KATHRYN LUCILLE DATZ
Kathryn Lucille Datz of Davison and formerly of Vassar, age 90, died December 21, 2006 at Alterra Sterling House in Davison.
Kathryn was born September 18, 1916 to Louise E. and Retta (O’Leary) Klam in Oregon Township near Columbiaville. Her family moved to Lapeer and then to Rochester at the age of eight. Kathryn graduated from Rochester High School in 1934 and enjoyed a 70th class reunion on August 12, 2004. Kathryn moved to Vassar in 1941 and enjoyed employment as a bookkeeper at Dwight Hill Ford Sales. She later became manager of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Federal Credit Union. Kathryn enjoyed bowling, bridge, poker, and crocheting scrubbers. Katie, as she was known by her family and friends, was so proud to be Irish, and she leaves many with great memories of visits and parties where stories were told and much laughter shared. One highlight was the recent celebration of her 90th birthday at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth.
Kathryn married John Datz on March 8, 1950 in Angola, Indiana. John predeceased her on January 19, 2002. Surviving are a daughter Angela Strawn and husband Richard of Sacramento, California; son David and wife Mary Jo Datz of Davison; grandchildren Christopher Strawn and wife Jennifer of Edina, Minnesota; Jonathan Strawn and wife Tara of Wheaton, Illinois; Timothy Strawn of San Diego, California; Jeremy and Peter Strawn of Sacramento, California; one granddaughter Mari Datz of New York City, New York; three great grandchildren Molly, Abby, and Haley Strawn; brother Col (Ret.) and Mrs. Louis B. Klam of Warner Robbins, Georgia; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kathryn was preceded in death by granddaughter, Sarah.
Kathryn was a member of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Vassar and had resided at the Alterra Sterling House in Davison from November 8, 2003 to her death on December 21, 2006.
Mass of the Christian Burial took place on December 28, 2006 at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Vassar with Father Richard Jozwiak officiating. Burial was at the Riverside Cemetery in Vassar. Arrangements were made by Martin Funeral Home in Vassar. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
CONNIE L. (Sweezea) JOHNSON
Connie Johnson, age 44, went to be with the Lord on December 27, 2006, at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor. Connie was born on October 6, 1962 in Flint, the daughter of Paula (Davidson) Kidder and Murl Kidder. She married Richard Johnson on January 23, 2004. Connie was very involved with her children. She loved hiking, mountain climbing, running, and flower gardening.
Surviving family include her husband, Richard; her children, jeremiah Sweezea and Jessica Kidder; her mother, Paula Kidder of Flint; her father, Murl (Barbara) Kidder of Tucson, Arizona; seven brothers, Richard Kidder, Randy (Maryann) Kidder, Gary Kidder, John Kidder, Eric (Heidi) Kidder, Aaron Kidder, Matthew (Michelle) Kidder; three sisters, Dawn (Steve) Chamberlain, Wendy (Paul) Zahller, Laura Copenhaver; many nieces and nephews; her special friend, Joanna Kovalcsik; precious little dog, Cheetah.
Connie was preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie, in 1993, and her grandparents.
Funeral services were held on December 30, 2006 at First Baptist Church of Vassar with Pastor David Somers and Pastor John W. Becker officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions to Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. Arrangements were made by Penzien-Steele Funeral Home in Vassar.
Joseph Nick ‘Jo Jo’ Miihlbach Jr.
Joseph Nick ‘Jo Jo’ Miihlbach Jr., formerly of Vassar, son of the late Mildred (Wilczak) and Joseph Nick Miihlbach Sr., passed away Thursday, May 31 at the age of 57. He was born February 9, 1950 in Vassar and graduated from Vassar High School.
‘Jo Jo’ served with the United States Army Infantry during the Vietnam War. He retired from General Motors after over 30 years of service. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Michigan State University Spartans, the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Lions.
Surviving are three sisters and their spouses, Barbara and James May, Grayling; Rosemarie and Frank Hollenbeck, Columbiaville; Mary Jo and Terry Miles, Bullard, Texas; several nieces, nephews and their families; a close friend, Mike “Beef” Rigda; two aunts and several cousins; his former wife, Trini King.
Cremation took place and a committal service was held at 2P on Friday, June 8 at the Forest Lawn Cemetery with Lay Minister Chet Cherry officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Carrollton VFW Post #1859.
Zelma May Barnum
Mrs. Zelma May Barnum, age 94 years, passed away peacefully at her home on August 12, 2007. She was born in Vassar, Michigan on May 13, 1913 to the late Clarence Amos and Myrtie May (Eldred) Hawley, who built and operated the Hawley Greenhouse from 1908 to 1948. Zelma was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and active in the ladies group. She enjoyed playing pinochle and visiting friends and shut-ins.
Survivors include her daughter, Linda M. Barnum of Vassar and her nephews, Jack and Amos Reid. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry in 1983; a sister, Lou Reid; a brother, Dr. Harry E. Hawley and a nephew, Don F. Reid, Jr. Private services were held with the Reverend Jay Haite officiating. Burial took place at Riverside Cemetery in Vassar.
Edward Urbanski
Edward Urbanski, Of Vassar, age 69 died Thursday, August 9, at Genesys Health Park.
Edward was born April 13, 1938 in Caro, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Jennie (Zurnick) Urbanski. He worked for Frankenmuth Bank as a Transit Clerk. He was a member of the St. Francis Church. Ed had many close friends and will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.
Surviving his memory are his aunt Wanda and Larry Alvord of Flint; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Jennie and his brother Daniel Urbanski.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Millington Community Center are being accepted.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 14, at Martin Funeral Home-Vassar Chapel. Sister Elaine LaBell officiated and a burial followed at the Millington Township Cemetery.
William “Fred” Summerfield
William “Fred” Summerfield, of Vassar, age 82, died Tuesday, August 15, at the Caro Community Hospital.
William was born February 20, 1925 in Tuscola County, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Fred and Lillie Summerfield. He married Iva Wilson in 1953; she preceded him in death in 1985. He married Willeah Tausch on May 16, 1986 in Vassar.
William “Fred” worked at the Eaton Foundry for over 30 years and retired in 1976. He was a member of the Vassar Eagles Aerie Post #2380.
Surviving his memory are his wife of 21 years Willeah; children, Beckie Atkinson; Rickie (Darlene) Summerfield; Ronnie (Annie) Summerfield; stepson Randy (Sharon) Tausch; grandchildren, Corina Reyna; Ivy Hecht; Lillie Summerfield; Richard, Jaime, Nicole Summerfield; Joshua, Amanda, Rachel Summerfield; Sara, Travis, Katie Tausch; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Lillie; sisters Bessy, Paulene, Ida; brothers, Eddie, James, and Carl.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 17, at Martin Funeral Home Vassar Chapel. Pastor Steve Abend officiated and a burial followed at Eastlawn Cemetery.
An Eagles Memorial Service was held at 7:00pm. For those whom may desire memorial donations may be made to the Vassar Eagles Aerie Post #2380.
Raymond J. Gouine
Raymond J. Gouine, age 84 of Vassar, died Monday, August 13, at home with his wife Doris beside him. He will be greatly missed by his wife and children.
Raymond was born June 12, 1923 to Albert and Philomen (Vieau) Gouine in Cheboygan. He married Doris Legue on December 27, 1947 in Vassar.
He retired from G.M. Powertrain in 1974 with thirty two years of service and loved repairing cars, going to auctions and was a collector of antiques.
Raymond is survived by his wife: Doris; three children, Arnold (Debra) Gouine; William (Barb) Gouine and Judy (Brent) Neal all of Vassar; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
A cremation will take place and Raymond’s ashes will travel back to St. Charles Cemetery in Cheyboygan where he will be laid to rest with his mother and father.
