Katherine Holmes
CRYSTAL FALLS — Katherine W. Holmes, 94, of Crystal Falls, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, at Crystal Manor Nursing Home in Crystal Falls.
Visitation will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor Elbert Dulworth will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
A complete obituary will follow.
The family is being served by the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls.
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 Feb. 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 Morrow 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 was 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 conducted military services Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Celebrant Robert Fuse will officiate. Burial was in the Niagara Cemetery.
The family was served by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Niagara Chapel.
Donald Eriksson
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — Donald L. Eriksson, 68, of Brooklyn Park, passed away Aug. 28, 2001.
He was born and raised in Iron Mountain.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith M. (Jafolla), and a brother, Bob.
He leaves two sons, Tony and Erik.
Constance Edwards
IRON MOUNTAIN — Constance M. “Connie” Edwards, 85, of Iron Mountain died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001, at Hyland Nursing Home in Iron Mountain, where she was treated with loving and compassionate care.
Connie was born Feb. 20, 1916, in Detroit, daughter of the late William and Julia (Groh) Brouillette. She was a lifelong resident of the area.
She married Lincoln Edwards in 1940 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aurora, Wis. He preceded her in death in 1957.
Connie was employed as a nurse for 22 years at the Annex Hospital and Dickinson Memorial Hospital.
She was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain and was an active member of the church choir for over 20 years. She enjoyed playing the piano, singing, sewing and spending time with her family.
Connie was devoted to her family and most of all her children and grandchildren.
She was kind and gentle and was truly loved.
Connie is survived by her eight children, Charlene (Don) Schultz of Iron Mountain, Joyce (Al) Wahoviak of Iron Mountain, Nancy (Duane) Youren of Las Vegas, Helen (Wilfred) Sauld of Iron Mountain, Judith (Patrick Metrie) McCullough of Spread Eagle, Wis., Christine (Mike) Terry of Springdale, Ariz., Marie (Brian Rutter) Edwards of Aurora, Wis., and Lincoln Thomas (Marybeth) Edwards of Kingsford. Her children adored her and will always miss her. She also leaves 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Francis (Pauline) Brouillette of Iron Mountain; her sisters, Muriel (Paul) Kadletz of California, Eva (Lane) LaFleur of Kingsford and Agnes (Gerald) Rittenhouse of Channing, and many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Mitrenga, and a brother, William Brouillette.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Parish prayers will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Fr. Dan Zaloga will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Steve, Paul and Allen Schultz, Jon Wahoviak, Jeff Youren, David Sauld, L. Michael and Nicholas Edwards.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Gendron
IRON MOUNTAIN — Donald E. Gendron, 75, of 141 Campbell St., Breitung Township, died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wis.
He was born Nov. 17, 1925, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Jeremiah and Mary (Wolfiel) Gendron. He had been a resident of the area his entire life.
Mr. Gendron was a veteran of World War II and served in the United States Navy in Japan aboard the USS Mississippi as a signalman.
He worked as a machinist at Eagle Tool for 31 years and then for Kingsford Broach until his retirement in 1991.
He married the former Vernell Miller on Sept. 17, 1960, in Milwaukee.
Mr. Gendron was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain and the Carpenter-Clash American Legion Post 363.
He enjoyed camping and especially loved his grandchildren.
Mr. Gendron was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and a sister, Marjorie Ann Gendron.
He is survived by his wife, Vernell; a son, Greg (Sue) Gendron of Kingsford; a sister, Germaine Gendron of West Allis, Wis.; a sister-in-law, June Gendron of West Allis, Wis.; three grandchildren, Collin, Samuel and Kasey Gendron; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will officiate.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
A memorial will be established in his memory to Air Lifeline.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Katherine Holmes
CRYSTAL FALLS — Katherine W. Holmes, 94, of 400 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, at Crystal Manor Nursing Home in Crystal Falls.
Katherine was born Sept. 17, 1906, in Mansfield Township, daughter of the late August and Minnie (Durst) Shaal.
Katherine grew up and attended school in Crystal Falls.
She married William Holmes on Sept. 17, 1927, in Crystal Falls. They were both lifelong residents of the area.
Katherine enjoyed cooking, canning and making jelly, but most of all, she loved raising her family and caring for them.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls.
She is survived by two daughters, Mavis Foote of Green Bay, Wis., and Kathleen (Robert) Hanson of Cudahy, Wis.; a sister, Clara Frisanco of Crystal Falls; four grandchildren, Karen (Jeff) Johnson and Carol (Mike) Klescewski, both of Green Bay, Paul Foote of Oak Creek, Wis. and Deborah (Jeff) Luther of Big Bend, Wis.; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William, in 1991; and many brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor Elbert Dulworth will officiate.
Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
The family is being served by the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls.
Aino Kivi
IRON MOUNTAIN — Aino E. Kivi, 74, of N-6502 Rideout Road, Foster City, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wis.
Aino was born Dec. 5, 1926, in Foster City, son of the late Matt and Ellen Kivi. He had been a resident of the area his entire life.
He married Beatrice Bartle on Dec. 11, 1948, at Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan.
Aino was a member of the Breen Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Nordic Ambulance.
He loved hunting, fishing and playing in his garage.
He leaves his wife, Beatrice; three sons, Robert Kivi of Perronville, Michael (Gloria) Kivi of Perronville and Brian (Laura) Kivi of Huntley, Ill.; two daughters, Debra Kivi of Round Lake, Ill., and Karen (Steve) Parker of Burlington, Wis.; a sister, Aili Nolan of Tucson, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Matt (Melone) Kivi, Erick Kivi, Kevin Kivi, Adam Kivi, Sara Kivi, and Steven Parker, and a great-granddaughter, Megan Kivi.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Reino, Elmer and Leo Kivi.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.
Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Rev. Lloyd Nelson will officiate.
Burial will be in the Foster City Cemetery.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Bennett
IRON MOUNTAIN — Thomas S. Bennett, 78, of W-8007 Dawn’s Lake Road, Iron Mountain, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford.
He was born Aug. 15, 1923, in Kenton, Houghton County, son of the late Samuel and Elvira (Wicklund) Bennett.
Mr. Bennett served during World War II in the U.S. Air Corps.
He married the former Esther Hill on June 11, 1949.
Mr. Bennett worked in construction for many years at Decks Inc. and the Anning-Johnson Co. in the Chicago area, retiring in 1982.
He had been a resident of the area since 1983.
Mr. Bennett was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Carpenters Union.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
He leaves his wife, Esther; a son, Thomas Bennett of Coleman, Wis.; a daughter, Patricia Kowell of Palatine, Ill., and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Rev. Martin Koeller will officiate.
A memorial will be established in his memory to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Robert Wells Sr.
QUINNESEC — In memory of Bob Wells Sr., who passed away on Aug. 26, 2001, a graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Quinnesec Cemetery.
Following the service there will be a gathering at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Kingsford, located at the corner of Breen Avenue and Birch Street, for a celebration of Bob’s life.
All who knew Bob are encouraged to join the family and share food, refreshments and remembrances.
Patricia Erickson
WAUSAUKEE, Wis. — Patricia A. Erickson, 60, of Dunbar, Wis., died Friday, Sept. 7, 2001, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Pembine, Wis. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
The Messar Funeral Home of Wausaukee, Wis. is in charge of arrangements.
Robert Ponchaud
CRYSTAL FALLS — Robert A. Ponchaud,71, formerly of 108 Marquette Ave., Crystal Falls, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, at Iron County Medical Care Facility.
He was born June 28, 1930, in Crystal Falls, son of the late Clair and Irene (Burg) Ponchaud. He was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Crystal Falls High School.
Robert served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
After being honorably discharged from the service he worked for Warner Mine, White Pine Mine and the Republic Mine.
Robert was a member of the Tufts-Rondon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2891 in Crystal Falls.
He leaves a son, Steven Ponchaud of Niagara, Wis.; two daughters, Brenda Lohrey of Florida and Patti Fuscia of Washington State; a brother, Ronald (Opal) Ponchaud of Texas; many grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and John Ponchaud, and four sisters, Betsy Anderson, Clarice Cocco, June Dragiff and Ludeen Tiske.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The Eastside Veterans Council will conduct a pass and revue at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Rev. Dr. John Linna will officiate.
Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mel Saiers, Ross Norman, Robert Marchinoski, Donald Meyers, Allen Ponchaud and Volney Ponchaud.
The family is being served by the Jacobs-Plower Funeral Home of Crystal Falls.
John Gendzwill
IRON RIVER — John “Joe” Gendzwill, 99, of 540 W. Sunset Lake Road, Iron River, passed away Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, at Iron County General Hospital in Iron River.
John was born June 23, 1902, in Bates Township, son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Strugal) Gendzwill. He was a lifelong resident of the area and attended the Bates Township and Iron River Schools, graduating from Iron River High School in 1920.
He married the former Ethel May Tregloan on May 22, 1943, in Iron River. The couple made their home in Bates Township.
John was a self-employed farmer, retiring in 1974. After his retirement he spent his time in the woods with his son logging.
He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, in 1993; a brother, Vincent, and four sisters, Mary, Rose, Wanda and Julia.
He leaves his son, John (Margie) Gendzwill of Bates Township, Iron River; a brother, Edward Gendzwill of Alaska; two sisters, Zinah Getshall and Agnes Davis, both of Illinois; a grandson, Tommy Gendzwill; a stepgrandson, Michael Marquette, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Deacon Robert Kostka will officiate.
Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery in Iron River.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Gendzwill, Michael Marquette, Richard Sawicky, Brian and Ricky Demboski, and Wallace Marquette.
The Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River is in charge of arrangements.
Edith Krueger
IRON MOUNTAIN — Edith S. Krueger, 93, of Felch, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, at Freeman’s Convalescent Home in Kingsford.
She was born May 29, 1908, in Felch, daughter of the late John and Sophie (Sundquist) Wickman. Edith graduated from Felch High School in 1929 and moved to Chicago after graduation.
In 1953, she moved to Kingsford where she worked at General Controls and Perfix. Mrs. Krueger was a cook at the Dickinson Hotel and a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan.
She enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved chocolate and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and search-a-work puzzles.
She is survived by her daughter, Pat Gustafson of Felch; a son, John (Barbara) Krueger of Antigo, Wis.; two sisters, Jeanette Steele of Chicago and Alfreda (Adolph) Teddy of Portage, lower Michigan; a special cousin, Leona (Nate) Coppo of Felch; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one son, Charles Krueger; four brothers, George, James, Rudolph and Alton Wickman; two sisters, Selma Wickman and Linda Winquist; three infant siblings; and a son-in-law, Bruce Gustafson.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Metropolitan. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the church. Rev. Jay Dahlvang will officiate. Burial will be in the Felch Cemetery.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Milan Hedmark
IRON MOUNTAIN — Milan C. Hedmark, 83, of Fence, Wis., died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2001, at Florence Villa Nursing Home in Florence, Wis.
Milan was born March 15, 1918, in Chicago, Ill., son of the late Fred and Stephanie (Lindburger) Hedmark. He moved to Fence as a child.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in Alaska.
Milan was a dairy farmer and a logger.
He enjoyed raising horses and making maple syrup. He also liked hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.
Milan married Vita Spatola on Sept. 15, 1945, in Chicago. He died on their 56th wedding anniversary.
He leaves his wife, Vita; three sons, Bob (Sandy) and Michael (Debra), both of Aurora, and Fred (Bonnie) of Fence; a brother, Robert of Fence; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Florence “Sis” Sternhagen, and two brothers, Edward and Floyd.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Fence Union Church.
Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday at the church. Rev. Tim Smith will officiate.
Burial will be in Fence Cemetery.
The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Goodman
CASPIAN — Mary Goodman, 90, of Baker Road, Caspian, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, at Crystal Manor Nursing Home in Crystal Falls.
She was born Jan. 25, 1911, in Stambaugh, daughter of the late Richard and Adeline (Young) Morgan. She grew up in Stambaugh, where she attended school.
On March 14, 1928, she married Harold Goodman in Stambaugh. The couple made their home in Caspian. He preceded her in death on April 25, 1984.
Mary enjoyed helping people by doing sewing and upholstering.
She was a very loving and generous person with a very quiet and gentle nature.
Mary will be sadly missed.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Marlene Cagle; a son, Glenn Goodman; a granddaughter, Kaylene Cagle; a brother, Clyde Morgan, a sister, Eunice Morrow, and an infant sister.
She leaves a daughter, Germaine McKay of Milwaukee; a son, Robert (Barbara) Goodman of Falls City, Ore.; two brothers, Donald Morgan of Wooster, Ohio, and Glen (Margaret) Morgan of Marquette; three sisters, Beatrice Colberg of Iron River, Beulah Markantony and Dorothy Carlson, both of Marquette; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Langenberg Funeral Home-Stambaugh Chapel.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. Thomas Wickstrom, pastor of First Lutheran Church in Iron River, will officiate.
Burial will be in Stambaugh Cemetery.
Richard Reath Sr.
ROCKFORD — Richard W. Reath Sr., 76, of Comstock Park, lower Michigan, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids, lower Michigan.
He was born on July 29, 1925, in Kingsford, son of Alexander and Hildur (Erickson) Reath. He graduated from Kingsford High School and received his bachelor of science degree in agriculture from Michigan State University.
When the call of his country was heard, he proudly and courageously served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War.
Until 1980 he worked through MSU as the Kent County Extension Agent. For many years Channel 8 audiences would hear Mr. Reath give the farm bureau report. After his retirement, he was the plant doctor at Fruit Basket.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 47 and the former director of the 4-H Club in this area.
Richard loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and going back to his roots in the Upper Peninsula to hunt.
He is survived by his wife, the former Susan Priante, a commitment to one another that lasted over 53 years and beyond. They were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain on July 19, 1948. He is also survived by his children, Jodie and Dr. John Formolo of Traverse City, lower Michigan, Susan Parolari of Grand Rapids, and Dr. Richard and Theresa Reath of Belmont, lower Michigan; his grandchildren, Michael Formolo, Andrea Formolo, Lisa Formolo, Jessica Parolari, Tony Parolari, Jacqueline Reath, Christine Reath, and Arie Reath; brothers and sisters, Mrs. Geraldine Flynn of Sparta, lower Michigan, Norman and Jane Reath of Fremont, lower Michigan, James and Eloise Reath of Owosso, lower Michigan, and Mrs. June Ecklund of Iron Mountain; his aunt, Mrs. Lillian Melvin of Jackson, lower Michigan, and nieces, nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Hildur Reath, and a sister, Bernice Pier.
Visitation was held on Sunday at the Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford, lower Michigan. A wake service was held Sunday at the funeral home.
The Mass of Christian Burial was offered at 11 a.m. today at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Rev. Daniel R. DePew officiate.
Military honors will be under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard with interment
in Plainfield Township Cemetery.
The Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford was in charge of arrangements.
Felix VanDamme
KINGSFORD — Felix VanDamme, 97, of 341 Newton St., Kingsford, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2001, at Manor Care Health Services in Kingsford.
Mr. VanDamme was born Nov. 12, 1903, in Norway Township, son of the late Lawrence and Delaphine (VanGothem) VanDamme. He had been a resident of the area his entire life.
He married his wife, Edna on May 29, 1926, and she preceded him in death on May 31, 1991.
Mr. VanDamme worked at the Ford Motor Co. in Kingsford for more than 25 years and also worked at Kingsford Chemical and the Chippewa Club, retiring in 1965.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed gardening.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Edna Rodberg and Molly VanDamme and three brothers, Joseph, Caesar and August VanDamme.
He is survived by a daughter, Dorothy (John) Hevener of Palmetto, Fla.; three grandchildren, Dr. Carol Zenko of Chicago, John (Ellen) Allard of Iron Mountain and Karen (Charles) Mills of Bradenton, Fla.; five great-grandchildren, Timothy Zenko, John N. and Robert Allard, Stacy Corak and Alex Mills; two great-great grandchildren, Robert and Emily Zenko; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. William Seitz will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
A memorial will be established in his memory.
The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of arrangements.
