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Nicole A. Kolanowski, 28, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Ludington, died at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 in Grand Rapids following an automobile accident. She was born on Dec. 26, 1975 in Grand Rapids. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church. She returned to Grand Rapids following graduation from Ludington High School in 1994 and attended Chic School of Cosmetology in Grand Rapids. She was employed at Carraba's Restaurant in Grand Rapids. Survivors include her parents, Stanley and Patricia Kolanowski Jr. of Ludington and Grand Rapids; one brother, Matthew Kolanowski of Ludington; one sister, Kristen Kolanowski of Grand Rapids; her maternal grandparents, Virgil (Mary) Paul of Englewood, Fla.; her paternal grandmother, Frances Kolanowski of Manistee; aunts and uncles, Jim and Linda Paul of Carmel, Calif., Tom and Carol Paul of Marshall, Jeff and Laury Paul of Traverse City, Jim and Sue Kolanowski of Manistee, Ron Kolanowski and Steve Kolanowski of Manistee; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Dorothy Paul and her paternal grandfather, Stanley Kolanowski Sr. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at St. Simon Catholic Church, the Rev. Ken Schichtel, celebrant. Visitation was from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 and from 9 a.m. until time of Mass on Monday at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pere Marquette cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Jay R. O'Hara, 57, of 109 E. Foster St., died Tuesday, Jan. 6 at his residence. There will be no service or visitation.
Floyd James Gadziemski, 76 of 110 E. Tinkham Ave. passed away unexpectedly Thursday January 1, 2004 at his residence. Floyd was born September 2, 1927 in Ludington the son of Frank and Mary (Kubiak) Gadziemski. He graduated from St. Simon High School in 1946 and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, 83rd artillery in Germany from 1950-1952. He was employed at the P.M. Railroad, Western Union, Jebavy Packing, Autopulse, and retired in 1993 from Dow Chemical Co after 36 years. He married
Marilyn Benson on Sept. 28, 1972 in St. Simon Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church, and was a communicant.
He was a devoted husband, father, & church member. He enjoyed his home and was most proud of his children and 2 grandsons.
Surviving Floyd besides his wife of 31 years, are one daughter, Donna (& Scott) Miller of Caledonia, 1 son James ( & Allie) Gadziemski of York, PA and 2 grandsons Andrew Miller and Jarrett Gadziemski, 1 sister Dorothy (& Edward) Skvarla, 1 brother Theodore (& Jackie) Gadziemski both of Ludington, 1 aunt Mable Gadziemski of Holland, MI, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother in law Virginia, & Larry Bowen, nephews, Frank Slvarla and Leonard Bowen.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday January 5, 2004 at 10:30 AM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-4 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home where a wake service will be held at 3:00 PM. Burial will be in Pere Marquette cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Simon Pantry Fund, or the charity of choice envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Lucas Paul Smith, infant son of Patrick & Leeza Smith passed away at birth Thursday May 27, 2004 at Memorial Medical Center.
Lucas is survived by his parents, 1 sister Savannah, age 8, Paternal grandparents Galen & Paula Smith of Ludington, Maternal grandparents Larry & Sharon Mott of Ludington, Paternal great grandmothers Madeline Smith of Plainwell, & Marilyn Lamb of Paw Paw, Maternal great grandparents, Katie Mott of Ludington, & John & Mary Boone of Scottville, Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins.
Family services were conducted at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home on Tuesday, and burial was in S. Victory cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cornerstone Baptist Church with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Margie C. Yennior, 62 of Longfellow Towers passed away This morning, May 26, 2004, at Mercy Hospital, Muskegon after an extended illness. Margie was born on December 28, 1941 in Brighton, MI. She attended Pere Marquette Grade School in Ludington and graduated from Ludington High School. She worked at the Ludington State Park for 35 years and dearly loved her job and many dear friends she made at the park. She has a State Park Beach donated in her memory by some of her friends. Margie loved playing Bingo & sewing baby quilts.
She was preceded in death by her father Earl Yennior and her brother Daniel Yennior. Margie is survived by her mother Vivian Yennior of Ludington, 1 brother Leo Yennior of Freesoil, 1 sister Neva Yennior of Ludington, her sister-in-law Margo Yennior of Ludington, and numerous nieces, nephews. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends. The Alexander-Rye Funeral Home is in charge of her cremation and at her request there will be no visitation or service.
After a long illness, Stella H. Sutula went to join our Lord early Sunday morning, May 16. Stella Harriet Nowik was born on April 8, 1916 in Caspian, a small mining community in our Upper Peninsula. Her parents were Jan and Josefa Nowik, recent immigrants from Poland, who with Stella's older brother and sister came to the United States to make a better life for their family. At the age of 5, Stella moved to Ludington with her parents who had purchased 80 acres for a farm, which still stands east of the Ludington airport. She attended Eagle School and graduated from St. Simon's High School in 1934. Edward A. Sutula of Grand Rapids made her his bride on June 27, 1942 at St. Mary's Catholic church in Taft, Calif., where he was stationed with the Army Air Corps during World War II. After coming back to Ludington, they owned and operated the Marine Bar until their retirement in 1981. Stella is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Janice Sutula of Rio Rancho, N.M., and two daughters and sons-in-law, Magdalen and Karl DeHeus of Wyoming, Mich., and Christine and Franklin Marrison of Ludington. Also surviving are two grandsons, four granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law. She was preceded in death by her 'Eddie' after a marriage lasting almost 55 years until his death in 1997. Also preceding her in death were her parents, her brother and sister in childhood and one sister-in-law. Stella loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light in her life. She also liked to crochet, read, cook, and in her later years, she discovered playing cards. Stell wished for memorials to be directed to St. Simon Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 20 at St. Simon Catholic Church, the Rev. Ken Schichtel, celebrant. Visitation was at Alexander-Rye Funeral home on Thursday from noon until time of service. Burial was in Pere Marquette cemetery. A rosary was led by Eugene Schohl for relatives and friends at 1 p.m.
Patricia Catherine Shafer, 69, passed away on Saturday, May 15 at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon surrounded by her husband and children. Patricia Catherine Koets was born on Oct. 11, 1934 in Grand Rapids to Ray and Loretta Koets. She attended grade school in Grand Rapids and graduated from high school in 1954 with the first graduating class of Muskegon Catholic Central. She was married
on Jan. 12, 1957 to Thomas Shafer at St. Alphonso's Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. They had 47 wonderful years together. The couple lived in Midland and Lansing until they moved to Mason County in 1958 where they spent the rest of life. Patricia was much loved and will be missed by her children Loretta (and Dave) Cory, Chuck Shafer, Ron Shafer, Jody Shafer and Annette Shafer; and her grandchildren Amanda (and Rick) Crittenden, Tom (and Nicole Borema) Cory, KC (and Denise Purple) Cory, and Alex Shappee; one brother, Lanny Koets; sister in law, Sonny Koets; one aunt, Catherine (and Ivan) Petterson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Loretta Koets, an infant son, Paul, and a brother, Ray Koets. Patricia was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church until she moved to Scottville and became a member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church. She was an active of the St. Helena's Altar Society. She enjoyed her family, craft club, reading, visiting and attending her grandchildren's activities, and the summer concerts in Scottville, especially with the Clown Band. She had a great love and belief in angels and never missed an episode of her favorite TV show, 'Touched by an Angel.' She is now with her angels in heaven. The family received friends at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. Monday where a scripture and wake service was held at 7:30 p.m. Visitation was also held at St Simon Church one hour prior to the Mass, which was held at noon Tuesday with the Rev. Fr. Ken Schichtel, celebrant. Burial was in Pere Marquette cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the St. Helena's Altar Society or the American Kidney Foundation, with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
George L. Wright, DDS, 96, of 1302 Lendale Road, died early Saturday morning, May 15, at his residence. He was born Sept. 25, 1907 in Carson City. He married
Ingrid Anderson and she preceded him in death. He later married
Lena Treponier, and she preceded him in death in 1995. He was a Ludington resident most of his life. He was a graduate of Carson City High School and the University of Michigan Dental School. He came to Ludington to begin his practice in the Old National Bank Building and later he designed and built the bungalow-style office building on the corner of Court and Harrison streets. He occupied that building until his retirement in 1958. He was a charter member of Pere Marquette Lodge #299, Free and Accepted Masons for more than 70 years; a charter member of the Ludington Elks Lodge #736 and charter member of the Ludington Aerie #1354, Fraternal Order of Eagles. 'Doc' was an avid golfer and one of the first members of Lincoln Hills Country Club. He wintered in Florida for the past 65 years. Surviving are his loving companion, Margaret Carlson; one son, George L. (Yolanda) Wright Jr. of Virginia Beach, Va.; two grandchildren, Juliana (Richard) Quinn of Andover, Mass. and Christopher George (Sarah) Wright of Cary, N.C.; three great-grandchildren, Megan Ashley Quinn, Jackson Ryan Quinn and Austin George Wright; one niece, Grace Stadlberger and one nephew, Frederick Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fannie and Fred Wright of Carson City, and his brother, Arthur Wright. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later day by the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be directed to the United Methodist Church or the Ludington Senior Center.
Frank A. Christensen, 75, of 802 E. Melendy Street, died May 13 at Memorial Medical Center following a short illness. He was born May 17, 1928 in Ludington and was a lifelong Ludington resident. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1945 and was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. On June 14, 1952, he married
Waldina Coleman, who preceded him in death Dec. 25, 1997. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the occupation of Japan. Frank loved his jazz, his flowers, his birds and most of all, his wife, Waldina. He was a longtime postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Ludington, retiring in 1985. Survivors include one daughter, Christine (Stan) Armstrong of Ludington; two sons, Nick (Dixie) Christensen of Grand Rapids and John (Amy) Christensen of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Sam and Anna Hamilton and Andy and Dan Christensen; two sisters, Marguerite Andersen and Marie (Robert) Taylor, both of Ludington; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Bob Christensen. Funeral services for Frank Christensen were at 11 a.m. Monday, May 17 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, the Rev. David Darling officiating. Visitation was from 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Cremation followed the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to a memorial fund to benefit the Waterfront Park. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Florence E. O'Brien, 87, of Ludington, died May 5 at Oakview Medical Care Facility following a short illness. Florence DeWitt was born June 6, 1916 in Homewood, Ill. She was a graduate of Homewood High School. In 1936 she married
William O'Brien, who preceded her in death in 1973. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church, Court Ludington 745 and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She and her husband owned O'Brien's Lunch and Dairy Bar, and she was later employed by McDonald's Bakery and Lyons Food Market. She retired in 1985. Surviving are one daughter, Patricia (Jack) Heglund of Irons; two sons, James (Janet) O'Brien of Irons and Daniel O'Brien of Grand Rapids; 11 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Florence O'Brien at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 10 at St. Simon Catholic Church, the Rev. Ken Schichtel, celebrant. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Saturday at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home and on Monday from 10 a.m. to the time of Mass at the church. Burial will be in Lakeview cemetery in Irons. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association.
Dorothy T. Mitchell, 92, of Elgin, IL, and former longtime resident of Ludington passed away Monday afternoon May 3, 2004 at Apostolic Christian Rest Haven in Elgin. Dorothy T. Thompson was born March 21, 1912 in Hawkins, WI and married
to Harold Mitchell who preceded her in death in 1968. Dorothy was a member of the Community Church of Ludington, and after graduating High School, she graduated from Central Michigan University and received her teaching degree. Dorothy was an elementary teacher for Big Bay Elementary and later taught for 20 years in Riverton, retiring in 1977.
Survivors include 1 daughter Mrs. Peter (Julie) Mikulak, of Elgin, 2 grandsons, Peter and Zachary Mikulak, both of Elgin, a sister Jessie Woodring, of Tuscon, AZ, a brother Marvin Thompson of Marquette, and a brother in law Ralph Mutter, of Rochester Hills, MI, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by a sister Edna Mutter.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday May 6 at 1:00 PM at Lakeview cemetery with Rev. William Collins officiating. There will be no visitation, and memorials may be directed to the Apostolic Christian Rest Haven, In Elgin, IL with envelopes available at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Dianne Marie Petzak, 44, of 501A First St., died April 28 at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, surrounded by her loving family, following a lengthy illness. Dianne Marie Pierce was born Jan 6, 1960 in Ludington and lived there all her life. On July 8, 1978, she married
Ted L. Petzak, and he survives. She was a 1978 graduate of Ludington High School and a member of St. Simon Catholic Church. She was extremely close to her family, especially her grandson, Dakotah. She also enjoyed watching her daughters and family and friends play sports, outdoor picnics and fishing. She was employed as an aide for Ludington Area Schools for several years until 2003 when her illness forced her retirement. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Maggie Petzak and Niki Petzak, both of Ludington; one grandson, Dakotah Petzak of Ludington; her mother, Lillian Pierce of Ludington; sister Debbie (Dave) Maglothin and brother Bob Pierce, both of Ludington; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, William. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 1 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, the Rev. Ken Schichtel officiating. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Burial was in Pere Marquette cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Dianne's family with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Linda M. Leafstrand, 46, of 209 N. Rath Ave. died Tuesday, Aug. 3 upon arrival at Memorial Medical Center. Linda M. O'Brien was born Oct. 24, 1957 in Ludington and graduated from Mason County Central High School in 1975. She returned to Ludington two years ago from Colorado, where she had resided for 25 years. Her hobbies included golfing and skiing. She was a former real estate investor in Colorado. Survivors include her parents, August and Clementine O'Brien of Ludington; two brothers, Michael (and Evelyn) O'Brien of Ludington and Donald (and Vikki) O'Brien of Utah; three sisters, Mary (and John) Overturf of Iceland, Martha Andreadis of Ludington and Eleanor O'Brien of Ludington; eight nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at St. Simon Catholic Church, the Rev. Ken Schichtel, celebrant. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ludington Area Catholic Education Foundation, with envelopes available at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Gerald Carl Holmes, 50, of Odessa, Texas, died Wednesday, July 28 at Regency Hospital in Odessa. Jerry was born in Shelby on June 27, 1954. He was proprietor of the Odessa Barber Shop. He is survived by his wife, Alvina Yerke Holmes of Odessa; his parents, Dr. Richard G. and Cheri Holmes of Santa Maria, Calif. and Rochelle and Willard Mears of Sun City West, Ariz.; brother, Randall W. Holmes and his wife and children Shelly, Christian and Hannah Holmes of Encino, Calif.; Vina's brother Vern and Latisha Yerke; sister Paulette and Gary Anspach; sister Joanne and Joe Campbell and family, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and many friends. Private services were held on Sunday, Aug. 1 at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, Odessa. Interment will be in Lakeview cemetery, Ludington.
Kathleen Ann Barnum, 74, passed away July 15, surrounded by her family, in her home, following a brief illness. Kathleen was born Feb. 7, 1930 in Detroit to John and Inez Smith. On June 24, 1952 she married
Norman Barnum of Cooperstown, N.Y. Kathleen worked several years as an executive secretary in Detroit. She came to Ludington 12 years ago and was a volunteer at Memorial Medical Center. She enjoyed playing bingo with her friends at Longfellow Towers, flower gardening, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, craft shows and nostalgic movies. Kathleen was a talented and accomplished artist. Kathleen is survived by her children, Jeanne Adams, Eva Spence (Scott), Mary 'Cookie' Soberalski (Doug), all of Ludington; Linda Armentrout of Evart; Michael Barnum, Patrick Barnum and Patricia Mikel (Scott), all of Marcellus; Colleen Woodruff (Chuck) of Cass City; and Joe Draper of Lansing; a sister, Patricia Halatsis of St. Clair Shores; a sister-in-law, Lillian Smith; a brother-in-law, Harold Barnum of Cooperstown, N.Y.; 23 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, Norman; her parents, John and Inez; a son, Lawrence Barnum; a daughter, Christina Barnum; and her brother, Paul Smith. Visitation with the family was from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 18. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 19 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Alton C. Haner, 82, of Longfellow Towers, died Tuesday, July 13 following an extended illness. He was born May 24, 1922 in Manistee and lived in Mason County most of his life. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1941. On Jan. 31, 1942, he married
Anna M. Crawford, who survives. Alton was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a lifetime member of Pere Marquette Lodge 299 Free and Accepted Masons, where he was past master. He was a lab technician at Dow Chemical where he was employed for 29 years and from which he retired. In addition to his wife, Anna, he is survived by three sons, Gary (and Sue) Haner of Linden, Kim (and Deb) Haner of Pentwater and Thomas (and Georgiana) Haner of Fountain; one daughter, Sarah (and David) Bailey of Manistee; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack (and Mary Jane) Haner of Ludington; one sister, Joyce (and Ralph) Johnson of Illinois; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, A. Craig Haner, in 1987, and his parents. Funeral services for Alton C. Haner were held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 16 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, the Rev. Brian Blount officiating. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial was in Lakeview cemetery with committal services by the Edwin H. Ewing Post 76, American Legion.
James L. Carns, 68 of 2215 N. Holiday Dr., Mears, passed away early Monday, July 12, at his residence after an extended illness. He was born August 11, 1935 in Allegan and married
March 17, 1961 in Allegan to Judith Jorgens who survives. The couple moved to the Silver Lake area from Allegan in 1991. They attended the Gulf Coast United methodist Church in Port Charlotte, FL. James was a graduate of Allegan High School, and was a veteran of the US Army stationed in Germany.He was employed for 32 years as a machinist for Rockwell International. He is survived by his wife, 1 daughter Joanne (& David) Gebolys of Fruitport, 2 sons, John & Jason Carns both of Allegan, 1 grandson Riley, 2 sisters Esther (& Paul) Kominsky of Fennville, and Alice (& Pete( Johnson of Allegan, a special sister-in-law Barbara Schriner of Ludington, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Margaret Carns, and a brother Donald Knox. A graveside service will be held Wednesday July 21 at 1:00 PM at Poplar Hill cemetery in Allegan. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, or Hospice of Michigan, envelopes are available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, Ludington, which is in charge of arrangements.
