Keith A. Henson
ISHPEMING - Keith A. Henson, age 52, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2001 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming. He had been a resident of the Acocks Nursing Home and the Marquette County Medical Care Facility since 1975.
Keith was born December 28, 1948 in Ishpeming to Lorraine (Saari) and Ernest H. Henson.
Keith is survived by his mother Lorraine Anderson of Ishpeming, his father Ernest Henson of Bedford, TX, 6 brothers; James (Evelyn) Henson of Ishpeming, Glen (Ginger) Henson of Marquette, Kenneth (Pat) Henson of Santa Rosa, CA, Dennis (Tina) Henson of Republic, Donald (Julie) Nyman of Blanchard, ID and Brandon Anderson of Ishpeming, 2 sisters Susan (William) Wooden of Bedford, TX and Jeanne (Martin) Madsen of Ishpeming, several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Keith was preceded in death by a sister Tanya Anderson.
Funeral services for Keith Henson will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 16, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Ronald C. Fritz
GRAND HAVEN -- Ronald C. Fritz, age 74, of Grand Haven was called to his heavenly home Friday, December 14, 2001, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 27, 1927 to Benjamin F. and Loretta I. (Nelson) Fritz in Marquette, Michigan; and married Doris Zeratsky June 24, 1950 in Marquette.
Mr. Fritz attended Northern Michigan University and the University of Detroit, and graduated from Michigan State Police Academy. He served at Rockford, Newaygo and Cheboygan before moving to Grand Haven in 1968 where he retired in 1989 after 38 years. Mr. Fritz was a fireman in the United States Navy during WWII. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the American Legion- Charles Conklin Post 28 and the Michigan State Police Retirement Assoc. Ron enjoyed traveling, vacationing, time with his family and grandchildren, leisurely drives and breakfast after church. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. His special request would be for you to embrace your family in good times and bad, hug them and tell them you love them. For these are the most precious gifts of life.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Doris; 2 daughters, Debra (Renato) Robles, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Diane (David) Temple, Palm Springs, Calif.; a son, Jeffrey (Tammy) Fritz, Grand Haven; 5 grandchildren: Kam Robles, Jonathan, Preston, Duncan and Mason Fritz; 1 sister, Shirley Nystrom, Midlothian, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Jeanne Maughan, Jackie Hornbogen, Joanne Quaal, and his brother, Steven Fritz.
A memorial mass for Mr. Fritz will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grand Haven with Rev. William Langlois as celebrant. Friends may meet the family 6-8 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for research, Down Syndrome Assoc. of West Michigan or Hospice of North Ottawa Community.
VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad, Grand Haven, Mich.
Alexander "Mitch" Marcinkowski
MICHIGAMME -- Alexander "Mitch" Marcinkowski, 76, of HCR-1, Box 499, Michigamme, died on Friday, Dec. 14, 2001 at Bell Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient for 4 days and after a short illness.
Mr. Marcinkowski was born February 27, 1925 in Dillonvale, OH to Anthony and Helena (Jazulki) Marcinkowski. He was a graduate of Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and played varsity football. He was employed as a fireman for the City of Hamtramck for 20 years until his retirement. He lived in Howell from 1970 and worked at the Maxey Training School for Boys in Whitmore Lake. He was a Michigamme resident for the past six years.
Mitch was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Champion. He was an avid sportsman and bowler and had bowled a 300 game. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of the Polish National Alliance, Hamtramck. He was elected to the Detroit Catholic League Coaches Hall of Fame for coaching football.
Surviving are his wife, Marlene A. (Saladin); 5 children, Jan Erickson of Michigamme, Jeffrey (Judy) Marcinkowski of White Hall, MI, James (Nancy) Marcinkowski of Howell, MI, Jean Taffe of Auburn Hills, MI and John (Bonnie) Marcinkowski of Howell, MI; 11 grandchildren; and 1 brother, Eugene Marcinkowski of Royal Oak, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and a brother.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Champion. Msgr. Peter Oberto will officiate. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or a charity of choice in Mr. Marcinkowski's memory.
The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Carol B. Shipley
MARQUETTE -- Carol B. Shipley, 51, of 1929 Industrial Parkway, Marquette, entered eternal life Saturday morning, December 15, 2001, shortly after admittance to Marquette General Hospital.
Carol was born November 28, 1950 in Marquette, the daughter of Julius C. and Beatrice M. (Doherty) DeFalico. She was a 1968 graduate of the Marquette Senior High School and was a lifelong Marquette resident. Carol was employed as a housekeeping aide at Marquette General Hospital for 31 years, working there until September. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. Carol had a great love of all animals and especially enjoyed the birds, geese and deer that wandered into her yard. She also enjoyed time spent working with her computer.
A loving wife, daughter and sister, she is survived by: her husband, Kenneth A. Shipley, whom she married on June 29, 1974; her father, Julius C. DeFalico and his friend, Louise Jackson, of Marquette; a brother, Julius (Marlene) DeFalico, Jr. of Marquette; a sister-in-law, Nancy (Ben) Beale of Stanwood, WA; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and her special canine companions, Shadow, Suzie and Scooter.
Carol was preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice DeFalico on November 1, 1995.
Private family services will be held on Monday, December 17, in the Fassbender Funeral Home with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick, Pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carol's name may be directed to the Marquette County Humane Society.
Euphemia Blomquist
NEGAUNEE --Euphemia Blomquist, 98, formerly of 90 Croix St. and Victoria Ave., Negaunee, died at 4:40am on Saturday, December 15, 2001 at the Eastwood Nursing Center where she had been a patient since 1997.
Euphemia was born March 3, 1903 in Negaunee to Andrew and Karin (Mattson) Backlund and was a life long area resident. Her father was a founding member and Euphemia had been the oldest living member of Calvary Baptist Church, Negaunee. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are one sister, Esther Macey of St. Paul, MN and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Monday at Calvary Baptist Church in Negaunee with Rev. William Rowland officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Friends may call at Calvary Baptist Church for one hour prior to the service on Monday.
The Koskey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Tellerva H. Niemi
NEGAUNEE -- Tellerva H. Niemi, 84, of 98 Croix St., Apt. #250, died at 3:20am on Saturday, December 15, 2001 at the Emergency Room of Marquette General Hospital.
Tellerva was born August 21, 1917 in Suomi Location to John and Hilma (Kanokko) Larson and was a lifelong resident other than the past four years when she lived in the Negaunee Lakeveiw Apartments. She worked for many years as a nurses' aide at the Palmer Nursing Home. Mrs. Niemi was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Suomi Location.
Surviving are 5 daughters, Carol (Ted) Valeski of Iron Mountain, Jean (Ken) Lawson of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Marlene (Duane) King, Violet (Larry) Joseph and Sherry (John) Lusardi all of Ishpeming; 1 sister, Violet Anderson of Midway Location; 15 grandchildren, Cindy Hellerstedt, Ted Valeski, Jr., Michael and Ernest Valeski, Rick Lawson, Lori Mauro, Robin Steron, Lisa Ventress, Robert Kassmann, Jr., Jeanne Downing, Brian and David Joseph and Michael, Jennifer and Ryan Lusardi; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ernest Niemi in 1987; a daughter Mae Kassmann in 2000; 8 brothers, John, Edward, Charles, Emil, Einard, William, Ahti and Oiva Larson; 2 sisters, Dagmar Kallioinen and Martha Johnston.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Suomi Location with Rev. George R. Kaiser officiating. Burial will be in the Bakkala Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Niemi's 5 sons-in-law and grandson Rick Lawson. Friends may call at the Koskey Funeral Home from 5-7:00pm on Monday and at the church from 10:00am until the time of services at 11:00am on Tuesday.
Adelaide S. Harris
MARQUETTE -- Adelaide S. Harris, 78, of 317 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, died Sunday morning at the Norlite Nursing Center following a lengthy illness. Her children, Sarah Jackson of Marquette and J.C. Harris of Seattle, WA; and a granddaughter, Laura Jackson of Marquette, survive Mrs. Harris.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Dorfman Chapel in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Interment will take place in Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham, Michigan. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is also assisting the family.
Albert F. Clement
L'ANSE -- Albert F. Clement, age 87 of L'Anse, passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital Skilled Nurse Unit. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Fr. Greg Heikkala will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Clifford "Mike" Lehto
NEWBERRY -- Clifford "Mike" Lehto, 71, of Newberry, died Friday afternoon December 14, 2001 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry. Funeral services will be held Tuesday December 18, 2001 at 5:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Pastor David Buhman officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday December 18th from 3:00 pm until time of services. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Donald H. Liubakka
MARQUETTE -- Donald H. Liubakka, 66, of 528 Lost Creek Drive, Marquette, entered eternal life Sunday morning, December 16, 2001 at the East Pasco Medical Center in Zephyrhills, Florida, following a heart attack. Arrangements will be announced by the Fassbender Funeral Home.
Ephraim Curtis Pedit
NEWBERRY -- Ephraim Curtis Pedit, 84, of Newberry, died early Saturday morning December 15, 2001 at Marquette General Hosptial in Marquette. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday December 18, 2001 at 11:00 am at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Newberry with Fr. Paul Karottekunnel officiating. Rite of Comittal will take place at Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call at the Beaulieu Funeral Home on Monday December 17th from 4-8 pm with a rosary service to be recited at 7:00 pm. Beaulieu Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Donald H. "Old Lew" Liubakka
MARQUETTE -- Donald H. "Old Lew" Liubakka, 66, of 528 Lost Creek Drive, Marquette, passed away Sunday morning, December 16, 2001, at the East Pasco Medical Center in Zephyrhills, Florida. Donnie was born September 25, 1935 in Negaunee, a son of the late William E. and Ina M. (Mahlanen) Liubakka and was raised in Skandia. He served for four years in the US Navy aboard the USS Boston. Donnie was employed throughout the years at a variety of jobs, including working for Cliff Dow Chemical Company, Spear's Coal Dock, Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, and finally retiring from Camp Cusino as a work camp supervisor for the Department of Corrections following 16 years of service. Donnie would complete his high school education by returning to Marquette Senior High School, with his wife, Carol, to receive their high school diplomas through the Adult Education Program. He then attended Northern Michigan University for a time. Donnie was a loving husband to Carol, compassionate father, and wonderful grandfather. He enjoyed spending Michigan winters in Florida, where he made new winter friends. When Donnie was home for the summer he enjoyed camping with his family no matter what the weather would bring. Donnie really enjoyed a good game of cards with friends, or a challenging crossword puzzle. He was a talented teacher who touched everyone who knew him. If you knew Donnie, you knew that Carol was his match made in heaven. They were not only soul mates, but best friends. A loving husband, devoted father, proud grandparent, and brother, he is survived by: his best friend and loving companion of 34 years, Carol G. (Hout) Liubakka; a daughter, Cindy L. (Ira) Bowen of Milwaukee, WI, his son, Brian L. (Nicole) Durand of Marquette; six grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Phillips, Jodie Virta, Sheena Virta, Courtney Durand, Ira Bowen Jr, Paige Durand, and K.C. Durand; two great-grandchildren, Haquia Phillips and Iyonna Phillips; three brothers, Raymond (Viola) Liubakka of Negaunee, Arthur (Pat) Liubakka of Sands, and Kenneth (Julia) Liubakka of Harvey; brother-in-law, Eugene Koski of Eben; his mother-in-law, Olive Hout of Negaunee; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by a sister, Violette Koski; and his father-in-law, Clarence Hout. Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 19, beginning at 3:00 p.m. A Service of Remembrance will be held in the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening with Rev. Gordon Wells, officiating. Donnie's nephew, LCpl Marvin J. P. Korpi, US Marine Corps will render military honors. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Community Center at Lost Creek Village. Donnie's escorts will be, Courtney R. Durand, Jodie L. Virta, Raymond M. Liubakka, Michael K. Liubakka, Steven E. Liubakka, and Howard D. Tulla. Donnie will be greatly missed by all who knew him and our memories of him will forever be held in our hearts. We love you "Gramps", husband, father, grandpa, and brother.
Doris D. Matekel
MUNISING -- Doris D. Matekel, age 76, of 1550 Center Street- Apartment A-9, Munising, died on Sunday, December 16, 2001 at 2:40 p.m. at the Munising Memorial Hospital following a week long illness. She was born on January 12, 1925 in Wetmore, Michigan to the late Charles and Mary (Tyner) Beaudette. Doris graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School and then from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1943. After graduation, she worked for the Munising Paper Company until 1956. In May of 1954, Doris married Frank L. Matekel. They moved to Capac, Michigan for three years in 1956 and then returned to the U.P., moving to Trenary. Doris worked at the Trnary Bakery for over 15 years. In 1985, she and Frank moved to the Windjammer Apartments in Munising and she went to work at the bakery and babysat children in Munising. They wre married over thirty-five years when Frank preceded her in death on April 4, 1990. Doris was a member of th Sacred Heart Catholic Church and she enjoyed playing cards, reading, going to the casino, and sewing.
she is survived by her daughter, Kathy LaValley of Escanaba; sisters, Betty (Charles) Smith of Capac, MI, Helen (Alard) Anderson of Munising, and Tui Beaudette of Munising; several nieces and nephews-in-law. Besides her parents and husband, Doris was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Joseph Beaudette Jr.
Father Dennis L. Borca will conduct a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Mathias Township Cemetery in Trenary.
James L. Dawson
REPUBLIC -- James L. Dawson, 83, of Republic, died Sunday, December 16, 2001 at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. He was born on Feb. 6, 1918 in Congress Park, IL the son of the late Frank and Elsie (Halquist) Dawson.
Mr. Dawson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He worked for many years at the Marquette County Road Commission. Mr. Dawson volunteered at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center over 3200 hours. He was also the VAVS representative at the hospital. He belonged to Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola, the Grant-Nyman V.F.W. Post #5014, and the Golden Age Club. Jim also served on the Republic-Michigamme School Board for 16 years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, hunting and fishing. He married Gwen Plummer on Feburary 7, 1942 in LaGrange, IL.
Mr. Dawson is survived by his wife Gwen, 2 daughters Kathy (Gary) Johnson of Republic and Connie (Curt) Carey of Hudson, WI, 1 sister-in-law Esther (Bernie) Helmila of Republic, 4 grandchildren Lissa Alatalo, Curt Johnson, Chad (Wray) Carey, and Mark Carey, all of Hudson 1 great granddaughter Taylor Carey, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers Frank and Jack Dawson.
Visitation will be Weds. from 10-11am central time at Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola. Funeral services will be at 11am at the church. Rev. David Adnerson will officiate. Burial will be in the Channing Cemetery.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Mildred E. Daust
L'ANSE -- Mildred E. Daust, age 97, a lifelong resident of L'Anse, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
She was born November 5, 1904 in L'Anse, daughter of the late Peter and Katherine (Melville) Sands. She married John Earl Daust on September 19, 1927 in L'Anse. He preceded her in death on December 17, 1960. She enjoyed playing Bridge and pinochle, baking and reading. She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and belonged to a Bridge Club for more than 60 years.
Mildred is survived by three sons, Perry (Carol) Daust of Cedar River, MI, Jim (Karen) Daust of Gaylord, MI and Pat (Kathy) Daust of Marquette; two daughters, Lois (Pat) Tembreull of L'Anse and Margaret (Ray) McDonald of Rhinelander, WI; brother, Glenn (Ruth) Sands of L'Anse; sisters, Anne Schellinger of Duluth, MN and Margaret Molloy of Pontiac, MI; 20 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She is also preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 19 at 11:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-7pm at Jacobson Funeral Home with parish prayers at 6:30pm and Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Fr. Greg Heikkala will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Agnes E. Olson
MUNISING -- Agnes E. Olson, age 86, of 300 W. City Park Drive, Munising, died on Monday, December 17, 2001 at 7:!0 p.m. at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising. She was born on June 30, 1915 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Andrew and Senia (Koukkari) Lahti. Agnes married Nels Henry Olson on April 23, 1955. In 1967, they moved to Lake Worth, Florida where she had done some domestic cleaning for people and returned back to Munising in 1977. She and Nels were married for over forty years before he preceded her in death on September 15, 1995. Agnes was a member of the Eden Lutheran Church and she had enjoyed playing BINGO and pool.
She is survived by a daughter- Carolyn (David) Olson of Skandia; sons- Gerald Pracey of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Terry Olson of MacChenny, FL; step-daughters- Barbara (Shirley) Robare of Munising, Patsy Guadanoli Madison, IN, Karen Schmidtman of Munising; step-daughter-in-law- Doris Olson of Christmas, MI; step-son-in-law- Chester Pawielski of Munising; brother- Arvo Lahti of Daytona Beach, FL; 17 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Agnes was also preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Pracey, in 1953, a daughter- Mary Ann Lahti, a step-daughter- Nancy Pawielski, and a step-son- Nels Richard "Dick" Olson.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Pastors Mary Beth and Kurt Kovanen will conduct the funeral service on Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. at the Eden Lutheran Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.
Anona E. Quayle
ISHPEMING -- Anona E. Quayle entered eternal life on Monday, December 17, following an extended illness. She was born August 14, 1921 to Sivert E. and Stella Sundlie in Ishpeming, Michigan. Anona was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1939, a member of the National Honor Society, sang in the chorus, and Drum Majorette. For many years, Anona was active in organizing class reunion activities. She continued on to receive an RN from Augustana Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, in 1942. On August 11, 1945, she married Howard Young, in Chicago. Howard died of cancer in 1948. Following Howard's death, Anona returned to Ishpeming. On January 29, 1955 she married Arthur L. Quayle, also of Ishpeming. Anona worked as a nurse at Dr. William's Clinic for 26 years. She was always known as a loving and caring nurse, providing home care to many, many individuals throughout her nursing career.
Anona served as Secretary Treasurer of the Ishpeming Cancer Society for 25 years. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, served as director and sang in the choir for many years. Anona loved to sing, and was called upon to solo countless times throughout her years.
She is survived by her husband, Arthur, 2 daughters, Cheryl (Harvey) Rutherford, Gwinn, MI; Randi (Alan) Laakso, Diorite, MI; her son William (Cheryl) Quayle of Naperville, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Brian Anderson and Denyse Holappa; Jason (April), Jeramy (Karen), and Jennie Laakso; Nicole and William Quayle; four step-grandchildren: Terry (Paul) Rodock, Sandra (James) Wachter, Rick (Wendy) Pellonari, Norman (Marian) Rutherford, four great-grandchildren; Ryan, Jacob, and Hunter Laakso, Emily Holappa; and cousins: Opal Arsenault, Lawrence Sundlie, and Nita Engle. In addition to her first husband, Anona was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Robert.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, U.P. Home Health and Hospice, the Ishpeming Cancer Society, or to a memorial scholarship being established for nurses at the Ishpeming High School. Contributions to the nursing scholarship should be directed in care of Cheryl Marietti at the school. A memorial service for Anona will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 5:00 PM, on Wednesday, December 19, with Rev. Douglas Dirks officiating. Friends may call at the Trinity Lutheran Church Wednesday from 4:30 until the time of service. Arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Walter "Wally" A. Piippo
CHATHAM -- Walter "Wally" A. Piippo, age 80, of N4925 Highway M-94, Chatham, died on Monday, December 17, 2001 at the Jacbetti Home for Veterans in Marquette after a five year battle with renal failure. Walter was born on January 27, 1921 in Forest Lake, Michigan to the late Jacob and Elina (Muurmaki) Piipo. Wally was a WWII Army veteran serving in the 82nd Airborne Infantry and was a D-Day paratrooper. He served in the European Theater and was involved in German campaigns and the battle at Normandy. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. He earned the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster from wounds received the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster and Parachute Wings. He was discharged on May 25, 1945.
After returning home from the war, he began his employment with the Munising Paper Company in July of 1946 as a laborer in the Beater Room. In October of the same year, Wally became an Assistant Pipefitter in March of 1953, which was the position he held until the time of his retirement from Kimberly Clark with over thirty-five years of service. After retirement, Wally was occupied with hunting, fishing, gardening and smoking fish.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Gloria (Spencer) Piippo of Chatham, whom he married on August 28, 1946; three children, Walter (Susan) Piippo, Jr. of Norwalk, CA, Lisa Wojciechowski of Milwaukee, WI and Dan Piippo of Traunik, Michigan; four grandchildren, Keith, Daniel, Marcy, and Raeann; a great-grandson, James Daniel; two brothers, Eino Piippo of Marquette and William (Mary) Piippo of Chatham; two sisters, Elma Mellin and Bertha (jack) Carberry of Munising; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Hugo, and his parents.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Thursday, December 20, 2001 from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service. Carl Johnson will conduct the funeral at the funeral home's chapel at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham.
Wally's family "Wishes to thank the staff members at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans for giving Walter such compassionate and skilled care while he was there and also the nurses at Marquette General Hospital Dialysis Unit- they are the very best."
William J. "Bill" Cleary
MARQUETTE -- William J. "Bill" Cleary, 81, of 222 S. Fifth Street, Marquette, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital with his loving family at his side.
Mr. Cleary was born on May 5, 1920 in Marquette to the late Charles and Cora (Barshaw) Cleary and was a lifelong area resident.
Bill attended Military Training Academy at Fort Brady in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and the Harthumb Aviation School in Detroit, Michigan. He was a 1941 graduate of Graveraet High School.
Bill was a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 13, 1942 in Traverse City, Michigan. He served with the 325th 2nd Signal Service in the European Theater, the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with five bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal.
After discharge from the military, Bill worked as branch manager for the Milwaukee Journal in Marquette. He began his career as a car salesman in 1949, working for Frei Chevrolet for 31 years, retiring in 1980. He was honored as a member of the Chevrolet Legion of Leaders due to his record salesmanship.
Bill was an avid reader of world history and his Irish ancestry. He was a sportsman and dedicated Green Bay Packers and Red Wing Hockey fan. He was keenly interested in aviation having acquired a pilot's license.
Mr. Cleary was a lifelong member of St. Peter Cathedral, was devoted to Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and was a member of American Legion Post #44.
He married the former Ruth Evelyn Ranta on November 7, 1949, celebrating 52 years of marriage.
A devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Ruth and their five children, William J. (Teresita) Cleary, Jr. and Robert Cleary, both of Marquette, Constance (Tim) Sawyer of Sault Ste. Marie, Paulette (Paul) Yelle of Sands and Kathleen (John) Papciak of Gwinn; one sister, Joyce Chiri of Negaunee; also nine grandchildren, Daniel and James Sawyer, Paul W., Pollyanna and Benjamin Yelle, William J. Cleary III, Jennifer and Charles Cleary and John W. Papciak; one great grandson, Andrew Rudack; also several nieces, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Mr. Cleary was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son at birth; two brothers, Fred and Edward Cleary and a sister, Corrine Cleary LaBlue.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter Cathedral on Thursday at 12 noon with the Rev. Msgr. Louis C. Cappo officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends in the Bishop's Room of the Cathedral on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass.
Memorial considerations in Bill's memory may be directed to the St. Peter Cathedral Building Fund or the Marquette County Humane Society.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
