Natalina Buzzelli
IRON MOUNTAIN — Natalina (Lerza) Buzzelli, 88, of Maryhill Manor Nursing Home in Niagara, Wis., formerly of 408 East Main Street in Iron Mountain, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Natalina was born Dec. 27, 1912, in Capestrano, Italy, the daughter of the late Joseph and Angelina (Moscardelli) Lerza.
Natalina grew up in Italy and attended school there. She married Antonio Buzzelli in 1931 in Italy and he preceded her in death in 1956.
Natalina moved to Iron Mountain in 1971. She worked many years for Irish’s Bar and the El Capitan Supper Club as a cook. Natalina resided at 408 East Main Street on the Northside of Iron Mountain until she moved to Maryhill Manor in 1995.
She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, I.C. Church Guild, Daughters of Isabella, and the Paisano Club.
Natalina is survived by two daughters, Esterina (Giovanni) Martorelli of Rome, Italy and Gina (Arthur) Sparapani of Niagara, Wis.; two grandchildren, Giuseppi Martorelli and Antonalla (Marco) Martusciello; a step-grandchild, Vincenzo (Franca) Martorelli; two great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, all of Italy; and many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Louie and Tony Lerza, and a sister, Clara Lerza.
Visitation will be Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The Daughters of Isabella will recite the Rosary at 6 p.m. Prayers will be recited at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home and at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park.
The family is being served by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.
Marilyn Gelmi
MANISTIQUE — Marilyn P. Gelmi, 70, formerly of Indian Lake, Manistique, died Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2001, at her residence at Northwoods Assisted Living in Escanaba.
She was born Oct. 29, 1930, in Ishpeming, daughter of the late Theodore J. and Leona Nault. She was a graduate of Ishpeming High School.
On Dec. 26, 1953, the former Marilyn P. Nault married Mario L. Gelmi in Ishpeming. They lived in Ishpeming and in Crystal Falls for several years and moved to the Manistique area 15 years ago. He preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 2001.
Marilyn was employed at the Marquette Branch State Prison and later as the office manager at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Office in Crystal Falls.
She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church and St. Anne’s Altar Society of Manistique and the Indian Lake Golf and Country Club. She was very devoted to her church and enjoyed flowers and handicrafts. She was also an accomplished seamstress.
She leaves a daughter, Susan (Ralph) Bjorne of Manistique; a son, Robert (Debbie) Gelmi of Eden, Wis.; four grandchildren, Andrew Bjorne, Dean Bjorne, Tara Bjorne and Michelle Blattner; a brother, Theodore Nault of Ishpeming; a sister, Ann Gaboury of Ishpeming, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael Gelmi, and a grandson, Nicholas Bjorne.
A memorial Mass will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique. Fr. Peter Minelli will officiate.
Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Francis de Sales Education Foundation.
The Messier-Broullire Funeral Home of Manistique is in charge of arrangements.
Ethel Childers
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Ethel B. Childers, 86, of San Diego died Thursday, July 26, 2001, of heart failure at home with her family.
She was born May 9, 1915, in Winegar, Wis., (now Presque Isle), daughter of the late Walter and Ida (Howell) Combs.
While employed in Winegar after high school, she met Dorcie Childers. They were married on May 13, 1933. He preceded her in death on Oct. 6, 1978.
Dorcie worked for the William Bonifas Lumber Co. (later purchased by Kimberly-Clark) of Winegar and Marenisco. They lived in Marenisco until 1959, then moved to Kingsford.
After her husband’s death, Ethel lived in Thornton, Colo. from October 1979 until 1994, when poor health caused her to move to San Diego to be with her daughter.
While in Marenisco, Ethel was active in the Presbyterian Church, Parent-Teacher Association, her bridge club and Republican politics. She founded the first Republican Women’s Club in the Upper Peninsula in the early 1950s.
She is survived by a son, David of San Francisco; a daughter, Mary Jo Cooper of San Diego; four grandchildren, Darby Lynn Williamson Kenyon (John) and James Dorcie Williamson, both of San Diego, Heather Figureoa and Tad Childers, both of Denver, Colo.; six great-grandchildren, Christopher, Julie-Ana and Frankie Kenyon, Elena Figureoa, Chad and Megan Childers; a sister, Eudell Bell of Milwaukee, and four sisters-in-law, Betty Combs of Sun City, Ariz., Velma Combs of Chandler, Ariz., Rose Childers of McAllen, Texas, and Myrtle Dulyea of Antigo, Wis.
Her strong spirit, zest for life and loving nature will be greatly missed by all of us.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Joanne and Marguerite Jean; two brothers, Barney and Carl Combs, and five sisters, Carrie Gumm, Viola Jacobec, Cleta Harnish, Mildred Bell and Agnes, in infancy.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial will be held Sunday, Aug. 26, at the home of her daughter, Mary Jo Cooper, for friends and family.
Condolences, flowers or plants may be sent there: 9165 Rebecca Ave., San Diego, CA 92123-3547.
If preferred, memorial donations may be sent to Sharp Hospice Care Fund, Grossmont Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 158, La Mesa, CA 91944-9942.
Ronald Waldo
CRYSTAL FALLS — Ronald P. Waldo, 50, of Wausau, Wis., formerly of Crystal Falls, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001, at his home.
Ronald was born on Feb. 14, 1951, in Crystal Falls, son of Gust and Bertha (Perry) Waldo. He grew up in Crystal Falls and graduated in 1969 from Crystal Falls High School.
Ronald went on to attend Northern Michigan University and in 1969 he received his degree in elementary education. After receiving his degree, he moved back to Crystal Falls and lived here from 1976 until 1981 at which time he moved to Wausau.
While in Crystal Falls, Ronald attended United Lutheran Church. In Wausau he attended North Central Technical College where he received a degree in accounting.
He then went to work for Mosinee Paper Corp. where he worked for 14 years.
Ronald was an avid sports fan and was recognized around the Upper Peninsula for his athletic ability.
He was a member of both the 1968 and 1969 Land O Lakes conference football and basketball teams, member of the U.P. champions fastpitch softball team, and was an avid golfer.
He is survived by his son, Josh Waldo of Schaumburg, Ill.; a daughter, Lisa Waldo of Milwaukee; a brother, Gene (Sandi) Waldo of Chicago; many cousins, including Richard (Janet) Hendrickson of Crystal Falls and Thomas Perry of Crystal Falls.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home in Crystal Falls.
Funeral services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home. Rev. Dr. John Linna will officiate.
Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls.
The family is being served by the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls.
Laila Partala
HIGHWOOD, Ill. — Laila Lillien Partala, 90, of Deerfield, Ill., passed away Saturday, Aug. 4, 2001, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Chicago.
She was born Dec. 16, 1910, in Diorite, Mich.
She had been a resident of Deerfield for four years. She previously resided in Plo Alto, Calif., for 32 years, where she was a clerk at the Stanford University book store.
She served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War.
Her main contribution in life was loving and caring for her family.
She leaves two sisters, Viena (Alec) Gianaras of Bannockburn, Ill., and Paula (Eric) Thompsett of Indianapolis, Ind.; 11 nieces and nephews, including Kathy (Daniel) Starck of Deerfield, and many adoring great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Abel and Alma Partala; two sisters, Irene Kent-Fisher and Violet Grubbs, and a niece.
Private services were entrusted to the Seguin & Symonds Funeral Home in Highwood.
Interment
was in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls.
Contributions to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, Ill. 60064, in her memory would be appreciated.
William Mattson
IRON MOUNTAIN — William E. Mattson, 77, of Kingsford died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
He was born Jan. 14, 1924, in Forest Lake, Alger County, son of the late Yalmer and Mary (Paulich) Mattson.
Bill retired from Grede Foundries Inc. in Kingsford.
He was a member of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Bill enjoyed dancing and was an avid ski jumper in his younger years.
He leaves two brothers, Oscar of Shingleton, Alger County, and Jerry of Pueblo, Colo.; a sister, Evelyn Callio of Sheboygan, Wis., and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Melvyn Ropiak
CRYSTAL FALLS — Melvyn P. Ropiak, 62, of 425 Fisher St., Marquette, Jacobetti Home for Veterans, formerly of Crystal Falls, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001, at Marquette General Hospital.
Melvyn was born Oct. 12, 1938, in Iron River, son of Peter and Mildred (Nelson) Ropiak. He grew up in Crystal Falls and graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1956. He served as captain of the football team his junior and senior years.
He entered the U.S. Navy, serving our country until being honorably discharged.
Upon returning from the service, Melvyn attended Ferris State University and Michigan Tech University, where he earned a degree in civil tech engineering.
He went on to work for Hanna Mining Co. for a short period of time. Melvyn then took a position with the Reserve Mining Co. in 1964, working as a topographical engineer for 22 years in Babbitt, Minn. He lived there until 1996 when he moved to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
Melvyn loved hunting and fishing and was quite the woodsman, and most of all he loved his family.
He leaves a son, Joseph (Kristy) Ropiak of Alpha; a daughter, Kim (William) Verhoven of Alpha; his father, Peter of Crystal Falls; seven grandchildren, Devin Lind, Nicole Ropiak, Jonica Ropiak, Peter Ropiak, Krystal Verhoven, Mariah Verhoven, and Bryanna Verhoven; a great-grandchild, Austyn Lind; an uncle, Joseph (Ellen) Ropiak of Middleberg, Fla., and an aunt, Lucille Peterson of Amasa.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. A veterans pass and revue will be offered by the East Side Veterans Council at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Pastor Tammy Dahlvang will officiate.
Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls.
The family is being served by the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls.
George Westcott
IRON MOUNTAIN — George R. Westcott, 74, of 1080 Heights St., Niagara, Wis., died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001, at his home with his four children by his side.
He was born Aug. 17, 1926, in Alpha, son of the late George and Mae (Frederickson) Westcott.
Mr. Westcott served on the USS Pawnee in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1944 to 1945.
He worked as an equipment operator for the city of Crystal Falls, owned the Zephyr gas station in Niagara, worked for Niagara Public Schools and Bentley Courier Service and also drove the Marinette County senior citizen bus.
As a young man, George was an avid bird hunter. He had two special dogs, Rusty, in the 1950s, and Sassy, in the 1970s to 1980s.
Mr. Westcott enjoyed gardening, reading, NASCAR and spending time with his children and granddaughters.
In May 2000, George received his honorary diploma from Forest Park High School.
He married Donna Kyser on Jan. 9, 1954, in Crystal Falls. She preceded him in death on July 31, 1992.
George was the loving father of Richard (Denice) of Vulcan, Kenneth of Niagara, Linda of Niagara and Debra (Jeff) Hunter of Iron Mountain, and the loving grandfather of Katie, Kelsey and Sara, all of Vulcan. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Setagord of Crystal Falls, and many nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence “Bud;” a sister, Gladys James, and a nephew, Robert Westcott.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Military rites will be accorded by the Cretton-Tutas American Legion Post at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fr. Michael Betley will officiate.
Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Maynard McGuire
KINGSFORD — Maynard Francis “Beans” McGuire, 73, of 333 Westwood Ave., Kingsford, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001, at Freeman Convalescent Home in Kingsford.
He was born May 1, 1928, in Kingsford, son of the late Archie and Florence (Dufresne) McGuire. He was a lifelong resident of Kingsford and graduated from Kingsford High School in 1946.
Maynard served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948.
He worked for 45 years at Kimberly Clark/Niagara of Wisconsin (NOW) Corp. in Niagara, Wis., retiring in 1993.
Maynard was a charter member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford and sang in the church choir for more than 50 years.
He loved music, especially playing his guitar and singing. His music touched the lives of everyone that knew him.
Maynard was an avid sports fan. He was the co-founder of Bob’s Auto Little League Baseball team. He followed Kingsford Flivver sports all of his life, taking great pride in watching his sons and grandsons participate.
He was a past member of the Golden K’s, the Golden Throats, the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, United Commercial Travelers (UCT), and was a committee member of the Kingsford Heights “High Pocket” reunion picnics.
Maynard leaves his wife of 51 years, Marcella (Zambon); his daughter, Sally (Dennis) Olson of Kingsford; four sons, Paul (Joan) of Green Bay, Wis., Dr. Richard (Cathy) of St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Scott (Lisa) and Tim (Kae) of Kingsford; his sister, Ethel (Ed) Kraus of Germantown, Wis.; his brothers, Emery (Betty) of San Leandro, Calif., and Don (Adeline) of Crivitz, Wis.;12 grandchildren, Jeff (Jen) and Brian (Kristi) Olson, Amy (Patrick) Romagnoli, David (Melissa), Mark, Michael, Matt, Brad, Macy, Marcus, Casey and Brendan McGuire; a stepbrother, Clarence (LaVerne) Poupore of Waukegan, Ill., and stepsisters, Rose (Harold) Charboneau of Melrose Park, Ill., Mildred (Orlin) Ekberg of Powers and Mary Ann Wentland of Powers.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Parish prayers will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Paul Nomellini will officiate.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Maynard’s name.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is serving the family.
Richard Rostagno
HAMILTON LAKES — Richard C. Rostagno, 59, of N-1085 Hamilton Lakes Road, Hamilton Lakes, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001, at the home of his daughter in Niagara, with his family by his side.
Richard was born Sept. 20, 1941, in Loretto, son of Beatrice (Jolette) and the late Cecil Rostagno. He was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Vulcan High School.
He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and during the Vietnam War.
Richard worked as a calender operator for the Niagara paper mill. He was employed for 35 years until his retirement in October of 2000.
He was an active member of Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as treasurer for many years.
Richard enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing.
He leaves his mother, Beatrice Rostagno of Hamilton Lakes; two daughters, Pamela Rostagno of Iron Mountain and Jennifer (Dean) Neveau of Niagara; two brothers, Bruce (Dianne) Rostagno of Iron River and Wayne (LaShaune’) Rostagno of Kingsford, and a grandson, Tyler Richard Neveau.
Funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. Pastor John Schnose will officiate.
Burial will be in Norway Township Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Rostagno, Bruce Rostagno, Dean Neveau, Rick Fedrizzi, Bob Pretto and Jeff Tavonatti.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
William DeCremer
IRON MOUNTAIN — William DeCremer, 63, of 900 W. Ludington St., Iron Mountain, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001, at his home.
He was born Aug. 1, 1938, in Norway, son of the late Frank and Edith DeCremer. He graduated from Niagara High School.
Mr. DeCremer worked at Consolidated Paper in Niagara until his retirement in 1998.
He was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.
Mr. DeCremer had served in the National Guard.
He enjoyed cross-country skiing, hunting and fishing.
He married Kathryn Carlson on Oct. 17, 1959, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. She preceded him in death in 1991.
He leaves two sons, Kevin of San Antonio, Texas, and Stephen (Sara) of Round Lake Beach, Ill.; two brothers, Norman (Mary Lou) and David, both of Niagara; two sisters, Virginia (Jerry) Hanke of Milwaukee and Dorothy (Jim) Growden of Toledo, Ohio; two grandson, Alex and Brice, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.
Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will officiate.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home in Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Harold Martin
QUINNESEC — Harold R. Martin, 65, of 4927 Lincoln Ave., Quinnesec, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
He was born July 7, 1936, in Escanaba, son of Florence (LaMarch) Martin and the late Clarence Martin. He was raised in Perronville/Schaeffer area.
Harold was preceded in death by his first wife, Joanne Vincent Martin. He married Linda Toth on Oct. 4, 1985, in Menominee.
He had been a resident of Quinnesec since 1990.
Harold had worked for Chicago & North Western Railroad for 13 years and at the Harnischfeger truck-crane plant in Escanaba for 18 years. He and his wife owned and operated Linda’s Diner in Bark River for several years. They also owned and operated the Triangle Motels in Ishpeming for several years.
After moving to Quinnesec in 1990, Harold worked in the woods and was a carpenter and builder.
He was known as a hard worker.
Harold was a member of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford.
He loved his family and friends very much. He also enjoyed hunting and spending time at his camp that he built in Felch.
He leaves his wife, Linda; his mother, Florence Martin Richer of Escanaba; four sons, Brian (Christine) Martin of Suamico, Wis., Todd (Heather) Martin of K.I. Sawyer, Gwinn, Jason (Tenaka) Martin of Florida and Jamie Martin of Boston; a daughter, Jodi (Donald) Miller of Florida; three stepchildren, Teresa (Martin) Laurin of Little Chute, Wis., Elizabeth “Betsy” (Robert) Ottoson of Milwaukee and Matthew Wade of Frasier, Colo.; two brothers, Robert (Joanne) Martin of Escanaba and Michael (Carla) Martin of Menominee; two sisters, Jean Mesick of Partyville, Wis., and Gail (Gary) Tryan of Escanaba; nine grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Kingsford Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be recited at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home and at 10 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial.
Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Kingsford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
George Westcott
IRON MOUNTAIN — George R. Westcott, 74, of 1080 Heights St., Niagara, Wis., died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001, at his home with his four children by his side.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Military rites will be accorded by the Cretton-Tutas American Legion Post at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Fr. Michael Betley will officiate.
Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Genevieve Bornfleth
IRON MOUNTAIN — Genevieve Vaillancourt Bornfleth, 80, of 215 W. Lincoln St., Iron Mountain, died Monday, Aug. 13, 2001, at her home.
She was born July 4, 1921, in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late Thomas and Santina (Fiera) Trama. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1939 and attended one year of nursing college.
Gen was a licensed practical nurse at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital for 38 years, retiring in 1981. She enjoyed and was very proud of her nursing career.
She married Val Vaillancourt in October of 1939. He preceded her in death in 1982. On Sept. 28, 1984, she married William Bornfleth and he preceded her in death in May of this year.
Gen loved her grandchildren very much. She enjoyed gardening and bird watching.
She was also preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis Lupini, and a brother, Steven Trama.
She leaves a daughter, Sharon (Jim) Izzo of Franklin, Wis.; a sister, Rita (Ron) McMullen of Florence, Wis.; three grandchildren, Michele (Tom) Palus of Random Lake, Wis., Stacy Izzo of Milwaukee and Brad Izzo (Patty Lucas) of Wauwautosa, Wis., and six great-grandchildren, Shea, Jacob, Taylor, Mitch, McKenna and Tommy. Fond aunt of Pam Counter (Keith Coy), David (Sandra) Lupini and Paula Burns. Also survived by Bill’s children, Jim (Sandy) Bornfleth, Barb (Tom) Gauthier and Tom (Kathy) Bornfleth and families, and many nieces and nephews.
Private family visitation and services were held Friday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Friends are welcome to attend.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Ernest Belaire
LACROSSE, Wis. — Ernest “Frenchy” Belaire, 78, of LaCrosse died Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2001, after a long bought with cancer at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse.
He was born Sept. 7, 1922, in Niagara, Wis., son of the late Raymond and Pearl (Carle) Belaire.
Ernest was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a member of the American Legion Post 52.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn (Fredrickson), and a brother, Raymond Jr. (Nancy) of Iron Mountain, and two sisters, Delores Remondini of Escanaba and Marilyn (Gerald) Struebing of Quinnesec.
In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara, in 1989, and a sister, Rose Carlson.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
The ashes will be entombed at Chapel of Devotion Mausoleum in LaCrosse.
The Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Wallace Casanova
NORWAY — Wallace M. Casanova, 69, of Fort Smith, Ariz., died Friday, Aug. 10, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Miner Funeral Home in Norway.
Funeral services will be held in Fort Smith, Ariz.
Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
