Kaarina E. Decaire
CHAMPION - Kaarina E. Decaire,a ge 77, of Rt. 1 36510 Co. Rd. 496 Champion, died Sunday evening January 27, 2002 at the U.P. Home Health & Hospice Inpatient Unit at Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming.
Kaarina was born September 13, 1924 in Ishpeming, daughter of the late John and Amanda (Kaidesoja) Lassila. She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1942. She worked as a secretary for the Jane Pecan Coal Co. in Ishpeming for 29 years, retiring in 1970. Kaarina was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, and was formerly active with a church circle group.
Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Mark of Champion; a brother Reino Lassila of Diorite; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister Elizabeth Pascoe; and 2 brother- Martin and William Lassila.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bethel Lutheran Church from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church or the U.P. Home Health & Hospice.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement.
Lorraine I. Feigel
ENGADINE -- Lorraine I. Feigel, 74, longtime Engadine and Gould City resident, died Monday morning January 28, 2002 at the Luce County Annex in Newberry. Funeral services will be held Wednesday January 30, 2002 at 3:00 pm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Engadine with Pastor Charles B. Burhop officiating. Interment will take place at the Engadine Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday January 30th from 12:00 noon until time of services. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Martha E. "Marty" Hollon
BARAGA -- Martha E. "Marty" Hollon, 69, of Baraga, died Friday, January 25, 2002 at her home in Baraga. Marty was born March 1, 1932 in Tennessee to the late Charles B. and LuVerna (Liford) Friar. She attended Jefferson High School in Ewing, VA, graduating in 1949. She moved to Royal Oak, MI, where she married Fredrick Hollon, June 5, 1953. He preceded her in death in June of 1994. Marty had been a resident of Baraga since 1972. She and her husband operated a sports shop for several years in Baraga. In addition, she was an accountant for the Allwood Forest Products Co. Marty was always a tireless worker in the community and was involved in numerous area activities. She was a member of the L'Anse United Methodist Church and Sunday school teacher, a charter member of the All Volunteer Baraga County Hospice, Inc., a member of The American Cancer Society, a volunteer for the Baraga County Historical Museum and served as a tour guide for the museum and the Historic Ford Sawmill museum in Alberta, was active in the American Legion Post 144 auxiliary in Baraga, and was a volunteer for the monthly pasty sales at the L'Anse Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3897. She acted as hostess for many hospital, senior and nursing home functions in the area. Marty sometimes shielded her soft heart with a gruff exterior, but there was no hiding her compassion and boundless enthusiasm she unselfishly gave to others. She found time to enjoy bowling, horseshoes and above all, to love her grandchildren and....... a good joke.
Marty is survived by her son Bryan (Keri) Hollon of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Donna Maskill of Keweenaw Bay and special friend Dale Hakola, her beloved grandchildren Paige, Kevin, Toy and Nicole and great- grandchildren Nick, Nara and Dylan. She is also survived by brothers Hubert (Billie) Friar of Brooklet, GA, James Arthur (Bev) Friar of Naples, FL, Ernest (Jean) Friar of Mission, TX, Gerald (Cyd) Friar of San Diego, CA, her sister Hazel (Phil) Kaiser of Lake City, MI and sister-in-law Audrey Friar of Westland, MI. In addition, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Hannah and brothers Joseph and Charles.
A memorial funeral service for Mrs. Hollon will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2002 from the L'Anse Methodist Church, with her pastor David Snyder officiating. Interment will be in the spring. Friends may call at the church for 1 hour before the service. Memorials in her memory are suggested to the ALL Volunteer Baraga County Hospice, Inc. Envelopes will be available at the church on Thursday. Beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, friends are invited to join the family at the Sidetrack Tavern in Baraga to celebrate Marty's life and share memories.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
Mona J. Koski
ISHPEMING - Mona J. Koski, 77, of Ishpeming, died on Saturday, January 26, 2002 at Taylor Park Nursing Home in Rhinelander, WI.
She was born in Ishpeming on July 2, 1924 to William and Catherine Cowling. She was a lifelong member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. She lived in Ishpeming until 1999 when she moved to be with her daughter in Laguna Hills, CA. She then moved to Rhinelander, WI where she became a resident at Taylor Park Nursing Home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlo Koski. Survivors include one son, Dr. David (Charlotte) Koski of Arbor Vitae, WI; one daughter, Karen (Paul) Kellstrom of Laguna Hills, CA; three grandchildren, Sandra Koski and Nicholas and David Kellstrom.
Cremation services were provided by Bolger Cremation Services of Minocqua, WI. A memorial service will be held in early summer at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming.
Memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming.
Thelma Lenora Bower
MUNISING -- Thelma Lenora Bower, age 85, of 200 W. City Park Drive, Lakeshore Manor, Munising, died Sunday, January 27, 2002 at 4:45 p.m. at the Superior Health Haven in Munising. She was born September 15, 1916 to the late Isaac and Florence (Luke) Robinson in Marion, Ohio and she was raised in Michigan. Thelma married William F. Bower on March 15, 1934 in Munising. They were married over fifty-seven years before he preceded her in death on November 14, 1991. Thelma was a homemaker and she worked for Dunklee's Superior Foliage for many years. She was a talented seamstress and not only made clothes for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but for many people in the Munising area. Thelma also cut her own patterns and made clothes for dolls and Barbies for many years. She loved to sew and only quit after the frustation of losing her eyesight due to years of battling with diabetes. She also enjoyed gardening and picking berries in her raspberry and strawberry patches.
She is survived by her four children- Lenord (Katie) Bower of Bark River, MI, Agnes Schierschmidt of Munising, Clarence (Gloria) Bower of Marquette, and Charles (Glenda) Bower of Malone, NY; 2 granddaughters; 12 grandsons; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters- Bernetta (Lyle) Rushford of Munising and Leona Weaver of Marquette; brother- Roland (Rexine) Bower of Sacramento, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Thelma was preceded in death by a grandson, Gerald Bower, a brother, Elmer Robinson, a sister, Beatrice Johnson, and a son-in-law, Edward "Buck" Schierschmidt.
Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 30, 2002 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of th funeral service at 12:00 noon. Pastors Mary Beth and Kurt Kovanen will conduct the funeral in the funeral home's chapel. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.
Frederick E. "Sandy" Benedict
NEWBERRY -- Frederick E. "Sandy" Benedict, 71, of Newberry, died Friday evening, January 25, 2002 at his residence under the loving care of his family.
Sandy was born May 16, 1930 in Hulbert, son of the late A.G. and Anna (Fox) Benedict. A graduate of Hulbert High School, Sandy was briefly employed in the automotive industry in Pontiac before serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on April 15, 1953. Sandy recieved barber certification from the Green's Barber School in Detroit and while residing in Newberry, owned and operated Sandy's Barber Shop. During this time, Sandy recieved cosmetology certification from the Green Bay School of Cosmetology in Green Bay, WI. Sandy's business career spanned over 40 years until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement, Sandy and his wife Maurine traveled extensively, spending the winter seasons in Florida and Arizona and spending a summer season in Alaska. Sandy was actively involved with the Mcmillan Lodge #400 F and AM of Newberry and the Ahmed Temple and Francis Moore Consistory of Marquette. Sandy was a certified clown for the Newberry Shriners and participated in the Shriners Circus, the Shriners Sneaker program and the local parades all to benefit the Shriners Childrens Hospital. Sandy was also a member of F.O.E. #3701, O.E.S. Luce Chapter #364, V.F.W. Post #4418 all of Newberry and the American Legion Post #393 of Hulbert.
Besides his parents, Sandy is preceded in death by his brother, Alphus "Rusty" Benedict. Survivors include his wife, the former Maurine Craycraft of Newberry, whom he married December 24, 1956 in Hulbert; step-sons, Merv (Beverly) Payton of Newberry and Roger Payton of Macon, GA; siblings, Helen Curry of Manchester, Dorothy (Bob) Daves of Harrison, Eugene (Jean) of Shelton, WA and Gary (Carol) of Lincoln, NE; 4 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; sister-in-law, Edith Benedict of Garden City; and several nieces and nephews.
A Masonic memorial service will be conducted by the members of McMillan Lodge #400 F and AM on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at 11:00am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with memorial services to follow with Pastor Audrey Dunlap officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Hulbert Township Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, c/o Ahmed Temple, 128 Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855, attn: Travel Fund, in memory of Frederick E. "Sandy" Benedict.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Ida Koepke (nee Olson) & Lane A. "Pops" Koepke
MENOMONEE FALLS -- Ida Koepke (nee Olson), age 89 years, passed away on Jan. 25, 2002. Beloved wife of Allen for 65 years. Loving mother of the late Lane A. Koepke, Karen Koepke and Kathleen Dehne. Special friend and grandma of Sheri Mattice, Edward Dehne and Judy (Todd) Mansfield. Great Grandma of Anthony and Tammy Mattice, Kaitlyn, Miranda, Chelsie and Mathew Mansfield. Dear sister of Ruth Cluka. She was also preceded in death by her 12 brothers and sisters. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Lane A. "Pops" Koepke
Lane A. "Pops" Koepke, age 64 years, was taken from us suddenly on Jan. 24, 2002. Dear son of Allen and the late Ida. Loving brother of Karen Koepke and Kathleen Dehne. Dear uncle of Sheri Mattice, Edward Dehne and Judy Mansfield. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Ida loved bowling, playing cards and spending time with her family. Lane worked at Bill's Power Center where he will be dearly missed by many of his friends. He also loved to hunt and fish. Lane was a devoted caregiver to Ida and Allen.
The Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Service of Menominee Falls, Wisconsin is assisting the family.
John Owen Jones
ORANGE, CA -- John Owen Jones, 73, of Orange, California a professor emeritus California State University Los Angeles, died January 19, 2002. Mr. Jones was born in Mellen, Wisconsin on August 25, 1928. He graduated from Luther Wright High School, Ironwood, Michigan. After serving five years in the United States Marine Corp he received his B.S. and M.A. degree from the University of Michigan and the Ed.D from the University of California, Berkely. He was an elementary teacher and school principal in Arcata, California, a professor at San Jose State University and Purdue University prior to assuming a professorship at CSULA.
Mr. Jones is survived by his wife Rita Honkavaara, his son Eric, his daughter Christine, and brother William.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, May 3rd at St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee with Rev. John J. Shiverski officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Mildred C. Sarah
ISHPEMING - Mildred C. Sarah, age 87, formerly of 111 Bluff St. Ishpeming passed away Monday, January 28, 2002 at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming where she has resided for the past year.
Mildred was born September 18, 1914 in Ishpeming to the late Helmer & Kate (Peterson) Conradsen. She attended the Ishpeming Public Schools. Mildred moved to Chicago in the 1930's and returned to Ishpeming in 1950.
Mildred worked as a cook at Aunty's Restaurant, and at the lunch counters at Woolworth's in Ishpeming & Marquette where she retired from. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was involved with the women's group and Miriam Circle.
Mildred is survived by 2 step-children Shirley (Kenneth) Roberts of Ishpeming and Jean Cain of Ishpeming, 7 step grandchildren: Christeen (Eldon) Dunn, Carol Sarah, Corinne Rouse, Curtis Sarah all of Amarillo, TX, Peter (Debbie) Cain of Ishpeming, David (Paula) Cain of Negaunee and Pam (Scott) Patrick of Ishpeming, 8 step great grandchildren, 1 step great great granddaughter, a sister in law Helen Sarah of Amarillo, TX, 6 nieces; Betty Bannon, Shirley (Jack) Mattson, Barbara (Thomas) Gotham, Merle (James) Weingartner, Ruth Ann (Richard) Simmons & Marie (Dub) Graham. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband William J. Sarah Sr., a step son William Sarah Jr., step son in law Bruce Cain, 4 sisters & 2 brothers.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2002 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Douglas Dirks officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call the Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial considerations may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
Mrs. George (Marie Ann) Cardoni
GREEN BAY, WI -- Mrs. George (Marie Ann) Cardoni, 80, of Green Bay, WI, died Tuesday, January 29, 2002 in Green Bay. She was born on March 26, 1921 in Ishpeming to the late William and Clara (LaFreniere) Huot. She married George Cardoni on September 14, 1940 in Ishpeming. They moved to New Port Richey, Florida in 1981 until July of 2000 when they moved to Green Bay, WI.
Marie Ann was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and its St. Ann Society in Ishpeming. She was also a member and past president of the Ladies of the Elks, Ishpeming.
Survivors include her husband, George; one son and daughter-in-law, John and Nancy Cardoni of Green Bay; one daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Robert O'Banion of Newnan, Georgia; four grandchildren, Greg Karppinen, Kristen Gindlesperger, Janelle Carney and Kelly Cardoni; two great grandchildren, Chase and Grace Gindlesperger; one brother, Samuel Huot of Green Bay; two sisters, Mrs. Robert (Stella) Fassbender of Marquette and Mrs. Ted (Leah) Greenleaf of New Port Richey, Florida; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Clarence (Olive) Huot; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Aurelia Molloy; and two brothers, Clarence Huot and Milton Huot.
Friends may call Thursday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Lyndahl Funeral Home, Green Bay, where a parish wake service will be held at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue on Friday after 10:30am at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Green Bay, where the Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am with the Rev. Donald Everts officiating. Entombment will be at the Shrine of Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Lyndahl Funeral Home, Lombardi Avenue at Ridge Road, Green Bay, WI (920) 499-1223.
The family would like to thank Dr. Francis Lee and all of the wonderful "Marys" of St. Mary's Hospital and Grancare Nursing Home for the compassionate care that was provided.
Walfred John Waara
CHASSELL -- Walfred John Waara, 67, formerly a Baraga businessman, passed away peacefully at his residence on January 28, 2002, following a lengthy illness. John spent his final days at home being cared for by his wife and children and Keweenaw Home Hospice. He was born in Pelkie, MI on July 26, 1934, son of the late Walfred and Pearl (Oja) Waara. John graduated from Baraga Schools in 1952 and was a lifetime area resident. On December 26, 1953 he married the former Marie Janet Tauriainen in California. John attended radar school for the U.S. Army and was stationed for a while in the San Francisco area as a radar mechanic. When he returned home, he was co-owner of the City Service station in Baraga and was employed with the Michigan National Guard on a part and full time basis for over 30 years. He also was an over the road trucker. John was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chassell, serving on the church council for several years. He was a member of the Baraga Fire Dept. for over 24 years. His other memberships included the American Legion Post 444, Baraga, and Baraga Lions Club, former treasurer for the Baraga School Board and a volunteer for the Baraga-Pelkie Youth Hockey Association. John was a Keyman for the forest management division of the DNR and received a certificate for over 30 years of service. John was an avid hunter, fisherman, enjoyed 4-wheeling and spending time with his grandchildren. John spent several years as Baraga Village Manager and had been involved in numerous civic functions. He most recently had worked as a truck driver for several local trucking companies. John loved truck driving and had logged over a million miles in his driving career.
Mr. Waara is survived by his loving wife Janet Marie, sons, John III and his partner, Brad, of Austin, TX, and Jim (Raenne), of L'Anse, daughters, Lynn (Mike) DeRochers, of Negaunee, and Sheri (Randy) Kerr, of Newberry, grandchildren, Dave, Jessica, Ranae, Dana, and Allison, brothers, Stanley (Rosalie) Waara, of Baraga, and Jerry (Mimi) of Beverly Hills, FL, 1 sister, Dorothy Mayo of Baraga and aunt Helen Harju-Ylitalo of Baraga. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and other relatives also survive. He was preceded by his parents and a brother Eugene.
Funeral services for Mr. Waara will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2002 from Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with pastor Ted Koehl officiating. Spring intermenty will take place in the Pelkie Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral chapel Friday beginning at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. The Baraga Fire Department will honor John with a review at 6:30 p.m., followed by a military honors ceremony under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Omega House or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel. Following the service the family invites friends to join them in the Harrington Gathering room, located at the funeral chapel for fellowship and refreshments. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse is serving the family.
Alfred E. "Al" Peters
BAY CITY, MI -- Alfred E. "Al" Peters, age 85, passed away peacefully, Tuesday evening, Janaury 29, 2002. The son of the late Barney and Valesca (Dyke) Peters was born May 15, 1916 in Bay City, MI. He graduated from Central High School in 1935 and was retired from Consumers Power Company, Karn-Weadock Complex. Mr. Peters was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church and held several offices including, Chairman of the Congregation, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Planning Committee, Stewardship Board and Trustee. He served five years with the Third Armored Division of the U.S. Army, first unit to enter Germany during W.W.II as a First Sergeant and was decorated several times.
He is survived by his wife the former Helen Retzloff whom he married April 27, 1946. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Elsie Sledzinski of Saginaw, MI, nieces and nephews: Patricia (Carl) Cederberg of Canton, MI, Carol (Don) Jones of Fenton, MI, Audrey (Charles) Gabbard of Hart, MI, William (Joyce) Wonnacott of Georgia, Roy (Bea) Wonnacott of CO, Gerald Schmidt of Freeland, MI, Michael (Lynn) Cederberg of West Bloomfield, MI, John (Paula) Cederberg of CA, and Patty Ann Cederberg of Canton, MI, his dear friends the Gillman family: Joe, Paulette, Suzette (Mike, Elaina and Mitchell) Page, John (Kim) Jerrod and Natalie. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by four sisters and one brother.
Funeral and Committal Services will take place Friday, February 1, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Rev. Daniel C. Meckes with private intermenty in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeland, MI. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Thursday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mr. Peters will be taken to the Church on Friday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Memorial Envelopes for Faith Lutheran Favorite Charity will be available at the funeral home.
Father Thomas Parnell "Par" Dunleavy
ESCANABA -- Father Thomas Parnell "Par" Dunleavy,93, of Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, MI, formerly of Iron Mountain, died in the Lord on Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, MI.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 3 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Carmelite Monastery in Iron Mountain, with a prayer service at 3:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Monday, February 4 at St. Mary and St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.
Complete funeral arrangements will be announced by the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.
Richard D. Fox
GREENVILLE, MI -- Richard D. Fox, age 66, of 1413 Glendale Street, Greenville, Mi died Monday, January 28, 2002 at Seven Rivers Hospital in Crystal River, Florida where he was spending the winter.
He was born April 15, 1935 in Hulbert, Michigan to the late Theodore and Viola (Johnson) Fox. Richard graduated from Mather High School in Munising in 1953 and then attended Northern Michigan University. He was a graduate of Ferris State College with a Bachelors Degree and went on to Central Michigan University to get his Masters Degree. Richard was an instructor at Montcalm Community College in Sidney, MI from 1969 until he retired in 1994. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Army medics.
On April 12, 1958 he married Mary Shalkey in Marquette.
He was a member of the Michigan Education Association, Knights of Columbus, and was a Grand Knight for 3 years. He belonged to St. Charles Catholic Church.
Richard was a RV tour director and put on RV shows and seminars for 13 years. In his leisure time he enjoyed bridge and golf. He is surived by his wife of 43 years, Mary, two sons: Matthew (LeeAnn) Fox of Grand Rapids and Stephen (Yvonne) Fox of DeWitt, two daughters: Theresa (Michael) Cole of Rockford and Catherine Fox of Greenville, one brother, Leonard (Beverly) Fox of Livonia, three sisters, Norma (John) Womble of Irvine, CA, Deanna (Marlin) Shaffer of Landers, CA and Carol (Ray) Revord of Munising, six grandchildren; Christopher, Thomas and Jeffrey Cole and Charles, Natsha and Rachel Fox, a special aunt; Eileen Kroken and first cousin: Joan (Harvey) Press and Kristen Press all of Homestead, FL and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles Fox.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peters Cathedral in Marquette with Rev. Msgr. Louis C. Cappo officiating. Christopher Cole will honor his grandfather at the mass with a musical selection. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Bellwether Foundation, P.O. Box 475, Fremont, MI 49412.
The Perala Funeral Home of Negaunee is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ruth J. King
MARQUETTE -- Ruth J. King, 71, of 852 Mangum Road, Marquette, entered eternal life Monday evening, January 28, 2002 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She had been in ill health for many years.
Ruth was born March 22,1930 in Gwinn to the late Lloyd and Ethel (DeLarye) Spencer. She married James B. King on November 2, 1947 and together they lived most of their married life in Marquette.
Ruth worked as a waitress at the former Adams Hotel. She also worked at College Cleaners for a number of years and at the former Acocks Medical Facility, Orchard Rest Home and in the laundry department of the Ramada Inn. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, James B. King; 8 children, Kathleen (Tom) Meni of Mass City, MI, Sandra (Peter) Kaiser of Colorado Springs, CO, James A. King of Marquette, Orlene (Brent) Riley of Salt Lake City, UT, Joseph King of Gwinn, Peggy (Pat) Brassard of Gwinn, Peter (Betty) King of Republic and John (Anne) King of Marquette; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; an adopted daughter, Jackie Almy of Marquette; one sister, Susan (Ralph) Quayle of Ishpeming; three brothers, Frank (Norma) Spencer and Sherman Spencer both of Ishpeming and Paul (Carole) Spencer of Negaunee. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death besides her parents was a brother, Lloyd Spencer, Jr.; also four sisters, Mavis Herringa, Donna Johnson, Barbara Quayle and Diane Spencer.
Friends may call at St. Louis the King Catholic Church on Friday beginning at 1 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 3 p.m. in the church with the Rev Guy Thoren officiating. Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetey.
Pallbearers will be James A. King, John King, Peter King, Joseph King, John Andrew Meni, Billy Meni, Tom Meni and Patrick Brassard. Honorary bearers will be members of St. Louis the King Women's club.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Shirley A. Clisch
ALSTON -- Shirley A. Clisch, 66, of Alston died as a result of an automobile accident Tuesday night, January 29, 2002 in Baraga Township. She was born in Nisula November 7, 1935, daughter of the late Matthias and Martha (Niemi) Saari. A lifetime resident of the area Shirley graduated from Baraga High School in 1953. On February 6, 1954, she married Roger Clisch in Detroit. He preceded her in death in 1998.
Shirley was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baraga and the American Legion post 444 auxiliary, in Baraga. She enjoyed working in her garden, cooking for her family and others, doing crafts, reading, and above all being with her grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by 4 sons, R. David (Becky) Clisch of Goose Creek, S.C., Michael (Lara) Clisch of Ishpeming, Patrick (Tammy) Clisch of Champion, and Todd Clisch of Alston; 7 daughters, Peggy (William) Niemi of East Amherst, N.Y., Rose (Jesse) Perry of Ishpeming, Jody (Mickey) Salmi of Ishpeming, Cheryl (Dennis) Isotalo of Ishpeming, Susan (Craig) Sunblad of Lake Linden, Nancy (Rick) Hebert of Ishpeming, and Marty (Daniel) Nurmela of Baraga. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 2 sisters Verna (Tom) Ross of Alston and Evelyn Bergerson of Baraga. In addition, numerous nieces nephews and other relatives survive. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday February 2, 2002 from St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baraga. Father Norm Clisch will be the celebrant with Father George Joseph con-celebrating. Spring intermenty will take place in the Alston Cemetery. The family will receive friends at St. Ann's Catholic church on Friday, February 1, 2002 from 5:30 until 8 p.m and 1 hour prior to the Mass on Saturday. The American Legion auxiliary post 444 will offer a prayer service at 6:30 pm Friday followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse is assisting the family with arrangements.
Walfred John Waara
CHASSELL -- Walfred John Waara, 67, formerly a Baraga businessman, passed away peacefully at his residence on January 28, 2002, following a lengthy illness. John spent his final days at home being cared for by his wife and children and Keweenaw Home Hospice. He was born in Pelkie, MI on July 26, 1934, son of the late Walfred and Pearl (Oja) Waara. John graduated from Baraga Schools in 1952 and was a lifetime area resident. On December 26, 1953 he married the former Marie Janet Tauriainen in California. John attended radar school for the U.S. Army and was stationed for a while in the San Francisco area as a radar mechanic. When he returned home, he was co-owner of the City Service station in Baraga and was employed with the Michigan National Guard on a part and full time basis for over 30 years. He also was an over the road trucker. John was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chassell, serving on the church council for several years. He was a member of the Baraga Fire Dept. for over 24 years. His other memberships included the American Legion Post 444, Baraga, and Baraga Lions Club, former treasurer for the Baraga School Board and a volunteer for the Baraga-Pelkie Youth Hockey Association. John was a Keyman for the forest management division of the DNR and received a certificate for over 30 years of service. John was an avid hunter, fisherman, enjoyed 4-wheeling and spending time with his grandchildren. John spent several years as Baraga Village Manager and had been involved in numerous civic functions. He most recently had worked as a truck driver for several local trucking companies. John loved truck driving and had logged over a million miles in his driving career.
Mr. Waara is survived by his loving wife Marie Janet, sons, W. John III and his partner, Brad, of Austin, TX, and Jim (Raeanne), of L'Anse, daughters, Lynn (Mike) DesRochers, of Negaunee, and Sheri (Randy) Kerr, of Newberry, grandchildren, Dave, Jessica, Ranae, Dana, and Allison, brothers, Stanley (Rosalie) Waara, of Baraga, and Jerry (Mimi) of Beverly Hills, FL, 1 sister, Dorothy Mayo of Baraga and aunt Helen Harju-Ylitalo of Baraga. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and other relatives also survive. He was preceded by his parents and a brother Eugene.
Funeral services for Mr. Waara will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2002 from Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with pastor Ted Koehl officiating. Spring intermenty will take place in the Pelkie Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral chapel Friday beginning at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. The Baraga Fire Department will honor John with a review at 6:30 p.m., followed by a military honors ceremony under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Omega House or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel. Following the service the family invites friends to join them in the Harrington Gathering room, located at the funeral chapel for fellowship and refreshments. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse is serving the family.
