Gary Molle
NIAGARA, Wis. — Gary Louis Molle, 47, of 1225 Forest St., Niagara, Wis., died Saturday morning, June 30, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
He was born March 27, 1954, in Iron Mountain, son of Louis and Yvonne (Weber) Molle. He graduated from Niagara High School in 1972, where he excelled in academics and athletics.
He married Beth Butler on Sept. 22, 1973, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara.
In 1976, Gary graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, receiving his bachelor’s degree in education. That same year, he accepted a teaching position with the Niagara Public Schools. Gary later received his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1983.
He was a well-respected teacher for the Niagara Public School system for 25 years. Gary coached the Niagara varsity track team for six years and coached basketball for more than 20 years. He started the community schools program and for 15 years, he was the pool director and directed the U.P. Winter Games. He was the union president and chief negotiator for the Niagara Education Association for many years.
Gary also owned and was the editor of the Niagara Journal for seven years.
He had a fondness for the outdoors, enjoying his yearly Canadian fishing trip, deer hunting with his family, and bird hunting with his dogs. Gary also enjoyed doing handy-work of all kinds.
He will be remembered for his strong dedication to his family and preserving its traditions.
Gary is survived by his wife, Bethany (Butler) Molle of Niagara, Wis.; two sons, Matthew (Amber) Molle of Loyal, Wis. and Jason Molle of Phelps, Wis.; a granddaughter, Madeline Grace Molle of Loyal, Wis.; his father, Louis Molle of Niagara; two brothers, Randy (Jyl) Molle of Madison, Wis. and Brian (Deb) Molle of Platteville, Wis.; a sister, Julie (Craig) Hopfensperger of Waterford, Wis.; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Pat Butler of Niagara; a brother-in-law, Robert (Julie) Butler of Niagara; a sister-in-law, Denise (Tom) Hurzeler of Niagara; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne Molle on May 19, 2001.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Fr. Bill Callari will officiate.
A memorial fund will be established in recognition of exceptional athletic achievement by Niagara High School athletes.
The family is being served by the Jacobs Funeral Home - Niagara Chapel.
Elizabeth Stearns
GLADSTONE — Elizabeth M. Stearns, 83, of Gladstone, died Friday afternoon, May 18, 2001, at Freeman Convalescent Home in Kingsford where she was currently residing.
She was born July 20, 1917, in Osier, lower Michigan, daughter of Joseph Rousseau and the former Mary Louise Doucette. She was a lifelong resident of the Gladstone area.
She married Jay J. Stearns on Sept. 27, 1933, in Gladstone and he preceded her in death on July 12, 1963. Jay Stearns was employed with the Soo Line Railroad as an engineer and fireman for many years.
Elizabeth was a member of All Saints Church of Gladstone. She enjoyed crocheting and berry-picking, was an avid reader and most of all, she loved and enjoyed her family.
She leaves three sons, Jay (Victoria) Stearns of Wautoma, Wis., James (Millie) Stearns of Iron Mountain and Thomas (Debbie) Stearns of Bark River; a daughter, Mary Lou Carrigan of Mound, Minn.; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Jay, she was also preceded in death by two sons, Eugene and Wallace Stearns; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Stearns; a brother, Albert Rousseau; and a sister, Ida Stearns,
Visitation will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Central time) at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow on Thursday at noon at All Saints Church. Rev. Fr. Emmet Norden will officiate. Luncheon will follow services in the parish hall.
Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
The Skradski Funeral Homes of Delta County are in charge of arrangements.
Rev. Paul Blankenstein
IRON MOUNTAIN — The Very Rev. Fr. Paul Blankenstein, 69, of 1313 Stockbridge Ave., Iron Mountain, died Saturday, May 19, 2001, at Manor Care Health Services in Kingsford.
Fr. Paul was born Jan. 16, 1932, in Natchez, Miss., son of Joseph and Roberta (Fowler) Blankenstein.
He grew up in Texas and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Orange, Texas in 1950. Fr. Paul went on to attend St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Texas, graduating in 1957.
He married the former Kathleen Ryan on Aug. 18, 1973, at St. George Orthodox Church in Houston, Texas. Fr. Paul went on to attend St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood, New York in 1977.
On Feb. 20, 1977, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood of the Orthodox Church. Fr. Paul had been pastor of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Iron Mountain and St. Simon’s Orthodox Church in Ironwood for the past 24 years.
Fr. Blankenstein was an active member of the Iron Mountain Area Clergy Association and was a past member of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis Club.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his children, Robert Blankenstein of Vancouver, Wash. and Kathryn Giesau of DePere, Wis.; a granddaughter, Andraya Marie Giesau; his mother, Roberta Blankenstein of Orange, Texas; two sisters, Roberta Howell of Houston, Texas and Anne Krause of Salado, Texas; a brother, Edward Blankenstein of Orange, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Iron Mountain. The Trisagion service will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the church. The Divine Liturgy will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the church, with funeral services immediately following. Retired Rev. Bishop Demetri will officiate.
Burial will be in Dickinson County Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Dale Frei, Richard Abraham, David Wagner, Dr. Donald Jacobs, Terry Rice, Ciro Sandavol and Richard Michaels.
Memorials can be made to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of Iron Mountain or to St. Simon’s Orthodox Church in Ironwood.
The family is being served by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.
Mary Rodman
HERMANSVILLE — Mary B. Rodman, retired store clerk, of Hermansville, died unexpectedly Saturday evening, May 19, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was 80.
She was born in Hermansville, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Nazy) Rodman Sr. and was a lifelong resident of Hermansville.
Miss Rodman graduated from Hermansville High School. She was employed as a store clerk for more than 40 years, working for the Bartl Store and prior to retirement, the Sutherland Store.
She was a longtime and active member of the St. John Neumann Parish and the St. Anne Society. She also belonged to the Hermansville Senior Center and was a member and volunteer at the IXL Historical Society and Museum. She was a longtime member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 259.
She enjoyed housekeeping, sewing, knitting and crocheting. She was an excellent cook and kept a very loving home for friends and family.
She leaves four sisters, Katherine (John) Bugni of Iron River, Frances Lodde of Milwaukee, Veronica Ropele of Norway and Barbara (Richard) Johnson of Edina, Minn.; one brother, Frank (Colleen) Rodman of Hermansville; a loving aunt to 12 nieces and nephews: Michael Ropele, Thomas Lodde, John Rodman, Dr. Neil Johnson, Barbara Lodde, Patricia Thomson, Jennifer Eggers, Lori Birembaum, Mary Frances Walkenhorst, Susie Jones, Lynn Searle and Nancy Roscoe; and a special friend, Mae Phillips.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Joseph Jr., John, Nickolas and Rudolph; and two sisters, Dorothy Acckino and Anna L. Rodman.
Visitation will be held Wednesday after 10 a.m. (Central time) at St. John Neumann Church in Hermansville.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Wednesday at the church with Rev. Michael Vichich officiating.
Burial will be in the Meyer Cemetery.
The Allo Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Judith Lemberger
KELLNERSVILLE, Wis. — Judith A. Lemberger, 57, formerly of 10123 Fisherville Road, Maribel, Wis., and currently a resident of the Manitowoc Health Care Center, died Sunday evening, May 20, 2001, at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc, Wis.
The former Judith Depotie was born June 30, 1943, in the Town of Perronville, Menominee County, daughter of the late Joseph and Lena Murray Depotie. She graduated from high school in Powers.
She married Lonnie A. Lemberger on Nov. 18, 1967, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Two Rivers, Wis.
She leaves her husband, Lonnie of Manitowoc; a son, David Lemberger of Two Rivers; a daughter, Lonette Lemberger of Holland, lower Michigan; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Duaine and Ruth Depotie of Hardwood and William and Judi Depatie of Franklin, Wis.; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Garry and Linda Lemberger of Cato, Wis., and William and Judi Lemberger of Luxemburg, Wis., and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Richard, and a sister, June.
Relatives and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kellnersville.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Msgr. Robert Gulig will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with Sr. Marlene Greatens Homilist.
Burial will follow in Knollwood Memorial Gardens.
The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Kellnersville is serving the family.
Frances Beaudry
MARQUETTE — Frances M. Beaudry, 98, formerly of Marquette, died Friday morning, May 18, 2001, at Freeman Convalescent Home in Kingsford, where she had been a resident for the past eight years.
Mrs. Beaudry was born Oct. 16, 1902, in Marquette, a daughter of the late Harry and Catherine (Musolf) Anderson. She attended school in Marquette.
As a young woman, Frances worked for the Bell Telephone Co. in Marquette and in later years was employed as a beauty operator and also worked for the former Fries Bakery.
She married Phillip Johnson. He preceded her in death 25 years after their marriage. She later married Charles Beaudry and he preceded her in death in 1988.
She leaves two stepdaughters, Dorothy (Leroy) Quilliam and Gerry (Edward) Kukuk, both of Iron Mountain, several nieces, nephews, stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Knight, Ann Menard and Veronica Leffler Wanberg, and two brothers, John and Frank Anderson.
Grandma dearly loved her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was kind and gentle, treating her stepdaughters and their husbands as if they were her own. She was a great cook and will always be remembered for her wonderful homemade pies. Her family, friends and those who cared for her at the nursing home will sadly miss her.
Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Friday at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette. Parish prayers service will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette, where Frances was a lifelong member. Rev. Fr. Thomas Ettolil will officiate.
Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette.
Members of Frances’ family will act as her honorary escorts.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Freeman Convalescent Home Activities Fund, 1803 Pyle Drive, Kingsford, MI 49802.
Mrs. Beaudry’s obituary and guest book may also be viewed at www.canalefunderal.com
James L. Williams
CRYSTAL FALLS — James L. Williams, 82, of 134 Briar Hill St., Crystal Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, May 21, 2001, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls.
James was born April 25, 1919, in Crystal Falls, son of the late Nicholas and Hazel (Bowman) Williams.
He married his wife, the former Lorraine LeVernois on June 10, 1944, in Crystal Falls. Jim was employed at Cloverland Lumber Co. from 1937 until 1970. From 1970 until his retirement in 1982, he worked at the Crystal Falls Community Hospital.
He was a lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church of Crystal Falls. He was an excellent woodworker, loved gardening and was an avid square dancer.
She leaves his wife, Lorraine (LeVernois) Williams; two daughters, Jean (Jon) Makuck of Oconto Falls, Wis. and Joan (David) Augustine of Lansing, Ill.; six grandchildren, Chris (Sandy) Makuck of Eau Claire, Wis., Kevin Makuck of Houghton, Kyle Makuck of Oconto Falls, Wis., Sara (Steve) Schulz of Mt. Prospect, Ill., Amy Augustine of Malcolm, Ill. and David Augustine of Lansing, Ill.; a great-grandson, Nathan Makuck; a sister, Pearl Mylcreest of Iron River; a brother-in-law, Earle (Marie) LeVernois of Klamath Falls, Ore.; and two sisters-in-law, Norma (Delos) Drucker of Berrien Springs, lower Michigan and Alice Williams of Crystal Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leslie Williams.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Elbert Dulworth will officiate.
The family is being served by the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls.
Philip Alquist
KINGSFORD — Philip E. Alquist, 73, of 816 Michael Ave., Kingsford, died Monday, May 21, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
The son of the late Walter and Delphine (Labre) Alquist, he was a resident of this area his entire life. While attending Kingsford High School, class of 1946, he was a member of championship basketball and football teams.
Phil joined the U.S. Army in September 1950 and served in Korea with the Field Artillery Battalion. He was seriously wounded at Heartbreak Ridge in October 1951 and received numerous decorations for his service, including the Purple Heart, United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Meritorious Service Ribbon. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, he held the rank of staff sergeant.
Beginning as a lineman, just out of high school, Phil returned to the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. as a junior clerk after his military service. Employed at this company nearly 30 years, he retired in 1979 as supervisor of customer billing and accounting.
Phil married Barbara Johnson of Champion on June 27, 1953.
In keeping with his background in the Army, he was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Disabled American Veterans. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While still working, he belonged to the Employees’ Mutual Benefit Association (EMBA) of the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. (WEPCO). Furthermore, he served as secretary-treasurer and vice chairman of the Iron Mountain District Veterans Association of WEPCO, and as a committee member of Boy Scout Troop 510. Most important to him, however, was his membership in American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford, from which he will be buried.
Phil loved going to camp, where he enjoyed feeding the deer. An avid gardener, he took great pride in caring for his yard. Outstanding as a handyman, he was especially skilled in cabinetry and carpentry.
Preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and a sister, Ethel, he is survived by his wife, Barbara; a son, Terry (Linda) of Merriman; two daughters, Roxanne Freeman (special friend, Steve Hudson) of Kingsford and Lisa Hakes (Michael) of West Bend, Wis.; a brother, John (Patricia) of Quinnesec; a sister, Helen Berlinski of Quinnesec; six grandchildren, Russell Dumais of Iron Mountain, Bryon and Kevin Freeman, Erik, Kyle and Krystal Hakes; an aunt, Arlene Labre of Spalding; an uncle, Arthur “Bud” Alquist of Shelby Township, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Parish prayers will be offered at 5 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home and at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial.
Military graveside service and burial will take place in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
Pallbearers will be John Alquist, David Johnson, Greg Johnson, Andrew Berlinski Jr., Tom Labre and Steve Hudson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Alquist, Michael Hakes, Glenn Johnson, Bryon Freeman, Kevin Freeman, Erik Hakes, Kyle Hakes, Gerald Snyder, Ernest Peterson and Wallace Menghini.
A memorial is being established in his name at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford.
Lillian Holmes
IRON RIVER — Lillian Mae Holmes, 77, of 322 Blossom St., Iron River, died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at Iron County General Hospital.
She was born March 3, 1924, in Iron River, daughter of the late Samuel and Janie (Jeffries) Trevarton. She graduated from Iron River High School in 1942.
She married Jack “Pudge” Holmes on April 26, 1947. The couple continued to make their home in Stambaugh.
She had been a former member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Reino Post 21.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Trevarton, and by a grandson, Thomas Holmes.
She leaves her husband, Jack; a daughter, Patti (Ron) Leonoff of Iron River; two sons, Thomas of Iron River and Michael of Ironwood; a sister, Florence (Walter) Tass of Iron River; two grandchildren, Kevin Leonoff of Iron River and Brenda Ozog of Wayne, lower Michigan; two great-grandchildren, Tiffany and Courtney Ozog of Wayne; a sister-in-law, Barbara Trevarton of Troy, lower Michigan, and several cousins in England and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Langenberg Funeral Home-Stambaugh Chapel.
Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Rev. Dan Waters, pastor of Iron River Bible Church, will officiate.
Burial will be in Stambaugh Cemetery.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the American Heart Association.
The Langenberg Funeral Home-Stambaugh Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Sam Pollard
IRON MOUNTAIN — Sam Pollard, 87, of Iron Mountain, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain, following a brief illness.
Sam was born Feb. 6, 1914, in Iron Mountain, son of Reginald and Hilma (Bjorkman) Pollard. He was a lifelong resident of Iron Mountain.
He married the former Katherine Beaudin of Ewen, Ontonagon County, on July 2, 1938, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.
Sam worked as a logger and was a teamster, retiring from Clairmont Transfer in 1972.
He was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.
Sam loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing at Oak Crest, yard work, playing cards and working puzzles. He traveled with his wife for many years to Florida, Arizona and California.
He leaves his wife, Katherine of 62 years; three children, Joan (Lane) Perdue of Green Bay, Wis., Carlton (Judy) Pollard of Iron Mountain and Linda (Roger) Polkinghorne of Newbury Park, Calif.; a sister, Dorothy (Adam) Kircher of West Bend, Wis.; 10 grandchildren, Debbie (Warren) Brisson, Susan (Tom) O’Donnell, Sheri (Mike) Hodson, Kim (Roy) LaPlante, Tim (Renee) Polkinghorne, Joyce (Lance) Bashaw, Gary (Shawna) Perdue, Terri (Rudy) Avila, Ken (Denise) Pollard and Randy (fiancee, Beth) Perdue; 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant grandchild, Danny Paquette.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Parish prayers will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will officiate.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
Pallbearers will be Tim Polkinghorne, Gary Perdue, Randy Perdue, Ken Pollard, Lance Bashaw and Rudy Avila.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Naome Rahm
IRON MOUNTAIN — Naome S. Rahm died Saturday, March 10, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Miss Rahm was born in Iron Mountain, daughter of pioneer residents, Gust and Sophia (Anderson) Rahm.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain. Rev. Bruce Linscheid will officiate.
Burial was in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
Memorials may be made to First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Angeline Battye
STAMBAUGH — A memorial service for Angeline Battye, 88, of Iron River, who passed away on Feb. 26, 2001, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 26 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Caspian.
Rev. Fr. Otto Sartorelli, pastor, will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.
Burial will be in Stambaugh Cemetery.
The Langenberg Funeral Home-Stambaugh Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Carol Schulze
IRON RIVER — A memorial service for Carol Schulze, 87, of Crystal Falls, who passed away on Dec. 31, 2000, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. Rev. Elbert Dulworth, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church will officiate.
In the event of inclement weather, services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church.
The Langenberg Funeral Home-Iron River Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Gary H. Erickson Sr.
IRON MOUNTAIN— Gary H. Erickson, 62, of Alpha, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at his son’s house in Spread Eagle, Wis.
Gary was born Oct. 21, 1938, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Hilga and Edith (Blixt) Erickson.
He grew up in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1956.
He worked for Kenny Jayne at the Shell Station prior to operating the Standard Station across from McDonalds on U.S. 2.
Most recently, he worked for Edwards Chevrolet as a master mechanic for more than 30 years.
He was a member of the United Sportsman’s Club in Merriman, and a past member of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Masonic Lodge.
He was an avid boater and hunter, but most of all ,loved his family and spending time at his camp.
He is survived by two sons, Gary Erickson of Spread Eagle, Wis., Gregg (Lisa) Erickson, of Iron Mountain; daughter; Terri (Gordon) Court of Fargo, N.D.; one sister Helen (Richard) Olson of Minneapolis, Minn.; three grandchildren, Benjamin and Joshua Court and Colin Erickson; one aunt, Martha Blixt of Iron Mountain; and many nieces and nephews.
He also leaves his former wife, Mary and her husband Jerry Parrott of St. Paul, Minn.
Visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Celebrant Robert Fuse will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Parrott, Gordon Court, Ted Hamm, Jerry Hamm, Steve Verrette, Rick Louis,and Jay Schupp.
The family is being served by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.
Margaret Gransell
SHAWANO — Margaret D. Gransell, 82, of W-6448 Mader Court, Shawano, died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, in Shawano.
She was born April 9, 1919, in Iron River, daughter of the late Frank and Jennie (Benson) Nyren. She graduated from Iron River High School and attended Northwestern University at Evanston, Ill., and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1940.
She taught second grade at Lincoln School in Shawano and went on to get her library science degree from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and returned to be librarian at Lincoln School for 20 years.
She married Edwin Gransell on June 17, 1950, in Iron River. He preceded her in death on Jan. 26, 1996. They made their home in Iron Mountain for several years.
Mr. Gransell was an art teacher in Shawano for 26 years.
She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in the Town of Washington.
She leaves 11 nieces and nephews, Carol Slingo, Carol (Lawrence) Lowell, Beth Banzhaf, Shirlee Banzhaf, Paul (Lucy) Olson, Mark (Veronica) Olson, Ray (Cheryl) Olson, James (Naomi) Barry, Neil James, June Best, and Grace Westman; great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by seven sisters and three nephews.
Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday Friday at the funeral home. Rev. David Miller will officiate.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in L’Anse.
The Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is in charge of arrangements.
Dorothy LaFreniere
NORWAY — Dorothy M. LaFreniere, 94, of Norway died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
She was born Nov. 28, 1906, in Manistee, lower Michigan, daughter of the late Henry and Anna (Mavis) Roy. She graduated from Norway High School.
After graduation, Dorothy worked as a clerk at Ruwitch and Vertin’s Department Stores.
She married Walter “Tux” LaFreniere on Aug. 25, 1928, in Norway. He preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 1983.
Dorothy was a very devoted mother and grandmother.
She leaves a daughter, Peggy (Don) Byczek of Norway; a son, Tom (Cirie Tinti) LaFreniere of Norway; a son-in-law, Henry (Eunice) Pellegrini of Norway; her grandchildren, Judy (Scott) Samsky, Donna (Shawn) Staples, Rosemary (J.P.) Hinsberk, Mary Pellegrini, Jeff (Nancy) Byczek, Patti (fiance, Donny Bianco) Byczek, and Brian (fiancee, Andrea Ludwig) LaFreniere; seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by daughters, Dorothy Ann Pellegrini and infant, Donna Mae LaFreniere; a son, Walter Roy LaFreniere, and 12 brothers and sisters.
Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Miner Funeral Home in Norway.
Prayers will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Fr. Mark McQuesten will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.
Burial will follow in Norway Township Cemetery.
Katherine Bernard
NORWAY — Katherine M. Bernard, 96, of Norway died Thursday, May 24, 2001, at her home.
She was born May 4, 1905, in Norway, daughter of the late Dominic and Caroline (Calcaterra) Augustine.
Her first job was setting type for J.B. Knight at the Norway Current.
She married Joseph Bernard on July 16, 1925, at the Vulcan town hall. Together they farmed in Niagara Township from 1925 to 1977.
Katherine was an active rural civic leader, being the first president of the Rural PTA and helped start the Homemakers Club in the late 1920’s.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norway, Daughter of Isabella, St. Mary’s Altar Society and Legion of Mary.
She leaves her daughters, Betty V. Giesen of Norway; a son, Robert D. Bernard of Norway; a son-in-law, Edward Bal of Norway; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Emma Augustine of Norway, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph on Jan. 13, 1978; her sisters, Columbina and Angeline Augustine, Louise Jackson, Josephine Possi, Veronica Nardi and Lucille Hagedorn, and her brothers, James, David, Daniel, Fortunato, Charles and Fred Augustine.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the Miner Funeral Home in Norway. Parish prayers will be at 5 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Fr. Mark McQuesten will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.
Burial will be in Norway Township Cemetery.
Robert Paul
NORWAY — Robert C. Paul, 83, of Norway died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at his home.
He was born July 29, 1917, son of the late Charles and Anna (LaVoie) Paul.
Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He married Ceil Chiocchi on Sept. 11, 1947, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Loretto. She preceded him in death on April 25, 2001.
Bob, along with his wife, Ceil, were former owners of the Taboo Bar in Quinnesec and the Viking Motel in Norway. He retired in 1979.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway and Hall-DeWinter Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4581.
He leaves two sons, Robert Paul II of Norway and Bradley Paul of Norway; a brother, Donald (Louise) Paul of Larson, Wis.; two sisters, Marcella Zanon of Vulcan and Lorraine (Arthur) Nowalis of West Allis, Wis.; a brother-in-law, Angelo Chiocchi of Hamilton Lakes; a sister-in-law, Martha Chiocchi of Sante Fe, N.M., and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Paul and sisters, Genevieve DeClark, Anna Marie Paul and Margaret Barth.
Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Miner Funeral Home in Norway.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Fr. Mark McQuesten, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway, will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Norway Township Cemetery.
The family request that flowers be omitted.
Tom Linsmeyer
WAUSAUKEE, Wis. — Tom Linsmeyer, 41, of Pembine, Wis., was called by his heavenly Father to his home in glory on Wednesday, May 23, 2001.
He was born March 2, 1960, in Rhinelander, Wis. he moved to Pembine in 1964.
As a young man, he worked for the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Iron Mountain Daily News delivering newspapers.
Tom was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Pembine, where he served as an altar boy and usher.
At the age of 15, he was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. The Lord graciously granted his family 26 more years to appreciate his ability to overcome his disabilities and use his abilities to bless others, especially the elderly.
Tom worked as a handyman, putting in storm windows, shoveling snow and mowing.
He always had time to listen, to be a friends, and show others he cared.
Tom enjoyed his family, friends and his own home which he moved into in November of 2000, and he looked forward to landscaping his property this summer.
He leaves his father, Louis (Barbara) Linsmeyer of Pembine; his mother, Mary (William) Dixon of Quinnesec; five brothers, Louis (Corrine) of Hustisford, Wis., Douglas of Quinnesec, John (Lorie) of Lake Antoine, Iron Mountain, Paul (Charlene) of Waucedah and Greg (Bonnie) of Pembine; four sisters, Patricia (David) Gardiner of Independence, Minn., MaryBeth (Carl) Hammer of Norway, Laura (Terry) Strutz of Green Bay, Wis., and Angela (Steve) Lake of Quinnesec, and 25 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Pembine.
Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Rev. Michael Betley will officiate.
Burial will be in Pembine Cemetery.
The Morasky-Messar Funeral Home of Wausaukee is in charge of arrangements.
Harold Gray
TRAVERSE CITY — Harold Perry Gray, 97, of Traverse City passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Tuesday, May 15, 2001, in Traverse City.
The eldest son of the late Edwin Perry and Ellen Marie (Sundquist) Gray, he was born at home on the Old Mission Peninsula of Traverse City on Oct. 20, 1903. His father was one of the original cherry farmers on the peninsula dating back to the late 1800’s.
Harold attended grade school at Stony Beach and graduated from Traverse City High School. He attended Michigan Agricultural College in East Lansing from 1923 to 1926. While at college he worked on the MSC Union Building construction site. He graduated with diplomas in horticulture, farm machinery, livestock, chemistry of soils, farm crops, bee keeping and blacksmithing.
Harold loved music — playing harmonica, cornet, trumpet, drums, banjo uke, and doing the vocals in bands. He had a good memory for music he heard and a keen sense for harmony.
On June 27, 1933, he married the former Irene Sophie Rokos, who preceded him in death on June 22, 1965, five days before their 33rd wedding anniversary.
He moved into town in 1934 and held various jobs including working at the Traverse City Waterworks. He invented, built, used, and sold the first self-propelled orchard sprayer in the area.
He started his own business, Gray’s Orchard and Field Service. In the 1960’s he worked at Immaculate Conception School and Empire State Bank.
Harold was a prolific writer penning his autobiography as well as poems, articles on farming, politics, religion, and current events over the years. His poem, “The Substitute Teacher” was published in the 1996 edition of Amidst The Splendor — The National Library of Poetry.
On Feb. 11, 1967, he married Dorothy Hopkins Core and they spent their remaining 33 years together enjoying music, square dancing, and traveling. They lived in Elk Rapids and Florida returning to Traverse City in June of 1998. Dorothy preceded him in death on Dec. 5, 2000.
Harold was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and mens choir, the Knights of Columbus, SPEBSQSA, The Traverse City Four and The Northmen Barbershop Quartets.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Vern, Lewis R. and Arthur of Traverse City and Perry E. of Hillsdale; a grandson, Bryan Richard Parsons; a stepgrandson, Kenneth Bruce Core, and stepdaughter-in-law, Betty Core.
He leaves a son, Alan Harold (Caroline) Gray of Traverse City; two daughters, Marilyn Mae (Eugene) Purkiss of Traverse City and Betty (J. Merle) Persons of Iron Mountain; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two stepchildren, Kenneth Robert Core of Traverse City and Henry (Norma Jean Core) Smitter of Grand Rapids and their families, plus nieces, nephews and cousins.
Harold was a caring, kind and patient man with a great sense of humor and had a wonderful way with words — Our Dad.
Visitation was prior to the Celebration of Life Mass held Monday, May 21, at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City with Rev. Fr. James Hayden serving as celebrant.
Burial was at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.
The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Michael Watson
IRON MOUNTAIN — Michael K. Watson, 16, of Iron Mountain, died Saturday, May 19, 2001, at the Dickinson County Correctional Facility in Iron Mountain.
He was born Jan. 15, 1985, son of Garry M. Watson and Kathy E. Erb.
Mike enjoyed bicycling, skating, roller blading and the outdoors.
He is survived by his father, Garry M. Watson of Minot; his mother, Kathy E. Erb of Iron Mountain; paternal grandparents, Arnold and Jeannine Watson of Minot; maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Adeline Erb of Minot; paternal great-grandmother, Emma Gibbins of Minot; a brother, Jeffery Stein of Iron Mountain; a sister, Margaret Stein of Iron Mountain; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Rev. Kevin Sullivan will officiate.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Rutan
IRON MOUNTAIN — Donald Rutan, 69, of Felch, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Don was born June 3, 1931, in Somerset Township, lower Michigan, son of the late Clare and Charlotte (Lane) Rutan. He lived in the Felch area since the late 1950s.
Don married Luella Van Riper Dermeyer on Feb. 3, 1977. She preceded him in death on Nov. 14, 1996.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and had a love for sports.
He leaves three sons, Terry (Robin) Rutan of Tucson, Ariz., Wayne (Mary) Rutan of Jerome, lower Michigan and Alan Rutan of Jerome, lower Michigan; four stepchildren, Robert Dermeyer, Joanne Gray, Jeanne Cecil and Dianne Hatfield; four brothers, John (Janice) Rutan of Horton, lower Michigan, David Rutan of Addison, lower Michigan, Jerry (Shirley) Rutan of Jerome, lower Michigan and Harold (Peggy) Rutan of Somerset Center, lower Michigan; a sister-in-law, Susan Rutan of Napoleon, lower Michigan; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by a son, Donald Jr.; and two brothers, Charles and Louis Rutan.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Brown-VanHemert Funeral Home in Addison, lower Michigan. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Aldridge Cemetery in Somerset Township.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of local arrangements.
