Dorothy Cowley
NORWAY — Dorothy M. Cowley, 85, of 207 Viking Lane, Norway, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wis.
She was born July 22, 1916, in Norway, daughter of the late Chester and Louise (Menghini) Franceschini.
Dorothy attended Norway Schools and was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.
She married John Cowley in 1944, in Tonapa, Nev. He preceded her in death on Jan. 2, 1976.
Dorothy worked at the Norway-Vulcan Area Schools for many years in the food service department and participated in various volunteer activities.
She was a wonderful homemaker who cooked delicious homemade pies, bread and down-home cooking.
Dorothy was an avid gardener and used the fresh garden vegetables in preparing her appetizing meals for her family and company.
She prayed every day to ask the Lord to help others.
Dorothy thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and other fun games with her relatives and friends. She loved the special dinners at the Norway-Vulcan Senior Center, where she played bingo.
She was an avid Braves and Cubs baseball fan.
Dorothy had an extra special artistic talent for making beautiful ceramics and crocheting.
She had a special niece, Marlene Alessandrini, who she shared a joyous traveling vacation with to Atlantic City, N.J.
Dorothy was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, John and had limitless love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If they suffered, she suffered with them; being ready to help out in whatever way she could. When they were happy, she was happy for them. Dorothy was there through thick and thin. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her and will be in our hearts forever.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Thomas Cowley of Norway; a daughter, Diana (Jim) Moraska of Powers; five grandchildren, Amy (Francisco) Castanon of Lansing, lower Michigan, Dean (Jill) Campbell of Illinois, Tiffany (Randy) Paupore of Powers, Natalie Campbell of Kingsford and Joshua Carlson of Powers; seven great-grandchildren, Myranda Castanon, Whitney, Deandra, Jessica and Sydney Campbell, and Tanner and Taylor Paupore; two sisters, Marie Moratti of Iron Mountain and Betty (Tom) Hooper of Flint, lower Michigan; a sister-in-law, Ceil Franceschini of Iron Mountain; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Doreen Cowley; twin sons who died before being born; two brothers, Lloyd Franceschini and Arthur Swanson; and three sisters, Lucille Hinds, Margaret Bartke and Helen Franceschini.
Visitation will be held today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Miner Funeral Home in Norway. Parish prayers will be held today at 5:30 p.m. and the rosary will be recited at 6 p.m.
Prayers will also be recited Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Norway. Fr. Mark McQuesten will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Norway Township Cemetery.
George McMahon
KINGSFORD — George C. McMahon, 85, of 1809 Markosen Ave., Kingsford, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2001, at Jacobetti Veteran’s Home in Marquette.
Mr. McMahon was born Feb. 22, 1916, in Hardwood, son of the late John and Mary (DuFresne) McMahon. He had been a resident of this area for most of his life.
He married Arlene Winquist on June 18, 1943, in Seattle, Wash.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, enlisting in 1940. He was promoted to gunners mate first class after serving aboard the USS Pennsylvania, the USS O’Bannon and the USS Woodson. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Mr. McMahon worked at Grede Foundry in Kingsford for 33 years, retiring in 1984.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and an excellent gardener.
Mr. McMahon was also preceded in death by four brothers, Harold, Patrick, Ralph and William McMahon, and two sisters, Helen Backlund and Ruthie Robinette.
He leaves his wife, Arlene; a son, Allen (Linda) McMahon of Kingsford; three daughters, Gloria (Norman) Sjoquist of Kingsford, Sheila (Bill) Burby of Kingsford and Sally (Al) Peterson of Marinette, Wis.; five sisters, Irella Hopkins of Lansing, Verne Schie of Dearborn Heights, lower Michigan, Nora (Fred) Cerasoli of Iron Mountain, Agnes (Robert) Massie of Iron Mountain and Ila (Ralph) Pelletier of Florida; 11 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Nanette) Sjoquist, Jamie (Donna) Sjoquist, Julie (Gary) Miller, Eric (Shalon) Taylor, Troy (fiancee, Vanessa Varda) Taylor, Katie Burby, Michael McMahon, Kerry McMahon, Melissa (Tim) Jagelski, Andy Peterson and April Peterson; seven great-grandchildren, Brad, Dan, Ali, Jacob, Kennedy, Evan and Gavin, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kingsford Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate.
Burial will be in Quinnesec Cemetery.
His grandsons and great-grandson will serve as pallbearers.
The Kingsford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eugene Styberski
TEMPLE, Texas — Eugene Styberski, 63, of Temple died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001, after a short battle with cancer.
Eugene was born May 4, 1938, in Republic, son of the late Robert and Ada (Hackeman) Styberski.
He retired from the Sieman Corporation.
Eugene loved to spend time outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing.
He leaves his wife, Ann; brothers, Leonard Styberski of Menominee, Robin Styberski of Southfield, Richard Styberski of Norway and Randy Styberski of Menominee, and sisters, Pat Kuhl of Temple and Laura Hurd of Manistee.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today in Temple.
Information arranged by the Miner Funeral Home in Norway.
Lillian Margoni
CASPIAN — Lillian E. Margoni, 77, of 208 Lennox Place, Caspian, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001, at Iron County Medical Care Facility.
Lillian was born May 9, 1924, in Amasa, daughter of the late Jacob and Mayme (Saario) Lamminen. She grew up in Crystal Falls Township and graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1942.
She moved to Waukegan, Ill., where she worked for a short time at a drug store.
Lillian returned to the local area and on July 10, 1946 married Max Margoni. The couple then made their home in Caspian.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Iron River. She used her artistic abilities by drawing, sewing, rug making and flower gardening. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, as well as playing cards and working crossword puzzles.
Lillian had been a former member of the TOPS Club and the Home Extension Club.
She was a very caring person and enjoyed spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lamminen, and a sister, Gertrude Housman.
He leaves her husband, Max; two sons, Dennis (Carol) Margoni of Stilwell, Kan., and Don (JoAnn) Sprayberry) Margoni of St. Joseph, lower Michigan; two brothers, Jack (Mary) Lamminen of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., and LeRoy (Carole) Lamminen of Pleasant Prairie; two sisters, Ellen Nardi of Iron River and Vi (John) Menapace of Caspian; four grandchildren, Michael and Dana Margoni, both of Olympia, Wash., Nathan and Jessamyn Margoni, both of St. Joseph; special friends, Cathy Stolberg and Ilene Reckla, both of Iron River, many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Langenberg Funeral Home-Iron River Chapel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Rev. Dr. Kim Beckmann, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, will officiate.
Burial will be in Stambaugh Cemetery.
The Langenberg Funeral Home-Iron River Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Ida Wolff
WAUSAUKEE, Wis. — Ida “Mardelle” Wolff, 73, of Amberg, Wis., died Monday, Sept. 3, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Assembly of God Church in Crivitz, Wis.
Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Rev. John Koch will officiate.
Burial will be in Amberg Cemetery, following the funeral service.
A memorial fund has been established for Trinity Assembly of God Church in Crivitz.
The Messar Funeral Home of Wausaukee assisted the family.
Patricia Serbinski
IRON RIVER — Patricia Serbinski, 66, of 30 Lincoln Ave., Iron River, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001, at Marquette General Hospital.
She was born Dec. 30, 1934, in Sault Ste. Marie, the daughter of the late Clarence and Doris (Smith) Cain. Following her parents death, she was raised by her grandparents, Frank and Isabelle Cain, in the local area.
She graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1952 and then moved to California where she was in nurse’s training.
Pat married David Serbinski on Aug. 1, 1953, and the couple made their home in Santa Cruz, Calif. They moved to Iron River in 1971, where they have since resided.
Pat had been employed as a bank teller and clerk at the former Commercial Bank in Stambaugh and at the Miners State Bank in Iron River. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and had been a member of the former Assumption Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and other needlework.
Pat will always be remembered for her joyfulness and pleasant smile which carried through even during her illness.
She is survived by her husband, David; a son, Michael (Susan) Serbinski of Iron River; three daughters, Cathi (Phil) Laturi of Iron River, Debi (Stanley) Twardowski of Brookfield, Wis. and Sandy (Jeff) Kinner of Iron River; a brother, Donald (Gail) Cain of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; 14 grandchildren, Jessica Kinner, Samuel, Mindi and Amber Laturi, and Rachael, Joel, Joanna, Ruth, Grace, Faith, Mary, Anne, Rebekah and Isacc Serbinski; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Langenberg Funeral Home - Stambaugh Chapel. A liturgical wake service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home and at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River. The Rev. Fr. Norm Clisch, pastor, will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Stambaugh Cemetery.
The Langenberg Funeral Home - Stambaugh Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.
John Schaut
KINGSFORD — John H. Schaut, 83, of 428 Fairmount St., Kingsford, died unexpectedly Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital.
He was born Oct. 22, 1917, in LaBranche, son of the late John B. and Mary (Boucher) Schaut. John was raised in the LaBranche area and married Jeanette Gagnon on June 30, 1945. They were residents of Kingsford for the past 56 years. He owned and operated new and used auto dealerships throughout his career, retiring in 1982. John was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace for more than 50 years, the UCT, the Elks Club and he was a former county commissioner. Johnnie’s life revolved around his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; three daughters, Sue (Gary) Proudfit of Iron Mountain, Sally (Homer) Swan and Mary (Jack) Andreini, both of Kingsford; seven grandchildren, Jane (David) Tomasoski and Nancy (Chad) McCole, both of Kingsford, John (Jacqui) Proudfit of Iron Mountain, Andrew (Jen Cox - fiancee) Swan of Belleville, Michael Swan of Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago, Alissa Andreini and Annie Andreini, both of Kingsford; 13 great-grandchildren, Elisabeth, Dan, Josh, Emily and Paul Droese, Abby Tomasocki, Michael, David, Marc and Annie McCole, Karen and Brandon Proudfit, Lucas Andreini and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by six brothers, John, Gervase, Louis, Milton, George and Clifford “Pat” Schaut; and four sisters, Hazel Blackhall, Anna Lawrence, Magdalene Wilkensen and Marcie Briere.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home and 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of Peace. Fr. Paul Nomellini will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park.
Pallbearers will be John Proudfit, Bob Schaut, Dave Lawrence, Andrew Swan, Chad McCole and Dave Tomasoski.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Alice Erickson
KINGSFORD — Alice P. Erickson, 88, of 1826 Mary’s Way, Kingsford, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Mrs. Erickson was born Feb. 20, 1913, in Olmevarmland, Sweden. She was the daughter of the late Lars and Tekla (Andersson) Larson and has been a resident of this area for most of her life. Mrs. Erickson attended Dundon’s Business College. In 1940 she married Gustaf Erickson in Chicago. He preceded her in death in 1982.
She was an active member of First Covenant Church and participated in the church choir for more than 50 years. She was also involved as a deaconess of the church, a Sunday school teacher, the Covenant Women and the Ladies Aid. In addition, she volunteered in the Memorial Hospital League for more than 20 years and was always searching for ways to help someone in need. She love to garden and always had beautiful flowers. She also loved to entertain and enjoyed decorating her home for the open house, which she held for her church family each year.
She was also preceded in death by her sister Kerstin Karlsson and three half sisters, Mathilda Blixt, Margaret Windell and Maria Strandin.
Survivors include her daughter, Beverly (Dr. Charles) Egli of Marietta, Ohio; three grandchildren, Rev. Dr. Mark (Susan) Egli, Faith Egli and Dawn Morin; three great-grandchildren, Kayla Morin, Riannon Morin and Joy Egli.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at First Covenant Church.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at First Covenant Church. Rev. Bruce Linscheid will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in her memory at First Covenant Church.
Henry Vigil
IRON RIVER — Henry Vigil, 79, of Iron River passed away Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001, at the Iron County General Hospital in Iron River.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
John St. Juliana
SPALDING — John Oreste “Ernest” St. Juliana, 92, of N16345 N. 0.4 Lane, Hermansville, died in the Lord Sunday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2001, at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers following a brief illness.
He was born May 27, 1909, son of the late John and Marion (Asnicar) St. Juliana. He was raised in Italy and came to America in 1930. He lived most of his life in Hermansville.
On April 28, 1934, he married the former Ida M. Malone in Hermansville and she survives.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a fireman first class from 1943 to Nov. 16, 1945. Mr. St. Juliana worked at the Wisconsin Lumber Co. factory for 12 years as a fireman and the Soo Line Railroad as a section worker for 30 years, retiring in 1974.
He was a member of St. John Neumann Parish in Hermansville and was a member of the American Legion Post 340 for more than 55 years.
He enjoyed hunting, trapping and working in his large vegetable garden.
Mr. St. Juliana is survived by his wife, Ida St. Juliana; a daughter, Marion J. (Mike) Bubloni of Iron Mountain; a son, John E. (Donna) St. Juliana of Hermansville; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews from Italy, Switzerland and Australia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donna May Gagnon in 1974; and four sisters, Ida Tomasi, Laura Maltauro, Fulvia Barba and Fuire Cornale.
The family will receive friends Tuesday at 9 a.m. (Central time) at St. John Neumann Church in Hermansville.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Michael Vichich will officiate. Burial will be in Meyer Township Cemetery.
The Allo Funeral Home of Spalding is in charge of arrangements.
Madelyne Neff
KINGSFORD — Madelyne B. Neff, 78, of 701 E. Breen Ave., Kingsford, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001, at Freeman Convalescent Home in Kingsford.
Mrs. Neff was born Jan. 31, 1923, in Piqua, Ohio. She was a 1941 graduate of Piqua High School. She lived in Racine, Wis. from 1948-1967 and then in McMinnville, Tenn. from 1967-1999. She had lived in Kingsford since 1999.
While in Racine, she worked as a model for Porters and then was in charge of data processing for G.I. Case Co. While in McMinnville, Tenn., she was employed by the Mt. Lohman Telephone Co., retiring in 1985.
Mrs. Neff loved to paint and was an accomplished artist. She made porcelain dolls and beautiful quilts.
Throughout the years, she enjoyed vacationing in this area and staying with Lyle and Peggy Ziehm.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene M. Neff in 1991 and by three brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by two sons, Gene (Nancy) Neff of Kingsford and Mark (Vallery) Neff of Flower Mound, Texas; a sister, Peggy (Carl) Brokaw of Piqua, Ohio; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Private family services will be held.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Paul Freeman
NIAGARA, Wis. — Paul E. Freeman, 47, of 532 Maple St., Kingsford, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Iron Mountain.
Paul was born Sept. 21, 1954, son of Edwin “Putty” and Jeri (Harvath) Freeman. Paul attended Niagara High School. He spent two years in the U.S. Army serving in Germany. He worked for the Niagara Paper Mill, Coca-Cola, and Loia Distributing in Iron Mountain.
Paul recently was operating his own lawn service, Paul’s Lawn Service. He dearly loved to hunt and fish, garden and took pride in his yard. His favorite pastime was drawing wildlife and was very good at it. He suffered many years of back pain but tried hard to live a normal life.
He is survived by his mother, Jeri Freeman of Niagara, Wis.; a son, Jason of Niagara; three brothers, John “Mitzie” (Diane) Freeman of Niagara, George Freeman of Ralph and Joseph “Red” Freeman of Niagara; a sister, Patty “Trixie” (Charlie) Gunville of Niagara; a very special niece, Brittnay Gunville that he called his Sprite-Bright; a special aunt, Janet Davis of Niagara; and many other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin on June 2, 1996.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Niagara Chapel. The American Legion Cretton-Tutas Post 136 of Niagara will conduct military services Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Celebrant Robert Fuse will officiate. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery.
The family is being served by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Niagara Chapel.
Viola Andrizzi
CRYSTAL FALLS — Viola Agnes Andrizzi, 93, of Crystal Falls, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Mont.
She was born Feb. 24, 1908, in Palatka, daughter of the late Bert and Mary (Wallace) Hughes. She graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1926 and then attended the Gregg Business School in Chicago. She worked in the offices of the Marshal Field Co. and for five years was employed at the Davis Co. in the purchasing agent’s office.
She married Felix “Butch” Andrizzi in 1930 and the couple made their home in Crystal Falls. Together they owned and operated the former Spa Bar, the Snack Bar and Club Felix.
Viola moved to Kalamazoo, lower Michigan in 1965, where she worked at the U.S. Post Office. She returned to Crystal Falls in 1970 and was employed at the Chippewa Resort and later the Crystal Falls Senior Citizens Center until retiring in 1982.
She was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church, where she had been a former CCD teacher for several years. She was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the Michigan State Selective Service.
Her husband preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 1981. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Bernard Hughes and two sisters, Marian Roberg and Alyce Bowman.
She is survived by three daughters, Donna Bush and Patricia Wallace Hughes, both of Columbus, Ohio and Sallie Scott of Missoula, Mont.; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Crystal Falls. The Rev. Fr. Norm Clisch will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
The Langenberg Funeral Home - Iron River Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Mabel Zukowski
IRON RIVER — Mabel E. Zukowski, 94, of Iron River, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2001, at the Florence Villa Nursing Home and and Rehabilitation in Florence, Wis.
She was born April 28, 1907, in Iron Mountain, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Formolo) Notari. She moved to Iron River as a young child with her parents from Iron Mountain. She attended Iron River schools and graduated from Iron River High School.
Mrs. Zukowski also attended LeClair Beauty School in Milwaukee. She returned to Iron River, where she owned and operated the Riteway Beauty Shop for 15 years.
She married Edward J. Zukowski on May 3, 1939, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Painsdale. The couple made their home in Iron River.
Mrs. Zukowski was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River and St. Agnes Altar Society.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Edward on Aug. 10, 1988; two brothers, Philip and John Notari; and five sisters, Susan Bradley, Sarah Bloomquist, Helen Notari, Julia Puccetti and Ann Di Ulio.
She is survived by nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home and at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River. Rev. Norman Clisch, pastor, will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery in Iron River.
Pallbearers will be Stanley Guzowski, Clarence Eusebio, Roland Scalcucci, Wilfred Verville, Tom Nasser and John Angeloff.
The Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River is in charge of arrangements.
Alice Samson
IRON MOUNTAIN — Alice P. Samson, 97, of Menominee Street in Quinnesec, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2001, at Hyland Nursing Home in Iron Mountain.
Alice was born April 1, 1904, in Palmer, daughter of the late Frank and Hatlie (Eyler) Tippett.
She married Charlie Swanson in 1924 in Hibbing, Minn. She moved to Quinnesec in 1936, where she lived until going into the Hyland Nursing Home.
Alice was a member of United Methodist Church in Quinnesec. She enjoyed being with and raising her children.
She is survived by her two sons, Harvey Samson of Belleview, Fla. and Charles Samson of Milwaukee; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathleen Quick.
Private family visitation and services were held.
The family is being served by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.a
Blanch Potrafke
ALDEN — Blanch Yvonne Potrafke, 66, of Alden, lower Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001.
She was born on March 9, 1935, the daughter of Charles Jay and Juliaetta (Emerson) Miller. On Dec. 14, 1951, she married Richard Potrafke in Alden and he preceded her in death on April 15, 2001.
Blanch was a member of the Alden Community United Methodist Church. She was a devoted wife to Richard for nearly 50 years. She truly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and gave of herself freely and unselfishly.
She was known for her wonderful cooking and baking skills, which she enjoyed tremendously. Blanch was also known for her good sense of humor. She is survived by her five children, Ed (Dotty) Potrafke of Eastport, lower Michigan, Catherine (Ernie) Rice of Alden, Carolyn (Gar) Lane of Alden, Julie (Dave) Tuck of Niagara, Wis. and Tina (John) Puroll of Bellaire, lower Michigan; 15 grandchildren, Kathy (special friend, Tony ) Potrafke, Christina (special friend, Earl) Potrafke, Lori (Anthony) Williams, Eddie (special friend, Sandy) Potrafke, Carrie (Mathew) Carver, Shannon (Brice) Buntjer, special grandson Jesse Lane, Tami Lane, David Tuck Jr., Billy Tuck, Ashley Tuck, Tiffany Eiseler, Mike Rose and Johnny Puroll; 11 great-grandchildren, Christopher, Sean, Alexis and Krista Potrafke, Jovany, Anthony, and Adrianna Potrafke, Sherwyn and Danisha Williams, Jason “JJ” Lugibihl Jr. and Victoria (Cookie) Carver. Blanch is also survived by her sisters, Charlotte (Jim) Elliott of Pontiac, lower Michigan, Shirley Grannis of Bellaire, Marge (Sam) Moore of Hesperia, lower Michigan; her brothers, Richard (Sylvia) Miller of Alden and Pat (Joyce) Miller of Frostproof, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Delores Miller of Alden, and Janice Miller of Gladwin, lower Michigan; a brother-in-law, John Miller of Bellaire; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; two sisters; and her loving husband, Richard.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 pm and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Penzien Funeral Homes Inc., in Mancelona, lower Michigan.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11a.m. at the Alden Community United Methodist Church in Alden, with the Rev. Richard Matson officiating. Burial will be in the Helena Township Cemetery in Alden.
Sons-in-law Ernie Rice, Gar Lane, Dave Tuck, Jonn Puroll and grandsons-in-law Mathew Carver and Brice Buntjer are honored to serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be given to the Alden Community United Methodist Women or the Worship Committee Music Fund.
Mary Lovrich
IRON MOUNTAIN — Mary Lovrich, 98, of 800 E. Grant St., formerly of 917 W. Hughitt St., Iron Mountain, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Mary was born May 5, 1903, in Austria, daughter of the late Karol and Alojzi (Kosmerl) Bartol. She came to this country by herself on Sept. 7, 1920, and moved to Iron Mountain in January of 1921.
She married Anton Lovrich on April 22, 1921, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Mary and her husband owned and operated the American Inn on Merritt Avenue for many years. He preceded her in death on Jan. 1, 1975.
She was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain, St. Anne’s Society and the SNPJ (Slovenian National Benefits Society).
Mary enjoyed sewing and crocheting and had won a blue ribbon at the county fair for her afghan.
She was also very proud of her Slovenian heritage and had made 13 trips to Yugoslavia.
She leaves three sons, Anthony (Geraldine) Lovrich of South St. Paul, Minn., Emil (Eleanore) Lovrich of Milwaukee and Robert (Kathryn) Lovrich of Minneapolis, Minn.; six grandchildren, Susan (Philip) Keen, Maribeth Ashley, Nancy (Bob) Bouche, Jack Strong, Edward Lovrich and Rob (Kim) Lovrich, and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by, a daughter, Mayme Strong, in 1986; a son William Lovrich, in 1936; a brother, and four sisters.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Parish prayers will be recited at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home and at 10 a.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Mikala Miller
SPALDING — Mikala Marie Miller, 11, of Hermansville died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn., following a brief illness.
Mikala was born April 24, 1990, in Iron Mountain, daughter of Michael G. Miller and the former Susan M. Bellmore. She was raised in Hermansville.
She had completed the fifth grade at North Central Elementary School in Hermansville and would have been attending the sixth grade
Mikala attended and received her First Communion at St. John Neumann Parish in Hermansville.
She especially enjoyed playing with her many friends, riding her horse, T.J., four-wheeling, camping, spending time with her family and riding with grandpa to see deer, playing on her trampoline and helping grandma and grandpa plant the garden.
Mikala is survived by her mother, Susan (Scott) Haelterman of Hermansville, and her father, Michael (Linda) Miller of Hermansville. Loving sister of Crystal, Taylor, Deanna and Ryan; devoted granddaughter of Eugene and Rose Bellmore of Hermansville and Wayne “Puffy” and Elaine Miller of Spalding. She will also be missed by her many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends after 10 a.m. (Central time) Saturday at St. John Neumann Church in Spalding.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday at the church. Rev. Michael Vichich will officiate.
Burial will be in Meyer Township Cemetery.
The Allo Funeral Home in Spalding is in charge of arrangements.
