Retired Texas game warden Kris Bishop was awarded the Outstanding Leadership award by the State Agency Council to the Governor’s Commission for Women at their awards luncheon at Renaissance Austin on Sept. “Through her service with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Kris has become a trailblazer and role model, not just for female.
Bettie Hagen
Name: Bettie L. Hagen
Age: 89
Hometown: Ubly
Funeral Date: Not Available
Date of Birth: January 26, 1931
Date of Passing: December 20, 2020
Funeral Home: Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home
Funeral Information
A private graveside service at Valley Cemetery in Ubly will take place in light of pandemic precautions. Smigielski Funeral Home is coordinating the arrangements. For those wishing to commemorate Bettie’s life, please consider making a donation to the Sleeper Library (Address: 2236 Main Street, Ubly, Michigan 48475). Please visit www.smigielskifuneralhomes.com to express your sympathy and sign the guest book for Bettie’s family.
Family of the Deceased
Bettie is survived by Daughters, Mary Hagen and Ellen (Mike) Moorman, Daughters-in-Law, Sharlene {Pichla) Hagen and Doreen (Krohn) Hagen, all of Ubly. She is also survived by Grandchildren, Keith (Erin Johnson) Hagen of East Lansing, Clint (Melissa Barry) Hagen, Brad (Stacy Langley) Hagen, Nick Hagen, all of Ubly, and Jenni (George) Hiller of Harbor Beach. Ten Great-Grandchildren, Annabella, Vivienne, and Abbot of East Lansing, Dylan, Cole, Addison, Beckett, Waverly, Brody and Gabriella, all of Ubly, in-laws Wallace and Sonia Hagen of Caseville, and many nieces and nephews. Bettie was preceded in death by husband Bryce, sons Dennis and Jim and her only sister, Mary Lou. Special thanks from Bettie’s family to the dedicated staff at Meadow Lane Assisted Living and the staff of Courtney Manor for all of their care, patience, and skill in taking care of Mom/Grandma in her last two years of life.
Biography
Bettie L. Hagen, age 89 of Ubly, passed away on December 20th in her sleep at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe after an extended illness. Bettie L. McIntyre was born January 26, 1931, on her Grandmother Walker’s farm in Huron County, Ubly, Michigan, Sheridan Township, to Orville (Leland) and Donelda (Walker) McIntyre. Bettie attended the Appin School on Barrie Road until age 12 when her parents moved to a farm on Section Line Road and Bettie began attending Harbor Beach schools. Bettie graduated high school in 1948 and began working in Bad Axe as an Operator for Michigan Bell Telephone. Bettie McIntyre and Bryce Hagen were married October 21, 1951, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ubly. They were married 68 years and raised four children: Dennis Mac, Mary Margaret, Ellen Kay and Ernest James. They made their home in Bingham Township outside of Ubly, Michigan. Bettie was a multi-talented farm wife. Bettie and Bryce were in the dairy business for 30 years and Bettie was instrumental in keeping milking equipment clean, feeding calves, and keeping the books. In the early years, Bettie could occasionally be seen driving a truck hauling beans or wheat to the elevator in Ubly or be seen working a field driving a cab-less tractor without power steering. She was a good cook, skilled canner and an excellent baker. Up until 2011, Bettie loved to mow lawn with a riding mower and spent many glorious days in the sun doing so. Having been a child of the Great Depression era, she could stretch a dollar with her practical nature and wide-ranging skills. Bettie was the caretaker and lenient landlord for the farm’s rental houses until 2009. She was handy as a ‘fixer-upper’ between renters in painting, wallpapering, and all forms of remodeling, having hung her last sheet of drywall at age 67. Bettie was Bingham Township’s answer to Martha Stewart being able to find twigs and greens in the yard and come up with beautiful centerpieces and decorations. Bettie loved to bowl and was a member of the Ubly Thursday night ladies’ league for three decades. She conducted the U.S. Census door-to-door many times and participated in the American Cancer Society Fund Drive for decades. Bettie served on the Bingham #4 Country School board in the early 1960s, was active in Michigan State Home Extension through the early 1990s and served as an Assistant 4-H Leader for the ‘Bingham Busy Bees’ in the 1960-70s helping local girls learn to sew using a machine. She also supported the ‘Midnight Riders’ 4-H horse club in the 1970’s in a variety of capacities. Bettie was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ubly. She did everything there at one time or another except to deliver the sermon or to play the organ. Bettie and Bryce hosted many family gatherings opening their home to all. Bettie and Bryce were members of the ‘Happy Dozen Card Club’ for many years and enjoyed spending time with their friends. In later years, both Bettie and Bryce enjoyed joining the Thursday morning travelling breakfast retirees. Bettie desired to stay home on the farm her whole adult life, travelling little. Strong-willed and quick witted, Bettie kept everybody on their toes until her health wouldn’t let her.
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Armando Guardian
Name: Armando Guardian
Age: 69
Hometown: Pigeon
Funeral Date: Not Available
Date of Birth: January 04, 1951
Date of Passing: December 23, 2020
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
Funeral Information
There will be a memorial service at a later date. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church in Pigeon. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
Family of the Deceased
He is survived by his wife Mary; children Armando Jr. (Lorie) of Pigeon, John (Erica) of Bad Axe, Meliza (Wayne) Maurer of Elkton and Michelle (Jason) of Caseville; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; siblings John (Aurora), Jose Luis, Javier (Alma) and Yolanda (Albert) Salazar, all of Hebbronville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Arianna.
Biography
Armando Guardian Sr., 69, of Pigeon, passed away suddenly Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon. Armando was born January 4, 1951 in Hebbronville, Texas to the late Juan and Antonia Guardian. He married Maria Avalos on May 17, 1969 in Texas, and then moved to Pigeon. He retired from Tower Automotive after 47 years as a production welder. He loved working in the yard, and had a passion for old cars. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Betty McGeachy
Name: Betty J. McGeachy
Age: 88
Hometown: Kinde
Funeral Date: December 27, 2020
Date of Birth: September 22, 1932
Date of Passing: December 21, 2020
Funeral Home: MacAlpine Funeral Home
Funeral Information
Mass of Christian burial will take place 2 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church/St. Hubert Parish. with Fr. Nate Harburg officiating. Burial will follow at St. Felix Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for Betty will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe with a Scripture service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 1 p.m. until time of service. Memorials may be offered to: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Family of the Deceased
Betty is survived by her children: Beverly O’Neill, Kathryn (Ernie) Scarano, Vicky (Robert) Anderson, Brenda (Mike) Bucata, Lori (Mike) Mousseau, and Amy (Dean) Mascarello; daughter-in-law, Marie McGeachy; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers: Jerry, Larry, and Richard Yax; and her sisters, Annabel Stolicker and Sandra Klee; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, James McGeachy; her brothers: Duane and George Yax; and her sisters: Lucy, Maggie, Gladys and Agnes.
Biography
Betty J. McGeachy, 88, formerly of Kinde and Dearborn Heights, passed away on December 21, 2020 at Symphony Applewood Nursing Home in Woodhaven, Michigan. She was born in Kinde on September 22, 1932 to the late James and Mary (Stirrett) Yax. On November 18, 1950, Betty was united in marriage to Alex McGeachy. He preceded her in death on January 17, 1986. Betty enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, going to the casino, cooking and baking, listening to music, traveling, doing crossword puzzles.
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Parthenia Gerber
Name: Parthenia Gerber
Age: 88
Hometown: Bad Axe
Funeral Date: Not Available
Date of Birth: January 16, 1932
Date of Passing: December 20, 2020
Funeral Home: MacAlpine Funeral Home
Funeral Information
A celebration of life service will take place at a later date. Burial has taken place at Colfax Township Cemetery. Our thanks and gratitude goes to the Courtney Manor staff for all their hard work, dedication and love they showed to mother. Memorials may be offered to the donor’s choice of charity. Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Family of the Deceased
She is survived by her children: Dwain E. (Janice) Gerber of Dorr, MI; Jerry K. (Janice) Gerber of Grand Rapids, MI and Kay M. McLellan of Bad Axe; 22 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Parthenia is also survived by her sister, Margaret Taylor of Mio and several nieces and nephews. Parthenia was preceded in death by her brothers: Paul, Vern and Walt Smith; sister-in-law, Audrey Majeska and brother-in-law: Harry Taylor.
Biography
Parthenia Gerber, 88, of Bad Axe, passed away on December 20, 2020 at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. She was born in Livonia, Michigan on January 16, 1932 to the late Herbert and Eunice Smith. Parthenia and Keith W. Gerber were united in marriage on July 23, 1948 in Flint, Michigan. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2014. She worked as head cook for Huron Co. Medical Care Facility for thirteen years. Parthenia was an avid gardener, loved animals especially horses; crocheting big blankets, cooking and baking – baking breads and cookies.
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Diane Palach
Name: Diane S. Palach
Age: 70
Hometown: Bad Axe
Funeral Date: Not Available
Date of Birth: August 27, 1950
Date of Passing: December 20, 2020
Funeral Home: MacAlpine Funeral Home
Funeral Information
The family will hold a private funeral service with Pastor Jerome Bouverette, officiating. Cremation will take place at Sunset Valley Crematory. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund in care of Mary Greyerbiehl. Condolences made be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Family of the Deceased
Diane is survived by her daughters Susan (Gerald) Baranski, of Port Austin, and Marie Jackson (special friend Mike Lamothe); her brothers Keith (Kristalinn) Bouverette, and Tim Bouverette; and her sisters Cathy (Dave) Briesmiester, Theresa (Gary) Miller and Mary (Paul) Greyerbiehl; her grandchildren Kenneth, Kayla, Adam, Lizzy, Nathan and Megan; great grandchildren Annie, Emily, Anthony, Hannah, and Sophia, and many nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her siblings; Frederick Jr. Tom, Terry, Randy, Barb and Tim Heiden, and her nephew Gary C. Miller.
Biography
Diane S. Palach, 70, of Bad Axe, passed away on December 20th, 2020, at McLaren Thumb Regional Hospital. Diane was born on August 27, 1950 in Bad Axe, to the late Frederick and Dorothy (Grigg) Bouverette. She married Clarence Palach on November 7th, 1970, and together they raised their family and enjoyed farming. Diane was known for her sewing and making clothes for her girls, spending time in the kitchen baking and canning, and working on the farm with her husband. She really enjoyed her many outings while at Courtney Manor, and especially going fishing. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.
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Jamie Vollmer
Name: Jamie Sue (Grigg) Vollmer
Age: 45
Hometown: Bay Port, MI
Funeral Date: Not Available
Date of Birth: March 13, 1975
Date of Passing: December 21, 2020
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
Funeral Information
A small private service will be held at Champagne Funeral Chapel in Pigeon with Rev. Alger Lewis officiating. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Carriage House in Bay City and McLaren Bay Region for their compassion and care during her stay. Memorials may be given to the family. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
Family of the Deceased
She is survived by her mother, Roxy Albrecht of Bay Port, her siblings Kurt (Teresa) Grigg of Iowa, Jodi Grigg of South Carolina, and Melissa (Henry) Ozuna of Louisiana and a niece and nephews Alicia, Isaac, Hunter, Austin and their children. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Grigg and a nephew Cody Graf.
Biography
Jamie Sue (Grigg) Vollmer, 45, of Bay Port passed away Monday, December 21, 2020 at McLaren Bay Region Hospital, Bay City. Jamie was born March 13, 1975 in Pigeon to Carl A. and Roxanna M. (Harder) Grigg. She graduated from Laker High School in 1993 and after a short time earned her cosmetology license and owned and operated Studio 10 in Pigeon for several years. Jamie loved to make people laugh and her smile was contagious. She adored her constant companion Girlie, her loving cat. Jamie developed a passion for cooking and enjoyed making meals for family and friends. In a letter we found in her Bible, she wrote “Please don’t be sad, because I’m OK. Sing and dance – I’ll be right by your side. I want people to laugh when they think of me. I love all of you.†Jamie will be greatly missed by her family and friends but we have assurance knowing she had accepted Christ as her personal savior and that we will see her again one day.
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Karen Miracola
Name: Karen Miracola
Age: 74
Hometown: Harbor Beach, MI
Funeral Date: December 22, 2020
Date of Birth: December 06, 1946
Date of Passing: December 19, 2020
Funeral Home: Ramsey Funeral Home
Funeral Information
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 1 pm at Zion Lutheran Church. Friends may gather at Zion Lutheran Church, on Tuesday, from 11 am until time of services at 1 pm. Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach is handling the arrangements. Interment will take place at Rock Falls Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com
Family of the Deceased
She is survived by her husband Joseph Miracola of Harbor Beach, daughter: Nancy (Todd) Bucholtz of Harbor Beach, 3 grandchildren: Emily, Caden, and Avery. Karen was preceded in death by a sister Nancy Hepfinger.
Biography
Karen Miracola, age 74 of Harbor Beach, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020 at McLaren Port Huron. She was born on December 6, 1946 In Bowling Green, Ohio, to the late Richard and Vivian (Amos) Hepfinger. Karen and Joseph Miracola were united in marriage on June 23, 1972, at St. Veronica Church in Eastpointe. Karen received her Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University, and taught in the Utica School District. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and was a woman of strong faith. She loved to read, bird watching, travelling, watching the lake from her house, and loved spending time with her friends and family, especially the grandchildren.
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Joann Cleary
Name: Joann M. Cleary
Age: 86
Hometown: Minden City
Funeral Date: December 23, 2020
Date of Birth: September 14, 1934
Date of Passing: December 19, 2020
Funeral Home: Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home
Funeral Information
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at 11:00am at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Ruth. Burial will take place in the spring. Visitation will be Tuesday December 22, 2020 at Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home of Ubly from 1:00pm to 9:00pm and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00am-service time at 11:00am. There will be a rosary recited at 4:00 pm Tuesday by the Holy Apostles Christian Mothers and a parish vigil service at 7:00 pm. Both services will be at the funeral home. The Family of Joann would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff at Autumnwood of Deckerville for their loving care of Joann while she resided there over the last year and a half. Memorial donations for Joann can be directed to her husband, Jake.
Family of the Deceased
Joann is survived by her husband, Jake of 62 years, her 6 children: Colleen Masadas of Oakley, CA, Bonnie Hanson of Port Huron, Bob Cleary (Deanna Sweeney) of Minden City, Rick Cleary of Howell, Nancy (Joe) Booms of Ubly, and Barb (Rich) Maurer of Bad Axe, 20 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, her sisters Mary June Eidenberger of Sisters, OR, Estelle (Eugene) Wagg of Folsom, CA, Elaine (Eugene) Mazure of Ubly, Erma (Marvin) Cook of Ubly, Margie (Bob) Susalla of Clio, Janet (Jim) Thomas of Folsom, CA, her brothers Jerome (Judy) Messing of Ubly, Richard (Jane) Messing of Harbor Beach, Willard (Diane) Messing of Minden City, and her sisters and brothers-in-law; Margie Messing of Minden City, Shirley Messing of Ruth, Karen Cleary of Rochester Hills, Marian Wodwaska of Bad Axe, John and Elaine Vogel of Palms, Ken and Marla Cleary of Imlay City. She was preceded in death by her parents Roman and Clara Messing, her father and mother-in-law Raymond and Lydia Cleary, her brothers Edward Messing, Alan Messing, Herb Messing, her sisters and brothers-in-law Phyllis Messing, Sheila Messing, Bob Eidenberger, Arnold Wodwaska, Ralph Cleary, and her sons-in-law Bill Masadas and Bryce Hanson.
Biography
Joann M. Cleary, age 86 of Minden City, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2020 at Autumnwood in Deckerville surrounded by her family. She was the fourth of thirteen children born to the late Roman and Clara (Kirsh) Messing on September 14, 1934. She married Gerald Raymond Cleary on June 21, 1958 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Ruth. Joann had a heart of gold. She was a loving kind-hearted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a graduate of Ruth Sts. Peter & Paul in 1952. Following graduation, she pursued a career in banking where she was employed at several local area banks. After 41 years in the banking business, she retired in 1996. Joann enjoyed traveling around the world, feeding and watching her wild birds, putting puzzles together with her grandchildren, and playing cards with family members, neighbors, and friends. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Joann’s favorite holiday was Christmas and she loved decorating for it. She made it a point to always make it extra special for her grandchildren when they were younger by having Santa Claus make a special visit to her house every Christmas Eve. She will truly be missed.
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Theresa Block
Name: Theresa 'Terry' Ann(Lautner) Block
Age: 72
Hometown: The Four Corners of Charleston
Funeral Date: December 22, 2020
Date of Birth: March 20, 1948
Date of Passing: December 18, 2020
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
Funeral Information
A funeral mass will be 1:00pm Tuesday, December 22nd at St. Patrick Catholic Church, St. Isidore Parish of Palms with Rev. Matthew Federico presiding. Theresa will be laid to rest at a later date at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery of Ruth. She will lie in-state two hours prior to mass on Tuesday in church. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the family’s discretionary fund. Funeral arrangements were handled by James Childs from Champagne Funeral Chapel of Pigeon, www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
Family of the Deceased
Terry is survived by her son Lawrence “Larry†Block Jr of Charleston and partner Jonathon Bibby; Grandsons Damien of Virginia and Devin Siemen of Deckerville; son-in-law Mark Siemen of Deckerville; Siblings Mary June Bigras of Sarnia, Robert (Marilyn) Lautner of Minden City, Allen (Kathryn) Lautner of Minden City, Saralee Lautner of Sandusky, Gerard (Vicki) Lautner of Florida, and Jack (Deb) Lautner of Minden City; sister-in-law Suzette Walker of Sandusky and Marie Ploe of Grosse Pointe; brother-in-law Melvin Block of Minden City; many nieces and nephews. Beloved neighbors Frances and Rick Hillbom and family, Al and Diane Williamson, longtime friends Mike McCoy and Janice Bismack and her precious dogs Duke and Dutchess. Terry is preceded in death by her husband Larry Block Sr; daughter Connie Block-Siemen; her beloved dog Trooper; father-and-mother-in-law Henry and Theresa Block; brothers Cpl Francis Lautner and Charles Lautner Jr; brothers-in-law Gate Bigras, Elmer Block, Joe Gazdeck, Dallas Block and Ed Ploe; sisters-in-law Joyce Block and Arlene Gazdeck; special friend Carol Sue McCoy; neighbor and dear friend Judy Collick; several nieces, nephews and special friends.
Biography
Theresa “Terry†Ann (Lautner) Block, lovingly known as “Mother T,†age 72, from the four corners of Charleston passed away after a brief battle with COVID-19 on Friday December 18, 2020 at Lake Huron Medical Center in Port Huron with the love of a special family friend by her side. Terry was born on March 20, 1948 in Sandusky to the late Charles and Mary (Fenwick) Lautner. She was a 1966 graduate of Ss. Peter and Paul School of Ruth. She married Lawrence “Larry†Block Sr on December 9, 1972; he preceded her in death on August 18, 1984. Terry had a deep Catholic faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who enjoyed crossword puzzles, games, baking, eating sweets, all animals and spending time with family and friends. Terry was known as the mayor of Charleston, she was one of the first women to join the Delaware Fire Department and was also avidly involved with the Minden City Fire Department. She was a practical joker, full of energy and always making people laugh. She was truly one of kind, the life of the party and loved by so many. A special Thank You to the wonderful staff and fellow residents at Autumnwood of Deckerville for all of their continued care, compassion and friendships that she cherished during her time there.
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John McAulay
Dale Randall Retired White Pigeon Michigan Game Wardens House
Name: John D. 'Jack' McAulay
Age: 76
Hometown: Pigeon, MI
Funeral Date: December 21, 2020
Date of Birth: April 11, 1944
Date of Passing: December 18, 2020
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
Funeral Information
Private funeral services were December 21st at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Cindy Gibbs officiating, with burial in Caseville Twp. Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Scheurer Hospital. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
Family of the Deceased
Jack is survived by his sisters, Ann (Crawford) Kennedy of Pigeon and Jill (Lonnie) Hedley of Elkton. He is also survived by his niece, Kristin (Mike Prosowski) Hedley of Elkton, and a nephew, Lonnie Hedley of Livonia. And by his step-nephews Andrew (Deb), Robert (Mary Pat) and Glen (Roxanne) Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Bertha McAulay.
Biography
John D. “Jack†McAulay, 76, of Pigeon, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020 at McLaren Bay Region from complications due to pneumonia. John was born April 11, 1944 in Pigeon to Bertha and Kenneth McAulay. He graduated from Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port High School in 1962. He attended Michigan State University after graduation and then transferred to Ferris State University. He graduated from Ferris with a Bachelor in Business degree. The following year, he returned to Ferris where he earned an Associate Degree in accounting. After earning his Associate Degree, Jack accepted a position with the Internal Revenue Service in Detroit. In 1972, he moved to Washington D.C. to work for the Internal Revenue Service in the Office of International Operations as an Internal Revenue Agent. At the time, Jack was one of eight to ten agents the United States government sent to countries all over the world to advise millions of citizens. On one of his auditing trips, John worked in twenty-two countries on three continents. This working trip took him around the world in six months. John spent thirty years in D.C. doing this work for the Internal Revenue Service and ended his years of government service working at the Defense Department as an auditor. As a young boy, Jack had an interest in history. He was especially interested in the War Between the States and the arms used by the soldiers in that war. While in D.C., he got involved with Civil War reenactment groups. This involvement further peaked his thirst for knowledge of Civil War arms. John loved to read about this history but found information in books to be limited. He spent months researching the arms, gathering information and pictures from the National Archives with his findings resulting in his first book, Civil War Breechloading Arms. He was considered an authority in his field having eight books published as well as numerous magazine articles. John returned to the Thumb area in 2002 and continued to write and publish on the topic he was so passionate about right up to his passing. His most recent book was Rifles of the United States Navy and Marine Corps 1866-1917 which was published in 2017. John was a proud life member of Hubbard-Winsor Lodge No. 420 of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was an easy-going man who made friends everywhere he went.
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Archie Talaski
Name: Archie Talaski
Age: 93
Hometown: Rapson
Funeral Date: December 22, 2020
Date of Birth: June 04, 1927
Date of Passing: December 17, 2020
Funeral Home: Kaufman Funeral Home
Funeral Information
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday December 22, 2020 at 12:00pm at St. Hubert - St. Joseph Church in Rapson. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe on Monday December 21, 2020 from 2pm to 8 pm. and at the church from 11 am to the time of service at 12. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to The Compassus Hospice of Cass City. If you wish to offer your condolences to Archie’s family, please go to www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com
Family of the Deceased
Archie is survived by his two sons, Lawrence (Alice) Talaski of Bad Axe, Gregory (Margie) Talaski of Filion, Susan Metz of Rochester, Cynthia (Michael) Baldwin of Clarkston, and Kathryn (Donald) Zimmerman of Port Austin. 12 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and special caretakers Trina, Lynn, and Kayla. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, brothers, Zigmund, Alvin, and Elmer. Granddaughter Rhonda and Great Grandson Brent.
Biography
Archie Talaski, age 93 of Rapson, passed away Thursday December 17th, at his home with family by his side. Archie was born June 4, 1927 to William Talaski and Cecilia (Andreskii) Talaski in Rapson. After returning from serving the Army, he married Phyllis Goniwicha on September the 17th 1949. He started farming, and became a carpenter for road construction. He was proud of his bridge building ability, and the gold watch he received for retiring with 50 years with the Carpenters Union. He took pride in the potatoes he grew and was well known for. Archie enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, and spending time with his great grandchildren. Archie was a member of the American Legion Post 499, and a member of St. Herbert-St. Joseph Catholic Church.
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Judith Baranski
Name: Judith A. Baranski
Age: 66
Hometown: Port Austin, MI
Funeral Date: December 19, 2020
Date of Birth: February 04, 1954
Date of Passing: December 15, 2020
Funeral Home: Knoblock Funeral Home
Funeral Information
Funeral Mass for Judy will be at 11:00 am on Saturday December 19, 2020 at St Michael’s Church of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Friday, December 18, at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde and from 10:00 am until the Mass at 11:00 on Saturday at the church. A combined rosary of the Daughters of Isabella and the Rosary Sodality will take place at 4:00pm on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s or to Clothe A Child
Family of the Deceased
Judy is survived by her husband, Dan, and her in-laws: Carol Baranski of Lakeland, Fla., Phyllis (William) Fisher of Plant city Florida, Edmund (Desiree) Baranski of Metamora, Barbara (Kenneth) Polega of Port Austin, Michael (Mary Ellen) Baranski of Port Austin, Mary Ann Baranski of Boiling Springs Pennsylvania, and Kenneth Baranski of Port Austin.
Biography
Judith A. Baranski, 66, of Port Austin died December 15, 2020 at McLaren Port Huron following an extended illness. Judy was born in Sandusky on February 4, 1954, the daughter of the late Casmir and Anna (Kulish) Abraham. Judy and Daniel Baranski were married on November 28, 1981 at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Parisville. She enjoyed sewing, baking, gardening, and singing. She was instrumental in re-forming the choir at St. Michael’s in the 1980s. She had been employed at the Huron County Medical Care Facility.
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Lorraine Bieri
Name: Lorraine Helen Bieri
Age: 91
Hometown: Caseville, MI
Funeral Date: December 19, 2020
Date of Birth: August 18, 1929
Date of Passing: December 16, 2020
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
Funeral Information
Grave side services will be 11:00am Saturday, December 19th at Caseville Twp Cemetery with Rev. Karen Bouverette officiating. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Family of the Deceased
Lorraine is survived by her children Sharon Indo Bieri of Caseville, Ron (Dolores) of Caseville, Bob (Deb) of Caseville, Diane Adamczyk of Kingston, Pat Cronk of Warren, Judy Bieri of Bay Port, Ed (Mary Ann) of Bay Port, Lee Ann Ruth of Caseville, Mary Damm of Pigeon, Danny (Linda) of Caseville, Kim Bieri of Caseville, and Tina Bieri of Caseville; 41 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister Berniece Janderski of Bad Axe. She was preceded in death by her son Kenneth Bieri and sister Cassie Mattice.
Biography
Lorraine Helen Bieri, 91, of Caseville, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at home under hospice care surrounded by family. Lorraine was born August 18, 1929 in Grindstone City to the late Valentine and Mary (Krinke) Matelski. She grew up in Kinde. She met Robert Junior Bieri whom she married on April 3, 1947 at St. Felix Catholic Church in Pinnebog; he preceded her in death January 22, 2001. After getting married they made their home on Crescent Beach Road and raised her 13 children and later helped with raising her grandchildren. She would take her grandchildren on nature walks through the family property. She will be forever remembered for the love and care she provided to her family.
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John Cieslinski
Name: John 'Big John' Cieslinski
Age: 73
Hometown: Ubly, MI
Funeral Date: December 18, 2020
Date of Birth: February 26, 1947
Date of Passing: December 13, 2020
Funeral Home: Kaufman Funeral Home
Funeral Information
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Parish – St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Officiating will be Fr. Nate Harburg. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Please visit www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com if you wish to offer condolences to the family.
Family of the Deceased
John is survived by two sons Gary (Marie) Cieslinski of Elkton and Joseph (Jennifer) Cieslinski of Ishpeming, one daughter Amy (Tim) Lightfoot of Bentley; six grandchildren Chantel Cieslinski of Elkton, Matt (Cassandra) Cieslinski of Ohio, Cheyanne Cieslinski of Ohio, Ansley, Hannah and Caiden Cieslinski all of Ishpeming, one great-grandchild and two grand-dogs Turner and Duke. John is also survived by his brother, Michael (Melinda) Cieslinski of L’Anse and sister, Terry (Mary) Vandemark of Caro as well as nieces and nephews and his furry companion, Abby.
Biography
The world lost a great man as our father John “Big John†Cieslinski, age 73 of Ubly passed away at Bayfield Assisted Living in Bay City on Sunday December 13, 2020. John was born in Yale, MI on February 26, 1947 to the late Anthony and Marcella (Sofka) Cieslinski. On May 8, 1976 John married the love of his life, the late Glennda (Coates) Cieslinski. John spent 378 days away from his beloved wife before he was called home.John and his beloved owned Pine View Farms in Ubly for many years. From sun up to sun down, he was in the field or in the barns. John raised dairy cattle until the dairy buy out came through in 1989. During the years of raising dairy cows, John received numerous awards from MMPA for milk production volumes. John also received top yield awards from Pioneer seed over the years. In 1990, the gears changed to beef cattle. Cash crops were raised on the family farm as well. In 1999, arthritis took it’s toll on John and he rented out the farm and sold the cattle. John served on numerous boards and committees over the years. He was a trustee for Sheridan Township for numerous years. He served on the ambulance board for Central Huron Ambulance Service just to name a couple. John is an active member of St. Columbkille Church. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus where he has earned the status of 4th degree Knight. John and Glennda loved to travel. Their last vacation was a long anticipated Alaskan cruise. They wintered in Lakeland, Florida yearly. They didn’t care where the vacation was as long as they were together.
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Agnes Hunter
Name: Agnes M Hunter
Age: 98
Hometown: Pigeon
Funeral Date: December 19, 2020
Date of Birth: February 13, 1922
Date of Passing: December 04, 2020
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
Funeral Information
Private family funeral services will be December 19th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Pigeon with Rev. Cindy Gibbs officiating. Interment will be in New Bay Port Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
Family of the Deceased
Agnes is survived by her grandchildren Curt (Susan) Leisentritt, Jay (Shelly) Leisentritt, Tim (Susan) Wooster, Randall Gray, Tina (David) Wade, Denise (Mike) Kubiszak, and Troy (Holly) Gray; great-grandchildren Curtiss and Annette Leisentritt, Owen and Holden Kubiszak and Sydney Gray; six great-great-grandchildren; step-children Jim (Carol) Hunter, David (Darlene) Hunter, and Donna and Jerry Berger. She was preceded in death by her three children Ronald Wooster, Patricia Winburne and Judy Gray, and two great-grandsons Jayson and A.J. Leisentritt.
Biography
Agnes M. Hunter, 98, of Pigeon, formerly of Port Hope, passed away Friday, December 4, 2020 at Country Garden Assisted Living in Pigeon. Agnes was born February 13, 1922 in Fairhaven Twp to the late George and Jessie (Davidson) Kuhl. She married Ernest Wooster in 1937; he preceded her in death in 1950. She later married RB Hunter in 1986; he preceded her in death in 2004. She was a fiercely independent single mother raising her young family in Bay Port. She had a successful 30 year career in banking, retiring in 1987 from Thumb National Bank. After retiring she moved to Port Hope, and then moved to Country Bay in 2014. She was a member of Pigeon First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed quilting and sewing, walking, playing games and visiting with family and friends.
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Alice Lawhorn
Name: Alice L. Lawhorn
Age: 86
Hometown: Bad Axe
Funeral Date: April 15, 2021
Date of Birth: December 29, 1933
Date of Passing: November 25, 2020
Funeral Home: Kaufman Funeral Home
Funeral Information
Dale Randall Retired White Pigeon Michigan Game Wardens Warden
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Compassus Hospice and will be accepted by the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. A memorial celebration of life service will be held in April of 2021. To offer your condolences to the family, please go to www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com
Family of the Deceased
Left to mourn her passing are her four daughters, Trish (Frank Schnebly) Phetteplace of Eugene, OR, Maggie (Russ) Wolford of Pigeon, MI, Nancy (Gary) Nowiski of Bad Axe, MI and Clara (Ray) Krug of Bad Axe, MI: eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Winfree of Albuquerque, NM and several nieces and nephews. Her husband, Doral K. Lawhorn and one daughter, Doraleth Schuman preceded her in death.
Biography
Dale Randall Retired White Pigeon Michigan Game Wardens Lands
Alice L. Lawhorn, age 86 of Bad Axe, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Alice was born on December 29, 1933 in Nashville, IL, daughter of the late Jacob and Clara (McMillan) Winfree. Alice was a Bad Axe resident for over 50 years and also lived in Eugene, OR for 12 years. Alice spent a good part of her adult life caring for others as a C.N.A. and appreciated the excellent care she received at the Huron County Medical Care Facility for the past 2 years.
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History of Game Wardens
1. Medieval England: Kings used game wardens to hunt, protect land and patrol for poachers.
2. 1890 North America: Naturalist John Muir created California’s Yosemite National Park, Sequoia, and General Grant Parks, and the job of game warden started to become a prominent position.
3. 1900: The Lacey Act – Defends game and prohibits illegally shipped wildlife and importation of injurious species. This was enforced by the Division of Biological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
4. 1905: The Division of Biological Survey became the Bureau of Biological Survey and remained in the Department of Agriculture.
5. 1909: President Theodore Roosevelt added 125 million square miles and six new national parks to the federal system, all of which hired game wardens.
6. 1960’s – 70’s: The environmental movement changed game warden jobs. They are now responsible for stopping poaching and investigating environment or wildlife-related crimes.
7. 1969: Endangered Species Conservation Act. The act protected species “threatened with extinction worldwide.” Other amendments were made concerning the American alligator, Black Bass, wild birds and mammals, reptiles, mollusks, amphibians, and crustaceans.
8. 1970: The Bureau of Commercial Fisheries was transferred to the Department of Commerce and became the National Marine Fisheries Service.
9. Today, modern game wardens are considered law enforcement officers and have the right to arrest poachers, confiscate illegal or dangerous equipment, and issue citations for any crime.
Web guru, blogger, digital mastermind at Game-Warden.Org, your online resource for up-to-date, comprehensive information about the educational and certification requirements for game wardens and conservation officers. Lucy enjoys EVERYTHING outdoors and dreams of moving to the Pacific Northwest.