loved by ten great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Krause Funeral Home in Milwaukee from 4 to 8pm today with Trisagion at 6:30pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Monday, November 5, 2001 in the Anunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee with Reverend Father James Dokos officiating. There will also be a visitation on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 from 6 to 8pm in the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held Wednesday morning, November 7, 2001 in Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, c/o Ruby Pedakis, 1047 Allouez, Marquette, MI 49855.
Fredrick "Fred" McPherson
SHINGELTON -- Fredrick "Fred" McPherson, age 66, of P.O. Box 100, Shingleton, died on Saturday at 8:05 p.m., November 3, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital following a two year illness. He was born in Munising Township, on September 28, 1935 to the late Sheldon and Daisy (Saunders) McPherson. Fred graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1953. He served 2 years in the U.S. Army. He married Marlene Christian on July 27, 1963. Fred worked several jobs, including Grand Trunk Railroad in Detroit, Grede Foundry in Iron Mountain. He moved back to the Munising area in 1969 when he began employment with C.C.I. Harthrow Woods Product Company which later became Timber Products, he worked various jobs beginning with the Green Chain, and was later promoted to Plant Security, a job he held until his retirement in 1997. He also owned and operated Mac's Bike Repair in Shingleton for 15 years, and Fred's Locksmithing Shop up until the time of his death. Fred was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Knight of Columbus, Council #2804, the Roderick Prato Post #131 of the American Legion, and Locksmiths of America. Fred enjoyed his family, gardening, landscaping, bowling, hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife- Marlene of Shingleton; 4 children, Robin (Debra) McPherson of Shingleton, Jim (Lisa) McPherson of Lakeworth, FL, Suzette (Robert) Felton of Saginaw, MI and Ken (Sheree) McPherson of Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. 7 Grandchildren: Lori, Zachary, Victoria, Ryan, Jordan, Brandon, Amanda. Brothers: Orville (Irene) McPherson of Beaver Creek, OH, Kenneth (Dorothy) McPherson of Shingleton. Sisters: Bernice Shelly of Shingleton, Pearl (Clarence) McCollom of Shingleton and Sharon (Tom) Keeley of Oxford, MI and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, brothers, Alton and Edwin McPherson, brother-in-law Emerson Shelly and sister-in-law, Jean McPherson, preceded Fred in death.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Deacon James Anderson will conduct a funeral on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Chapel. The family has requested that Memorial gifts may be made to the American Legion Post #131 of Munising in Fred's memory.
Reino A. Koukkari
CALUMET -- Reino A. Koukkari, 90, former Calumet resident passed away on Friday afternoon at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
He was born May 9, 1911 in Wolverine a son of the late August & Marie Koukkari.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2001 at 11:00 AM in the Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek with the Rev. Peter Vorhes to officiate.
The Erickson-Crowley Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family.
Ari T. Venetjoki
Alex J. Venetjoki
Noah S. Venetjoki
SHEBOYGAN FALLS, WI -- Ari T. Venetjoki, 47, of 539 Mill Street, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin died on Friday, October 26, 2001 in Baraga County, Michigan as a result of an automobile accident.
Ari was born on May 30, 1954 in Kokkola, Finland, the son of Viljo and Pirkko (Makynen) Venetjoki. He graduated from Marquette, Michigan High School in 1972 followed by his studies at Michigan Technological University. On June 2, 1979, he married the former Konnie Karla Kingrey in Florida. Ari worked for the Curt G. Joa Co. for the past 21 years, first in Boynton Beach, Florida, and for the past nine years, as a sales engineer at the Sheboygan Falls office. Ari enjoyed Formula 1 racing, camping, spending time outdoors, but most of all treasured time spent with his family.
Alex James, "A.J." Venetjoki, 7, died Tuesday morning, October 30, 2001 at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa as a result of the accident. He was born on December 5, 1993 in Sheboygan. He was a 2nd grade student at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School. Alex was involved in SAYSO Soccer, and enjoyed playing with Legos, HotWheel cars, PlayStation, his pets, and camping. Alex has a fascination with trains that coincided with his dream of becoming a train engineer.
Noah S. Venetjoki, 4, died on Wednesday morning, October 31, 2001 at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa also as a result of the accident. Noah was born on January 12, 1997 in Sheboygan. Noah was a pre-schooler at St. Paul Lutheran Pre-Schol in Sheboygan Falls. Noah enjoyed playing with his pets, HotWheel cars, going camping with his family, and "smiley faces". His love for fire trucks lead to his dream of becoming a firefighter.
They were all members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls.
They are survived by wife and mother, Karla Venetjoki of Sheboygan Falls; son and brother, Sean Venetjoki, living at home; mother, mother-in-law, and grandmothers, Pirkko (Jussi) Karttunen of Atlantis, Florida; Hannah Fagan of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; and Patricia (Guy) Patsy, of Boca Raton, Florida; father-in-law and grandfather, Richard Kingrey of Ohio; sister, sisters-in-law, and aunts, Anita (Matt) Pursley of Alpharetta, Georgia; Karen (Joe) Santucci, Kim (Mark) Kearney, Kelly (Greg) Coldewey; and brother-in-law and uncle, Kurt Kingrey. Ari is also survived by two dear nieces and cousins in Finland. Alex is survived by his godmother, Melinda (Gary) Oliwa. Noah is survived by his godmothers, Kimberly (Jeff) Plass, Shelley Krause, and Lisa (Craig) Dicker. Together, Alex and Noah have ten cousins.
They were preceded in death by father and grandfather, Viljo Venetjoki; and sister-in-law and aunt, Kyra Kingrey.
Combined funeral services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2001 with the Revs. Donald Hasse, Tom Gudmundson, and Tom Vanderbilt officiating. Burial will take place at Sheboygan Falls Cemetery.
Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8p.m., and on Wednesday form 5 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m.
A memorial fund is being established in their memories for the Sean Venetjoki Educational Fund.
The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls is serving the family.
Edward Provost
SIDNAW -- Edward Provost, age 82, of Sidnaw, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2001 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the the Jacobson Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Sidnaw Cemetery.
The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
James "Big Bopper" Emery
ZEBA -- James "Big Bopper" Emery, age 59, of Zeba, passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
The funeral mass will be on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Name of Jesus in Assinins. The visitation will be on Wednesday from 6 to 9:00 p.m., and Thursday one hour prior to the service, at the church. Fr. George Joseph will officate. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.
John Ring
CORNELL -- John Ring, age 82 of 3003 Truax 24th Road in Cornell, Michigan passed away Sunday at Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba. He was born January 28, 1919 in Gladstone and was the son of John and Anna (Sprague) Ring. He married the former Ruth Forsman on November 7, 1942 in Green Bay, WI. They lived in Gwinn, MI from 1963 to 1968 and in 1968 they moved to Cornell. He did sheet metal work in his earlier years and later he was self employed in the plumbing and heating industry. He was a former member of the Cornell Lions Club were he served as King Lion for two years and he enjoyed hunting.
John O. Ring is survived by: wife, Ruth Ring, one daughter, Mary Lou (Michael) Stefanski of Gwinn, one son, Fredrick Ring of Cornell, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, one brother, Earl Ring of Cornell, one sister, Lillian Thompson of Cornell and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers; Paul, Walter and Everett and three sisters; Helen, Viola and Bessie.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services for John O. Ring will be held at 4:00 P.M. Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Clyde Wright officiating. Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery.
The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Leo J. "Bud" Lessard
MARQUETTE -- Leo J. "Bud" Lessard, 87, of Marquette, entered eternal life Sunday morning, November 4, 2001, at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans following a brief illness.
Born February 7, 1914 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, son of George and Alice Lessard, Leo was a lifelong resident of Michigan. In 1955 he married Florence (Letcher-Hyde) who preceded him in death in April 1999. He served in the Army during World War II, being stationed in the Philippines. Leo had a passion for sailing and worked on the ore boats, sailing the Great Lakes for a number of years. He later went to work for the Department of Corrections, retiring in 1975, and briefly returned to sailing. He was an active member in the Masonic and Shrine Lodges and Past Master of the Munising Lodge. Leo enjoyed playing cards, golfing, cooking, going to camp and spending time with his family.
Survivors include: three children, Greg Lessard and Mark (Sandy) Lessard both of Marquette, and Gail (Rick) Lessard-Miller of Chesterfield; three step-children, Phyllis (Bill) Pszeniczny, James (Carol) Hyde, and Dianne Ochman all of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada; one sister, Corrine (Terry) Marlowe of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada; granddaughters, Renee and Nicole Lessard of Marquette; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews in Canada.
Private services will be held in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.
