SEARCH THIS SITE

Ralph L. Kelly
Died Aug. 25, 1999
Ralph L. Kelly, age 95, of Ludington and formerly of Orlando, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 25 in Hart. He was born March 1, 1904, in Holton, the oldest son of John and Minnie (Trump) Kelly. He was a master plumber in Kalamazoo, a farmer, carpenter and a spirited amateur boxer who went by the name of "Monk Ryan." His wife sometimes had to move the lamps in the living room when he watched the fights on television so they wouldn't be knocked over. He also was a hard-working man, a great father and the best father-in-law. Ralph always had a deep liking for people and had a sense of humor up until the time of his death. Surviving are his son Thomas (and Carol) Kelly of Ludington; four grandchildren, Carla Messer of Hamilton, Ohio, Chuck (and Kris) Kelly of Ludington, Bryan Kelly, Karla (and Scott) Kizer of Dallas, Texas; and five great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife of 58 years, Grace Kelly, and his brother, Leland Kelly. Services for Mr. Kelly are at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30 at the Faith United Methodist Church, Orlando, Fla. Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 29 at the Union Park Memorial Chapel, 10033 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Fla. Those wishing to make donations may do so to Faith United Methodist Church, 1141 N. Dean Road, Orlando, FL 32825.

Ralph Novak
Died Aug. 18, 1999
Ralph Norman "The Admiral" Novak, age 69, of Murphy, N.C., and Hudson, Fla., passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 18 at a Murphy, N.C., hospital following a heart attack. A native of Milwaukee County, Wis., he served in the United States Army during World War II and was a member of the VFW Post No. 4353 in Pine Island, Fla. A tool and die maker by trade, he owned and operated a general building construction company. He enjoyed and indulged his passion for selling and bartering oddities and "junque." An avid sailor, he enjoyed restoring old boats and creating unique maritime/folk items. A place he loved to spend time was the cabin he built with his own hands for his wife and himself. Surviving are his father, Ferdinand Novak Sr. (99) of Hudson, Fla., his wife, Marilyn R. Novak also of Murphy, N.C., and Hudson, Fla.; five children, David Novak and Christine Novak, both of New Bern, N.C., Rozella Caraballo and Mrs. Randy (June) Rozell, both of Ludington, and Fredrick (Rick) A. Novak, of Hudson, Fla.; one sister, Mrs. James (Marlene) Kelley of Escondido, Calif.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Meyer Novak, and a brother, Ferdinand Novak Jr. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Clair J. Surrarrer
Died Aug. 25, 1999
Clair J. Surrarrer, age 71, of Fountain, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Memorial Medical Center, Ludington. Clair Surrarrer was born Feb. 24, 1928, in Freeport, the son of Warren and Cleo (Hinckley) Surrarrer. He grew up and attended school in Freeport, moving to Free Soil where he attended Scottville schools. He was married June 3, 1950, in Free Soil to Patricia E. Lucker and she survives. He worked for Packaging Corporation of America for 36 years, retiring May 1, 1989. He served with the United States Air Force, was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association Club of Mason County, and helped on the Young Eagles Day preflight that helped kids who were going up to fly. He was a good jack of all trades, always helping family and others. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he was a good neighbor. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Patricia, are one daughter, Janie (and Daryl) Troost of Fountain; one son, David (and Jackie) Surrarrer of Fountain; two brothers, Mike Surrarrer of Arizona, and Merle (and Maud) Surrarrer of Ohio; six grandchildren, Kari Troost, Shanon (and Shane) McDowell, Chad Troost, Mike Surrarrer, Dustin Surrarrer and Amy Surrarrer; several nieces and nephews; and special cousins Lucille and Don Briggs and their daughter, Judy Colyer. He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by an infant son, Michael Jay Surrarrer. Services for Mr. Surrarrer will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Stephens Funeral Home chapel, Scottville, with the Rev. John Christensen officiating. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Free Soil. The family will be at the funeral home to receive friends from 1 p.m. Saturday until the time of the service. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider donations to a charity of the donor s choice with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Geraldine G. Whitney
Died Aug. 26, 1999
Geraldine G. Whitney, age 84, of 2736 N. Pine St., Tamarac, Ludington, formerly of Stanton, died Thursday, Aug. 26 at her residence following a brief illness. Geraldine G. Reed was born Jan. 31, 1915, in Portland, the daughter of Fred and Nellie (Hanson) Reed. She was married Nov. 3, 1933, in Portland to Paul J. Whitney Sr., and he preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1988. She worked as a nurse for many years, first in Charlotte and then in Sheridan, retiring in the late 1980s. She was a member of Nevins Lake Church of Stanton. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and gardening. She loved her dog, Peppy. Survivors include two daughters, Muirlyene (and Gil) Hayward of Hudson, Fla., Carol (and Joe) Cain of Ludington; one son, Paul Johnathon (and Phyllis) Whitney Jr. of Mears; one sister, Loretta Jacott of Palm Harbor, Fla.; nine grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death, in addition to her husband, by her parents, and twin brothers, Fred and Frank Reed. Services for Mrs. Whitney will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at Nevin Lake Church in Stanton with the Rev. Bob Goodenough officiating. The family will receive friends at the Dorrell Funeral Home in Ludington from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. They will also receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Stanton, alongside her husband. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan for Mason County with envelopes available at the Dorrell Funeral Home.

Phyllis Eisenmenger
Died Sept. 4, 1999
Phyllis Eisenmenger of Elmhurst, Ill., and Grand Avenue, Upper Hamlin Lake, died Saturday afternoon at her home in Elmhurst. She and her husband, Elmer Al, spent most of the past 60 years at their summer cottage on Upper Hamlin Lake. She spent this August at her cottage before returning to her home in Elmhurst. She regularly worshiped at Sacred Heart and St. Simon Catholic churches. All her life she had been a regular volunteer in the social services field. Her husband, preceded her in death in 1983. Surviving is one daughter, Mrs. Deborah A. (and Peter) Simon of Indianapolis, Ind. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elmhurst, Ill. Interment will be next to her devoted husband in Calvary Cemetery, Elmhurst, Ill. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Victory with envelopes available at the Dorrell Funeral Home.

Gladys Prosser Brillhart
Died Oct. 7, 2000
Gladys Prosser Brillhart, age 88, of Hart, died Saturday, Oct. 7, at Silver Lake. Gladys Prosser was born April 26, 1912, in Oklahoma City, Okla., the daughter of Harry E. and Alice M. (Hogle) Prosser. She was a lifetime resident of Hart and wintered in Florida. She graduated from Hart High School in 1930 and from Ferris Institute in 1932 with an associate s degree in business. She was married in 1938 in Hart to Raymond N. Brillhart and he preceded her in death in 1994. She was a lifetime member of the Hart United Methodist Church, assisted with the Hart/Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce Visitors Booth, was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Business and Professional Women's Club, the Order of Eastern Star. She was a member of the Groveland Florida Garden Club and taught piano in the Hart area for many years. Surviving are one son, Leo (and Teri) Brillhart of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Leta Mae (and Charles) Corwin of Cadillac; seven grandchildren, Tanya, Jeff and Joshua Brillhart, Lisa Corwin (and husband Rajiv Shah), Angela, Chip and Tim Corwin; her special friend, Wilmer Carlson; one brother, Robert Prosser of Iowa; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Cecil, Clifford, Herbert and Hubert Prosser. Services for Mrs. Brillhart will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Hart United Methodist Church with the Rev. Curtis Jensen officiating. Burial will be in Hart Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 this afternoon and 7 to 9 this evening at the Tate Funeral Home, Hart.

Bernice M. Cabot
Bernice M. Cabot, age 93, of 1108 S. Madison St., died early Sunday morning at home, after a lengthy illness. Bernice M. Mallady was born Nov. 21, 1906, at Dwight, Ill., the daughter of William and Florence (Gordon) Mallady. She later adopted the surname of her stepfather, Fred E. Decker. The family lived in Ottawa, Streator and Marseilles, Ill., before coming to Ludington in 1917. She attended rural district schools in Illinois and Lakeview School and Ludington High School in Ludington. Prior to her marriage she was employed at the Star Watch Case Company. On Nov. 17, 1925, she married Frank C. Cabot of Ludington. He preceded her in death on March 30, 1978. In 1934 she moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where Mr. Cabot was section foreman at the Maple Street Dock. In Milwaukee Bernice was employed at the Law Tanning Co. and also worked at a roller-skating rink and the Juneau Sweet Shop. In 1960 she returned to Ludington when her husband was transferred back to the local railroad yard. Bernice was a communicant of Grace Episcopal Church and was the oldest member of the parish. She was active in the work of the church until recent years as a member of St. Anne s Altar Guild, the Ludington Episcopal Church Women and the Open Gate Shop. She was also a member since 1968 of the Ludington Daily Dieters. For many years Bernice took an active interest in local history and often provided information from her recollections of life in La Salle County, Ill., Milwaukee, Wis., and Ludington. She is survived by a daughter, Mildred Laczniak of St. Francis, Wis.; a son, Robert L. (and Marge) Cabot of Milwaukee, Wis.; six grandchildren, including James L. Cabot, who made his home with her; seven great-grandchildren, a cousin, Georgia Gleason of Marseilles, Ill.; nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, two sons, Frank E. Cabot and James L. Cabot Sr., one daughter, Mrs. Robert (Joanne) Ebert, two grandsons, Scott Cabot and Michael Laczniak, three brothers, Fred Decker Jr., Michael Decker and James Decker, and three sisters, Irene Decker, Florence Decker and Mrs. Tony (Helen) Lang. Services for Bernice M. Cabot will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. J. Robert Hector officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Dorrell Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Grace Episcopal Church with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Martha Agnes Gebhart
Died Oct. 8, 2000
Martha Agnes Gebhart, age 87, formerly of Eighth Street in Manistee, died Sunday, Oct. 8 at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. She was born Nov. 15, 1912, in Manistee, the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Sass) Edel. She married Harold A. Gebhart April 23, 1930, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. He preceded her in death on April 14, 1982. She was a former employee of the Manistee Paper Box Company. She was a communicant of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. She is survived by six grandchildren, Kathy Mazur of Kalamazoo, Mrs. Mark (Beverly) Scherrens of Kentucky, Mrs. Charles (Barbara) Anible of Ludington, Rita Fitch, David Gebhart and Mrs. Roger (Kristy) Nine, all of Ludington; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Blanche Rakoski of Manistee; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents and her husband, by her son, Harold (Kenneth) Gebhart on May 9, 1990; two brothers, Frank and Bernard Edel; six sisters, Pauline Edel, Elizabeth Hayward, Stella Verway, Catherine Pacholski, Theresa Gajeski and Victoria Bartz. Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with the Rev. William Zwiefka as celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Evening Prayer from the Order of Christian Funerals will be prayed 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee where friends may begin calling after 7 p.m. The family will be at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to receive friends.

Clayton F. Schwartz
Died Sept. 12, 2000
Clayton F. Schwartz, age 86, of Comstock Park and formerly of Ludington, went to be with his Lord Tuesday, Sept. 12. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine. The family wishes to invite all his friends and family to graveside services at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Pere Marquette Cemetery, Ludington. Reyers North Valley Chapel, Grand Rapids, is in charge of arrangements.

Lester O. Baker
Lester O. Baker, age 67, of Custer, passed away Friday, Dec. 22 at Memorial Medical Center in Ludington. Lester was born May 12, 1933, in Eden Township to Lester J. and Caroline (Smith) Baker and attended Custer schools. On Dec. 1, 1956, he married Mary Abel at the Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren and she survives him. He went back to school after his youngest son graduated in 1985 to complete his high school education and graduated from Custer High School in 1987. He worked for over 40 years for Sanders Meats in Custer, was also a carpenter by trade and worked many years as a bouncer at Johnny s in Custer. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the Army, and was a member of the American Legion in Ludington. Lester was a member of the Custer Village Council where he formerly served the village as constable, was a member of the Custer Fire Department, and the Mason County Sheriff s Department Reserves. He was also a member of the Bachelor Evangelical Covenant Church in Fountain. Besides his wife, Lester is survived by his sons, Kurt and Bonnie Baker of Beaver Lake, Neb., Marc and Cheryl Baker of Custer, and Evan Baker and his girlfriend, Chris Kirby, of Big Rapids; his grandchildren, David Scott Baker, Anthony Baker, Carmen Brayton, Cassie Baker, Zachary Baker, and Andrew Baker; his great-grandson, Jacob Boes; his brothers, Victor (Adell) Baker and Robert (Linda) Baker, all of Custer, and James (Pat) Baker of Clinton; his sisters, Frances (Gary) Parsons of Grand Rapids and Arvilla Meyers of Iron River; many nieces and nephews. The funeral for Mr. Baker will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30 at the Stephens Funeral Chapel, Scottville, with the Rev. Norman Letsinger officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Custer. Friends may meet with Lester s family on Friday, Dec. 29 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lester Baker family with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Ross E. Leedham
Ross E. Leedham, age 67, of Ludington, died Dec. 26 at home after a short illness. Ross Edward Leedham was born Sept. 20, 1933, in Ludington, the son of the late Charles and Dorothy (Gatfield) Leedham. He grew up in Ludington where he graduated from Ludington High School, class of 1951. He also obtained a degree at General Motors Institute of Technology in Detroit. He was married Nov. 5, 1955, to Gladys J. Kollberg and she survives. Ross was employed by CSX Railroad as a switchman/yard master until his retirement. He was a member of Edwin H. Ewing Post 76, Ludington Aerie 1354 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pere Marquette Lodge 299, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Ludington Boat Club. In his free time he enjoyed golfing and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Gladys; two sons, Robert (Ronda) Leedham of Kansas City, Kansas, and Steven (Dawn) Leedham of Grand Rapids; one daughter, Kathryn Leedham of Ft. Myers, Fla.; one sister, Anne (Ronald) Prill of Whitehall, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. A memorial service for Mr. Leedham will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28 at the Dorrell Funeral Home with the Rev. John Christensen officiating. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Richard Elmer Hanna
Died Feb. 28, 2000
Richard Elmer Hanna, age 74, died Monday, Feb. 28 in Abita Springs, La. He was the beloved husband of Grace I. Warnock; father of Susan R. Wiley, Joan Darrell, Tracey Pate and Bruce Hanna; brother of the late Ellen Dion; uncle of Nancy Jaunese. Also survived by four grandchildren. A native of Michigan, he was a resident of Abita Springs, La., and Ludington. He touched everyone he met. A memorial service will be held in May at St. John's Lutheran Church, 209 N. Rowe St., Ludington, with notice and time to be announced later. The Vickers Northshore Funeral Home, Covington, La., is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Richard N. Lund
Died March 1, 2000
Richard N. Lund, age 73, of Munster, Ind., born Aug. 29, 1926, passed away March 1. Beloved husband, father, and friend to many, he is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Janet Rae; and devoted son, Phillip of Munster, Ind.; sister Betty Brown Welch of Columbus, Ind.; fond uncle of Nancy Buchert, Susan Bennett, Jeff Brown, Donna and Tanya Thurn, David and Jerry Gosling and Dawn Quinn. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marian Lund of Oak Park, Ill., and Ludington. He served as a second lieutenant with the United States Army. He retired from Amoco as senior operations research consultant, and started M.D.I. Consulting in Munster, Ind. He was a longtime member of the Midwest Society of Professional Consultants, a member and officer of the World Trade Council, recently awarded the Ambassador Award for Service Par Excellence, a board member of NW Indiana Art Association and member of the Long-Range Planning Committee, a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and co-founder of the Job Search Ministry. Friends may call at the Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Ave., Munster, Ind., from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 3. Services will be Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Ludington, Monday, March 6.

Eugene C. Platt
Died Feb. 28, 2000
Eugene C. Platt, age 61, of New Era, passed away Monday, Feb. 28 at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. Eugene Charles Platt was born May 14, 1938, in Ludington to George and Olive (Smith) Platt. He was a member of The Salvation Army until he moved to Muskegon to work. He was employed by Brunswick Corporation for 46 years until recently retiring. Gene was a member of the Satellite Saddle Club of Montague, where he entered competitions and helped to train riders. He is survived by his sons, Pat Platt and Kelvin (and Dawn) Platt, both of Twin Lake; his grandchildren, Justin, Todd and Brennen Platt, Miranda, Brittany, Arielle, Quinn, Alex and Johnathen Platt. Survivors also include five sisters, Dorothy Pryor of Ludington, Carlene Mossey of Shelby Township, Leotta (and Jim) Banks, Loretta Kaiser, Edna (and Fayne) Bennett all of Spring Lake; and one brother, Robert (and Nancy) Platt of Holton; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Melvin. Services for Eugene C. Platt will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the Dorrell Funeral Home chapel with Captains Jon and Kimberly Welch of The Salvation Army officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 this evening. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider The Salvation Army with envelopes available at the funeral home.

David Anthony (Bogus) Boguszewski
March 17, 2000
David Anthony (Bogus) Boguszewski, age 97, of 2716 S. Lakeshore Drive, Pere Marquette Township, passed away unexpectedly early Friday, March 17 at his home. He was born Nov. 5, 1902, in Ludington. He was married Nov. 3, 1931, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Ludington to Kazmara Draminski and she survives. The couple lived in Ludington all their lives. He was employed by Jackson Vibrators for many years, retiring March 27, 1968. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church since its beginning and his father was one of the founders of the parish. He attended St. Stanislaus School and was a member of P.M. Council 1492, Knights of Columbus, Ludington, Aerie No. 1354 Fraternal Order of Eagles, was a former member of the Jackson Vibrators Ball Team. Surviving, in addition to his wife of 67 years, are five children, Mrs. Lloyd (Constance) Andersen of Ludington, Jane (and Harry) Abramowski of Manistee, Mrs. Gordon (Alicia) Petzak of Manistee, Mrs. Rodney (Alexandra) Meeker of Ludington, David M. Bogus of Ludington; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladys VanNorman of Ludington, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters, Stanley, Raymond, Theodore, Helen Wright and Mary O Connell. Mass of Christian Burial from the Order of Catholic Funerals for Mr. Boguszewski will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 21 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with the Rev. Dennis O Donnell as celebrant. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 this afternoon and 7 to 9 this evening at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, where a rosary will be prayed at 8:30 this evening. Memorials may be directed to Ludington Area Catholic Education Fund with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Karl E. Chilberg
Died June 17, 2000
Karl E. Chilberg, age 81, of Ludington, formerly of Scottville, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 17 at Memorial Medical Center. Karl was born Oct. 14, 1918, at the farm he would later own, to Claus E. and Louise B. (Omholt) Chilberg. He graduated from Scottville High School and on Oct. 3, 1942, he married June Miller at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ludington. He worked most of his life as a farmer and a salesman for the Farm Bureau where he was past-president. He was also a member and past-president of the Scottville Optimist Club, a lifelong member of Emanuel Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, and was the supervisor of Amber Township for seven years. Karl, a lifelong resident of Mason County, was a member of the Sportsman Enterprises Club in Elkhart, Ind., and was an avid fisherman and card player. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, June; his children, Janet (James) Mumy of Laguna Niguel, Calif., David (Susan) Chilberg of Elkhart, Ind., and Lela (Roger) Thurow of Scottville; his grandchildren, Mark (Nancy) Mumy, Michelle Mumy, Jeffrey (Amy) Thurow, Bethany Thurow, Kari and Neil Chilberg; his great-granddaughters, Megan and Madeline Thurow; his brothers, Wayne (Gina) Chilberg of Niagara Falls, N.Y., John (Shirley) Chilberg of Vero Beach, Fla.; his sister, Carol (Jim) Fitch of Scottville; his brother-in-law, Rolland Miller of Scottville; his sister-in-law, Iola Rosenow of Scottville; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marie Squire. Services, including committal, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 21 at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ludington with his pastor, the Rev. Wayne E. Buskirk, officiating. Burial will be at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 20 at the Stephens Funeral Chapel in Scottville. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Emanuel Lutheran Church or the Scottville Optimist Club.

George M. Cooper
Died June 16, 2000
George M. Cooper, age 74, of Grand Rapids, and formerly of Free Soil, passed away Friday, June 16. He was preceded in death by his son Kurt in 1977. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Jacqueline; his children, Penny and Gary Kriesch of Grand Rapids, Ken and Karrie Cooper of Free Soil, Barry Cooper of Grand Rapids, Jeffrey Cooper of Holland, Timothy and Julie Cooper of Warren, Michael and Lorrie Cooper of Ludington, Shannon and Patrick Rooney of Grand Rapids; 13 grandchildren; his sisters and brother-in-law, Rosalie and Fred Hiscock, Margaret Warren; his brother-in-law, Robert Berus; and nieces and nephews. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a member of the American Legion and DAV, and a retiree of Fisher Body. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 20 at Holy Trinity Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. A rosary service will be held at 7:30 this evening at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, NW, Grand Rapids. Mr. Cooper reposes at the funeral chapel where relatives and friends may meet his family from 2 to 4 this afternoon and 7 to 9 this evening. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society would be appreciated.

William "Larry" Beck
Died Jan. 31, 2001
William "Larry" Beck, age 90, of Clare, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Northwoods Nursing Center in Farwell. Larry was born the son of John and Johanna (Myers) Beck Sept. 18, 1910, in Cygnet, Ohio. He married Irene A. Bednarek on Nov. 27, 1930, in Muskegon and she preceded him in death July 29, 1999. Larry was the owner/operator of the Standard Oil/A&P in Clare. He also owned the Gamble's store in Scottville. He was a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Clare. He was a Knights of Columbus charter member, a past grand knight, a member at one time of the K of C in Scottville. He was also a member of the Scottville Optimist Club. Larry is survived by two daughters, Rita Murphy of Clare and Kay L. Hemmer of Ludington; a daughter-in-law, Virginia Beck; a brother, Fred Beck; two sisters, Jeanne Nordeen and Doris Hansen; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sons, Joseph, Dennis C. and L. Robert Beck. Services will take place 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5 at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Clare with the Rev. Joseph Ryan officiating. Burial will be in the St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery in Clare. Friends may call at the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home, 1005 N. McEwan St., Clare, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 where a rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the K of C Memorial for the Right to Life.