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Obituaries

JoAnn L. "Honey Bee" (Weber) Pratt

Arlene I. Viges

Palmira F. "Polly" Sefcik

Joan M. Thelen

John W. Schrauben

Elizabeth A. Betty Baker

John J. Werner

Walter J.  Frey

Irma T. Worden

Allan “Kaye” Terrell

V. Rosemary Valko

Marjorie L.  Bouck

Richard A. Newman

JoAnn L. "Honey Bee" (Weber) Pratt

Pratt-JoAnn.jpg (9450 bytes)JoAnn L. "Honey Bee" (Weber) Pratt died April 21, 2003 at the age of 70.  Born in Dewitt, Michigan on January 16, 1933 the daughter of Eugene and Irene (Mayhew) Hill and lived in Clinton County all of her life.  She was a former final inspector from Sealed Power.  JoAnn was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Ladies Altar Society, WCA-World Clown Association, Clowns of America, Circus Clown Alley #155, Midwest Clown Association, and Circus Fans of America.  She married Bernard "Barney" Weber July 14, 1973 and he preceded her in death August 26, 1984.  

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Virgil Pratt whom she married February 14, 1993.   Also surviving are her sons, Larry (Renee) Prochazka of St. Johns and Dale (Charlotte) Prochazka of St. Johns, daughter, Connie Strack of Cedar Lake, eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law, Betty Hill of Clinton Township and Wanda Hill of St. Johns.  JoAnn is also survived by Barney's children, Duane Weber of Vestaburg and Debra Weber of Pewamo and Virgil's family, Vicki (Mike) Root of Vermontville, Steven Pratt of Charlotte and Gordon Pratt of Charlotte, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her infant son, James Eugene Prochazka, and two brothers, Mike and Jack Hill.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 24, 2003 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating.  The family will receive friends 7-9 P.M. Tuesday and 2-4 and 6-9 P.M. Wednesday at the Osgood Funeral Home with a rosary prayed 7 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Hospice for Clinton County.

John J. Werner

John J. Werner, 90, of Pewamo, passed away April 18, 2003 in Ionia. he was born June 17, 1912, the son of John and Rose (Frechen) Werner.

He married Clara Morgan June 3, 1961. He was a farmer and also worked at the Fowler Elevator for many years before retiring.

He is survived by his step son Dave Kohagen of Belding, and step grandchildren, Crystal and Amber. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Clara in 1980; brother, Bill Werner; and sister, Lena Knoop.

Funeral services were held April 22 at the Lake Funeral Home in Muir with the Rev. Paul Clark officiating. Interment followed at East Plains Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Heartland Health Care Center.

Walter J.  Frey

frey.jpg (7773 bytes)Walter J.  Frey, Lansing, MI Walter was born May 26, 1907 in Westphalia, MI to Nicholas & Theresia (Simon) Frey, died Sunday, April 20, 2003 in Lansing at age 95. Walter worked at Fisher Body as a Supervisor and retired after 38 1/2 years. He was a former member of the Lansing B.P.O.E. #196. He was a charter member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and very active in the Charter Club there. He was a member of the Waverly 39 ers and especially enjoyed bowling on the Waverly Senior Bowling League. He had the distinction of being the oldest member of this bowling league. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters.

Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Lucille, a daughter Barbara (Bill) Hall, a son Larry (Linda), 3 grandsons, Dean and Scott Coppens, Andrew (Shannon) Frey, 3 grand daughters Sheryl (Kevin) Buntin, Denise (Dennis) Lehmann and Jennifer Frey and 4 great grandchildren, Stefanie, David, Heather and Samuel.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Pius Poff as celebrant. Rite of committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8pm at the Palmer Bush Delta Chapel, 6020 W. Saginaw Hwy. where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue Thursday beginning at 10:00am at the church.

Arlene I. Viges

Viges-Arlene.jpg (5929 bytes)Arlene I. Viges went to be with our risen Lord on Monday, April 21, 2003 at the age of 74. She was born in Olive Township on May 30, 1928, the daughter of Earl and Gladys (Harper) Darnell. She was a 1946 graduate of Rodney.B.Wilson High School, a member of United Church of Ovid and United Women, and D.A.R. River Wabwaysin Chapter #4046. Arlene married Walter Viges on June 28, 1947. 

Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Walter Viges, son, Dana (Vicki) Viges of Holt, grandchildren, Philip and Amanda, sister, Iva Mae Warner of St. Johns, brother-in-law, Stanley Whitlock of St. Johns, sisters-in-law, June Erickson of Glendale, AZ, Waunita (Ezell) Rogers of Cookeville, TN and Donna Wolle of New Ulm, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Wayne Douglas Viges and sister, Ila Marie Whitlock. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, April 25, 2003 at the United Church of Ovid, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Rob McPherson officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Wednesday and Thursday at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to the United Church of Ovid or the Ovid Healthcare Center. 

Irma T. Worden

Worden-Irma.jpg (6884 bytes)Irma T. Worden died April 20, 2003 at the age of 59. She was born in Flint on July 18, 1943, the daughter of Frank and Helen (Belill) Worden. Irma worked for several years and made many good friends at the Perrinton Bar, Happy Hour Bar and Main Bar. She will be missed. 

Surviving are her mother, Mildred Worden of Ovid, sisters, Patricia Janes of Bannister, Frances Bashore of Ashley and Diana Newman of Ovid, nieces, Lisa (Chuck Whisman) Long, Theresa (Frank) Thompson, Kelli Janes, Kathi (William) Wycoff, Melvia (Frank) Quine and Kimberly Monahan, several great nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a very special friend, Sally Atkins of Ovid and a very special great nephew, Franklin Worden III. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Helen Worden, brother Franklin Worden, three nephews, Franklin Worden, II, Paul and Bradley Janes, and great niece, Chelsea Janes. 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Ovid, with Rev. Larry Howland officiating. The family will receive friends 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Lisa Long, 11140 S. Wisner Rd., Bannister, MI 48806.

Palmira F. "Polly" Sefcik

Sefcik-Palmira.jpg (7007 bytes)Palmira F. "Polly" Sefcik died Thursday, April 17, 2003 at her daughter's home in Fowler, Michigan at the age of 91.  She was born March 8, 1912 in Valdagno, Italy the daughter of Michael and Angela (Faccin) Povolo and came to the United States when she was 39 days old. Polly was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church and Altar Society in Nahma, Rapid River & Nahma Senior Citizens and Hermansville Historical Society.  She loved her family, crafts and sports.especially the Packers and MSU.   Polly married Joseph A. Sefcik on June 13, 1935 and he preceded her in death March 9, 1974. 

She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn (Larry) Klein of Fowler, Michigan and Joan (John) Grimes of Anderson, Indiana, seven grandchildren, Charles (Lisa) Klein of Brighton, Terri (Doug) Sleep, Diane (Lee) Zuker, Nancy (Charles) Perkins, all of St. Johns, Joe (Tina) Klein of Holland, Jeremy Grimes of Anderson, Indiana and Jeff (Jessica) Grimes of Indianapolis, Indiana, eleven great grandchildren, one sister, Judy (John A.) Mikus of Powers, one brother, Caesar Povolo of Florida, one sister-in-law, Winifred Baresi of Sterling Heights, Michigan and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, Polly was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Aldio and Albino Povolo.

Funeral Services will be 4:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, Michigan with Rev. Fr. Joseph Varickamackal officiating.   The family will receive friends 2:00-4:00 Tuesday prior to the service.   Memorials may be made to St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Local arrangements by Osgood Funeral Homes.    "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.  Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice"  an old Indian saying.

Allan “Kaye” Terrell

terrell.jpg (6950 bytes)Allan “Kaye” Terrell age 72 of Bannister, Michigan passed away Friday, April 18, 2003 at his home. He was a farmer who loved to hunt & fish.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 21, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Rev. Jana Jirak and Pastor Joseph Robbe will officiate with burial at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan. Visitation will be held Saturday from 3-8 P.M. and Sunday from 4-8 P.M.
Allan was born on June 5, 1930 in Elba Township, Michigan the son of William and Francis (King) Terrell. He attended Crippen School in Elba Township, Michigan. On June 24, 1951 he married Donna Mitchell in Bannister, Michigan. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Ashley, Michigan. He was also a member of the NRA, Farm Bureau and MUCC. Allan resided most of his life in Bannister, Michigan.

Survivors include wife, Donna Terrell of Bannister, daughter, Deb Thelen of Laingsburg, daughter, Diana Luckhardt of Bannister, daughter, Darlene & Phil Lund of Sheridan, son, William & Tammy Terrell of Bannister, son, Allan R. & Kathy Terrell of Bannister, nine grandchildren, brother, Richard “King” Terrell of Bannister, sister, Maxine Kremer of Bannister and many nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his parents. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Joan M. Thelen

Joan M. Thelen,  DeWitt, MI Age 77, went to be with our Lord on April 16, 2003, surrounded by all of her family. She was a mother and grandmother who was and always will be our advisor, companion and cherished friend. Mrs. Thelen was a member of the Catholic Community of St. Jude, DeWitt, was on the Parish Prayer Line, and was co-founder of St. Jude Bingo. After the death of her first husband, Paul Simon, in 1957, she married Ernest Thelen in 1969. He preceded her in death in 1995. Also preceding her in death were grandsons, Jeremy Thelen and Steven Bierstetel, great-grandson, Charles Johnathon Wriska, brother, Carl Smith, sister, Viola Fedewa, and brother-in-law, Alvin Thelen.

Surviving are her children, Kathy A. (Ed) Pettit of DeWitt, Susan M. (Bob) Bierstetel of Fowler, Karen R. (Ron) Thelen of Pewamo, Monica M. (Mike) Moody and Mark D. (Linda) Simon both of DeWitt, James P. (Diane) Simon of Lansing, Paul D. Simon of DeWitt, Thomas N. (Joyce) Thelen of Bay City, Clara (John) Hill of Plymouth, Jacqueline M. (Ron) Simon of Pewamo, Beverly (Harold) Whiting of Eaton Rapids, Nancy J. Feldpaush of DeWitt, William E. (Roxanne) Thelen of Ovid, Mary M. (Jack) Brinks of Cypress, TX, and Laurie Thelen of Grand Ledge; 34 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brothers, Delbert (Rosaline) Smith, James (Marilyn) Smith and Jerome (Carlene) Smith; sisters, Loretta Thelen, Mary (Marvin) Schafer and Lucille (Gerald) Fedewa; sister-in-law, Rose Smith; brother-in-law, Francis Fedewa; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge St., DeWitt, with the Rev. Dwight Ezop, Pastor, officiating. The Rite of Committal will be held in Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. DeWitt Chapel, 111 S. Franklin St., DeWitt, on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Monday from 2-4 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at the Chapel on Sunday at 7 p.m. and on Monday at 3 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the Church on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday 1 hour prior to the Service. The Scripture Service will be held at the Church on Monday at 7 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to the Catholic Community of St. Jude in memory of Mrs. Thelen.

V. Rosemary Valko

V. Rosemary Valko died April 18, 2003 at the age of 84. She was born in Ovid on January 29, 1919, the daughter of Frank and Mildred (Gleason) Comstock. She was the owner/operator of the Ovid Service Agency for 38 years, a member of the Ovid Historical Society, a charter member of the Acme Society of Ovid and was a member of United Church of Ovid since 1927. She enjoyed fishing, football, friends and playing cards. Rosemary married Dale Exelby and he preceded her in death on February 16, 1961. Her marriage to John J. Valko on May 4, 1962 in Ovid ended with his death on April 25, 1986.  

Surviving are her daughters, Sharon VanGieson of Ovid and Lorelei (Bary) Darling of Lansing, five grandchildren, Kevin VanGieson of Ovid, Diane (Randy) VanLeeuwen of Grand Rapids, Linn (Troy) Gladstone, Ben (Deanna) Darling, all of Holt, and Blair (Phyllis) Darling of Lansing, nine great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Dorothy Comstock of Milford and many good friends. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, April 21, 2003 at the United Church of Ovid, burial at Maple Grove Cemetery with Rev. Rob McPherson officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Saturday and 5-8 P.M. Sunday at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Ovid. Memorials may be made to Hospice for Clinton County, Ovid Public Library, Meals on Wheels or United Church of Ovid.

Marjorie L.  Bouck

bouck.jpg (5677 bytes)Marjorie L. Bouck age 74 of Elsie, Michigan entered the presence of her Lord & Savior on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, Ohio. She has now joined her loving husband, Russell Bouck, parents, Howard & Alma Tolles and two grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Rev. Steve Bowker will officiate with burial at Crestwood Memorial Gardens in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6-8 P.M.

Marjorie was born on July 29, 1928 in Flint, Michigan the daughter of Howard & Alma (Newman) Tolles. She married Russell Bouck on June 28, 1994. He passed away on July 28, 2000. Marjorie had worked for Muir Corporation as a bookkeeper and she enjoyed crocheting. She was a member of the Wheeler Free Methodist Church and she resided most of her life in Marysville, Michigan.

Marjorie is survived by and will be sadly missed by her children; Doug & Linda Thomas of Sylvania, Ohio, Mike & Victoria Thomas of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sally & Steve Christner of Turner, Maine, Pastor Bob & Myrna Thomas of Racine, Wisconsin, 12 grandchildren & four great grandchildren. Throughout her life she maintained a close relationship with her two sisters and one brother; Florence Cornell of Ovid, Michigan, Jim & Jan Tolles of Clio, Michigan and Barb & Bill Roy of Ovid, Michigan. Many special occasions were also spent with eight nieces & nephews. Marge’s children would like to acknowledge their appreciation to a very special friend, Pat Butcher of Merrill, Michigan who brought her many happy days in the last two years of her life. They would also like to acknowledge her church family and neighbors who cared about her. Memorials may be made to the Free Methodist Church in Wheeler, Michigan. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

John W. Schrauben

John W. Schrauben,  Portland, MI Age 76, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2003. He was born on July 21, 1926 in Riley Twp., MI, the son of John and Amelia (Fineis) Schrauben. Mr. Schrauben was a life long member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, as well as The Knights of Columbus Council #2168. John retired from General Motors after 37 years of service. He enjoyed taking trips to the casino. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Margo Fox; son, David J.; brothers, Herman Sr., Raymond, Isadore, Clarence, and Edwin Schrauben; sister, Martha Doll.

Surviving are his children: Susan (Michael) Beech of Houghton Lake Heights, Marilyn (Loren) Heilman of Portland, Beverly (Gregory) Swink of Charlotte, Roxanne (Allen) Pline of Portland, John A. Schrauben of Portland, Patty (John) Rose of Rockford, Philip J. (Agnes) Schrauben of Portland, Doreen (Jim) Spohn of Portland, and Greg (Kim) Schrauben of Portland; 21 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Agnes Stump, Mildred Wight, Helen Kavanagh, and Alice (Harry) Veltman; brother, Richard (Margaret) Schrauben; sisters-in-law, Esther Schrauben, Mae Lehman, Romilda (Clarence) Manning, Rosella Bohr, Maryann Wieber, and Adelaide (Bruce) Anderson, and Joan Bohr; many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Shamaun Beas, Associate Pastor at 11:00 Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Rite of Committal following at Portland Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland from 7-9 PM Monday, and 2-4 and 7-9 PM Tuesday. Rosaries will be prayed at 8 PM Monday and at 3 and 8 PM Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Father Flohe Foundation.

Richard A. Newman

Richard A. (Dick) Newman passed away April 11, 2003, at his home in Dallas, Texas.

He is survived by wife Jerry; step-child Autumn; sons Bob, Chad, Joel; and granddaughters Kailey, Jordan and Regan. Dick was a native of St. Johns.

He served his country in World War II in the Army Air Corps as a decorated B-26 pilot, returning home to graduate from Michigan State University and marry Joan Ballantine.

Never a man afraid of change, Dick enjoyed several occupations including dairy farming, owning a printing company, engineering, master gardener and recently retired from Radio Shack.

He was instrumental in changes in the Michigan Red Cross blood program. Throughout his life he was an active member of the American Legion, Rotary and his church.

Memorial services were held April 19 at Redeemer Bible Church, Dallas. Memorials may be made to the Aplastic Anemia Foundation, P.O. Box 613 Annapolis, MD 21404. www.aamds.org

Elizabeth A. Betty Baker

Elizabeth A. 'Betty' Baker, 70, of Rogers City, passed away March 7, 2003 at Portage Hospital in Hancock. The daughter of Charles and Lillian (Donovan) Blakely, she was born July 27, 1932 in Brockton, Mass. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in Brockton in 1950.

She married Ralph L. Baker Aug. 22, 1953 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Randolph, Mass. They spent two years in Houghton while Ralph completed college and then moved to New Castle, Penn. In 1958 they were transferred to Rogers City where they have made their home.

She was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, active with the church choir and a member of the St. Ignatius Rosary Society.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph; four daughters, Deborah (Ed) Luskin of Ludington, Mary (Jeff) Baron of Port Huron, Anne (Rick) Heynen of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Karen (Pat) Smolinski of Kalkaska; four sons, Daniel (Susan) of Catula, Ga., Thomas (Kathy) of Port Huron, Ralph Jr. (Virginia) of Lake Linden and James of Farmington Hills; 26 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; a sister, Ruth (Richard) Starr of Etowah, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

An infant daughter, Susan; infant son Charles; sister Louise Lucas; and brothers, James and Paul Blakely preceded her in death.

Mrs. Baker's body has been donated to the Michigan State University Medical School. A memorial service was held with Father Charles Donajkowski officiating. Following her cremation, interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.