Naomi G. Rubin
NAPERVILLE, IL - Naomi G. Rubin (nee Greifer), age 82, of Naperville, Illinois, died Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at her home in Naperville. She was born June 8, 1919 in Hartford, CT. Mrs. Rubin was a 1940 graduate of Northern Michigan University with a degree in education with an emphasis on English. She then earned her Master’s Degree in English from Northwestern University. Mrs. Rubin taught technical writing at Michigan Technical University and then freshman composition at North Central College in Naperville. She had also worked as an English teacher and editor of children’s books. During World War II she served with the Red Cross and was also a nine year member of the Nichols Library Board in Naperville. Mrs. Rubin was instrumental in the founding and development of Little Friends School which later developed into Little Friends, Inc. in Naperville where she was a member and past president of the board. She was currently a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville and was a past member of B’nai Israel in Aurora. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah and was also a member of the A.A.U.W.
She is survived by one son, Steven (Sheri) Rubin of Naperville; two daughters, Jennifer Rubin of Chicago and Lydia Rubin of Downers Grove; three grandchildren, Rachael, Emily and Abby Rubin, all of Naperville. One brother, Elisha Greifer of Marquette.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred in December of 1997 and her parents, Joseph and Minnie (nee Narotzky) Greifer.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2001 at 11:00am at Congregation Beth Shalom, 772 West 5th Avenue, Naperville. Rabbi Jeff Sultar will officiate. Interment will take place in the Beth Shalom section of the Naperville Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 28, 2001 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 117 W. Van Buren, Naperville, IL. Memorials in Mrs. Rubin’s name may be made to Little Friends, Inc., 140 N. Wright Street, Naperville, IL 60540 or the Naperville United Way, 131 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. For more information: 630-355-0264)
Mary (St. John) Thysse
PORTAGE, MI - Mrs. Mary (St. John) Thysse, age 79, of Portage, Michigan, died December 23, 2001. Mary was born in Marquette on August 17, 1922, the daughter of Frederick and Louise (Vermeulen) St. John. She was a registered nurse. With love for her country, Mary was a veteran of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps having served aboard the first ship to pick up the wounded from Normandy on D-Day. Later, she was a nurse at Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital and worked in the Polio unit at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan during the Polio epidemic.
Mary is survived by her husband, John Raymond Thysse whom she married January 2, 1946; 3 children and their spouses, Martha (John) McGrail of Rockford, MI, John Michael Thysse of West Palm Beach, FL and Kathleen (Roger) Schipper of Kodak, TN; 4 grandsons, Justin and Kevin McGrail and Jason and Jon Hoffman; siblings, Fred (Lyrel) St. John, Emil (Jane) St. John, Tom St. John and Betty (Bob) Parks; an uncle, Victor (Ferne) Vermulen; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Thursday, December 27, 2001 from 6-8:00pm at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be a Memorial Mass held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo or Portage Fire Department in care of Redmond Funeral Home at the above address.
Edythe E. Vuk
L’ANSE -- Edythe E. Vuk, 77, of L’Anse, passed away unexpectedly at Bayside Village Wednesday, December 26, 2001. She had been a resident there for a year. Mrs. Vuk was born in L’Anse August 9, 1924, daughter of the late Marion & Moise (Woydziak) Deschaine. She graduated from the L’Anse High School in 1943 and was a lifetime area resident. Following high school, she worked briefly as an area secretary. In 1949, she married Charles Vuk in Houghton, MI. He preceded her in 1998. Edythe loved animals and gardening and was an active 4-H leader for many years. In addition to raising her family, Edythe and her husband operated a beef farm and provided the local area with sweetcorn for over 30 years. During the war, she was a volunteer in the Women’s Auxiliary.
Mrs. Vuk was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in L’Anse Mrs. Vuk is survived by a son Carl (Cheryl) Vuk of Denver, IA and daughter Valerie Vuk of Portsmouth, NH, four grandchildren; Jessica, Zachary, and Rachelle Hansen and Christopher Vuk; sister Theresa Heikkinen of Skanee, brother-in-law John Vuk of L’Anse, and several nieces and nephews. Her brother Charles Deschaine preceded her in death.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2001 from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L’Anse. Father Greg Heikkala will be Celebrant. Spring burial will take place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 28, 2001 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse, and for one hour before the Mass at the church on Saturday. A Parish prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse.
Harold W. Wiitala
TOIVOLA -- Harold W. Wiitala, 75, a resident of Toivola, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at Portage Health System in Hancock, where he had been a patient for a short time.
He was born on July 13, 1926 to the late Harold H. and Ingrid (Skusi) Wiitala. He resided most of his life in Toivola but also lived in Amasa, Felch, Tapiola and Hancock. Following graduation from Jeffers High School in 1943, he held various jobs in the U.P. and downstate. In 1945, he was drafted by the Army Air Corp, serving as a meteorologist. In 1947, he was transferred to the newly-created Air Force and discharged in 1951. Upon being discharged, he enrolled in Northern Michigan College of Education (now NMU), graduating with a degree in Secondary Education in 1955. He was then employed as a schoolteacher in Amasa, Felch, the Doelle School in Tapiola and at Redridge, where he also served as principal. After retiring from teaching, he served as an Area Supervisor for the Michigan Green Thumb, finally retiring in 1988. On September 5, 1953, he was married to Charmaine Freeman at the First United Methodist Church in Escanaba. Harold was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hiking and identifying various plants, shrubs and trees. Among other hobbies, he enjoyed woodworking, basketweaving, gardening and botany. Recently, he also participated in a migratory bird study for Cornell University. Harold was a member of Ranger Post 6165 V.F.W. of South Range.
Besides his parents, Harold was also preceded in death by a brother, Howard in 1936. Survivors include his wife, Charmaine; 6 children, Karen of Tacoma, WA, Howard of Moyock, NC, Jody (James) Peach of Kinchloe, Craig (Carmen) of Virginia Beach, VA, Claire of Lansing and Matt of Alexandria, VA; 4 grandchildren; 1 sister, Elaine (Michael) Anuta of White Bear Lake, MN; 1 niece, Kirsti (Ahvo) Taipale of St. Paul, MN; 1 nephew, Michael (Jean) Anuta of Silver Lake, WI; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
As requested by Harold, cremation will take place. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.
Fred Krause
OSCODA, MI -- Fred C. Krause, 58, a former Negaunee resident, died December 13, 2001 in the Saginaw V.A. Hospital. He had been in ill health for several years.
Surviving are his three daughters, Diane (Tim) Larson of Marquette, Deborah (Al) Casper of Wiesbaden, Germany and Christine (Edward) Manzo of Holland, Michigan; one brother, David (Judy) of Ishpeming; two sisters, Susan Krause of Oscoda and Deanne Mac Gregor of Florida; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Krause and Betty (Collins) Krause and a sister, Ann (Russ) Kuch. A memorial service was held on December 21, 2001 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oscoda. Final resting place for his ashes is the Pine Crest Cemetery, also in Oscoda.
Sadie Brown
ISHPEMING -- Sadie Brown, age 93 of 3090 Co. Rd. 496, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2001 at the Mather Nursing Center where she had resided for the past month.
Sadie was born September 28, 1908 in National Mine, MI to the late Elias and Sana (Kuisti) Hankanen. She attended the National Mine School and was a lifelong resident having been the oldest living resident of Tilden Twp. Sadie was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Betty (Robert) Homeier of New Port Richey, FL; a sister Jennie Carlson of Ishpeming; 8 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Brown; two sons, Kenneth and Wesley Brown; a daughter Phyllis Hutander and a granddaughter Janet Lummukka.
Private funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2001 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. Virginia Eggert to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Albert “Al” John Skytta
MICHIGAMME -- Albert “Al” John Skytta, age 51, of HCR 1 Box 23- 428 W. Railroad St., Michigamme, passed away Friday, December 28, 2001 at the Marquette General Hospital from injuries following an automobile- train accident.
Al was born March 1, 1950 in Minneapolis, MN. He has lived in the Michigamme are most of his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at camp. Al graduated from Champion High School, class of 1968. He worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company for 33 years, where he was employed as a mechanic at the Empire Mine.
Al is survived by his wife of 26 years, Rona (Boshears) Skytta of Michigamme; his father, Donald (Fran) Skytta of Ishpeming; his mother, Barb (Ralph) Fishell of Braddyville, IO; 7 children and 8 grandchildren, Patti (Johnny) Byrd of Dumfries, VA and their children Jordyn and Zachary, Tracy (Jack) Niemi of Three Rivers, MI and their children Jack, Abby and Tucker, Craig Skytta of Ypsilanti, MI, Amanda (William) Stenfors of Negaunee and their children Alaina and Luke, Shawn Skytta of Michigamme, Justine Skytta and her son Timothy of Michigamme and Carolyn Skytta of Michigamme; a sister, Cathy (Pete) Starkey of Michigamme; a brother, Dennis (Carla) Skytta of Michigamme; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 6:30pm Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. Timothy Bernard officiating.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4:00pm until the time of services.
Dorothy Colburn
MUNISING - Dorothy Colburn, age 75, of 200 W. City Park Drive, Munising, died following a brief illness on Friday, December 28, 2001 at 5:20am at the Munising Memorial Hospital.
She was born on June 15, 1926 in Escanaba to the late Edward and Mary (Paris) Dausey. Dorothy was raised in Perkins and moved to Munising at the age of sixteen. She married John “Jack” Colburn in July of 1946. They were married over thirty-one years before he preceded her in death on October 12, 1977. Dorothy was a homemaker and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She had been a member of the Church’s Women’s Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Dorothy enjoyed playing at the casino, picnics, camping with her children when they were younger and traveling with her very good friend, Joe Kolbus.
She is survived by Joe of Munising; her children, John (Louella) Colburn of Menominee, MI, Michael (Roxanne) Colburn of Caro, MI, Carol (Brian) Levendusky of Manitowoc, WI, Timothy (Denise) Colburn of Peshtigo, WI; Annette (Charles) Taylor, Robert (Lorie) Colburn and Lisa (Lonnie) Hansen, all of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Karin, John, Dennis, Richard, Christopher, Katie, Sara, Jon, Scott, Timothy, Rachel, Natalie, Valerie, Audrey, Loni and Daniel; great grandchildren, Rachel, Samantha, Joel and Tyler; sister, Bernice Tinsley of Green Bay, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and Jack, Dorothy was preceded in death by an infant son, Dennis; brothers, Arthur and Russell Dausey; and a sister, Lucille Dausey.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Monday, December 31, 2001 from 9:30am until 11:30am. Father Dennis Borca will conduct the funeral mass on Monday at 12:00 noon at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.
Lillian M. Raish
MARQUETTE -- Lillian M. Raish, 85, of 1055 Lake Street, Marquette, died Thursday morning, December 27, 2001 at the Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette.
Mrs. Raish was born on April 4, 1916 in Marquette to the late Orill and Fannie (Papin) Gauthier. She was formerly employed as vice president of the Raish Oil Company in Marquette for 12 years until retiring in 1971 after which time she and her late husband, George, enjoyed spending their winters in Florida.
Lillian was a member of St. Peter Cathedral and a former member of St. John’s Catholic Church as well as their altar societies. She loved to dance, play cards and travel. Lillian is survived by two step-sons, George D. “Porky” Raish of Marquette and Richard G. Raish of Boynton Beach, FL; six grandchildren, Christine (Gary) Orman, Mary Kay Laabs, James S. DeMarinis, Michael G. (April) DeMarinis, Kathy Ann (Stan) Greer and Jeannie (Mike) Chapman. Also surviving are nine great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Edna Gauthier of Marquette; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gorge S. Raish on February 8, 2001; beloved daughter, Marybeth “Butsie” DeMarinis on May 20, 1987; sister, Della Gauthier; and also four brothers, Albert, Rene, Ernest and Oliver “Buck” Gauthier.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Lillian will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at 12 noon in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Lawrence Gauthier officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery next summer. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10am until the time of the funeral mass in the Bishop’s Room of the cathedral. Lillian’s grandchildren and their spouses will act as her escorts.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2118 Fitch Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert Lindsay deRoche
ISHPEMING -- Robert Lindsay deRoche, age 77, of 111 Bluff Street, #503, Ishpeming, passed away Friday, December 28, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
Robert was born August 3, 1924 in Denver, CO to the late W. Earl and M. Constance (Lindsay) Roche. He graduated from WestPoint High School in Kansas City, MO, attended Glendale Jr. College in California and studied architecture with Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin. Robert also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Robert has lived in the Ishpeming area for the past 10 years, moving from Ann Arbor.
Robert worked as an architect around the USA and Canada for dozens of contractors. He was in the process of writing a book for publication on advanced mathematics and ancient measurements.
Robert is survived by 8 children, Catherine (Jon) Springer of Ohio, Christopher deRoche of Skandia, Abby deRoche of Ishpeming, Katrina deRoche of Kansas, Leslie Roche of Houston, TX, Erik Roche, Helen Roche and Kristen Roche; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, John deRoche.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Elsie M. Martti
REPUBLIC--Elsie M. Martti, age 71 of Rt. 1 Box 147B, Republic passed away at 2:45AM on Saturday, December 29, 2001 at the Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
Elsie was born March 10, 1930 in Republic the daughter of Isaac and Saima (Linna) Warlin. She graduated from the Republic High School in 1948, and in her mid 20’s worked for the Republic School District as a secretary. Elsie later worked as a secretary for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. in the Ishpeming office from 1970 until her retirement in 1984.
Elsie was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed the quilting club. She was also a member of the Golden Age Club and the VFW auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Norman Martti of Republic; two daughters - Melanie Martti of Ishpeming and Lynn (Mark) Probert of Virginia Beach, VA; a son Brian Martti of Republic; a sister Elvi Wickstrom of Negaunee; 4 brothers
Bernard (Ruth) Warlin of West Allis, WI, James Warlin of Springbrook, WI, Leslie (Jean) Warlin of Diorite Loc. and Melvin (Dina) Warlin of Michigamme; 5 step-sisters Esther (Harold) Plattenberg of Negaunee, Marie (John) Lyford of Yuba City, CA, Millie (Alex) Harmon of Parker, WA, Julianna (Albert) Rodriquez of Los Angeles, CA, and Eleanor (Larry) Balagna of Negaunee; 5 grandchildren whom she dearly loved - Nathan, April and Christa Cox, and Shannon and Shelby Probert; 3 aunts - Tynne Hamari, Linda Swanson and Saimi Linna; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother Lempi Warlin and a brother William Warlin.
Funeral services will be held at ll:00AM on Wednesday January 2, 2002 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic with the Rev. Lauri 0. Maki to officiate. Burial will be in the Republic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Curtis, Duane, Richard and Michael Oja.
Friends may call at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic from 9:30AM until 11:00AM on Wednesday, where the VFW auxiliary will hold a memorial service at 10:30AM.
The family suggests memorials be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Robert A. Manninen
ISHPEMING - Robert A. Manninen, age 63 former Ishpeming resident, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2001 at Marquette General Hospital. He has been a resident at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
Robert was born April 2, 1938 in Ishpeming to the late Arne & Gladys (Tremayne) Manninen. He was a life long area resident, except for time he spent serving in the U.S. Navy. Bob worked as an underground miner for C.C.I. and worked for Bunny Bread in Marquette.
Robert was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, he was involved with the Ishpeming Blue Notes & was the director of the Youth Center in Ishpeming. Most of all Bob enjoyed photography.
Robert is survived by 4 children; Valerie (Chris) Harris of Salem, VA, Karen Marta of Palmer, Ross (Dianna Blumerich) Manninen of Palmer and Trudy (Luke Gustafson) Manninen of Palmer, a sister Charlotte (Victor) Valenti of Ishpeming, a brother Richard
Manninen of Phoenix, AZ, 5 grandchildren Jeffrey, Elisabeth, Jason, Rene’, & Justin, several nieces, nephews, 2 aunts & an uncle. He was preceded in death by a sister Carol Lindeman and a brother Thomas Manninen.
Funeral services will be held
4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call the Bethel Lutheran Church Wednesday from 3:00p.m. until the time of service.
