Margaret L. Snurka, aged 100 of Oscoda passed away on Friday, February 8, 2013 at her home. Margaret was born on June 8, 1912 in Elmora, Pennsylvania to Simon and Anna (Yuknevich) Snurka. Following her high school graduation, she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse and served her country during World War II as a 1stLieutenant with the United States Army in Central Europe. As a nurse, she cared for hundreds of soldiers wounded in battle. When she returned home, she continued her career as a Registered Nurse, working in several hospitals, specializing in infant care. Following her retirement in 1973, she continued to care for her mother. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John Snurka, and her sister Ann Kase. She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Margaret at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer with Rev. Anton Tran as celebrant. Burial will take place next to her parents at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the spring. Her family will be available for a time of visitation on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of mass at the church. Funeral arrangements are being cared for [...]
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Obit: Margaret Snurka, 100, Oscoda
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Don Price, former Custer Fire Chief dies
Donald Price, aged 88 of Ludington, longtime resident of Custer, died peacefully on Thursday, February 14, 2013 with his beloved wife by his side. Don was born on May 4, 1924 in Flint to Hiram and Edith (Henson) Price and graduated from Yale High School with the class of 1942. He moved with his family to Custer in 1943, and on November 5, 1949 married Rosalie A. Boyer at the Bachelor Christian Church. They have celebrated 63 years by each other’s side. Don and his father purchased the Shell Gas Station in Custer in 1952, and thereafter he became known as Hi-PRICE-Don, a takeoff from their proprietor sign that hung above the door to the station. Don was a well known fixture in the Custer community where he wore many different hats over the years. He served the Custer school district as a bus driver and custodian for 20 years, was the Noble Grand of the Custer International Order of Odd Fellows, a past Master of the Fountain Grange, a member of the Pamona Grange and Drill team, was a charter member of the Custer Lions Club, and was Clerk of the Custer Village council. He was best known for [...]
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Obit Karl Christian Jacob Golnick, 74, Scottville
Karl Christian Jacob Golnick, aged 74 of Scottville, passed away on Monday, February 18, 2013 at his home. Karl was born on June 25, 1938 in Roscommon to Kao and Freda E. (Shirey) Golnick, and served his country with the United States Navy, retiring after 20 years of service including the Vietnam Conflict. Karl served as an Aircraft Mechanic, and enjoyed talking about his days in the Navy with friends, sharing his stories, and showing his memoirs. On February 14, 2005 he married Pamela Shope at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, and they have celebrated each day since by each other’s side. As a longtime fan of the Detroit Tigers, he enjoyed watching their ballgames, and always enjoyed watching a good western. He liked to go for rides with Pamela, which often ended up as a trip to the casino. Karl was also a proud member of the Custer Gold Bar VFW Post 5096. Along with his wife Pamela, Karl will be remembered by his stepson Rick Day of Scottville, his brother Lawrence Golnick of Prudenville, his stepfather Robert Macy of Ludington, his aunt Billie Morrell of Custer, his brother-in-law Jerry Hensley of Indianapolis, IN, his special friends Mary [...]
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Obit: Frederick Slimmen, 75, Branch
Frederick Slimmen age 75 of Branch and formally of Ludington, passed away on April 19, 2013 in Florida. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday April 30, at Emanuel Lutheran Church 501 E Danaher in Ludington with Pastor Dennis Remenschneider officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Pere Marquette Cemetery in Ludington. A full obituary will run in Friday’s paper. The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center with arrangements.
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Memorial service for Stanley Dombrouski
IRONS — A memorial service will be held for Stanley R. Dombrouski at St. Bernard’s Church in Irons on Saturday, May 4. Family visitation begins at 10 a.m. followed by mass at 11 a.m., The Father Anton Tran officiating. Visitors are invited to Lakeview Cemetery after the mass where the Lake County Veterans Honor Guard will present a 21 gun salute and a short program. The U.S. Army honor guard will present the Honors and the U.S. flag. Following the cemetery service, a celebration of Stanley’s life will be held at Skinner Park Pavilion. Family and friends are invited to reminisce. A lunch will be provided. Memorial donations may be made to Little Mary’s Hospitality House of Kaleva or Irons Area Tourist Association.
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Obit: Solveig Raspotnik
Solveig K. Raspotnik, aged 85 of Shelby, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the Oceana Medical Care Facility in Hart. Solveig was born on February 29, 1928 in Holmenkollen, Norway to Karelius and Johanne (Stavik) Krailhussen, and earned her Master’s Degree in Languages from the University of Oslo, Norway. Solveig was an accomplished skier and was a member of the Norwegian Olympic Cross Country Team. She also competed in Biathlon events in later years. Solveig met a young soldier by the name of Robert Raspotnik from Fountain while he was a serving with the United States Army stationed in Norway. Following their marriage, they moved back to Mason County, and later to Shelby. Along with skiing, Solveig enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques, working on puzzles, and reading. She was a member of the AARP, and Vikings of America. Solveig will be greatly missed by her husband Robert and her son Tom E. Raspotnik both of Shelby, and many family members and friends back in Norway. Funeral services will be held for Solveig at 11:30 AM on Friday, May 3 at the Stephens Funeral Home of Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. Burial will take place at Tallman Cemetery. Friends may meet with her family for a [...]
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Obit: Douglas Hill
Douglas L. Hill, aged 63 of Custer, passed away December 30, 2012. Doug was born on December 30, 1949 in Hart to Howard N. and Lillian M. (LaPorte) Hill, and graduated from Pentwater High School. Following graduation, Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Doug was well known in the area as a photographer, often displaying his works in local stores. His good friend Madonna Schultz remembers him as a blessing to have as a part of her extended family. His deep conversation, experiences, and spiritual intellect will be missed by all. Doug was preceded in death by his parents. He will be greatly missed by his brothers Dennis and Anita Hill of Wisconsin, and Alan Hill of Grand Rapids, his niece Jennifer Hill of Chicago, his nephew Jeremy Hill and his family in Wisconsin, his 3 aunts Agnes Kelley, Marie Hipley, and Louise Kelly, his great friends Madonna and Kirk Schultz and their family in Custer, and many, many more friends and acquaintances who had the privilege to know him. A Memorial Service will be held for Doug at 12:00 Noon on Friday, May 17 at the Stephens Funeral Home [...]
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Funeral notice: Grace Kleis
A Graveside service will be held for Grace (Falconer) Kleis, aged 98 of Arizona, formerly of Scottville at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28 at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. Ms. Kleis passed away Jan. 19, 2013. Funeral arrangements are being cared for by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services.
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Obit: Ella Mae Taylor, 84, Scottville
Ella Mae Taylor, aged 84 of Scottville, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center in Ludington. Ella Mae was born on February 6, 1929 in Hart to Frank and Hattie (Wright) Mast, and attended Hart High School. On September 29, 1952, she married Lyle A. Taylor in Hart, and they celebrated 50 years together before Lyle preceded her in death on June 4, 2003. Ella Mae was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers John, Henry, Paul, Robert, and Frank Mast, and her sisters Edna Harlow, and Helen Rudis. Ella Mae and Lyle built the Ruby Creek Tavern and operated the Ruby Creek Store for several years. Ella Mae also worked for Schramm’s Bakery, Schoenberger’s Grocery, Laundryland, and for Benows Clothing in Scottville. She was a member of the Scottville United Methodist Church, and could often be found playing setback at the Scottville Senior Center. Ella Mae will be greatly missed by her children Ginny (Roger) Beadle of Branch, Janet (John) Husted of Fountain, Karen Taylor of Oklahoma City, OK, and Elliott (Deanna) Taylor of Muskegon, her grandsons Roger Beadle and his fiancée Angela Gage, Roger (Cindie) Taylor, Marc Taylor, 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 [...]
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Obit: Robert F. Jones, 89, Pentwater
Robert Francis Jones, Sr. age 89 of Pentwater, passed away on May 30, 2013 at the Harbor Hospice Poppen House in Muskegon, MI. He was born December 11, 1923, son of Robert and Helen (Heine) Jones. He was a decorated WW2 Veteran, and also served in the Korean Conflict. Robert loved to golf, and spending time on the beach. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Vineta (Squire) Jones. He is survived by his children, Bruce (Judy) Shideler, Mark (Cathy) Shideler, Bob Jr. (Jenny) Jones, and several grandchildren, loving neighbors, and Snowbird friends in Florida. A memorial service in memory of Robert will be held Saturday June 15 at 10:30 am at the Community Church in Ludington with Reverend Bill Collins Officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Harbor Hospice Poppen House in lieu of flowers. The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center with arrangements. Please visit Robert’s personal web page at www.oakgrovefh.com
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Obit: Warren Stewart, 97, Ludington
Warren Stewart December 9, 1915 – June 09, 2013 Warren Stewart age 97, of Ludington went to be in the loving arms of his Lord Sunday June 09, 2013 surrounded by his family. Warren was born in the Fountain, MI area the son of the late Albert & Libbie (Porter) Stewart. He married Marie (Terryn) June 26, 1937 in Scottville, MI and they shared 62 years together. The couple raised four children, Kenneth (Robie) Stewart of Scottville, Carol (Albert) Storm of North Carolina, Marge Stewart of Muskegon, and Vicki Stewart of Custer. In his spare time Warren loved to fish and work in his garden. He is survived by nine grandchildren: Lisa Stakenas of Chicago; Lori Bauserman of Texas; Wendy Wicklund of North Carolina; Penny Owenby of North Carolina; Rachele Hufnagle of Grandville; Derek Boals of Ludington; Stephanie Buhl of Grandville; Scott Leclair of Ludington; Cherie Leclair of Custer, and sixteen great grandchildren. Warren is preceded in death by his wife Marie (January 26, 2001), two sisters: Fern Brandenberg and Mildred Ferris, along with four brothers: William Stewart, Gerald Stewart, Archie Stewart and Jerry Stewart. A funeral service in memory of Warren will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center . [...]
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Obit: Shirley Jean Utz, 77, Ludington
Shirley Jean Utz age 77 of Ludington, MI passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2013 at home surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. She was born April 12, 1936 in Custer, MI. daughter of Arthur and Lillian (Edwards) Brickley. Shirley attended Ludington High School with the class of 1954 and married Carl J Utz on February 27, 1954 at St Mary’s Church in Custer. She was a full time homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. Shirley was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church and enjoyed fishing, watching sports on TV, especially all the Detroit teams, watching the carferry Badger, her hummingbirds, orioles and deer in her backyard. But most of all she loved spending time with her family and having them all together for Friday night meals. She is survived by her husband Carl, daughters: Joy (Rick) Jensen, Barb (Mark)Henrickson, Cheryl (Dave) Kronlein; sons: Carl (Deb) Utz, John Utz and Joe Utz (ColleenParkhurst), grandchildren: Jennifer Larson, Suzanna Larson, Trisha (Mike) Stadler, Amy (Mark) Londot, Daryl (Sarah) Larson, Ryan Utz, Raymond (RJ) Utz (Stephanie Sadler), Joseph Utz, and Braden Kronlein; great- grandchildren: Mercede Larson, Kaedyn and KendalLarson, Logan, Lucia and Levi Londot, Jack Pfeiffelmann, sister Ruby Schneider, sister-in-law JoAnn (Ron) Jabrocki, brother- in- laws, Jim (Nancy) Utz, John (Mary Beth) Utz, her close friend Arlene Compeau, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Shirley is preceded in death by [...]
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Funeral notice: James Myers, 80
James J. Myers age 80 of Ludington, passed away on June 21, 2013. There will be a celebration of life in memory of James on Thursday June 27, 2013 from 11:00 – 1:00 PM at Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Please visit James’s personal web page at www.oakgrovefh.com
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Obit: John Hemmer, 70, Ludington
John Carl Hemmer, age 70, passed away June 26th, 2013. He was born in Ludington to the late Barbara (Petrie) and Carl Hemmer. After graduating from St. Simon High School in 1961, he worked in Flint until being drafted into the Army at age 21. From December 1964 until 1966, John proudly served his country in the Artillery, and was stationed in Korea for one year, obtaining the rank of E-5 Sergeant. After returning home from the service, John attend Ferris State University, earning a degree in Tool & Drafting Design. John and his wife Kay (Beck) were married August 28th, 1971 at St. Jerome Church in Scottville. They were happily married for what would have been 42 years this August. Work for John included working on the Ludington Pumped Storage Project, and being a Master Plumber and Steam Fitter for Local #154. Eventually he started his own tool & die shop – Hemmer Industries, Inc. He enjoyed 27 years of success before retiring in 2010. Being a charitable man and willing to give his personal time, John was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1492, American Legion Post #76, Veterans of Foreign Wars #6842 , AmVets #1988, Fin [...]
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Obit: Jane Beill, 65, Ludington
Jane L. Beill, aged 65 of Ludington, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2013. Jane was born on July 7, 1947 in Flint to Robert H. and Esther (Bullard) Bigler. She earned her Associates Degree from Davenport College, her Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University, and furthered her education at Michigan State University, studying Accident Scene Investigations. On October 16, 1993 she married Bruce T. Beill in Grand Rapids, and they have celebrated 19 years together. Jane worked as a Tax Preparer for H & R Block both in Grand Rapids, and in Ludington. She attended Calvary Baptist Church in Ludington, was a member of the Michigan Association of Traffic Accident Investigators, the Mason County Fin & Feather Club, and the Ludington Boat Club. Jane loved the outdoors and all it had to offer, hiking, bicycling, boating, snowshoeing, and more. She especially found serenity at her home along Lake Michigan, watching and greeting passengers on the Badger, and the many boaters who passed by venturing out to the big lake. Jane will be greatly missed by her husband Bruce, her children Brooke (Mike) Kafka of Palatine, IL, Lindsay Beill of Orleans, MI, and Nate Sellars of Chicago, her sisters Ruth (Jim) Peterson of Flint, and Beth Hubbell [...]
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Obituary: Donald Randall, 93, Ludington
Donald A. Randall, 93 of 502 North Sherman, Ludington, Michigan passed away July 9, 2013. Donald Alton Randall was born March 16, 1920 in Lansing, Michigan the son of Clyde C. and Blanche (Rowlatt) Randall. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School with the class of 1938 and then attended Lansing Business University, completing courses in Business Administration and Accounting on a part time basis while working in the family grocery business. On August 29, 1941 Don married Iva P. Sitterding Smith and she survives. The couple has enjoyed nearly 72 years of marriage and two sons, Donald (Sally) Randall, Jr. of Watkinsville, GA and Richard (Mary Ann) Randall of Ludington. Don was very proud of his military service, having completed 25 years of service, including active duty in WWII, from which he was discharged as a Technical Sergeant in 1945. He then re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served until March 1966 when he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. Don also served 30 years with the U.S. Civil Service, first as a Registration Officer with the Veterans Administration and later with the Defense Department as a Management Analyst in Army Ordinance, the Logistics Agency and the Defense [...]
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Obit: Rev. Rick VanHaitsma, 64, Scottville
Rev. Ricky J. VanHaitsma, aged 64 of Scottville was welcomed into glory early Tuesday morning, July 23, 2013. Rick was born on December 5, 1948 in Grand Rapids to Peter J. and Lois (Post) VanHaitsma, and graduated from Byron Center High School with the class of 1967. Rick earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hope College in 1971, and his Master of Divinity Degree from Western Theological Seminary in 1975. On June 12, 1971, he married Laurel B. Dekker in Homewood, Illinois, and they have celebrated 42 years together. Rick began his ministry at Beechwood Reformed Church in Holland before moving to Scottville in 1987, where currently serves as Pastor of Mason County Reformed Church. Rick was an avid sports fan enjoying any sport that involved a ball. He served as Chaplain for the Mason County Central Football team, and would often be seen cheering on MCC, MCE, and Ludington sports teams. He was an avid Detroit Tiger fan, but nothing compared to his love for Hope College and the Flying Dutch. Rick was a member of the Mason County and Scottville Ministerial Associations and served as Treasurer of the Scottville Ministerial Association for many years. He had a tremendous heart for the people of Mason County [...]
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Obit: Raymond Bentz, 93
Raymond Albert Bentz was born on January 14, 1920 the first child of six born to Albert and Clara (Hansen) Bentz, died on Friday, August 2, 2013. Ray remained close to his brothers and sister their entire life. His childhood growing up in Ludington’s 4th Ward was very special to him and set the tone for his life. He believed in hard work and family. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, many outdoor activities, and had a great sense of humor. Ray lived his life by the clock, rising each day to take care of his responsibilities and to provide for his family. He taught his children and grandchildren what it meant to be dependable and enjoyed watching them grow up. As a young man, Ray learned the furnace business with his father and drove the city bus. He served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II, mostly in Europe. Upon returning, he met his beloved wife Jean Marie Asuma, and they married on Oct. 19, 1946, celebrating 63 years together before Jean preceded him in death in 2009. Ray was employed at the Ludington plant of Dow Chemical for over 30 years, retiring in the early 80’s. He and Jean began their family in Ludington before moving to [...]
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Obit: Gay Christiansen, 83, Ludington
Gay Ellen Christiansen, aged 83 of Longfellow Towers, Ludington, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2013. Gay was born on July 1, 1930 in Muskegon, the daughter of Glen and Eva (Hughes) Morse, and married Clarence “Clay” Christiansen on May 23, 1952. Clay preceded her in death in 1994. Together they operated Scottville Floor Covering for many years until Clay became ill. Gay worked other jobs to provide for their family including 27 years at Fosters Market in Scottville as a cashier and bookkeeper, and at the Scottville Variety Store until she was 78 years old. Gay enjoyed traveling with her good friends Dorothy Manley and Judy Moorlag, spending time at the Scottville Senior Center with the Rip and Roar group, and going to the VFW. She was a charter member of Mason County Reformed Church, and in her younger years, was very active in bowling leagues in the area, and supporting Clay when he was a member of the Scottville Optimist Club. Her greatest joy came in the presence of her daughters and grandchildren. Along with her husband Clay, she was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Doris Scanlon, her brother James Morse, her sister-in-law Clara […]
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Obit: John Allison, 51, Custer
Fire Chief John E. Allison aged 51 of Custer, responded to his last call on Monday, October 14, 2013. John was born on June 3, 1962 in Ludington, the son of James E. and Joan Marie (Quick) Allison, and graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in 1980, and on July 26, 2008, he married Tammy E. (Abbott) Orcutt at the Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren. John served his community as Chief of the Custer Fire Department, and as Assistant Chief of the Mason County Rural Fire Authority Chiefs Association. Always ready to respond, he took his role very seriously, looking for ways to have the department better prepared for whatever emergencies arose. Most recently, he was organizing safety procedure mock runs for school crisis situations, to insure the best possible response would be available, hoping it would never be needed. John was a member of the Scottville United Methodist Church where he served on various committees in the church. He was a farmer all of his life with his father and family, and loved spending time with his family and friends kayaking, camping, taking the Jeep’s out, and occasionally accompanying friends while hunting. Always looking to give back to his community, John was a blood […]
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