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Ora Galen Blocher, beloved husband and dear father, age 98, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born March 5, 1903 on the family farm in Eden Township, Custer, to Edmond and Eliza Ann (Royer) Blocher, their only child. He was married Oct. 31, 1928 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Blanche Gertrude Saxton, the daughter of Richard Alvin and Laura Mae (Brovont) Saxton, who preceded him in death Feb. 25, 1998. To this union were born four children, all of whom survive: Beverly Diane (William) Lawther of Ypsilanti, Don Allan (Betty) Blocher of Phoenix, Ariz., Robert Lee (Barbara) Blocher of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Eric Lynn Blocher of Superior Township. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Diane, Jeffrey (Linda) and Rebecca Lawther, all of Ypsilanti; Kathleen (John) Toth, Steven (Pamela) Blocher and Joseph (Casandra) Blocher, all of Phoenix; Vicky (James) Kemp of Camano Island, Wash., Mark (Elisa) Blocher of Frisco, Texas, David (Elisa) Blocher of Dallas, Texas, and Kristine Blocher of Lake Havasu City. Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1926, with a BSE degree in aeronautical engineering, one of only seven graduates in that discipline for the year. After graduation he worked as a designer for Hess Aircraft (1926), Curtiss-Wright (1928), Ford Motor Co. (1928-29), Hise Aircraft (1931-33) and Stout Engineering (1933); as a project engineer for GM Research Corp. (1926-28); as a design engineer for Stinson Aircraft (1933-34); as a chief engineer for Verville Aircraft (1929-31), Aerocar Co. (1934-38) and Stout Aircraft (1943-44); as an executive engineer for Stinson Aircraft (1943-44) and the Bendix Corp. Experimental Aircraft Division (1944-46); and as a research engineer for the University of Michigan Willow Run Labs (1946-68), from which he retired. He, along with his wife, Blanche, loved to garden, raising vegetables and flowers, at one time having over 250 different named bearded iris. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 tonight at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel in Ypsilanti. Visitation will also be from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home in Ludington. The funeral service for Mr. Blocher will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Custer. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider donations to the charity of their choice.

Mrs. Betty Jane Fogarty, age 79, of Ludington passed away Monday, Feb. 18 at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. Betty was born March 19, 1922, in Ludington, the youngest child of Robert and Minnie (Coleman) Jamieson. She attended Ludington School, and on Aug. 12, 1941, married Myrle Fogarty of Ludington. Myrle preceded her in death in 1965. Betty enjoyed her family and caring for her husband and five daughters. She was a local artist, and painting was her passion. She owned Betty Fogarty's Art Studio in Ludington until her vision failed. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Patricia (Richard) Stahl of Indianapolis, Ind., Beverly (Gordon Veldman) Fogarty of Pentwater, Bobbi Fogarty of Grand Rapids, Mary (Eugene) Harmon of Custer, and Nancy (Danny) Johnson of Ludington; her grandchildren, Deborah (Howard) Hall of Atlanta, Ga., Eugene Harmon Jr. of Kalamazoo, Bridgett (Reggie) Fox of Lansing, Ramona (Daniel) Owusa of Lansing, Jada (Anthony) Neely of Portland, Ore., Tiffany (Bryan) Fleming of Belleville, Nichole (Bryan) VanNiman of Kalamazoo, Danielle Steiger of Grand Rapids, and Ryan Stahl serving with the Peace Corps in the Ukraine. Funeral services will be held for Betty 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Stephens Funeral Chapel in Scottville with Dr. J.D. Johnson officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington. The family will meet with friends Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral chapel. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Lung Association.

Jeannette E. (Bette) Schoenmaker, age 73, of Ludington, passed away quietly Tuesday evening, Feb. 19 at Tendercare of Ludington following a lengthy illness. She was born on March 18, 1928 in Ft. Wayne, Ind. She graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in Lansing in 1946 and attended Michigan State College. On May 13, 1950 she married Norman Schoenmaker in Lansing, and he survives. The couple moved to Ludington in 1980 from Owosso. Bette was a member of the Community Church of Ludington. She was a former Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, a member of the Visitation Circle and O.A.K.S. Women s Society of the church. She gave over 2,000 hours as a hospital volunteer. She was also a member of the West Shore Art League and several other social groups. Bette enjoyed sewing, knitting, needlepoint, ceramics and painting. She was very outgoing and a giving wife who always cared for others. She was a former telephone operator and medical librarian and worked at Dr. Swartz s office in Ludington. Surviving are one daughter, Jenne (and Jim) Uhlik of Cabot, Ark.; one granddaughter, Amy ( and Lt. Joseph) Roach of Dayton, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Becca and Noah Roach; one brother, Robert Snyder of Clark Lake, and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert M. and Jeannette Ridenour Snyder; a sister, Sally George; a granddaughter, Rebecca Ann Uhlik, and all of her aunts and uncles. Funeral services for Bette will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Community Church in Ludington, the Rev. Rich Loerop officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rockford. Memorials may be directed to the Michigan Lupus Foundation with envelopes available at the funeral home or the church.

Mary Jane Peterson, age 82, of Miami and formerly of Manistee and Ludington, died March 27 in Miami. She was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Franklin E. and her son, Larry (and Kathy) Peterson, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Lucille Arnold, Phyllis Charlson and Jean Hanse. Mass of Christian burial from the Order of Christian Funerals was held in Miami. The family will receive friends at the Dorrell Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 3 from noon to 2 p.m. Graveside committal rites will follow at Lakeview Cemetery with the Rev. Tom Schiller officiating.

Mr. Oscar F. Schulz, age 88, of Scottville, passed away on Saturday morning, March 30 at Memorial Medical Center in Ludington. Oscar was born Nov. 6, 1913 in Sheridan Township to Fred W. and Rose (Scheffler) Schulz and attended Bachelor School. He married Sarah C. Thompson on Oct. 6, 1943 in Manistee, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 15, 2001. Oscar enjoyed working for and retired from Mason County Road Commission after 31 years of service, and was a well-known resident of the Scottville and Custer communities. He was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and loved caring for the property and grounds of both the church and parsonage. He could often be seen mowing, raking or working around the church grounds. Oscar will be remembered for his genuine smile or friendly wave and his kindness to all he encountered. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Harry Barnard, and his sister-in-law Mary E. Thompson. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Kenneth (Pam) Schulz of Manistee; his grandchildren, Ginny Schulz of Grand Rapids, Sara Schuelke of Port Huron, Bobbi (Carey) Knicely of Greenville, S.C., Alissa (Steven) Chmielewski of Atoka, Tenn., Aimee (Gary) Swidorski of Woodstock, Ga., and Amanda Hutson of Grand Rapids; his great-grandchildren, Logan Chmielewski and Quinn Marie Swidorski; his sister, Ella Barnard of Scottville; his brother-in-law, Edward H. (Susanna) Thompson of Grass Lake; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services will be held for Oscar on Wednesday, April 3 at 2 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scottville with his pastor, the Rev. Mark Rosenburg, officiating. Interment will take place at Bachelor Cemetery. Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation on Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stephens Funeral Chapel in Scottville, and Wednesday from 1 p.m. until time of services at the church. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Sister Mary Phyllis Kaminski, RSM, a Sister of Mercy for 77 years, died March 31 at McAuley Center in Farmington Hills. She was 93 years old. She was born in Ludington to Frank and Johanna Kaminski and named Harriet at her baptism. On Sept. 15, 1925, she entered the Sisters of Mercy and made final vows on April 25, 1931. She earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame. She also studied at Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan where she specialized in library science. Sister Mary Phyllis served in elementary and secondary parochial schools in Michigan for 43 years. From 1928 when she taught third and fourth grades at St. Brigid's in Midland, until 1971, when she became assistant librarian at Mercy College of Detroit, she was recognized as an outstanding educator. She was especially skilled in teaching Latin, mathematics and history, engaging herself and her students in all available learning opportunities. From 1977 until 1995, she enjoyed serving as attendance clerk at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills where she continued to meet young people and share ideas with them. She was also attentive to the needs of the elderly and participated in a phone conversation program for the homebound for 20 years. Sister Mary Phyllis is remembered as a welcoming person who enjoyed a good conversation. She had a profound love of learning and even after retiring to McAuley Center in 1995, she maintained an active interest in current events. A welcoming service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at McAuley Center in Farmington Hills and a prayer service will begin that evening at 7. The Funeral Mass will be in the McAuley Center chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3 followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of McCabe Funeral Home, Farmington Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy Retirement Fund or to the Mercy Ministry Fund, 29000 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336-1405.

Thomas W. Holmes, age 63, of 1188 Ellis St., Ludington, lost a brave battle with cancer Monday, April 22. He died at his home with his family by his side. Thomas Warren Holmes was born April 19, 1939 in Ludington, the son of Thomas H. and Doris M. (Snow) Holmes. He grew up in Ludington where he attended school, graduating with the Ludington High School class of 1957. Tom was especially proud of the fact that he and his wife of 43 years were voted "class couple" in high school. He and Marjorie "Midge" Matson were married July 12, 1958. Tom was a volunteer with the Ludington Fire Department for nine years and was a current member and past master of the Lodge #299, Free and Accepted Masons. He had worked in various areas of the car business and more recently had been employed by Urka Auto Sales in Ludington as the warranty administrator. In his free time, he loved to garden and work in his yard. Tom also enjoyed collecting interesting items which he found when he and Midge went antique shopping. Tom will be lovingly missed by his devoted wife, Midge; his three children, Karin M. Holmes and partner, Debra L. Butt, Kevin Thomas Holmes, and Kelly L. Rivera; and his grandchildren, Adam E. Rivera and Christopher R. Rivera, all of Houston, Texas. Survivors also include his uncle, Harry (and May) Snow; his half-sister, Donna Bentz; his mother-in-law, Edith Matson and his sister-in-law, Barbara (and Jim) Husted, all of Ludington; his sister-in-law, Linda Branyan of Cedar Springs; his brother-in-law, Robert (and Cathy) Matson of Waukesha, Wis.; his special friends, Sylvia and Paul Harmon of Ludington and Ms. Pat Oman of Circle Pines, Minn., and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert B. Matson and one brother-in-law, Ralph Branyan. The funeral for Thomas W. Holmes will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25 at the Dorrell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Buskirk of Emanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will be present at the funeral home Wednesday, April 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. to receive friends. The Pere Marquette Lodge 299, Free and Accepted Masons, will conduct a memorial service at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society or the Emanuel Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the Dorrell Funeral Home.

Louis S. Bauchan Died April 20, 2003 Louis S. Bauchan, the last known keeper who served in the United States Lighthouse Service, died at 91 on Easter Sunday, April 20, at Community Memorial Hospital in Cheboygan. Mr. Bauchan joined the Lighthouse Service April 1, 1936 when he obtained a job as a cook on the buoy tender Sumac. He passed the keeper exam and on July 1, 1937 was assigned to Chicago harbor for keeper training, including small boat handling and other duties. From 1937 to 1947, he served at St. Martin Island, Mich. and on other short-term duty assignments in the island chain between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, including Plumb Island, Poverty Island, and other locations. In 1939, while he was at St. Martin Island, the United States Lighthouse Service was taken over by the United States Coast Guard, of which the 9th District includes the Great Lakes. From 1947 to 1952, Mr. Bauchan served at Pt. Betsie Lighthouse near Frankfort. From Jan. 1, 1952 until 1953 he was assigned shipboard duty on the U.S.C.G. icebreaker Mackinaw at Cheboygan. In June 1953, he reported to the 14th Coast Guard District in Honolulu. For two years, he had several duty assignments in the Pacific Ocean, including shipboard duty on the destroyer escorts Newell and Kukui, and various other locations where he served and provided aids to navigation. He was then assigned to an 83-foot patrol boat stationed in Honolulu and then assigned shore duty at Sand Island in Honolulu. From 1955 to June 30, 1957, Mr. Bauchan was back in the 9th Coast Guard District on the Great Lakes for return duty on the U.S.C.G.C. Mackinaw. He retired from the Coast Guard off the Mackinaw on June 30, 1957 as chief engineman and continued to reside in Cheboygan until his death. On Jan. 21, 1939, during a leave from St. Martin Island, he married Irene Lyle Carr and they shared 55 years of marriage until her death Aug. 6, 1994. They were both very active serving others and with the St. Paul's United Methodist Church while living in lighthouses. For the last several years, Mr. Bauchan received national recognition by lighthouse preservation organizations, frequently lectured about his career, and was an honored guest in January with five admirals and the Coast Guard Academy band at the launch of the U.S.C.G. cutter Hollyhock at Marinette, Wis., and the subject of numerous articles in Lighthouse Digest, which is published in Maine and has an international following. Its May 2003 edition featured photographs of Mr. Bauchan, the admirals and others at the Hollyhock launch. Louis and Irene Bauchan had two sons, Dennis, who is also now retired from the Coast Guard, and Michael, an attorney in Houghton Lake. Louis is survived by his sons and their wives, Jeri Bauchan and Pamela Bauchan; three grandsons, Chris, Mickey and Matthew; five great-grandchildren, Michelle, Taylor, Bailey, Chad and Janelle; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at the Dorrell Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. A graveside service will be held at Scottville Cemetery following the funeral. A reception will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Ludington. A memorial service will be held for Mr. Bauchan at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 26 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 531 East Lincoln Ave., Cheboygan, with a luncheon following in the Fellowship Hall. The Rev. George H. Lewis of St. Paul?s United Methodist Church will officiate on both Thursday and Saturday. The Dorrell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hiram F. Herrick Died Aug. 2, 2004 Hiram F. Herrick, 69, of Parma and formerly of Ludington, died Aug. 2 at his home. He was born Dec. 23, 1934 in Ludington to Hiram and Gladys (Fitch) Herrick. On Oct. 13, 1956 he married Carol Rasmussen in Ludington, and she survives. Hiram graduated in 1952 from Ludington High School and then went on to Michigan State University to receive a bachelor's degree in forestry in 1956, Arizona State University to receive a bachelor's in mechanical engineering in 1967, and Air Force Technical Institute to receive a master's degree in logistics management in 1973. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1958 to 1979, retiring as lieutenant colonel. Hiram taught at Ferris State University in the mechanical engineering technology program from 1979 to 1982. After retiring, he went on to specialize in residential building and restoration. He lived in Parma for seven years. He was a member of the first Presbyterian Church of Jackson where he was actively involved in numerous children's programs and the property committee. Hiram was an avid gardener. He loved spending hours weeding and tending his vegetable plants. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. No project was too difficult to take on when it involved family or friends. Surviving are his wife, Carol Herrick of Parma; two sons, Randy (Jean) Herrick of Parma and Steven (Alice) Herrick of Nekoosa, Wis.; one daughter, Anne Marie Herrick of Parma; two grandchildren, Sabrina and Ainsley Herrick of Parma; five sisters, Betty (Ron) DeCicco of Ann Arbor, Lois Winsemius of Port Orange, Fla., Nita (Morris) Brown of Hastings, Joyce (Jim) Burchett of Edmore and Nancy (Ken) Motyka of Ludington; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family, and a faithful feline companion, Muffin. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Martha Smith; and a brother, Robert Herrick. A memorial service for Hiram F. Herrick will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Dr. James Hegedus officiating. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. Family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. the day of the service at the church. Memorial services in Ludington will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson ORFF program or the Mason County Old Engine Club. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Parma Chapel of Tidd-Williams Funeral Chapels.