USA High School Yearbooks by State and County
April 25, 2001
Ben Berson
Ben Berson, age 85, of Canton, passed away Monday afternoon, April 23, 2001 in Bethany Nursing Home. He was born February 16, 1916 in Canton to Jacob and Blanche Berson. Ben worked for Howard's Men's Store in Massillon and Harry's Men's Store. Mr. Berson graduated from Massillon Washington High School in 1934 and served in the U. S. Navy during WW II. He was a member of Agudas Achim Congregation. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Faye; daughter and son-in-law, Edith Eileen and Robert Earle Smith of Salem, Ohio; two grandchildren Scott and Wendy Smith; sister Alice Mae Jacobs of Olmstead Falls. Preceded in death by two brothers, Sam and Lewis Berson. Funeral services will be Wednesday 4:00 p.m. in the Arnold Funeral Home with Rabbi Jonathan Krainess officiating. Interment will be in Canton Hebrew Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Agudas Achim Congregation.
Dolly R. Patterson
Dolly R. Patterson, age 69, of Canton, died Monday in Aultman Hospital after a long illness. She was a life resident of Canton, and a 1949 graduate of Lehman High School. She was retired from the State of Ohio, Department of Commerce, Division of Credit Unions. Dolly was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Michael G. and Theresa Patterson of Mineral City, W. Andrew Patterson of Dellroy, and Phillip and Terry Patterson of Canton; her stepfather, Richard Wise of Canton; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a niece and nephews. Preceded in death by her twin sister, Polly Dornan; a brother, Richard Stamm; and a grandson, David A. Patterson. A memorial service will be Thursday at 1 p.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Fr. Zev W. Rosenberg officiating. There will be no calling hours. The Lamiell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Evelyn Van Bremen
Evelyn B. Van Bremen, age 73, of Massillon died Tuesday, April 24, 2001 at Hanover House following a long illness. She was born Jan. 8, 1928 in Uniontown, PA, where she had been a member of Central Christian Church, and she moved to this area in 1961. She had worked as an English Literature Teacher for 28 years, include 23 years for Northwest Local Schools, and then five years in the Perry School District, before she retired in 1988. She was a member of the NW Teacher's Assoc., and VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 3294 in Cuyahoga Falls. She loved gardening, and especially enjoyed caring for her lawn. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Wayne Van Bremen of Massillon; three sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and Debbie Van Bremen of Newhall, CA, Mark and Pam Van Bremen of Rio Grande, OH and Jeff and Debbie Van Bremen of Au Train, MI; four grandchildren, Julie, Craig, Abbie, and Evan Van Bremen; and one brother and sisters-in-law, Clem and Sis Tatum of Zellwood, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clem and Phoebe (Haniford) Tatum; and one sister, Lois Tatum. Following cremation a memorial service will be held Friday, April 27th at 8 p.m. at Heitger Funeral Service- Massillon Chapel, 639 First St. NE, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Assoc. of Ohio, Akron/Canton Area Branch, 1300 Christmas Seal Dr., NW, Canton, OH 44709.
Florence D. Wilmot
Florence D. Wilmot. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. (TODAY) Wednesday in Lakeview Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, with Rev. Stephen Wescott officiating and a Memorial Service will be held Friday 11 a.m. at Canton Christian Fellowship.
Jacob Daniel Bair
Infant Jacob Daniel Bair, went to be a flower in God's garden April 23, 2001. He is survived by his mother, Kristen T. Bair of the home; grandparents, Robert M. Bair of Canton and Cheryl E. Bair of Malvern; great-grandparents, Virginia H. Bair of North Canton and Warren and Elaine Tipton of Cincinnati; uncles Michael Scott and John Bair of Malvern and many other loving relatives and friends. Preceded in death by great-grandfather, Reisin O. Bair and uncle, Daniel O. Bair. A Graveside service will be conducted Thursday at 1 p.m. in the chapel at Sunset Hills Burial Park with Rev. Brian Millard officiating. Following the service at 2:30 p.m., family and friends are invited for food and fellowship at the Church of the Savior, 120 Cleveland Ave., Canton, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., 1815 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44305.
John Bluco
John Bluco, age 83, of Magnolia, died Tuesday at Aultman Hospital. He was retired from the U.S. Post Office and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Jamie and John Thomas of Waynesburg and Laura Bluco of Waynesburg; two sons, John Bluco of Arizona and Stewart Bluco of New Philadelphia; a granddaughter, Chloe Thomas; a sister, Mary Huth of Canton. Services will be Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Kreighbaum-Sanders Funeral Home on S. Cleveland Ave. with Stephen Kimbrel officiating. Friends may call Thursday one hour before the service (12-1 p.m.).
Katharine S. Werley
Katharine S. Werley, age 97, formerly of 2691 Glenmont Heights, NW, died April 19, 2001 at Englewood, CO. She was born in Canton, OH the only child of William E. and Grace Carnes Strassner and widow of Dr. Lloyd H. Werley. Mrs. Werley was a graduate of McKinley High School, Class of ‘21, Wittenberg University, Class of ‘25, and received her Master's Degree from Columbia University in ‘31. She taught school for eight years in Canton and was actively engaged in club work. She served as President of Canton Garden Club (during its' 25th Anniversary), President of Alpha Xi Delta Alumni Chapter and Vice President of College Club. Mrs. Werley was a member and served on the board of the Y.W.C.A., she also served two, three year terms on the board of the Canton Woman's Club. She was a member and Master Judge Emeritus of the National Council of Flower Show Judges. She was a member of the Canton Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Colonists. In addition, she was an active member of the Stark County Medical Society Auxiliary, Women's Advisory Council Malone College, Canton Art Institute, the Preservation Society, Symphony League and Museum Guild. Mrs. Werley was, for many years, a member of the Congress Lake Garden Club and the Canton Club. She was a member of the Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton. She is survived by her only child, William E. Werley, Sr. of Denver, CO, his wife, Joanne; and their two children, Wendy Ann Werley and William E. Werley Jr.; and great-grandson, Trey William Werley. Memorial donations suggested to The American Cancer Society, 2255 S. Oneida Street, Denver, CO, 80224.
Kenneth Karl Varian
Kenneth Karl Varian, East Canton, 79, completed his earthly journey, on Monday, April 23, 2001, having spent his whole life on the farm in Osnaburg Township where he was born, March 11, 1922 to Ralph H. and Clara (Hill) Varian. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter-in-law, Martha (Rose) Varian. He is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia (Dean) Varian; one sister, June (Varian) Snyder; and brother, Victor W. Varian and wife, Joanne (Mark) Varian, all of East Canton; sons, Dr. Grant K. Varian of Bellefontaine, OH, Dr. Dean W. Varian and Ruth (Davidson) Varian, Reed C. Varian and Nancy (Aiken) Varian of East Canton; daughters, Beth (Varian) Schluep and Dr. John M. Schluep of Silver Lake, OH, and Hope (Varian) Bittner and Dr. Donald F. Bittner of Franklin, PA; grandchildren are Sean and Julie Varian of Grand Forks, ND, Krista Varian and fiance, Charles Allenstein of Milwaukee, WI, Kenneth, Mark, Cliff and Scott Varian, all of East Canton, Aaron, Beau and Sarah Schluep of Silver Lake, OH, Tyler, Liesl and Colin Bittner of Franklin, PA. Mr. Varian, dean of Stark County's fruit growers, was owner operator of Varian Orchards for over 50 years. He is a graduate of the College of Agriculture, Ohio State University and a member of the Alpha Zeta honorary fraternity. He is a graduate of East Canton High School and Hickory Grove One-room School. He was a lifetime member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in East Canton where he served as teacher, superintendent, lay leader and board chairman. Mr. Varian was a respected leader, serving as president of the international Apple Institute, Ohio State Horticultural Society, Stark County Farm Bureau, Community Blood Bank, East Canton Lions Club, Friends of the Library, East Canton PTA, Osnaburg Historical Society, and Osnaburg Local School Board. He received distinguished service awards from the church, The Farm Bureau, The Fruit Growers of Ohio and the Melvin Jones Award of Lions International. Besides his church and community service, Mr. Varian is known for his sense of humor and gentle manner. Memorials may be sent to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, The Osnaburg Historical Society and the East Canton Lions Club. Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church with Rev. Mitchael Hennessey, Rev. Dr. John M. Schluep and Rev. Paul Crooks officiating. Interment in the Varian family plot in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Myers-Kreighbaum-Sanders Funeral Home in East Canton and one hour before services at the church on Saturday (10-11 a.m.).
Kenneth V. Zimmerman
Kenneth V. Zimmerman, age 82, of North Canton, passed Monday April 23, 2001 after a long illness. Kenneth was born June 29, 1918 in Ragersville, OH (Tuscarawas County) to Harris and Emma (Kutscher) Zimmerman. He was a graduate of Baltic High School and Ohio State University. Kenneth served in the US Marines during WWII in the South Pacific. After graduating from OSU, he began his teaching career at Lexington High School (Richland County, OH) in 1948, and taught there until 1957. During that time he developed many life long friendships in the Lexington area. He moved to Stark Co. where he taught in the Fairless School District and retired from Lake School District. In addition to teaching, Kenneth was a commercial and residential contractor and land developer, developing Panther Estates in Stark Co. For many years, Kenneth traveled extensively all over the world. Surviving are his loving wife of 57 years, Dortha (Bamfield) Zimmerman; dau-ghter, Kaye Jackson of Mansfield; son and daughter-in-law. Lee and Cathy Zimmerman of North Canton; three grandsons, Chad Jackson and fiancee, Stacy Moore of Mansfield, Matthew and Mark Zimmerman of North Canton; sister, Dolores Miller of Marshalville, OH; brother, Glenn Zimmerman of Baltic, OH; and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brother, Moyne Zimmerman. Friends may call Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Arnold Funeral Home, 504 W. Maple St. (St. Rt. 619) Hartville. Funeral services will be Thursday 2 p.m. in the Hartville United Church of Christ, 414 S. Prospect St. (St. Rt. 43) with Pastor Stu King officiating. Interment in the United Church of Christ Cemetery in Ragersville, OH. After Committal Services the family invites all to join them in the Ragersville Church Hall for a Memorial Dinner. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Leon G. Kurtzman
Leon G. Kurtzman, age 74, died Monday, April 23, 2001 at Mercy Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born Dec. 9, 1926 in Massillon, son of the late Jerome and Barbara (Friedman) Kurtzeman, and was a life long resident of Jackson Twp. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific and European Theaters during WWII. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Lake Cable Recreation Association, and had volunteered with Habitat For Humanity. He retired from the Timken Company in 1986 where he was a welder and grinder for 38 yrs. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Lee G. and Esther Kurtzman of Canton, a daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Tom Johnson of Doylestown, a grandson John Callan and two step-grandsons, Eric and Brian Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth 'Jean' (Austin) Kurtzman (died Sept. 14)
Mary Jane Rowlance
Mary Jane Rowlance, age 82, of Canton, died Sunday in Aultman Hospital. Born in Canton July 18, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Ruby (Kaylor) Holm. A longtime teacher for the Canton City Schools, she attended Grace United Church of Christ of Canton and was active in AARP, College Club and Stark County Retired Teachers Assoc. She is survived by a daughter, Jenna Lou Weitzel of Liverpool, NY; sons and daughters-in-law, Richard D. and Geneva of Oak Island, NC and Edward J. and Faye of New Philadelphia. Also surviving are four grandchildren, a great granddaughter and a brother, Richard Holm of East Canton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph D. in 1998 and a brother, Louis Holm. Services will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Karlo Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Marc Fuller officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to services. Memorial contributions may be made to Canton Christian Fellowship, 2300 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44709.
Nancy L. Lear
Mrs. Nancy L. Lear. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Karlo-Feucht Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Rd. N.W. Burial in Sunset Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may call Wednesday (tonight) 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Rose M. Welsh
Rose M. (Dangelo) Welsh, age 82, formerly of Canton, passed away Monday afternoon at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas F. and Joanne Welsh of Maple Heights, with whom she lived. Born in Summitville, OH, she had lived most of her life in Canton. Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Constance (Prinze) Dangelo; husband, Carl Welsh; six brothers and sisters. In addition to her son and daughter-in-law, she is survived by another son and daughter-in-law, John D. and JoAnn Welsh of Twinsburg; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominic and Irene Dangelo, Patsy and Mary Dangelo, all of Canton; sisters, Corrina Zody of Canton and Helen Infante of Minerva. Friends may call Wednesday, April 25, 2001, 6-9 p.m. at the Rossi Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be sung on Thursday, April 26, 2001, at 11 a.m. in St. John Catholic Church of Summitville, OH, with Rev. Fr. John Tully as celebrant. Interment will be in Summitville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Welsh's name can be made to the Alzheimers Assoc.
Rose Sabarese
Rose (Addessi) Sabarese, age 86, passed away peacefully Monday, April 23, 2001, in the Canton Christian Home after a lengthy illness. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Born July 12, 1914, in Carnegie, PA, she was the daughter of the late James and Carmela Jeffries. Preceded in death by husband, Fred J. Addessi; husband, Michael Sabarese; son-in-law, Samuel Antonacci; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph A. and Rhea Jeffries; brother, Kasmer Jeffries; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Mike Andriotti; and brother-in-law, Sam Bressi. Survived by daughter, Ursula Antonacci; daughter and son-in-law, Carmela and Wesley Hargraves; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Betty Addessi; brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Doris Jeffries; sister-in-law, Eileen Jeffries; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jenny and Pat Rizzo, Pauline and Paul Goodman, Treesa Bressi, Ann and Bud Meleg, Margaret and Ted Haidet, Lucy and Herman Haren; grandchildren, Laurie and Charles Bengochea, Karen and Mitch Miller, Wesley and Tracy Hargraves, Nancy and Cory Clough, Frank and Amy Antonacci, JoAnne and Bill McNew, Diane and Rudy Otonicar, Michael and Jennifer Addessi; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Canton, OH, with Rev. Fr. Tom Bishop as celebrant. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, April 26, 2001, 6-9 p.m., at the ROSSI Funeral Home. A special thanks from the family to the staff of the Canton Christian Home for the excellent care Rose received during her residency and to Father Tom Bishop for his spiritual support. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church Capital Improvement Fund.
Samuel P. Smith
Samuel P. Smith, age 77, of North Canton, died suddenly Monday in Aultman Hospital. He had lived in the Canton area since 1953 and had retired from Canton City Schools in 1983 after 30 years as a speech and language therapist. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a member of Faith United Methodist Church of North Canton, Stark County Retired Teachers Assoc. and Ohio Retired Teachers Assoc. Survived by his wife of 54 years, Lillian S. Smith of the home; daughters, Linda F. Smith of Salt Lake City, UT and Sue Wrigley of Kansas; five grandchildren; brother, John C. Smith of Canton; sister, Luella Rampe of Florida. Preceded in death by one brother and one sister. A memorial service will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. in Karlo-Feucht Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Rd. NW, with Dr. Alan Kimber officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of Faith United Methodist Church, 300 9th St. NW, North Canton, OH 44720.
Therlyn (Bill) Reese
Therlyn (Bill) Reese, 85, of Malvern, died Saturday, April 21, 2001, at Manor Care, Belden Village, Canton, OH., following a long illness. He was born March 7, 1916, the son of the late William and Edna (Price) Reese. He was self-employed at Malvern Sundries, was a Veteran of World War II, and a member of the First Christian Church of Malvern. He is survived by daughter, Mary Lou Kaufman of North Canton; son, John (Darlene) Reese of Malvern; son, Thomas Reese of Mt. Claire, PA; daughter, Susan Gambel of Canton; son, James Reese of Canton; son, Bill Reese of Massillon; 19 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Fern (Burkhart) Reese; and brother, Billie. Funeral services will be at the Deckman-Bartley Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2001, with Mr. Eric Crites officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Massillon, Ohio. Calling hours will be one hour before the service at the funeral home.
Thomas A. Reese
Thomas A. Reese, age 80, of Canton, died Monday in the Hennis Care Center in Dover. He was a life resident of Canton and a 1938 graduate of St. John's High School. Tom was retired from Canton City Blueprint, Inc. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and was a World War II Army veteran. Survived by three nephews, Timothy V. Reese of Navarre, Terrence C. Reese of Parma, OH, Michael E. Reese of North Charleston, SC; six great nieces; six great-nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Sophia Reese; a brother, Vernon Reese; three sisters, Dorothy, Florence and Mary Reese. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. John's Catholic Church with Fr. Ronald Klingler as celebrant. Burial in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Lamiell Funeral Home.
Vera E. Pieper
Vera E. Pieper, age 90, of Canton, died Monday evening, April 23, 2001, in St. Luke Lutheran Home. She was born in Robertsville, OH and had resided in Canton most of her life. She graduated in 1928 from McKinley High School and attended the University of Akron and Malone College. She was employed as an elementary teacher for the Canton City School System, retiring in 1976 after 25 years of service. She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, the married Couples Class, Senior Christian Fellowship and was a charter member of the Alice Mast Circle. Mrs. Pieper also was a member of Canton Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Canton Women's Club, Trirosis and the Stark County and Ohio State Retired Teacher's Associations. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Wesley Pieper in 1988, to whom she was married for 54 years; her parents, Chauncey and Grace Irwin; son, Ronnie Pieper; sister, Edna Nicholas. Mrs. Pieper is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, John W. Jr. and Alicia Pieper of Canton, Thomas and Jane Pieper of North Canton; grandchildren, John W. Pieper III and his wife, Andrea (Cholley) Pieper of Louisville and Dr. Cassandra Lansky and her husband, Dr. John Lansky of Waterbury Center, VT. Funeral Services will be conducted Friday at 12-noon in Trinity United Church of Christ with Rev. Darlene Garber officiating. Burial will be in West Lawn Cemetery. Calling hours at the Reed Funeral Home Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and at Trinity Church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ.
Virginia Hassinger
Virginia E. Hassinger, age 91, of North Canton, OH, passed away Monday afternoon, April 23, 2001 in Altercare of Navarre following an extended illness. Born March 27, 1910 in Plymouth, OH, to her parents the late Charles and Clara (Deck) Smith, she lived most of her life in North Canton area. She was self-employed as a home health care aide. Mrs. Hassinger was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in North Canton, White Shrine and Eastern Star. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Hassinger; five brothers and three sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Lola Kirkpatrick of Canton; three granddaughters, Sharon Morris, Charlene Kirkpatrick and Vicki Himes; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Reed Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Williams officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Hills Burial Park. Calling hours at the funeral home Wednesday at 6-8 p.m.
