Gratia Doucette
PERU, Ind. — Gratia E. Doucette, 81, of 4230 S. 00EW Kokomo, Ind., formerly of Peru, died Sunday, June 10, 2001, at Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo.
She was born March 16, 1920, in Lincoln, Neb., daughter of the late Clyde and Martha Wells Divine. She graduated from Kingsford High School in 1938.
She married Steve W. Doucette on June 3, 1940, in Iron Mountain.
Gratia was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Altar and Rosary Society and St. Charles Choir.
She leaves her husband, Steve W. Doucette of Kokomo, Ind.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Shauna and Raj Kirumakki of Littleton, Colo., Michele M. Doucette of Atlanta, Ga., and Gratia J. and Curt Hillenberg of Delphi, Ind.; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve J. and Doris Doucette of Aurora, Colo., Ronald G. and Margot Doucette of Vienna, Va., Martin S. and Lorita Doucette of Indianapolis, David J. and Beth Doucette of Kokomo; two brothers, James Divine of Fort Worth, Texas, and Clyde Divine of Iron Mountain; two sisters, Nancy Martner of Tulsa, Olka., and Lucile Bennett of Shoreline, Wash.; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Divine of Crystal Falls, and 10 grandchildren, Christopher Doucette, Alison Simmons, Nicole Doucette, Ariel Doucette, Lindsay Doucette, Eve Doucette, Elizabeth Duncan, Danielle Doucette, Gabriel Doucette and Ryne Hillenberg.
She was also preceded in death by a brother.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru. Prayer service will be at 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. The rosary will be recited at 8:15 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 West Sixth St., Peru. Rev. Philip S. Haslinger will officiate.
Gratia Doucette
IRON MOUNTAIN – Gratia E. Doucette, 81, of Kokomo, Ind., formerly of Peru, Ind., died June 10, 2001, at Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo, Ind.
She was born March 16, 1920, in Lincoln, Neb., daughter of the late Clyde and Martha (Wells) Divine. She was a 1938 graduate of Kingsford High School.
She married Steve W. Doucette on June 3, 1940, in Iron Mountain.
Gratia was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society and Rosary Society.
She leaves three daughters, Shauna (Raj) Kirumakki of Littleton, Colo., Michele M. Doucette of Decatur, Ga., and Gratia J. (Curt) Hillenberg of Delphi, Ind.; four sons, Steve J. (Doris) Doucette of Aurora, Colo., Ronald G. (Margot) Doucette of Vienna, Va., Martin S. (Lorita) Doucette of Indianapolis, Ind., and David J. (Beth) Doucette of Kokomo, Ind.; two brothers, James Divine of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Clyde Divine of Iron Mountain; two sisters, Nancy (Samuel) Martner of Kingsford and Lucile Bennett of Shoreline, Wash.; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Divine of Crystal Falls, and her grandchildren, Christopher and Sanna Doucette, Alison and Brian Simmons, Nicole Doucette, Ariel Doucette, Lindsay Doucette, Eve Doucette, Elizabeth and Kevin Duncan, Danielle Doucette, Gabriel Doucette and Ryne Hillenberg.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, George and a sister, Carol.
A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford.
Graveside services will follow at the Quinnesec Cemetery. Fr. Paul Nomellini will officiate.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Steve Doucette
IRON MOUNTAIN — Steve W. Doucette, 81, of Kokomo, Ind., formerly of Peru, Ind., died Aug. 16, 2001, at his home.
Steve was born March 6, 1920, in Little Falls, Minn., son of the late Joseph P. and Edwidge (LaForce) Doucette. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1938.
He married Gratia E. Divine on June 3, 1940, in Iron Mountain.
Steve was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific fleet.
He was employed by J.C. Penney Co. for 35 years and served as a manager of the Peru store for several years, retiring in 1973.
Steve was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church.
He leaves three daughters, Shauna (Raj) Kirumakki of Littleton, Colo., Michele M. Doucette of Decatur, Ga., and Gratia J. (Curt) Hillenberg of Delphi, Ind.; four sons, Steve J. (Doris) Doucette of Aurora, Colo., Ronald G. (Margot) Doucette of Vienna, Va., Martin S. (Lorita) Doucette of Indianapolis, Ind., and David J. (Beth) Doucette of Kokomo, and his grandchildren, Christopher and Sanna Doucette, Alison and Brian Simmons, Nicole Doucette, Ariel Doucette, Lindsay Doucette, Eve Doucette, Elizabeth and Kevin Duncan, Danielle Doucette, Gabriel Doucette and Ryne Hillenberg.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gratia; five brothers, Isadore, Leo, Henry, Albert and Edward Doucette, and a sister, Celia Odette.
A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford.
Graveside services will follow at Quinnesec Cemetery. Fr. Paul Nomellini will officiate.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Audrey Swanson
IRON MOUNTAIN — Audrey J. Swanson, 78, of 1316 Stockbridge Ave., Iron Mountain, died Sunday, June 10, 2001, at Marquette General Hospital.
She was born June 1, 1923, in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Washeleski) Kosick.
Audrey grew up in the Milwaukee area. She graduated in 1942 from Milwaukee Custer High School as the class valedictorian. She later went on to marry Orville Swanson on March 14, 1944, in New Mexico and they were married for 57 years.
She was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, and loved to read, quilt, paint and spend time with her friends. Audrey was an inspiration to her husband, children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Orville Swanson; a son, Tom (Tawn) Swanson of Iron Mountain; a daughter, Merry (Dan) Hall of Iron Mountain; a sister, Virginia (Vernon) Fleischmann of Milwaukee; three grandchildren, Michael Seitz, Tyler Swanson and Mackenzie Swanson.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Kosick.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Dennis Mullins
NORWAY — Dennis Mullins, 50, of Norway, formerly of Niles, Ill., died Sunday, June 10, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Dennis was born March 20, 1951, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Linnea (Hellsing) and the late Lawrence Mullins.
He graduated from Main Township High School East in DesPlaines, Ill. He then worked as a general contractor and served in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Dennis is survived by his mother, Linnea Mullins of Norway; a sister, Patricia (Tom) Taxon of Reno, Nev.; a brother, Johnce Mullins of Schiller Park, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Timmy Mullins and his father.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from noon until 1 p.m. at the Miner Funeral Home in Norway.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Miner Funeral Home. Rev. James Danielson, pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church, will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Norway Township Cemetery.
Thomas Gronlund
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Thomas R. Gronlund of McLean, Va., formerly of Iron Mountain, died June 7, 2001.
Survived by wife, Mimi Clark Gronlund; daughters, Gail Gronlund, Laurie Mortenson, Mary Gronlund, Julie Gronlund and Susan Baker; a sister, Lorrice Adolphson, and six grandchildren.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church.
Inurnment will be in National Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Pancreas Foundation, P.O. Box 935, Wexford, PA 15090-0935.
Chester Crantz
VULCAN — Chester F. Crantz, 81, of W4697 Main St., Vulcan, died peacefully Friday, June 8, 2001, at his home.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan. A Mass will follow visitation at 11 a.m. at the church. Fr. William Callari will officiate. Burial will be in Norway Township Cemetery.
The family requests that flowers be omitted.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Lelia Charnick
YALE – Lelia Opal Charnick, 90, of Iron Mountain died Saturday, June 9, 2001, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Iron Mountain.
Visitation was held today at the Kaatz Funeral Directors in Yale, lower Michigan.
A funeral ceremony in appreciation of the life, family and friends of Leila will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Fr. Donald Dueweke of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Croswell will officiate.
Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yale.
Eino Ketola
AMASA — Eino Ketola, 89, of 189 Parks Farm Road, Amasa, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at the Iron County General Hospital.
He was born Feb. 8, 1912, in Amasa, son of the late John and Hilda (Peltonen) Ketola. A lifelong resident, he grew up and attended school in Amasa.
Eino first worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps and in the area woods. He was later employed by the Iron County Road Commission as a heavy equipment operator driving graders and snowplows. He retired on Jan. 1, 1974.
He married the former Lula Koivisto on Sept. 19, 1936, and the couple continued to make their home in Amasa.
Eino was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Amasa and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Martha Gatzka, Sylvia Murtomaki and Elsie Mackila and five brothers, August, Anthony, John, Reino, and George Ketola.
He leaves his wife, Lula; five sons, David (Geraldine) Ketola of Crystal Falls, James (Betty) Ketola of Amasa, Gerald (Elaine) Ketola of Suamico, Wis., Robert (Bonnie) Ketola of Amasa and Philip (Peggy) Ketola of Amasa; two daughters, Susan (Larry) Besiak of Amasa and Linda (Barry) Besiak; three sisters, Ester (Jack) Phillips of Crystal Falls, Edla Kinnunen of Pinckney, lower Michigan, and Ines Ketola of Brighton, lower Michigan; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Amasa. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the church. The Rev. Fred Kinsey and the Rev. Dr. Kim Beckmann, pastors, will officiate. Burial will be in the Hematite Township Cemetery in Amasa.
The Langenberg Funeral Home - Iron River Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Kenneth Munson
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Kenneth O. Munson, of Downers Grove, Ill., formerly of Iron Mountain. Beloved husband of Virginia. Father of Kirsten (William) Munson-Hull, Amy (Rafe) Cockerill and Susan (Victor) Sturgeon. Brother of Bernice (late Bill) Toemmel, Marlene (late Charles) Carey, Lyle (Jean) and Aubrey. Good friends to many pets.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Downers Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Jason Scott
KINGSFORD — Jason J. Scott, 21, of 413 Maple St., Kingsford, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at his home in Kingsford.
Jason was born Feb. 2, 1979, in Iron Mountain, son of Jeffrey and Rose Marie (Lake) Scott. He was a lifelong resident of Kingsford and graduated from Kingsford High School in 1997.
Jason had worked at Cable Constructors in Iron Mountain. He loved hunting, especially bowhunting and took his first buck this year during gun season. He also enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his parents, Jeff and Rose Marie Scott of Kingsford; a brother, Jeff Scott Jr. of Minnesota; paternal grandmother, Delores Scott of Kingsford; maternal grandmother, Kay Stodola of Kingsford; two uncles, Don Scott of Kingsford and Bill (Janel) Stodola of Six Mile Lake; an aunt, Cheryl (Dale) Trudell of Ishpeming; four cousins; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clayton Scott; his maternal grandfather, Leonard Stodola; and an uncle, Leonard Lee Stodola.
Graveside services will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Quinnesec Cemetery. Rev. Peter Jonas will officiate.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Frances Krisman
IRON RIVER — Frances Krisman, 75, of Caspian passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Fran was born Nov. 9, 1925, in Caspian, daughter of the late Edward and Mary (Miotti) Fedrizzi. She attended the Caspian and Stambaugh schools and graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1943.
She married Joseph Krisman on May 29, 1954, in Caspian. The couple made their home in Hibbing, Minn., returning to Iron County in 1961.
They purchased the Stambaugh Flower Shop and she assisted her husband in the operation of the business for 20 years, retiring in 1981.
After retirement the couple enjoyed wintering in Bradington, Fla.
Fran also enjoyed antiques.
Most of all she loved her family and grandchildren.
Fran was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Caspian and St. Ann’s Society of the church.
She leaves three daughters, Nancy (William) Houlmont of Appleton, Wis., Peggy Krisman of Caspian and Kathleen (James) Rechner of Appleton; two grandchildren, Jenny Frances and John Joseph, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, on Jan. 7, 2001; her brother, Edward Fredrizzi Jr.; and sister, Irene DeAmicis.
Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River.
A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Caspian for Frances and Joseph. Rev. Otto Sartorelli will officiate.
Burial will be in Stambaugh Township Cemetery.
The family requests flowers be omitted.
The Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River is in charge of arrangements.
August Frick
IRON MOUNTAIN — August R. Frick, 85, of Iron Mountain, formerly of Rosebush, lower Michigan, died Monday, June 11, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
August was born July 11, 1915, in Switzerland, son of the late August and Hedwig Frick. He came to the United States in 1920.
He married Norma Small on July 8, 1939.
August worked in the dairy industry and for Borden’s for 35 years and finished his career at Central Michigan University, where he retired in 1980.
He enjoyed auto racing and fishing with his family and friends.
He leaves his loving wife, Norma of 62 years; a son, Mac (Jan) Frick of Iron Mountain; four brothers, Otto (Ann) Frick of Lake, lower Michigan, Eugene (Marlene) Frick of Monroe, lower Michigan, Carl (Ruth) Frick of Mt. Pleasant, lower Michigan, and Frank (Louella) Frick of Mt. Pleasant; two sisters, Rosemarie (Richard) Wilson of Alpena, lower Michigan, and Clara Marie Frick of Lake, and two grandchildren, Timothy Frick of Chicago and Kristen (Michael) Zeitler of Luxemburg, Wis.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at Clark Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. Dr. Martin Koeller of Kingsford will officiate.
Burial will be in Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford.
Harvey Franklin
IRON MOUNTAIN — Harvey Joseph Franklin, 84, of Homestead, Wis., died Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at the Crystal Manor in Crystal Falls.
He was born May 22, 1917, in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., son of the late Orville and Philomenia (Sawyer) Franklin.
Harvey was in the Air Force in World War II. He was a machinist at Western Shade and a truck driver for Columbia-Carthage for 32 years. Harvey moved from Westmont, Ill. to Homestead, Wis. in 1976.
His hobbies included fishing, watching television and playing drums for his high school band and while in the military. He was also a Homestead volunteer fireman.
He married the former Anne Rimicci on May 22, 1937, at St. Charles Church in Chicago.
He leaves his wife, Anne; three sons, Russell (Betty) of Green Bay, Wis., Kenneth (Janet) of Downers Grove, Ill. and Ronald (Jean) of Downers Grove, Ill.; two daughters, Bernadine Moland of Iron Mountain and Deborah (Craig) Lind of Homestead, Wis.; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Donald and a sister, Myrtle Durkee.
Visitation will be held Monday, June18 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Brad Moore will officiate. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be accorded by the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
John Santini
IRON MOUNTAIN — John Alfred Santini, longtime resident of Iron Mountain, died June 14, 2001, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. He was 95.
John was born in Capestrano, Italy on Sept. 5, 1905, son of Giuseppe and Eleanora (Colavecchi) Santini. He was christened “Giovanni Alfredo.” A naturalized American citizen, he came to the United States in 1918, accompanied by his mother and sister, to join his father in Springfield, Ill. His family remained there until 1922, when they moved to Hurley, Wis.
In 1924, John moved to Iron Mountain to live with his relatives in the “White House,” a name given to a duplex residence that housed the Tedeschi families. John was a favorite with his cousins who remember his attention to them with love.
John immediately found work with the Kingsford Motor Car Co. as a stock merchandiser, a position he held for 33 years. He provided service to Ford owners often long after business hours. As a winner in the 1934 National Ford Service Contest, John traveled to the Chicago World’s Fair.
On April 24, 1934, John married Evelyn Santoni in a wedding service performed by Fr. Jani at the Immaculate Conception Church.
As a young man, John was known as a wonderful dancer. He and his future wife were often seen “cutting a rug” at the Nightingale Ballroom and other dancing places in the area.
In 1956, John started work with the Wisconsin Power Co. until his retirement in 1970 at the energetic age of 65 when he began part-time work with the Miller Agency and Dickinson Homes.
John always helped neighbors in need, but with retirement he found ways to give more of his time mowing grass and shoveling snow. He and his friend, the late Reuben Erickson, were often seen running errands together in a red pick-up truck.
John enjoyed his garden, tending his tomatoes with love and sharing vegetables with anyone who came by. He loved his grandchildren, often walking around the town with them and searching for frogs at Crystal Lake.
A member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Church, John volunteered as a collection counter. He was a member of the United Commercial Travelers (UCT) for 57 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a charter member of the Iron Mountain Paisano Club, a lifelong member of the Sons of Quattro Abruzzi, and a past member of the Employees Mutual Benefit Association.
For many years as can be remembered, John could be found every Wednesday and Saturday at noon sitting in the number one chair at the number one table at Bimbo’s Wine Press with the “Bimbo Gang.” To this day, the Santini Special is a regular order.
John is survived by his wife, Evelyn; two sons, Joseph (Eleanor) Santini of Laguna Woods, Calif. and James (Susan) Santini of Littleton, Colo.; a daughter, Lucia (James) Smith of Clinton Township, lower Michigan; seven grandchildren, Greg (Julie) Santini, Ann (Jim) Ruf, Matthew (Kimberly) Smith, Aaron (Amy) Smith, Rachel Smith, Alicia Santini and Sarah Santini; six great-grandchildren, Marco and Christina Santini, Cary and Claire Ruf, and Asher and Brennan Smith; a brother-in-law, Evo Santoni of Breitung Township; a sister-in-law, Iris (Santoni) Hillenbrand of Overland Park, Kas.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Parish prayers will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and the Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. There will be a time of sharing stories and special moments about Johnny following the rosary.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home and at 11 a.m. at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. Allan Mayotte will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
John’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and the honorary pallbearers will be “Bimbo’s Gang”
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Raymond Ball
VULCAN — Raymond J. Ball, 78, of Vulcan, died peacefully at his home on Friday, June 15, 2001.
He was born in Norway on Dec. 1, 1922, the son of the late Frank and Helen (Piasta) Ball.
Raymond graduated from Vulcan High School with the class of 1941.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1943, served in the China-Burma-India theater and was honorably discharged in 1946.
He married the former Eileen Vicenzi at St. Barbara Church in Vulcan on June 17, 1950.
Raymond then went on to graduate from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. and worked as an accountant for Amron Corp. in Waukesha, Wis., before retiring in 1985.
He was a member of St. Barbara Church in Vulcan, the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1474 in Norway and a former member of Oak Crest Golf Club.
Raymond enjoyed time with family, especially his grandsons, friends, hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time at camp.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Eileen; a daughter, Beverly (Dennis) Saran of Waukesha, Wis.; two grandsons, Brian (fiancee Karen) and Brad Renzelmann; three step-granddaughters, Amanda, Michelle and Kelly Saran; three sisters-in-law, Verle Ball and Mildred Pellegrini, both of Norway, and Rita Hagburg of Bismarck, N.D.; five nieces, Janice, Jean, and Joan Ball, Michelle Sandstrom and Cindy Zacher.
A brother, Andrew “Andy” Ball, preceded him in death.
Friends may call at St. Barbara Church in Vulcan from 10 a.m. Friday, June 22, until 11 a.m. when Fr. William Callari will celebrate a memorial Mass of Christian Burial.
Burial will follow in the Norway Township Cemetery.
The Miner Funeral Home of Norway is in charge of arrangements.
Durward White
TIPLER, Wis. — Durward White, 77, of 207 Camp 5 Road, Tipler, Wis., died Friday evening, June 15, 2001, at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.
He was born Aug. 1, 1923, in Alvin, Wis., son of the late Charles and Lucinda (Gayhart) White. The family moved to Tipler, where Durward grew up and attended school.
He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Tipler area where he has since lived. He had been self-employed as a carpenter until his retirement.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting.
He is survived by a sister, Norma (George) Petroff of Iron River; a brother, Howard (Ella) White of Tipler, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Langenberg Funeral Home - Iron River Chapel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Charles White, pastor, of the Full Gospel Chapel in Iron River and nephew of the deceased, will officiate.
Members of the West Side Veterans Council will accord military rites at the funeral service. Burial will be in the Martin Cemetery in Tipler.
The Langenberg Funeral Home — Iron River Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.
John Barthel
CRYSTAL FALLS — John F. Barthel, 95, of 400 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls, died Sunday, June 17, 2001, at Crystal Manor Nursing Home in Crystal Falls.
Private family visitation was held at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
The family is being served by the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls.
Irene Fayas
IRON MOUNTAIN — Irene Fayas, 87, a long time resident of Kingsford, was taken to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 16, 2001, passing away peacefully at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
She fought a courageous battle against cancer for four years and for the last month has been lovingly cared for by her daughters, Marilyn Shaw and Carol Acotto, and daughter-in-law, Kathleen Fayas. Over recent years, her devoted sister, Jeannette Fredrickson had been a daily caregiver.
Irene Dagmar Elvira Leppanen was born on March 3, 1914, in Commonwealth, Wis., daughter of Hannah (Kangas) and Jack T. Leppanen. She was proud of her Finnish heritage. Jack Leppanen was an immigrant from Jalasjarvi, Finland, moving to Commonwealth in 1901, and working in the mines. Her mother’s family, Charles and Maria Kangas, were among the original settlers in “Finntown” (Commonwealth). Irene was raised on a farm with her siblings in this area.
She married George Fayas of Wilson on Feb. 15, 1935. He preceded her in death on Aug. 23, 1979.
A deeply devoted mother, she enjoyed her children, and their families. She was especially proud of their individual accomplishments, and each held a special place in her heart. Irene cherished daily visits by family and friends, enjoyed reading, and was an avid gardener. Her yard was a delight for all to see with extraordinary blooms from spring through fall.
She will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.
Irene was a member of First Covenant Church of Iron Mountain and Christian Women’s Club. An active participant in the Finnish American Raja Ryhma Club, she was one of the original members.
She is survived by two daughters, Carol (Dennis) Acotto of Manassas, Va., and Marilyn K. (William) Shaw of Kalamazoo, lower Michigan; three sons, Duane (Marilyn F.) Fayas, Robert (Barbara) Fayas and Marvin (Kathleen) Fayas, all of Iron Mountain; three sisters, Jeannette (Roy) Fredrickson of Kingsford, Lila DeGroot of Seattle, Wash., and Erma (Richard) Roteman of Clarkston, lower Michigan; a sister-in-law, Joyce Soderberg of Florence, Wis.; her grandchildren, Christine (Robert) Ragland of Irving, Texas, Carolyn (George) Miller of Appleton, Wis., Don (Jill) Fayas of DePere, Wis., Susan (Eugene) Benavides of Houston, Texas, William Shaw III of Los Angeles, Robert Shaw of Kalamazoo, Daron (Deanna) Fayas of Milwaukee, Shelly (Wade) Elmblad of Sussex, Wis., Kevin Acotto of Manassas, Va., Ryan, Justin and Heather Fayas, all of Kingsford; stepgrandsons, Jeffrey (Jean) Fontecchio of Iron Mountain and Mark (Tischa) Agnessi of St. Paul, Minn.; stepgranddaughters, Jean (Robert) Groeneveld and Anne (Tony) Amicangelo of Iron Mountain, Margi Sanderson of Kingsford, Lori (James) West of Vulcan and Diane (Ron) Smith of Norway; six great-grandchildren, Daniel Miller, Matthew Benavides, Jessica Elmblad, Jessica and Justin McCormick and Collin Fayas, along with other stepgreat-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Bernice Krans; two brothers, Vern Leppanen and Waino (Joyce) Leppanen; a sister-in-law, Delores (Vern) Leppanen; three brothers-in-law, Kenneth Anderson, Edward Krans and Adrian DeGroot; a daughter-in-law, Annette Fayas; a granddaughter, Diane (Robert) McCormick and special friend, Tom Beaudry.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Covenant Church, 125 East H St., Iron Mountain. Pastor Bruce Linscheid will officiate.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
Irene’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory at First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
