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Dr. George W. Jeffery
Bronson - Dr., George W. Jeffery, age 87, of Bronson, retired local veterinarian, died late Friday, June 6, 2008 at his home following a short illness.
George was born July 24, 1920 in Detroit, son of Walter and Hazel (Willson) Jeffery. He graduated from then Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) School of Veterinary Medicine in 1942. He married Mary Rendell on July 11, 1942 in Covert, MI. and the couple moved to Bronson to set up the Veterinary Practice, with Mary serving as George’s Veterinary Assistant. He retired in 1980 and has wintered in Florida every year since. Mary died in July, 2003.
George was also a farmer in Branch County and a Pecan Farmer in Paisley, Florida. George was a life member and Past President of the Bronson Rotary Club with over 50 years of perfect attendance and was awarded with the Paul Harris Fellowship.
George was also a Charter Member and Co-Founder of the Bronson Kiwanis Club, a long time member of the Bronson School Board where he served as secretary-treasurer; and he served many years on the Board of Directors of the former Branch County Savings and Loan (now Monarch Community Bank).
Surviving are his daughter Sharon Albright of Bronson, daughter and son-in-law, Mary Lee and Dan Boter of Grand Haven, MI.; sons and daughters-in-law, Ivan and Nina Jeffery of Reading, PA and Alan and Sandy Jeffery of Bronson; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; his special friend, Laura Cattell of Bronson; his sisters, Margaret Mallott and Helen Jeffery, both of Jackson, MI and his sister-in-law, Geri Jeffery of Quincy and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David George Jeffery in 1945 and his brother Harold Jeffery.
Funeral Service s will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Rev. Jim McKelvey officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn cemetery, Orland, Indiana.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 4 – 8 PM Tuesday where Memorial Donations are suggested to the CHC Hospice.
Leason L. Modert
Bronson - Leason L. Modert, age 72, of Bronson, died Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at his home following a several year illness.
He was born April 25, 1932 in Bronson Twp., son of Elwin J. and Dorothy (Gunthorpe) Modert and was a lifelong Branch County resident. Leason graduated from Bronson High School in 1949 and married Edna Joan Swiger on June 18, 1951 in Bronson. He first worked at the former Gulf Gas Station in Bronson then at the former Bronson Tool & Die. He also worked at the former L A Darling Co. in Bronson and also at the former Kubasiak Funeral Home (now Kolcz Funeral Home) in Bronson for several years prior to opening Modert’s Paint & Glass in Bronson, which he owned and operated for 27 years retiring in 1991. Modert’s became a popular retail dealer of Carpet in Branch County. Leason had also worked in construction and was a fine cabinetmaker.
He was a 25-year member of the Bronson Fire Dept., a long time member and past president of the Bronson Rotary Club, past president of the former Bronson Chamber of Commerce, a former 20 year Trustee for Bronson Twp., and a former member of the Mystic Lodge #141 F. & A.M. He also coached Bronson Little League for over 10 years. Leason enjoyed camping, fishing, wood working and was an avid sports fan, especially of the Detroit Tigers and Pistons. He also was a regular at Bronson High school Sports events for many years.
Surviving are Joanie, his wife of 54 years, daughter and son-in-law, Leasa and Larry Ball of Bronson, sons and daughters-in-law, Kim and Peggy Modert and Ted and Jill Modert all of Sturgis, eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren. Three step great grandchildren and two brothers, Lamar Modert of Milwaukee, WI and Lyle Modert of Bronson.
Funeral Services celebrating the life of Leason Modert will be held at 1 PM Saturday, April 2, 2005 at the kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Rev. Dale Walterhouse officiating. Interment will follow in Adams cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 4 – 7 PM Friday where memorial Donations may be made to the Bronson Rotary Club or the Bronson Fire Dept.
Marcella Rose Yesh
Bronson - Marcella Rose Yesh, age 92, of Bronson, died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis where she had been a resident for the past 18 months.
Marcella was born June 16, 1912 in DuBois, Pennsylvania, daughter of Michael and Angela (Lichatowich) Hyduk. She married George Yesh on August 18, 1934 in St. Adelbert Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana and the couple moved to Bronson. George died in 1962.
Marcella worked a few years at the former Douglas Manufacturing Company in Bronson then became a cook at Ryan Elementary School in Bronson where she worked for 15 years retiring in 1978.
She was an active member of St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church where for many years she was responsible for decorating the Altar during Holidays. She was a member of the Rosary Society and the Sacred hear Society. Marcella enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved to bake, cook and always had beautiful flowers and gardens.
Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Janet Yesh and son Michael Yesh all of Bronson, five grandchildren; 10 Great Grandchildren and a brother John Hyduk of South Bend, Indiana.
Her husband, her son Donald, three sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.
The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Marcella Yesh will be held at 11 AM Friday, April 1, 2005 at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. John Tran officiating. Prayers before Mass will be held at 10: 30 AM Friday at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson. Interment will follow in St. Mary cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 2 – 8 PM Thursday where the Rosary will be recited at 7 PM Thursday. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church.
Carrol J. Curtis
Burr Oak - Carrol J. Curtis, age 73, of Burr Oak, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born September 3, 1931 in Volinia Twp,., Michigan son fo Fred and Letha (Hull) Curtis. Carrol married Joanne D. Smart on March 31, 1956 in Angola, Indiana. Joanne died March 2, 1993.
“Curt” first worked for the telephone company in line construction for eight years, then in 1960 began work at the former Douglas Manufacturing Company (now Douglas Autotech) in Bronson where he worked as a screw machine operator until his retirement in 1997.
He was a member of St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson and the Bronson Knights of Columbus. An Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was a very active member of the American Legion Post 259 of Bronson, where he had served in almost every possible capacity including club manager for several years. He was also Past Commander, Past Bingo Chairman and was very active with the AmVets and 40 & 8 Voitre. He was also a member of the Local 822 UAW Retirees.
Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Michael Jennings of Sturgis, granddaughter Erin Jennings of Sturgis, Granddaughter Tracy and her husband Steve Larsen of Burr Oak, two Great Granddaughters, Shawn and Joanna Larsen. Brothers, Howard Curtis of Three Rivers and Willie Curtis of Marcellus; sisters, Edith Churchill and Wanda Dewey both of Florida and sisters-in-law, Wanda Fox and Donna Root both of Burr Oak.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne, his parents, brothers Lyndon Curtis and Duane Curtis and his sister Lucille Sherman.
Funeral Services celebrating the life of Carrol J. “Curt” Curtis will be held at 11 AM Thursday at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Richard A. Fritz of St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church officiating. Interment will follow in Burr Oak cemetery with full military honors conferred by the Bronson Posts of the American Legion and VFW.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 2 – 8 PM Wednesday where the Rosary will be recited at 7 Pm Wednesday. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Mary Church or to the Diabetes Association.
H. Eileen Mitchell
Bronson - H. Eileen Mitchell, age 74, of Bronson, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at the Laurels of Coldwater.
Eileen was born May 9, 1930 in Batavia Twp., Branch County and was an area resident all of her life. She married Charles Mitchell on August 28, 1948 in Coldwater. He died March 2, 2000.
Eileen was the bartender at the VFW in Bronson for 15 years until 1982 when her husband suffered a stroke and she became his caregiver.
She was an active former member of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries in Bronson. She enjoyed bowling and was the first woman bowler at the former Bronson Recreation to roll a 600 series. A record that held for many years. She also enjoyed NASCAR and making ceramics. And she was known as the Nintendo Grandma because she would enjoy playing video games with her grandchildren.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Todd Chapin of Orland, IN daughter Teri Mitchell of Bronson, her sons and daughters-in-law, Charles “Buff” and Sandi Mitchell of Bronson and Kim and Harvette Mitchell of Alamogordo, New Mexico; 12 Grandchildren; two great grandchildren a brother Bob Shook of Coldwater and a sister Marge Crabtree of Bronson. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and a brother Max Shook.
According to her wishes, cremation will take place.. A Memorial Gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-8 PM Monday, March 28, 2005 at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 Pm Monday at the Kolcz Funeral Home with Rev. Don Matteson of Pleasant Hill Missionary Church officiating. Memorial Donations may be made to the Renal Care Center at the Community Health Center of Branch County or to Southern Care Hospice in Jackson, MI.
Helen E. Smoker
Bronson - Helen E. Smoker, age 97, of Bronson, died Monday, February 28, 2005 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility where she had been a resident for the past four years.She was born January 21, 1908 in Toledo, Ohio, daughter of Walter and Mary (Ostra) Hensler and first moved with her family to Girard where she graduated from Girard Elementary School. Some time later, she moved to Bronson. Helen married Bernard Smoker on October 13, 1925 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bronson. Bernard died July 5, 1989.
Helen had worked several years at the former Bronson Reel Company, which eventually became Bronson Plastics and continued her employment there until her retirement.
She was a member of St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson and the Rosary Society. She enjoyed her gardens, both flower and vegetable and loved to cook, crochet and knit.
Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law, Bernadine and Bernard Losinski and Eleanor and Walter Czajkowski all of Bronson; six Grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren, a great great grandson and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and nine brothers and sisters.
The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Helen E. Smoker will be held at 4 PM Friday, March 4, 2005 at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Richard Fritz officiating. Prayers before Mass will be held at 3:30 PM at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 3 –8 PM Thursday where the Rosary will be recited at 5 Pm Thursday. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church.
Fred Junior Hostetler
Reading, MI. - Fred Junior Hostetler, age 82, of Reading, MI., formerly of Orland and Angola, Indiana and Bronson, Michigan died Monday, February 28, 2005 at his home following a short illness.
He was born December 28, 1922 in Sturgis, son of Fred M. and May I. (Stolebarger) Hostetler. He graduated from LaGrange High School in 1941 and worked at the former L A Darling Company. He then worked at Weatherhead in Angola for 16 years until his retirement. He came out of retirement to work as maintenance supervisor at the Angola Housing Authority, working there another 16 years and retired again in 1966. He was awarded the best maintenance man in the State of Indiana in 1984. He also farmed.
Fred was a 50 year member of the Angola MOOSE Lodge where he served as past Chaplain. He enjoyed woodcrafts and in his early years, like hunting, fishing and bowling.
He married Maybelle Washburn on March 15, 1947 at the First United Methodist Church in Bronson. She survives. Also surviving are daughters and sons-in-law Wanda and James Stalder of Westerville, Ohio and Karen and Richard Heffelfinger of Reading; sons, DeWight Hostetler of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Dennis Hostetler of Angola, Indiana; 15 Grandchildren; 16 Great Grandchildren and a sister Florence Williamson of LaGrange, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Kathy Rumsey in 2001 and a sister Marjorie Helmuth.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM Thursday March 3, 2005 at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Jim Stalder officiating. Interment will follow in Bronson cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 3 –8 PM Wednesday where Memorial Donations may be made to the Hospice of Hillsdale County. Envelopes are available at the Kolcz Funeral Home. The Loyal Order of MOOSE will hold a short service Wednesday at 7 Pm at the Kolcz Funeral Home.
Walter K. Metzger
Bronson –Walter K. Metzger, age 98, of Bronson, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, February 27, 2005 at his home with his loving family by his side.
Walter was born October 30, 1906 in Darke County, Ohio, son of Rev. H.M. and Anna (McAfee) Metzger and moved to Bronson in 1934. He married Lola Good on June 21, 1935 in Noble Township. Lola died June 1, 2004.
Walt worked at the former Bronson Co-Operative Association since 1950, purchasing the business and re-naming it Metzger and Sons Farm Supply in 1967. He retired and closed the mill in 1977. He also farmed part time in Noble Twp. and was a driver for the Amish Community.
A very active member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Church, Walt was also a member of Gideons International and a former member of the Bronson Rotary Club.
Surviving are his daughters, Marilyn Metzger and Esther Rinehart both of Bronson Doris (Eugene) Miller and Wanda (Robert) DeBolt both of Coldwater, Melva Nichols of Elkhart, Indiana, Shirley (Curtis) Harris of Bellevue, MI and Vera (Ed) Hanley of New Galilee, PA; sons, Gail (Mary) Metzger of Bronson, Paul (Marsha) Metzger of Coldwater, Marshall (Betty) Metzger of Ottawa, OH, Allen (Roberta) Metzger of Hudson, IN and Dwight (Debra) Metzger of Lakeview, OH; 38 Grandchildren; 30 Great Grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice Gump of Sturgis and Mary Jane Maine of Homer, MI and several nieces and nephews.
Walt was preceded in death by brothers, Ora Metzger, Ray Metzger, John Calvin Metzger and Harvey, Metzger, Jr. and sisters, Mae Chaney and Daisy Patton.
Funeral Services celebrating the life of Walter K. Metzger will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 4, 2005 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Church located five miles south of Bronson on Pleasant Hill Road. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Family Life Center of Pleasant Hill Church from 4 –8 PM Thursday, March 3, 2004 where Memorial Donations may be made to the Family Life Center of Pleasant Hill Church or to Gideon’s International. Arrangements are by the Kolcz Funeral Home of Bronson.
Donald "Butch" Kolassa
Venice, Florida - Word has been received of the death of Donald "Butch" Kolassa on February 28,2005 at the Venice Hospice House in Venice Florida. According to his wishes, cremation will take place. His children will plan a memorial service in the Spring in the Bronson, Michigan area.
Dorothy T. Cockrell
Bronson - Dorothy T. Cockrell, age 84, of Sturgis, formerly of Bronson, died late Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at the Community Health Center of Branch County. She had been in failing health.
Dorothy was born September 16, 1920 in Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan, Canada. She married Paul Cockrell in Lake Lenore on December 4, 1945 and the couple moved to Bronson, Michigan. Dorothy was proud to become a US Citizen. Paul died June 15, 1992.
Dorothy owned and operated the Bronson Coffee Shop in Bronson for several years. She was a member of St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson and the Rosary Society. She was also an active member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries in Bronson. Dorothy enjoyed crocheting and making Rosaries. She was known for sending hundreds of home made Rosaries to third world Countries and supplying Rosaries to anyone who would want one.
Surviving are three sons, Mike (Kay) Cockrell of Katy, Texas, Allen (Deborah) Cockrell of Bronson and David Cockrell of Bronson; her daughter Mary (Wayne) Nabozny of Cassopolis, Michigan; four Grandchildren; four Great Grandchildren and two sisters living in Canada. Her husband a brother and several sisters preceded her in death.
The funeral Mass celebrating the life of Dorothy T. Cockrell will be held at 11 Am Saturday, February 19, 2005 at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Richard Fritz officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary cemetery. Prayers before Mass will be held at 10:30 Am Saturday at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 2 –6 PM Friday where the Rosary will be recited at 5 Pm Friday. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Mary Church or to the Activity Fund at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
Infant Selima E. Hall
Bronson - Selima E. Hall, infant daughter of Brian Hall and Patsy Hargett was stillborn Friday, December 19, 2003 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.
Besides her parents, Selima is survived by six brothers, Gregory Roberts, Jr., of Sturgis, Andrew Hall of Coldwater, Randy Hall Brian Hall, Jr. and Justin Hall all of Cass City, MI and Donald Thrasher II of Bronson; Paternal Grandparents,Harold and Pam Burkett of Coldwater and Mary hall opf Colon; Great Grandparents, Betty Ambs of Coldwater, Geneva Ornt of Arkansas and Patricia and Margaret Hall of Colon.
She was preceded in death by her Maternal Grandparents, Junior Clark, and Barbara Clark and Great Grandfather Albert O'Lerry.
Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM Monday, December 22, 2003 at the Sherwood cemetery with Rev. Bill Wilson officiating,. Arrangements are by the Kolcz Funeral Home of Bronson.
