John F. Callaghan
a resident of Birmingham for over fifty years, died on Thursday afternoon, January 17, 2008 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was 91 years old. In failing health for several months, but able to remain at home in the care of his family, he’d fallen earlier in the day and was taken to the hospital where, surrounded by sons and daughters, he said “I love you guys,” and slipped quietly away. Mr. Callaghan was born October 5, 1916, in Oswego, New York, the son of Edward Callaghan and Margaret Hogan Callaghan. He sang in the boys' choir of his parish church, Church of St. Paul, which boasted a large four manual pipe organ, which John learned to play while in Oswego High School. At the age of fifteen, he became organist of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Minetto, New York. The fol¬lowing year he became organist of St. Peter's Church in Oswego and won a competitive scholarship to Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees in Or¬gan under Leon Verrees. In 1936, John was appointed or¬ganist at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Syracuse. In 1937, while he was a student at the University, John married fellow student Mary O'Brien. They were blessed with 18 children, 15 of whom survive him.
In 1937, he returned to his home parish of St. Paul, Oswego, where he served until coming to St. Bernard Church, Detroit, in 1942. The following year he assumed simi¬lar responsibilities at St. Catherine Parish Detroit with the help of his wife, Mary, their older children and students. In 1957, John Callaghan began as Organist and Choirmaster at Holy Name Church in Birmingham, where he served continuously until his retirement in 1993. After his retirement from Holy Name, John continued to serve the parish as organist emeritus. John taught Fourth Grade at Holy Name for three years, choral music at Brother Rice High School for eleven years, and organ at Marygrove College for thirty-three years. John was a life member of the American Guild of Organists and honorary member of the East Region of Catholic Organists, and a member of the Bohemians Musicians Club and the Birmingham Musicale.
John Callaghan was a man of deep faith, abiding hope and love for God and his family. “He who sings prays twice,” he’d say. He was possessed of a beautiful tenor voice. And like his hero, Johann Sebastian Bach, whose Toccata and Fugue in D Minor was among his favorite pieces, he gave his life to the service of the church and the care and education of his large and ever growing family. Known as “The General” to his sons and daughters, he taught by quiet example, generous spirit, good humor and constant prayer. To former students, members of his many choirs and choral ensembles, neighbors and friends and fellow parishioners, he was an exemplar of the gentleman, songster, scholar and saintly man.
Mr. Callaghan is survived by his children, Margaret Guest, John (Mary Ann) Callaghan, Paul (Linda) Callaghan, James (Hilary) Callaghan, Kathleen (Vincent) Callahan, Edward (Mary Lynn) Callaghan, William (Rose Ann) Callaghan, Clare (Robert) Jorgensen, Christopher (Patricia) Callaghan, Kevin (Jean) Callaghan, Mary (Patrick) Lynch, Joseph (Maureen) Callaghan, Teresa (Harold) Crisman, Patrick (Gail) Callaghan and Bridget (John) Ebbing.
John’s grandchildren are; Michael J. (Barbara) Guest Jr., Mary Rose Anderson, Elizabeth (Ron) Berry, Matthew (Chrissy) Guest, Gregory Guest, Jerome (Alexandra) Guest, Steven (Trisha) Guest, John F. Callaghan III, Joseph S. Callaghan, Kevin A. Callaghan, Molly Callaghan, Paul E. (Michelle) Callaghan Jr., Eileen (Stan Sedo) Callaghan, Michael J. (Melanie) Callaghan, Timothy Callaghan, Bridget (Craig)Wells, Therese Marie (Michael J.) Boyle, James P. (Kate) Callaghan Jr., John Fredrick (Kerry) Callaghan, Colin M. (Amy) Callaghan, Celeste (Mark) Greenwald, Maureen (Robert) Osenbaugh, Brian Peter Callaghan, Diana Maria Callaghan, Kathleen (Joseph) Bungart, Elizabeth (Larry Morris) Callahan, Maura (David) Lindstrom, Vincent J. Callahan, Sean (Jennifer) Callaghan, Brian C. (Sara) Callaghan, Margaret Rose Callaghan, Patrick (Lisa) Callaghan, Dennis (Georgia) Callaghan, Colleen (Eric) Belanger, Ann Elizabeth Callaghan, Michelle Kaminski, Michael (Meghan) Malley, Daniel Malley, Rob (Jamie) Jorgensen, Brigetta Jorgensen, Elizabeth Jorgensen, Thomas Callaghan, Andrew Callaghan, Colleen G. Callaghan, Vanessa Callaghan, Brooke Callaghan, Maria Callaghan, Caitlin Lynch, Paddy Lynch, Michael U. (Rachel) Callaghan, Conor Callaghan, Harold P. Crisman, Emily Crisman, John Crisman, Shane Callaghan, Megan Callaghan, Kara Callaghan, John D. Ebbing, Amy Ebbing and Thomas Ebbing.
John’s great-grandchildren are; John Guest, James Guest, Julia Guest, Katherine Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Jennifer Berry, Amanda Berry, Adam Berry, Jack Guest, Melissa Guest, Madeleine Guest, Christopher Guest, Meredith Guest, John P. Callaghan, Grace Callaghan, Shawna Wise, Cal Wise, Seamus Callaghan, Riley Harriman, Duncan Callaghan, Dylan Boyle, Marcus Boyle, Brendan Callaghan, Devon Callaghan, Trevor Callaghan, Jack Callaghan, Kyle Callaghan, Eleanor M. Callaghan, Aidan Callaghan, Grace Callaghan, Sara Greenwald, Matthew Greenwald, Robert Osenbaugh, James Osenbaugh, Elise Osenbaugh, Marie Morris, Mark Morris, Isabel Morris, Joseph Bungart, John Bungart, Peter Bungart, Cormac Lindstrom, Meighan Lindstrom, Liam Callahan, Mairin O’Brien Callaghan, Quinn Callaghan, Katherine Rose Callaghan, Angelica Callaghan, Margaret Ann Callaghan, Evelyn Belanger, Caden Jorgensen, Caleb Jorgensen and Margaret Callaghan and great-great-grandchildren Aiden Wise, Canden Wise and Corrina Osenbaugh. Mr. Callaghan is also survived by his brother, Teddy Callaghan.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary O’Brien Callaghan, children, Ann, Brian (Norma Barquet) and Patricia Malley, daughter-in-law, Eleanor Frendo Callaghan, son-in-law, Michael J. Guest and siblings, The Reverend Msgr. James Callaghan, Margaret Fleischman, The Reverend Fr. Charles Callaghan, OFM and Robert Callaghan.
Funeral Liturgy will be at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Monday at 10am followed by burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Birmingham. Visitation at the church beginning at 9am on Monday morning. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) will be on Saturday from 3-9pm and at Holy Name Church on Sunday from 2-9pm. Prayers Sunday 7pm at the church.
Memorials appreciated to Marygrove College, 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit, Michigan 48221 or The IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, Michigan 48162-7909.
Eula G. Bjerke
age 83, of Rochester Hills, died January 20, 2008, at Mercy Bellbrook in Rochester Hills. Mrs. Bjerke was born June 9, 1924, in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Mrs. Bjerke is survived by her children, Juel (Kathy) and Laura (Pete) Noble and grandchildren, Joel, Jason, Jonathan and Joy Bjerke, Elizabeth Denks, and Katherine and Daniel Noble. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Skyler, Jackson and Ethan and siblings, William “Clifford” (Marilyn) Dean and Ruth (Jerry) Kjos. Mrs. Bjerke is preceded in death by her husband, J. Malcolm and brothers, Howard (Gloria) Dean and Wilfred (Connie) Dean.
Funeral at Rochester Hills Baptist Church, 3300 S. Livernois, Thursday 10:30am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Wednesday 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
Memorials appreciated to Alzheimer’s Association, 20300 Civic Center Drive, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48076.
Robert S. Chase
age 79, of Clawson, died January 16, 2008, at Providence Hospital in Southfield. Robert was born September 11, 1928, in Detroit and graduated from Redford High School. Following high school, Robert was an Able Seaman for the Pittsburgh Steam Ship Company, sailing on the Great Lakes from 1947-1950. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. On October 16, 1965, he married Grace Ann Gaag, in Detroit. He was a dedicated machinist working in the Tool & Die industry until his retirement in 1993. Robert was a long time member of First Congregational Church of Detroit, First Congregational Church of Royal Oak and Grand Marais United Methodist Church. He enjoyed train travel, reading and spending his summers at his home on the shores of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Michigan.
Robert is survived by his wife Grace Ann and children, Robert (Terri) and Amy (Perry) Sutherland. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dale, Aaron, Kailey and Cordelia, sister, Mary (David) Lindsay and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service at First Congregational Church, 1314 Northwood Blvd, Royal Oak, Monday 1pm. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Sunday 2-8pm. Burial at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly (Exit 108 off of I-75) Monday 10am.
Memorials appreciated to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, P.O. Box 419, Forest, Virginia 24551-0419.
Louise Van Dette
age 80, of Birmingham, died January 14, 2008, at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Mrs. Van Dette was born June 1, 1927, in Barbour County, West Virginia.
Mrs. Van Dette is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Jeff) King, son, John (Christine) Van Dette, 5 grandchildren and 5 siblings. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick and brother, Harold Kesling.
Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Friday 4pm until time of service at 8pm. Interment in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan.
James F. Roth
age 67, of Royal Oak, formerly of Ferndale, died January 12, 2008, at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Mr. Roth was born December 2, 1940, in Detroit.
Mr. Roth is survived by his wife, Louise, daughter, Cynthia (Ray) Schilling and grandchildren, Bronson Dernay and Nick and Garrett Schilling. He is preceded in death by his son, James Jr.
Funeral at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Thursday 11am. Friends may visit Tuesday 5-9pm, Wednesday 2-8pm and Thursday 10am until time of service. Interment in Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak.
Memorials appreciated to The Salvation Army Royal Oak Citadel, 3015 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073.
Dante Melotti, Sr.
age 91, passed away on January 14, 2008. Dante was born on October 10, 1916, in Northern Italy. He immigrated to the United States at the age of twelve. After graduating from Southwestern High School, he enrolled in the Henry Ford Trade School and worked under Henry Ford. He received his journey-man degree while attending night school at Cass Tech in Detroit. Dante was one of the founders of the Oakwood Blue Jacket Club in Detroit. He lived in Allen Park, Michigan until his retirement in 1984. He resided in Harbor Springs, Michigan until 2007, when he moved to Bloomfield Hills to be closer to his family. Dante enjoyed life to the fullest, but downhill skiing was his passion. As a member of the 70+ Ski Club, he won four gold medals and one silver medal in various age groups.
Dante is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Erdie, sons Dante Jr. and David (Cindy) and grandsons, Dante III and Nathan.
Services will be private.
Donations may be made to Beaumont Hospital, 44201 Dequindre Road, Troy, Michigan 48085.
Marion I. Miller
age 93, of Harsens Island, Michigan, died March 24, 2007, at Riverbend Assisted Living in East China Twp.. Mrs. Miller was born June 13, 1913, in Windsor, Ontario. She was a longtime resident of Detroit before residing on Harsens Island.
Mrs. Miller is survived by her children, Penelope (Gerald) Trabbic and Raymond W. (Christine) Miller, grandchildren, Dr. Kimberly Carlson of Durham, NC, Cheri (William) Cosnowski of Rochester, MI, Stacey (Sean) McDermott of Andover, MA and Brian Miller of Boston, MA and great-grandchildren, William Cosnowski III and Tiernan Matthew McDermott. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Meadows, sister, Betty (Henry) Potoczak and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Miller is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond J. Miller.
Funeral service at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road, Bloomfield Hills, Saturday 11am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Friday 2-8pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
Memorials appreciated to the Dr. Paul A. Carlson Memorial Diabetes Fund, Box 351246, Seattle, WA 98195-1246.
Peri John
age 47 of Lake Orion, formerly of Royal Oak, died at home March 23, 2007. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend and will be sorely missed.
Peri graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High School and went on to earn degrees from Central Michigan and Wayne State Universities. She had a gift and passion for teaching and spent much of her professional career as a health educator at Macomb County Health Department. She married Julian in 1996 and was devoted to raising her two children, Jeremy and Isabel. Peri is survived by her husband, Julian; children, Jeremy and Isabel; parents, Tom and Phyllis Gass and brother, Paul Gass. She is preceded in death by her brother, Tim Gass.
A Memorial service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd. (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Saturday 1pm. Memorial gathering Friday 2-9pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Freeman Wilner Foundation, Rose Cancer Center, William Beaumont Hospital, 3577 W. 13 Mile Road, Suite 103, Royal Oak, MI 48073 or Cranbrook Hospice, 281 Enterprise Court, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.
Ruth E. Grimaldi
age 75, of Bloomfield, died March 24, 2007, in Arizona. Mrs. Grimaldi was born August 25, 1931, in Detroit.
Mrs. Grimaldi is survived by her husband, Thomas and children, Cheryl (the late Richard) Orrico, Diane (Robert) Guenther, Patricia (Richard) Grace, Nancy Hammond and James (Sally) Grimaldi, Jr. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and sister, Alice Ryba.
Funeral at St. Regis Church, Lahser at Lincoln, Bloomfield Hills, Saturday 10am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Thursday 5-8pm and Friday 4-8pm. Prayers Friday 7pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
Memorials appreciated to Sacred Heart Seminary, 2701 Chicago Blvd., Detroit, Michigan 48206.
June Elizabeth Graessle
age 88, of Redford Twp., died March 29, 2007, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. Mrs. Graessle was born March 27, 1919, in Buchtel, Ohio.
Mrs. Graessle is survived by her daughters, Janet Elizabeth (John) Cramer-Binkley and Jill (Denis) Naeger and grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth (Scott) Kurtz, Joel Frederick Cramer, Joseph Patrick Naeger, James Andrew Naeger, Joshua Denis Naeger and Jeffrey Blaise Naeger. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Jillian and Jack Kurtz. Mrs. Graessle is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick and brother, Dean Shingler.
Funeral from Sacred Heart Church, 3360 Adams Road, Auburn Hills, Monday 10:30am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (Between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Sunday 2-8pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
Memorials appreciated to U of D Jesuit High School, June E. Graessle Memorial Fund, 8400 S. Cambridge Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48221.
