Randal K. Rantanen
ZEBA -- Randal K. Rantanen, age 43 of Zeba, passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2001 at Baraga County Memerial Hospital.
The funeral servcie will be on Thursday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Zeba Indian Mission United Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home and Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. David Snyder will officiate. Burial will be in the Indian Pinery Cemetery in the Spring. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisiting the family.
Dwayne R. Harju
SUOMI LOCATION -- Dwayne R. Harju, 60, a former Suomi Location resident, of 4727 Woodbury Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, died at a care center in Colorado Springs on November 20, 2001 following a lengthy illness.
Dwayne was born October 27, 1941 in Negaunee to Sulo and Gertrude (Marjonen) Harju. He married Rosemary LaMere on November 3, 1973 and was a retired truck driver.
Surviving are his wife; a son Richard D. Harju; 3 daughters, Lucinda (Jeff) Nylander, Negaunee, Tina (Dewayne) Comer and Junita (Jeff) Herman, both of Colorado Springs, CO; 2 brothers, Donald (Chris) Harju and Michael (Cindi) Harju; 2 sisters, Joan (Wayne) Connors and Paula (Larry) Rasanen, all of Negaunee; and 5 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Dennis and Sulo Harju, Jr.
Services were held in Colorado Springs. A memorial service will be held locally on a date and time to be announced later.
Norman W. "Slick" Frieberg
MARQUETTE -- Norman W. "Slick" Frieberg, 78, of 222 S. Fifth St., passed away Sunday, December 2, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital.
He was born May 10, 1923 in Covington Twp. to William and Lillian (Syrjala) Frieberg, and had lived in this area since 1940. He was an Army veteran of World War II. As a young man he worked for the CCC Camps and was also a merchant marine working on the Henry Ford II ore boat. He later worked for the City of Marquette and also as a teamster for Clairmont Trucking Co. He was a member of American Legion Post 44 of Marquette, and he loved a good sauna.
Survivors include two daughters, Lauren Reichel of Marquette and Kerry (James) Bonovich of Ishpeming, a son Alan (Tracy) Frieberg of Republic, a brother Raymond Frieberg of Marquette; grandchildren Amy, Josh, Breanna, Brittany and Ali and great grandchild Joanie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Beatrice.
Graveside services will be held in the Big Bay Cemetery at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 6, 2001 with Darryl Small officiating. At Norman's request there is no visitation. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Vernice Temple
BIG BAY -- Vernice Temple, 85, of Big Bay, died Monday, December 3, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center.
She was born April 15, 1916 in Limestone, MI to Carl and Mae (Insedler) French and moved to Big Bay at the age of five. She graduated from Graveraet High School, and owned and operated Temple's General Store in Big Bay with her husband Earl "Pete" for many years. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Big Bay, Presque Isle Chapter #403 Order of Eastern Star, and was a member and Past President of the VFW Auxiliary in Big Bay.
Vernice is survived by a daughter Maxine Temple of DePere, WI, a son Raymen (Susie) Temple of Waupaca, WI, a sister Mildred Fleury of Iron Mountain, MI, a granddaughter, Wendy Cram of Green Bay, WI and special family member Susie Havel Kortum. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Earl "Pete" Temple in 2000 and a son Earl "Mickey" Temple in 1966.
Private graveside services were held this morning in the Powell Township Cemetery with Reverend William Payne officiating. Memorials can be made to Lake Superior Hospice. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home assisted the family.
The family would like to give special thanks to Cheryl "Chic" Libick, Carol Burns, the Eastwood staff, Lake Superior Hospice, MGH Home Health and Dr. Tom Huffman.
Elsie E. Hytinen
RAPID RIVER -- Elsie E. Hytinen, age 84, of 16425 V .25 Road, Rapid River (North Delta area) passed away Monday at Roubal Nursing Home in Stephenson. She was born on February 1, 1917 in Laudspur, Michigan and was the daughter of Toivo and Tilda (Mattila) Maki. On February 1, 1941 she married Andrew (Gump) Hytinen. Together they owned and operated the family farm in North Delta. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1986. One sister Jenny Karasti and one brother Elmer Maki also preceded her in death. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Trenary.
Survivors include: One Son, Gerald (Karen) Hytinen, Stephenson; One Daughter, Gail (Gary) Hall, Rapid River (North Delta area); 6 Grandchildren, Diana Hytinen, Danelle (Dana) Anderson, Marianna Hall, Melissa Hall, Mitchell Hall, Michelle Hall; Several Nieces and Nephews.
Visitation for Elsie E. Hytinen will be held from 4:00p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (EST) Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. (EST) at the First Lutheran Church in Trenary with Lay Minister Kathy Godec officiating. Burial will be in the Trenary Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Irene E. Dolkey
ISHPEMING TWP. -- Irene E. Dolkey, 76, of 44 Sunnyside Estates, died Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at her home. She had been in ill health for the past four years.
Irene was born in Negaunee on April 24, 1925 to the late Gust and Martha (Harsila) Koski and was a 1943 graduate of Negaunee High School. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, sewing and cooking.
Surviving are one daughter, Darlene (Gary) Pepin of Ishpeming, two grandchildren, Lindsey and Steffanie, one sister, Edith Sundell of Green Bay, WI, on brother, Leonard Koski of Minneapolis, MN and two sisters-in-law, Hilda Dolkey of Ishpeming and Gunile Koski of Negaunee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, her parents and a brother, Kenneth Koski.
Funeral services will be held, Friday, December 7, 2001 at 3:00pm at the Perala Funeral Home with Rev. David L. Echelbarger of Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1:00pm on Friday until the time of services. Burial will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.
Julio “Jim” DiFruscio
ISHPEMING -- Julio “Jim” DiFruscio, age 78 of 111 Bluff St. #103 Ishpeming passed away Thursday, December 6, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital after being in declining health for the past 2 years.
Jim was born September 6, 1923 in Crosby, MN to the late James & Mayme (Tondo) DiFruscio. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, he received many decorations including the Asiatic- Pacific Theater Service Medal, & Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
Jim worked for Inland Steel in Minnesota prior to working for Cleveland Cliffs. He worked for C.C.I. for 16 1/2 years retiring from the Empire Mine.
Jim was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing & hunting.
Jim is survived by 2 sisters, Josephine Barry of Ishpeming and Ann McCarthy of Ishpeming, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and 4 sisters; Rose Mary Crowe, Eleanor Saari, Emeline Asgaard and Violet Mustamaa.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Msgr. Peter Oberto officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Paul E. Smith
TRENARY -- Paul E. Smith, age 79, of Trenary, MI, died Wednesday, December 5, 2001 at Tendercare Nursing Home in Munising following a lengthy illness.
Paul was born July 29, 1922 on the family farm in Trenary, the youngest son of William and Florence Smith. Paul was raised on the family farm and was a graduate of Trenary High School. Following graduation he stayed on the farm to help his parents and eventually took over and ran the family farm. Paul married the former Sarah Sloan on June 2, 1951 at Memorial United Methodist Church. Paul served on the Mathias Township Board for over 30 years, and was the Chatham Telephone Company Secretary for over 30 years. He also drove bus for AMCAB for 10 years.
Paul was a member of the Trenary Lions Club, Munising Moose Lodge and attended church at Heritage Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time at the family camp at the lake with family and friends.
Survivors include: 2 sons, William (Debra) Smith of Trenary, MI and Paul (Joy) Smith of Whitmore Lake, MI, 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife Sarah on March 10, 1995 and 2 brothers, Dick and Chuck Smith.
Paul’s family will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Paul E. Smith will follow at 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Lon Russell of Heritage Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells Township, MI.
The Skradski Funeral Home of Gladstone and Escanaba is in charge of arrangements.
Marie P. Norton
CURTIS -- Marie P. Norton, 80, of Curtis, died Sunday evening December 2, 2001 at the Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, December 9, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. at the Newberry United Methodist Church with Pastor Jane Logston officiating. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Curtis.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
William Henry Polmatier
MUNISING -- William Henry Polmatier, Jr., age 72, of N7088 Indiantown Road, Munising, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 5, 2001 at 9:43 a.m. in the Emergency Room of Munising Memorial Hospital. Bill was born on June 20, 1929 to the late William H. and Winifred J. (Keyes) Polmatier, Sr. in Munising and was a lifetime resident. He began his employement with the Munising Paper Company on July 8, 1947 as a laborer in the Finishing Department. After working various jobs, he posted into the Specialties Department where he progressed to Saturator Operator. From Specialties, Bill moved to Maintenance where he progressed from Painter to Fire Chief, which was the job he held at his retirement from Kimberly Clark on January 1, 1990. Bill married Beverly (Cota) Spaulding on December 6, 1975. He was always creating and building his own machinery, which included an airplane, a 32-foot boat, his own sawmill and numerous other helpful equipment. He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry and had made many furniture pieces. He loved to play Scrabble with Bev and he enjoyed playing horseshoes and clearing land on his Bobcat. Bill enjoyed the slots at the casino, camping with his family, walking his dog, Sam and “complaining” with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly Polmatier of Munising; children- Chris Benson of Port Huron, MI, Bill Polmatier III of Munising, Carol (Bill) Cabanaw of Munising, and Kelly (Don) Sadler of Gladstone; stepson- Jim Spaulding of Munising; grandchildren- Scott, Jason, Craig, and Chris Smith, Lori, Joey, Bryan, and John Benson, Christa and Jesse Polmatier, Ashley and Katie Sadler, Bill and Michelle Cabanaw, and Richard Cota; and brother- Albert McKinnen of Frankfurt, MI. Bill was also preceded in death by his daughter, Cathy Smith, his step-daughter, Janice Spaulding, and numerous step-siblings.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. A clergy member from Sacred Heart Catholic Church will conduct the funeral service on Saturday, December 8, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery and Bill will be escorted by his grandsons.
Irene E. Dolkey
ISHPEMING TWP. – Irene E. Dolkey, 76, of 44 Sunnyside Estates, died Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at her home. She had been in ill health for the past four years.
Irene was born in Negaunee on April 24, 1925 to the late Gust and Martha (Harsila) Koski and was a 1943 graduate of Negaunee High School. She married Ernest Dolkey on May 29, 1954. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, sewing and cooking.
Surviving are one daughter, Darlene (Gary) Pepin of Ishpeming, two grandchildren, Lindsey and Steffanie, one sister, Edith Sundell of Green Bay, WI, one brother, Leonard Koski of Minneapolis, MN and two sisters-in-law, Hilda Dolkey of Ishpeming and Gunile Koski of Marquette, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, on October 18, 1994, her parents and a brother, Kenneth Koski.
Funeral services will be held, Friday, December 7, 2001 at 3:00pm at the Perala Funeral Home with Rev. David L. Echelbarger of Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1:00pm on Friday until the time of services. Burial will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.
Dorothy A. Barrett
MARQUETTE -- Dorothy A. Barrett entered eternal rest December, 2, 2001 after a brief illness at Marquette General Hospital.
Dorothy was born in Huron County, Michigan. She was a retired teacher from Dearborn Public Schools.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband C.S. Barrett, her parents and one brother.
A private service was held on December 4, 2001. Dorothy will be missed by friends and family who cared about her.
Elmer J. France
ALBION, INDIANA -- Elmer J. France, age 81, of Albion, Indiana, died on December 7, 2001 at Parkview Noble County Hospital in Kendalville, Indiana.
Mr. France was born on November 22, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. He is a former resident of New Haven, Indiana and Lake of the Woods, Indiana. He retired in 1982 as a carpenter for Lebrato Brothers Construction. Mr. France was a member and past president of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge #3164 in New Haven, IN, a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge #2455 in Albion, IN and a member of the American Legion Post #86 in Kendallville, IN. Mr. France was also a veteran of the US Navy, having served during World War II.
Survivors include: 2 daughters, Carol Ann Keltzer of Ishpeming and Sharon Kay Floss of Covington, KY; 1 sister, Elizabeth Niemeyer of Ft. Wayne, IN; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, December 10, 2001 at the E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 IN 930 E., New Haven, IN. Visitation will take place from 2 until 5:00pm on Sunday, December 9, 2001 at the E. Harper & Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in New Haven, IN. Memorials can be made to the Parkview Hospice, 109 E. Central Ave., Lagrange, IN.
Laura M. Taipala
AVON, IN -- Laura M. Taipala, age 86 of 445 S. 525 E. Avon passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at Heartland Health Center in Avon.
Laura was born January 18, 1915 in Palmer to the late John & Sofia (Makela) Huhtala. She graduated from the Palmer High School and Northern Michigan University and taught in the public schools of Michigan for 24 years, mostly in the Lincoln Park area. She and her husband, Toivo, lived in Lake Worth, FL for many years prior to moving to Indiana. Laura was a member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Lake Worth where she was a member of the choir. Since living in Indiana, Laura was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church of Brownsburg.
Laura is survived by her husband Toivo, a son Jack Taipala of Chicago, a daughter Dr. Ruth Goodell and her husband Dr. David Zauel of Avon, 2 great grandchildren, Susan & Rebecca of Avon, IN and one sister Martha Shields of Detroit, several nieces, nephews & cousins. Laura was preceded in death by 2 sisters Helme Gebhardt, Eva Hurja, a brother Arne Huhtala, 2 half sisters Dagmar Newstead, and Olga Knack, 2 half brothers John &Otto, an adopted sister Ellen Huhtala.
Funeral services were held at the Messiah Lutheran Church on Friday, November 30, 2001. Burial took place in the Ishpeming Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Ishpeming at a future date announced by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Lloyd DeGroot
MARQUETTE -- Lloyd Anthony DeGroot, 86, of 859 Lakewood Lane, Marquette, Michigan, died Sunday evening December 2, 2001, at the home of his daughter Mary in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Lloyd was born on November 27, 1915 in Green Bay to the late Joseph and Phoebe (Meunier) DeGroot. On March 1, 1938, he married Martha Doey at Holy Cross Church in Bay Settlement, Wisconsin. They were happily married for 62 years.
Lloyd enlisted in the Navy serving in the Pacific on the USS Tallulah during WWII. He continued in the Naval Reserve until his employement with Otis Elevator Company. He transferred with his family to Marquette in 1964 until retiring in 1975.
He was a member of St. Louis The King Catholic Church. He was a life member of Harvey Knights of Columbus Council #6447, and the Marquette Elks Lodge #405. He also belonged to the American Legion Post #44. He was an officer of the St. Vincent de Paul Society with over 30 years of service to the people of the area.
Lloyd loved to play cards often winning tournaments. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to travel, making friends wherever he went.
Lloyd is survived by five children, Patricia (Dale Spiegelhoff) DeGroot of Oconto Falls; Mary (Daniel) VerHaag of Green Bay, WI; Michael (Judith) DeGroot of Queenstown, MD; James (Roseanne) DeGroot of Harvey, MI; Paul (Sue) DeGroot of Minneapolis, MN; foster son, Tom Armega; 13 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three sisters: Mary Judkins of Green Bay; Joyce (Ray) Nooyen of Leola, PA; Elaine Larscheid of Green Bay and one brother, Louis (June) DeGroot of Green Bay. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.
Preceding him in death, besides his parents, was his wife, Martha, who died on May 9, 2000; his brothers Norbert and Milton (Bud); his brothers-in-law Orland (Bud) Judkins, Jack Larscheid and his granddaughter Venus VerHaag.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Lloyd's friends, Ray Erdman who was always there to help as well as play cribbage.
The family will receive guests at 10:00 AM Monday morning, December 10 at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM with Fr. Guy Thoren officiating. A reception will follow the mass. Inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Bay Settlement, WI.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the St. Vincent de Paul Society or to have Masses offered in Lloyd's memory.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank the staff of U.P. Home Hospice and especially Dr. Martha Short for their outstanding care and support.
Thomas P. "Poof" Nelson
NORTH LAKE -- Thomas P. "Poof" Nelson, age 57, of 935 N. Westwood Dr., Ishpeming, died Thursday, December 6, 2001 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer for the past six months.
Tom was born November 5, 1944 in Ishpeming to the late William and Evelyn (Larmour) Nelson. He was a lifelong area resident. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.
Tom worked for 28 years for the Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company, retiring from the Tilden Mine for health reasons in 2001. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mancelona. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to camp.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Myrna (Maxwell) Nelson; 6 children, Michelle (Matthew) Lorenz of Wilburn, GA, Christi (John) Robinson of North Lake, Janel (Patrick) Huddleston of Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, Thomas J. Nelson of North Lake, Mark Nelson of Marquette and Christopher Nelson of North Lake; 6 grandchildren, Aaron, Forest, Amanda, Micaela, Marc and Jade; 5 sisters, Myrtle (Lewellyn) Rivord of Ishpeming, Norma (James) Belmore of Marquette, Mary (Sherwood) Morcom of Ishpeming, Evelyn (Kenneth) Eckloff of North Lake and Kay (Reuben) Ollila of North Lake; 5 brothers, John (Gen) Nelson of North Lake, James (Joan) Nelson of Ishpeming, George Nelson of North Lake, Kenneth (Shirley) Nelson of Harvey and Michael (Doreen) Nelson of Greenwood Location; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, William, Robert and Richard Nelson.
A funeral service will be held at 7:00pm Monday, December 10, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Fr. James Challancin officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery. Friends may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Monday from 4:00pm until the time of service.
