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Mr. Frederick William Kaiser
Community leader Frederick William Kaiser. 63, died at home on Saturday, July 19, 2003.Born and raised in the Detroit metropolitan area, he was a resident of Otsego County since 1979. Being of a civic mind, he served in many positions since relocating to northern Michigan. He served for years as the Hayes Township constable, where citizens will remember his professionally uniformed vigilance on election days. He served as assistant Scout master for Boy Scout Troop 1, and was a founding leader of the Gaylord Police Explorer Post. He served as a representative for the bus divers of the Michigan Education Association local on a particularly rigorous contract negotiation, and was a Teamsters member in his position with the county bus system. As a Waters resident, he served as a fire commissioner. He was a faithful member and leader in the church. Over the years he served, among other positions, as president of the congregation at the Peace Lutheran Church, senior warden at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and a lay minister at St. John's Lutheran Church of Grayling. After completing a certificate course of study at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, he worked as a supply pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids as well as an internist chaplain at two Grand Rapids area hospitals, in the burns and oncology departments. He rarely missed the breakfast gatherings of a regional pastoral association in Traverse City. Even as his health declined, he faithfully answered calls to be a supply pastor to area churches as the need arose. While his dream of being ordained in the Lutheran Church was not fulfilled, his messages and the example he set were inspirational to those who knew him, In his volunteer and professional dealings, he was always an egalitarian who looked after each individual, especially the disadvantaged. He helped to develop work projects that got more Boy Scouts to go to summer camp. As a manager, he viewed himself as a servant to those who worked under him. He constantly struggled with upper management for better work lives and wages for those who worked for him. As a family man, he took his responsibilities seriously. Being the oldest brother, and often the oldest cousin at extended family gatherings, he many times was responsible for the whole group. He carried that sense of accountability forward as a father and husband. While his rules could be strict and he expected the best from his family, he fairly and even-handedly administered those rules and always gave the very best of himself. His obituary would be failing and totally off the mark if it failed to highlight his gregariousness and sense of humor. While he took his responsibilities seriously, he never took himself too seriously. Whether at home, at the school bus garage, or while running the Northland Inn, he always had a warm smile, a firm handshake, and (most of all) a hot cup of coffee for everyone present. He loved humor and often used it as a tool to teach a life lesson to a student, or to introduce a sermon. This quick-witted comeback king, with a comment about everything, once had a professional comedian from the stage respond to his quip, "I hate it when the crowd is funnier than I am." Those who knew him know that wherever his spirit is he's got them "rolling in the aisles." He is survived by his wife, Erika, of Gaylord; three children, Frederick E. Kaiser II of Ann Arbor, Regina Yatich of Gaylord and Karl S. Kaiser II of San Antonio, Texas; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Skip and Therese Kaiser of Grayling and Gary and Deborah Kaiser of Pinckney; his mother-in-law, Regina Kudas of Gaylord; and uncles, cousins, associates and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick E. and Eleonora Kaiser formerly of Waters; uncle Karl S. Kaiser, formerly of Royal Oak; and aunt Edna (Kaiser) Schoen. A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 3703 Old 27 South Gaylord, on Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m, the Rev. Dr. Carl Heidel and the Rev. Thomas Mammoser officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Gaylord chapter of Hospice of Michigan.
Mr. George A. Kreitner III
George A. Kreitner, age 62 of Gaylord died Friday, June 13, 2003 at his home. Mr. Kreitner was born on December 6, 1940 in Nashville Tennessee. On December 23, 1961, he married
the former Janice E. Cooper. They moved to Gaylord in 1992 from Grayling. He was employed at the Gaylord Wal-Mart for 6 years, and with Vital Care in 1992. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. He loved hunting, fishing, going to the casino, and most of all he loved his family. Mr. Kreitner is survived by his wife of 41 years Janice, children, Joyce Starks of Gaylord, Julia and Joline Kreitner of Gaylord, Jennifer (Doug) Buning of Gaylord, Joanne DeFeyer of Gaylord, and Jessica Kreitner of Elmira. Also surviving is his father, George II of Michaywe; 14 grandchildren; his sister, Lisa (Clinton) Miltz of Gaylord; brothers, Ronald (Pam) of Gaylord, Frank (Roseanne) of Tawas, John (Bertie) of Detroit, Kirt (Beverly) of Grayling, and James (Debbie) of Vanderbilt. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Elizabeth and 3 sons, Paul in 1965, George in 1966, and Joseph in 2002. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 16, 2003 at 3:00 PM from the Nelson Funeral Home, Rev. Greg Lenar officiating. Visitation for Mr. Kreitner will be held on Monday from 1 PM until the time of services. Memorials appreciated to the Kreitner family through the Nelson Funeral Home.
Mr. Carl A. Kunde
Carl A. Kunde, age 74, died Monday, June 23, 2003 in Flint. He was born on August 28, 1928 in Fowlerville, Mi where he lived for many years. He resided in Wolverine for several years moving to Gaylord in 1989. He was a farmer, a carpenter and a painter. He was an Elder with the Jehovah’s Witnesses and he loved his ministry. Mr. Kunde was known for his smile and kindness. A Memorial Service will be given on Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 3PM from the Gaylord Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses by Gary Sumerix. Mr. Kunde is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marion Jean; his children, Brian Carl Kunde of Pinckney, Karin Patton of Cheboygan, Daryl Keith Kunde of Gaylord; grandchildren, Kelly Patton, Melissa Kunde, Brittany Belle Kunde and Connor Keith Kunde; brother, Robert Kunde. Mr. Kunde is preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters. Arrangements were handled by the Nelson Funeral Home.
Mr. Irvin J. Leberg
Irvin J. Leberg, 91 of Gaylord died Sunday, July 6, 2003 at Skilled Nursing Spectrum Health Facility, Reed City Campus in Reed City. Mr. Leberg was born in Bay City on March 4, 1912 and moved to Gaylord 1981. Mr. Leberg retired in 1971 after working over 40 years as a tool and die maker with Great Lake Engineering in Detroit and Federal Mogul – Bower Roller Bearing in Detroit. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Gaylord. Mr. Leberg was preceded in death by his wife, Alice in 1995. He is survived by 2 daughters, F. Sigrid (Richard) Witte of Big Rapids, Amy (Larry) Corell of Gaylord; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Ralph (Marge) Leberg of East Pointe. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 3 PM from Peace Lutheran Church, Rev. Thomas Mammoser, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association for research, through the Nelson Funeral Home.
Mr. Hugh “Bill” Leemon
Hugh “Bill” Leemon, age 62 of Gaylord, died Thursday, May 29th at his home. Mr. Leemon was born on August 11, 1940 in Williamston, MI., and spent the majority of his life in southern Michigan. On Nov. 28, 1964 in Gaylord, he married
the former Susann Bradley. In 1988 they moved to Gaylord. Mr. Leemon was employed with Tandem Transport of Gaylord for the past 15 years. He attended the Evangelical Free Church, and enjoyed boating, fishing, and watching sports. He is survived by his wife Susann, and daughter Tami Leemon of Ypsilanti, and son William (Teresa) of Gaylord. Also surviving is a grandson Andrew, and sister Joan Steiner of Flushing, MI. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Leemon; 2 brothers, Harold & Edgar; and his partents, Hugh & Agnes Leemon. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 2nd at 10:30 a.m., at the Nelson Funeral Home, Gaylord, MI. the Rev. James Mathis officiating. Visitation at the funeral home will be on Sunday from 1-8 p.m., and on Monday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be at Hayes Twp. cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, or the American Cancer Society, through the Nelson Funeral Home, Inc. 135 N. Center St. Gaylord, MI. 49735
Mr. Sylvester S. Lenartowicz
Sylvester S. Lenartowicz, 83 of Gaylord died Saturday, June 14, 2003 in Texas. Mr. Lenartowicz was born in Sparr on December 12, 1919, the son of Frank & Mary (Basinski) Lenartowicz. He was a member of the VFW Clyde Wilkes Post #1518, the Gaylord F.O. E. # 1825 and the Northland Sportsman’s Club. On July 23, 1965 in Gaylord he married
the former Alice Schlaud, who preceded him in death on November 3, 2002. His son Richard Lenartowicz also preceded him in death. Surviving are three children, Anthony “Tony” Lenartowicz of Florida, Christopher Lenartowicz of Texas, James Lenartowicz of Indiana; several grandchildren & great grandchildren; brothers & sisters, Louis (Louise) Lenartowicz of Gaylord, Casmier “Kise” (Nancy) Lenartowicz of Gaylord, Victor (Rose) Fisher of Livonia, Frank (Ida) Lenartowicz of Roseville, MI, Emily Szymanski of Gaylord, Mary Ann Bufanda of Barrington Heights, IL; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Schlaud & James Schlaud; one sister-in-law, Hilda Rippy. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Friday, June 20, 2003 at 1 PM from St Mary Cathedral, Rev. John McCracken officiating. Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Thursday from 3-8 pm and on Friday from 10:30 AM until prayers at 12:30 PM. A parish rosary will be offered Thursday afternoon at 4 PM. An Eagles Lodge memorial service will be held Thursday at 6 PM. The Otsego County Veterans Honor Guard will hold a service Thursday evening at 6:30 PM.
Mr. Ford Luchenbill
Ford Luchenbill, 87 of Gaylord, formerly of Vernon, died Monday, July 14, 2003 at McReynolds Hall. Mr. Luchenbill was born in Lennon, Michigan on November 23, 1915 to the late Francis and Floyella Luchenbill, and spent his life working on the family farm. He also worked for the Flint City Ice and Fuel Co. until the industry phased out. In 1998 he moved to Gaylord. Mr. Luchenbill is survived by 4 children, James, Kathleen (Allen) Ordway & Martin all of Gaylord, Jeanice (Richard) Sivak of Elmira; 10 Grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters; 3 brothers; his first wife, Thelma Luchenbill. He was preceded in death by his 2nd wife Maria in 1998. Memorial contributions may be made to the family through the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N Center, Gaylord, MI 49735.
Mrs. Louise A. Nelson
Louise A. Nelson, 84 of Gaylord died Friday, June 13, 2003 at her home. Mrs. Nelson was born in Vanderbilt on July 8, 1918, the daughter of John Henry & Bertha Marie (Robbins) Robinson. On May 19, 1949 in Gaylord, she married
James R. Nelson. The couple purchased Nelson’s Drug Store (from his father) in 1947 and ran in until 1963. Mrs. Nelson was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 1990. She is survived by her son, Donald (Becky) Nelson of Gaylord; her daughter, Debbie (Mike) Brown of Gaylord; granddaughters, Amy (Jeff) Baxter of Gaylord, Melissa (Fiancée, Andy) of Traverse City, and Rachael Brown of Gaylord; three great-granddaughters. Her grandsons, Christopher Nelson and Travis Brown, preceded her in death. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, June 20, 2003 at 11 AM from St. Mary Cathedral, Rev. John McCracken, officiating. Friends may call at the Cathedral on Friday beginning at 10 AM. Burial will take place at Resurrection cemetery in Vanderbilt. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Cathedral through the Nelson Funeral Home.
Mr. Milford F. Orcutt
Milford F. Orcutt, 75 of Gould City died Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at Marquette General Hospital. Mr. Orcutt was born in Reed City on September 21, 1927. He was raised in Reed City and moved to Johannesburg in the late 1940’s. On July 31, 1950 in Johannesburg, he married
the former Florence Summerland. In 1994 the couple moved to Gould City. While living in Johannesburg, Mr. Orcutt was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Gaylord. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed walking his dog, Brandy. His wife, Florence and many nieces and nephews survive Mr. Orcutt. He was preceded in death by his son Milford Jr., 2 brothers and 1 sister. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 1:30 PM from the Nelson Funeral Home, Rev. Gerald Poehl, officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope cemetery in Johannesburg. Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Sunday from 4-6 PM and on Monday from 12 Noon until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association through the Nelson Funeral Home.
Miss Emily Rose Payton
Emily Rose Payton, age 3 of Gaylord, Michigan died Wednesday, July 2, 2003. Emily was born in Marysville, Ohio on April 19, 2000. She is survived by her mother, Jeanette Schriner of Gaylord, MI; maternal grandmother, Janet Payton of Plain City, OH; aunts & uncle, Misti Payton of Plain City, OH, Beth (fiancé’ Terry Penny) Thomas of Belle Center, OH, Lyle (Minnie) Herrick of Sidney, OH; 6 cousins. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Monday, July 7, 2003 at 4 PM from the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, Rev. Mark Vaporis, officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 1 PM until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, through the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N Center, Gaylord, MI 49735.
Mr. Robert Perry
Beloved husband, father, son, and brother, Robert Perry, age 29 of Gaylord died Saturday, June 21, 2003 at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Mr. Perry was born on Dec. 26, 1973 in Grayling, MI., and spent most of his life there. He graduated from Grayling High School in 1993. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He was currently employed with Gadco Company in Waters. He was a member of the Port Huron Eagles, attended the Evangelical Free Church in Gaylord, and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and athlete. His family remembers him as being very artistic, a good athlete, and having a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his wife Billie (Sharrow), daughter Riley Faith Perry, and son Jeff Sharrow. Also surviving are his siblings, Victoria Robinson of Grayling, Steve Perry of Gaylord, Dorothy Kelly of Port Huron, Christine (Chuck) Stewart of Smiths Creek, William Perry of Grayling, Kevin Perry of Gaylord; his parents Bill and Louise Perry of Gaylord; and father and mother-in-law Donald Sharrow of Gaylord and Vicki Sharrow, also of Gaylord; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Roger, and a sister, Tina Marie Robinson. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday. June 24, 2003 at 2:00 PM at the Nelson Funeral Home, the Rev. Tobias Neal, officiating. Visitation at the funeral home will be on Tuesday beginning at 11:30 AM until the time of services. Interment will be in Otsego Lake Twp. cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Riley Faith Perry Fund through the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center St. Gaylord, MI. 49735.
Mrs. Joyce E. Ralston
Joyce E. Ralston, 76 of Gaylord died Thursday, July 10, 2003 at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Mrs. Ralston was born in Detroit on September 29, 1926 and was raised in Vanderbilt. She was a woman of “strong faith”. For 50 years she had been a “born again” Christian and has been attending the Vanderbilt Baptist Church. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Mrs. Ralston enjoyed crocheting quilting, and gardening. Most important to her was her family. On April 6, 1942 in Saginaw she married
Clarence A. Ralston, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Jim (Margaret) of Oklahoma, Mary Norton & Terry (Michelle) all of Gaylord; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Pat Burill of St Helen; brother, Lee (Joanne) Clapp of Clare. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Riness and her sister Kate Woodruff. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Monday, July 14, 2003 at 11 AM from the Nelson Funeral Home, Pastor Jerry Woodruff, officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Hill cemetery in Vanderbilt. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-8 PM and on Monday from 10 AM until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, through the Nelson Funeral Home.
Mr. Dwight T. Richter
Dwight T. Richter, 51 of Gaylord died Tuesday, July 15, 2003. Mr. Richter was born in Grand Rapids on July 19, 1951 and moved to Gaylord on July 4, 1981 from Wyoming, MI. He was a meat cutter for several of the area grocery stores, worked for Schwanns and was in sales at Tow-Brake International. He was a member of the Gaylord Community Church. On May 26, 1972 in Rockford he married
the former Catherine Burt, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Edward (Susan) of Lakes of the North, Kristin (Scott) Boughner of Gaylord; 4 grandchildren, Alex, C.J., David and Gage; his parents, Albert & Doris Richter of Grand Rapids; one brother, David (Karen) of Grand Rapids; one sister, Cathie Richter of Cedar Springs. Mr. Richter was preceded in death by his brother Bruce in 1982. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Friday, July 18, 2003 at 11:00 AM from the Gaylord Community Church, Pastor Steve Scheer, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Gaylord Community Church or to the Teddy Bear Fund of the First Congregational Church, through the Nelson Funeral Home. “Jesus was the Lord of Dwight’s life. His healing is complete now that he is with the Lord. We, Dwight’s family are very thankful to the Lord for giving us the gift of Dwight. We celebrate with him in spirit, in his new health, wholeness and peace”.
