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Obituaries |
Edwin J. Thelen | Carol L. Mohnke |
Carol L. Mohnke Carol L. Mohnke, 62, of Big Rapids, died Feb. 9 at the Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn. She was born Aug. 21,1939, in Lansing, the daughter of Robert R. and Olive L. (Webster) King. After graduation from DeWitt High School in 1957, Carol attended Lansing Business University. On Aug. 31 of that year, she was married to Ronald W. Mohnke who survives. Carol was employed at Michigan State University while her husband attended there, and after moving to Big Rapids with her family in 1972, assisted Ron in the operation of the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home. While raising her five children, Carol also found the time to serve her community in a variety of ways. Stage-M, Big Rapids High School, St. Peter's Lutheran School, and Ferris State College benefited from her skills as a choreographer. She was also involved with Girl Scouts, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and St. Pete's Junior Choir. In the early 1980s, Carol, along with her partner and best friend Evelyn Cutler, began a career as caterers. Carol and Evelyn later co-owned and operated the Downtown Restaurant in Big Rapids and the Four Seasons Country Inn Restaurant in Rogers-Heights. As one of the first certified instructors in the area, Carol conducted many aerobic classes. Most recently, she enjoyed teaching group fitness and water aerobics for senior citizens. She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church for almost 30 years and was involved in many church and school activities including Stephens Ministries, Sunday School/Bible Study teacher, and Ladies Aid. Along with her husband, she is also survived by her five children, Melissa and Paul Athmann of Lowell, Michael and Therese Mohnke of Big Rapids, Mindy Mohnke-Powley of Big Rapids, Marie and Rodd Rickard of Allendale, and Martin and Marlene Mohnke of Big Rapids; 17 grandchildren, Mandy, Jake, Joe, Hannah, Kehau, Jen, Hoshy, Brett, Eric, Sam, Will, Leah, Maddy, Kaleb, Kalina, Chaney and one on the way; a sister, Jane King of Hersey; two brothers, Jim (Ilse) King of DeWitt and John King of Cape May Court House, N.J.; her aunt, Beulah Dietz of Lowell; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Larry) Grennell of St. Johns and Sandy (Dave) Lockwood of Lowell; a brother-in-law, Rex (Tracy) Mohnke of St. Johns; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services were held Feb. 13 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lee Zabrocki officiating. Burial will be in the Hungerford Cemetery in Norwich Township. Memorial contributions to St. Peter Lutheran Church or the Mecosta County Community Foundation may be left at the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home. Joan R. (Mankin) Jones died Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at the age of 79. Born in Redford Township, MI on July 5, 1922, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Ely) Mankin and lived the past four years in St. Johns coming from Birmingham, MI. She was a member of the First Church of God in St. Johns, loved her grandchildren and spending time with them. Joan married Robert C. Jones in Birmingham, MI on June 23, 1973 and he survives her. Also surviving are five daughters, Doreen "D.J." Logan of St. Johns, Mary Kay Logan of Warren, Susan (Gerald) Ferry of Hamtramck, Lorie Halucha of Detroit and Nancy (Jeff) York of Dearborn, one son, John Jones of Allen Park, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one sister, Patricia Earl or Conroe, TX, two brothers, Eugene "Dale" (Marie) Mankin and Harold (Shirley) Mankin, all of Williamsburg, MI, and many other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 16, 2002 at the First Church of God, burial at Roseland Park, Berkley, with Pastor Paul Daniels officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-9 P.M. Friday at the Osgood Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the charity of the donor's choice. Edwin J. Thelen died February 13, 2002 at the age of 85. Born in Westphalia on August 18, 1916, the son of George P. and Ida (Schneider) Thelen. He was a Blacksmith/Welder with Federal Drop Forge, a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and a charter member of the Catholic Order of Foresters in Westphalia. Edwin married Laurina A. Geller on October 14, 1939 and she survives him. Also surviving are four sons, Roger (Carolynn) of Sultan, Washington, Roy of Fowler, Jon of St. Johns, and Neal (Special friend Pam) of DeWitt, 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, three brothers, Carl of St. Johns, Richard (Alberta) of Lansing, and Gregory of Portland, and one sister, Jeanine (Richard) Cook of Westphalia. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Alfred, Claude, Hilary, & Julius Thelen, three sisters, Rosemarie Huhn, Anna Knoop, and Viola Trierweiler, and infants, Irene & Robert. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Monday, February 18, 2002 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, burial at Holy Trinity Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Raymond Rademacher officiating. the family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Saturday and Sunday at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler with a rosary prayed 3 and 8 P.M. both days. Leland P. Trierweiler, Westphalia, Age 90, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2002. He was born on August 6, 1911 in Danby Township, the son of Frank and Pauline (Belen) Trierweiler. Mr. Trierweiler married Marcella Schomisch in Fowler on July 6, 1940 and was a retired farmer in Westphalia Township. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the St. Joseph's Society, a 4th Degree member of the Fr. Godez Assembly, and a 3rd Degree member of the St. Jude Thadeus Council of the Knights of Columbus #2890. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Trierweiler; sisters, Beatrice Trierweiler and Margaret Fedewa. Surviving are his wife of 61-1/2 years, Marcella; 3 daughters, Linda (Stan) Wieber of Westphalia, Monica (Edwin) Schneider of Perrington, and Pat (Ken) Simon of Westphalia; 3 sons, Leland R. (Therese) Trierweiler of Westphalia, Kenneth (Eileen) Trierweiler of Lake Odessa, and Dale (Beth) Trierweiler of Westphalia; 28 granchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Daly of Ionia, Genevieve LaRue of Arizona, Arlene (Norm) Rademacher of St. Johns, Mary Jane (Fred) Grove of Wacousta, and Joyce (Alvin) Kloeckner of Grand Ledge; brother, Francis (Wilma) Trierweiler of Westphalia; several nieces and nephews. You may be gone, but you will always be loved. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor, at 10:30 AM Saturday, February 16, 2002, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia, with Rite of Committal following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia. The family will receive friends at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Thursday and Friday. The Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 PM both days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fr. Al Miller Educational Trust Fund in memory of Leland P. Trierweiler. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland. Elizabeth Ann Pratl died February 12, 2002 at the age of 67. She was born in Chicago, IL on April 4, 1934, the daughter of Joseph and Casimera (Felinczak) Lepine and lived in St. Johns most of her life. She was a homemaker. Elizabeth married Charles Pratl in Chicago on April 16, 1955 and he survives her. Also surviving are her daughter, Susan Pratl, son, James (Kim) Pratl, grandchildren, Amy (Shawn) Cole, Missy Hart, Anna Hart (Chad Cole), Eric Pratl, Ricky Hart, Emily Slamka, Jimmy Pratl, Kevin Pratl and Jace Pratl, seven grandchildren, all of St. Johns, and brother-in-law, George (Kathy) Pratl of Willowbrook, IL. Memorial services will be 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at the Osgood Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 2-4 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Clinton Memorial Hospital Elaine J. Seibold (Metzger), DeWitt, MI Age 68, passed away on Feb. 10, 2002 after a very brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 21, 1933 in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Myrtle (Blood) Berg. Elaine had worked for the State of Michigan and Sparrow Hospital, but will be most fondly remembered at the "Avon Lady" for the past 31 years. She enjoyed her summers with family and friends at Tyler Creek Campground, but the joy of her life were her 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Sarah, and Jeff Ballard; Lyle, Michael and Savannah Jensen; Alexis and Nikolas Siebold; and twins, Ashley and Ryan Siebold. She also was eagerly awaiting the wedding of her first granddaughter, Jennifer to Chris Rigterink on June 15, 2002. She was preceded in death by: her first husband, John Metzger in 1955; mother, Myrtle Berg in 1991; brother, Ronald Berg in 1994 and her husband of 38 years, Jerry, in 1999. She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Bill) Ballard of DeWitt; Mike (Kim) Siebold) of Dimondale; Jeri Lynn (Jim) Jensen of Eagle; David (Amy) Siebold of Eagle; sisters-in-law, Wanda Berg, Anne Mort, Mary (Jim) Barnes, Loraine Metzger, Kay Kline, Dal Metzger and Margery Seibold; brothers-in-law, Bob (Marge) Seibold, and Frank (Angie) Metzger; aunt, Mary Blood; many nieces and nephews; longtime best friend, Cathy Curtis; and a host of treasured friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2002 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 7533 W. St. Joseph, Lansing, with the Rev. Rae L. Franke officiating. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Great Lansing Chapel from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday and from 1-3 and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and she will lie-in-state at the church from 12:00 p.m. until service time on Thursday. The family would like to thank Dr. Carol Rapson, and the staff at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan for their quality care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those desiring may make contributions to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, C/O Garden Room, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48915. Richard F. Gensterblum, Fowler Age 86, died February 10, 2002. He was born in Portland on November 26, 1915, the son of Peter and Helen (Fernholz) Gensterblum and lived in Fowler most of his life. He retired from Oldsmobile as a press operator in 1973, was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and U.A.W. Local #1618. Richard married Marcella Martin in Fowler on October 15, 1940 and she survives him. Also surviving are sons, Donald (Kris) Gensterblum of Mulliken and Luke Gensterblum of Grand Ledge, daughters, Ruth (Marion) Sillman, Marilyn (Thomas) Harris, all of DeWitt, Sharon (Lewis) Hagle of Eagle, Lu Ann (Martin) Miller of St. Johns, Mary Ellen (Robert) McQueen of Pewamo, Lynette (Larry) Brown and Jane (Glenn) VanElls, all of St. Johns, 24 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brothers, Marvin (Lois) Gensterblum, Robert (Mary) Gensterblum and James (Louise) Gensterblum, sisters, Elizabeth Huhn, Geraldine Hodge, Virginia (Neil) Shimp, Sister Bernita Marie Gensterblum, Mary Louise (William) Hansas, Eleanor (Forrest) Peake, Delores (Allen) Hauser and Barbara (Leon) Densmore. He was preceded in death by sons, Richard and Lloyd Gensterblum, parents, sisters Bernita and Lucille, brothers, Leon, Alvin, Paul and Larry Gensterblum. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Thursday, February 14, 2002 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, burial at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Ray Rademacher officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler with rosaries prayed 3 and 8 P.M. both days. Memorials, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Educational Fund or Fowler Rescue Squad. William E. Savoie died Sunday, February 10, 2002 at the age of 79. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, with Fr. Charlon Mason officiating. Rite of committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler, 7-9 P.M. Monday and 2-4 & 7-9 P.M. Tuesday with a Rosary being prayed at 8:00 P.M. Monday and 3 & 8 P.M. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Education Foundation. Bill was born June 8, 1922 in Rudyard, MI the son of Rene & Cecile (Gagnon) Savoie. He graduated from Rudyard High School and Michigan Agriculture College. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army during World War II stationed in England and on November 13, 1948 he married Joan F. Johnson in Three Rivers, MI. Bill retired from General Telephone Co. after 35 years of service. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Parish, and loved gardening and especially enjoyed his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Joan Frances Johnson, sons Michael (Kimberlee) Savoie of DeWitt and Lawrence (Jane) Savoie of Okemos, daughters, Kathleen (Bruce) Simon of Fowler, Maureen (Richard) Harr of Pewamo and Therese (Gregory) Farrer of Kalamazoo, 19 grandchildren, brothers, Paul (Marjorie) Savoie, Charles (Dorothy) Savoie, Harvey (Yvonne) Savoie and Rene (Priscilla) Savoie, sisters, Lauretta (John) Owens, Estelle McKay, Agnes (Jack) Trudgeon, Alberta Poland and Evelyn (Robert) Mitchell, sisters-in-law, Regina Savoie and Katie Savoie and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rene and Cecile Savoie, son, William Joseph Savoie, grandchild, Dominic Harr, brothers, Maurice, Marcel and Real, sister, Estelle and brothers-in-law, Jack Poland and Donald McKay. William F. Williams died Saturday, February 9, 2002 at the age of 67. Funeral services will be held 3:30 P.M. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice for Clinton County or the American Lung Association. Born November 17, 1934 in St. Johns, MI the son of William L. & Arlene (Ringle) Williams. Mr. Williams was a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corp and had retired from Motor Wheel in 1981. He was a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church and the V.F.W. On January 14, 1956 he married Veronica Newman in Westphalia, MI and she survives him. Also surviving are two sons, William Lloyd (Joy) Williams of St. Johns and David Lee (Debra) Williams of Lansing, two daughter, Mary Ann (James) Bond and Debora Sue (Randy) Sillman, all of St. Johns, 11 grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and sisters, Ellen (Bill) Tabor of Lansing, Helen (Frank) VanSteel of Weidman, MI, Donna (Wilbur) Graham of Perrinton, MI and Beverly (Robert) Barrett of Weidman, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edward. Henry Pewoski died February 9, 2002 at the age of 76. Born in St. Johns on October 3, 1925 the son of John and Sophie (Plahno) Pewoski, Sr. He was a farmer in St. Johns and was a mint farmer in Gregory, Michigan. He formerly owned/operated the H & H Lounge in St. Johns for 14 years. He has lived at Houghton Lake and Zephyrhills, Florida since 1978. He married Marietta James on April 5, 1974 and she survives him. Also surviving are stepdaughter, Cora Ann Flowers of Grayling, four stepsons, Sterling (Jeanine) Boldrey of Gaylord, James Boldrey of Alpena, Gary (Kay) Boldrey Hillman and Dennis (Joyce) Boldrey of Missouri, eighteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Henry also has one sister, Cecilia (Henry) Skopek of Zephyrhills, Florida, one nephew, Stan (Karon) Pewoski of Dimondale, one niece, Sr. Janet Pewoski of Marine City, Michigan, one great nephew, Jon Pewoski, and two great nieces, Cindy and Kristen Pewoski. Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. William Winters officiating. The family will receive friends 5-9 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donors choice. Michael A. Pung died Saturday, February 9, 2002 at the age of 53. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 14, 2002 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. Born October 3, 1948 in St. Johns the son of Alvin "Dick" and Viola Bast Pung. He was a 1966 graduate of St. Johns High School and was a veteran of the U. S. Army receiving the Purple Heart. He retired from General Motors in 1997 after 30 years of service, had been active in Grayling Kiwanis, and served on Beaver Creek Township and Crawford County Planning Commission. He had Coached Youth Baseball, Soccer and Basketball while living in St. Johns and had served on Parks and Recreation Department. Mike married Kathy Patterson on April 30, 1976 in St. Johns and she survives him. Also surviving are son, Christopher Pung of Traverse City, daughter, Melissa Pung and Chad Wardie of Hazel Park, MI, mother, Viola Pung of St. Johns, sister, Janet Pung of Bloomfield Hills, MI and brother, Thomas (Dorene) Pung of South Carolina. The family will receive friends 6-8 P.M. Tuesday evening and 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns, with a Vigil service held at 8:00 P.M. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association. Mary T. Schmitt, Westphalia Age 75, loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on Friday, February 8, 2002. She was born October 14, 1926, in Howell, MI, the daughter of John and Pearl (Nelson) Fedewa. Mary was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia. She loved traveling, reading, and being with her grandsons. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, John H. Schmitt of Westphalia; daughter, Elizabeth Platte of Portland; sons, Robert Schmitt of Pewamo and Donald Schmitt of Westphalia; grandchildren, Brian, Kiel, Shane and Evan; sisters, Ann Turner and Jean Damitio; brother-in-law, Harold (Mary Lou) Schmitt; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Alvin) Schneider, Mary (Ronald) Trierweiler, Anna (Hillary) Feldpausch and Martha Fox; and several nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Sylvester Fedewa at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Rite of Committal following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia, from 2-4 and 7-9 Sunday and Monday. The Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 PM both Sunday and Monday. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland. Age 70 of Ithaca died Saturday, February 9, 2002 at Carson City Hospital in Carson City, Michigan. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel. Pastor Joe Robbe will officiate and burial will be in the North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 6-9 P.M. & Tuesday 2-9 P.M. with family present 2-4 & 7-9 P.M. Barbara was born in North Star, Michigan the daughter of Howard & Elizabeth (McRoberts) Lamey. She graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1950. Barbara married Charles Losee in North Star, Michigan on July 7, 1950; Charles died March 30, 1973. Barbara was a homemaker and was also a member of Whitetails Forever. She loved golfing and bowling. She enjoyed Alan Jackson & Nascar Racing and her favorite was Jeff Gordon in the #24 car. She attended Amazing Grace Church in Wheeler, Michigan. Survivors include 2 daughters, Nancy Follett of Ithaca, Linda & Dave Robbe of Ithaca, 3 sons, Michael & Robin Losee of Ithaca, Rodney & Donna Losee of Ithaca, Mark & Diane Losee of North Star. 16 grandchildren & 12 great grandchildren, her mother Elizabeth Ferguson of Perry, 3 sisters Janet Bartz of Owosso, Karen Lopez of St. Johns, Kathleen Morgan of Perry, 2 brothers, Tom Lamey of Ashley, William Lamey of Ashley. Her father, & 1 sister Laura, predeceased her. Memorials can be made to the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel. |