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June 30, 2001

Obituaries

GLEN LAKE - A celebration of the life of former Glen Lake resident Jane C. Van Vleck will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2001, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at her home on Glen Lake, hosted by her children. Jane died on March 15 in Indiana one month before her 86th birthday.
      She was born in Hinsdale, Ill. in 1915 and lived there until her retirement to Glen Lake in 1976. She was a resident there until her death, although she spent the last seven winters in Richmond, Ind., at the home of her daughter, Mary Garman.
      She is survived by three daughters, Martha (Denis) Pierce of Evanston, Ill.; Sally (Bob Russell) Van Vleck of Traverse City; Mary (David) Garman of Richmond, Ind.; one son, Thomas (Lilli Filichia) Van Vleck of Ocean City, N.J.; two brothers, Goodwin (Marilyn) Clark Jr. of Hinsdale, Ill., and James Clark of Amherst, Mass.; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
      She was preceded in death by her husband, George B. Van Vleck in 1976; and her sister, Marjorie Purdy.
      For more information and directions to Mrs. Van Vleck's home please call Sally Van Vleck at (231) 223-7315.
     
      MANCELONA - Albert J. Scharbat, 85, of Mancelona, died on Wednesday at Kalkaska Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.
      Albert was born on Sept. 3, 1915, in New Cumberland, W.Va., the son of Alexander and Helen (Krzywdzik) Scharbat.
      He had resided in Mancelona since 1974. Prior to moving to Mancelona he had resided in Ann Arbor most of his life. He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor and was also a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Mancelona. He served as an usher at St. Thomas for many years while living in Ann Arbor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Elks Lodge in Ann Arbor. He owned and operated Al's Market in Ann Arbor for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
      On Nov. 15, 1941, in Ann Arbor he married Clare V. Vollmer, who preceded him in death in 1991. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Joseph and Michael Scharbat and his parents.
      On Dec. 5, 1992, he married Nellie M. Lowe, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Julianne (Thomas) Bielman of Traverse City, Mary Louise (Gary) Barnard of Lakewood, Colo. and Mark Albert Scharbat of Mancelona. Also surviving are a brother, Myron Scharbat of Ann Arbor; a sister, Olga Keppler also of Ann Arbor; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
      No services are planned at this time.
      Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
      Arrangements are being handled by Penzien Funeral Homes Inc. in Mancelona.
     
      TRAVERSE CITY - Matthew James Slater, 18, of Traverse City, died Wednesday, June 27th of congenital heart failure. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior while swimming with his friends.
      Born Oct. 19, 1982, in Traverse City, he was the son of Gary L. and Janice M. (Kidd) Slater.
      A 2001 graduate of Traverse City Central High School with high honors, Matt was a gifted artist who was planning on attending Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. He was a member of Church of the Living God, and received great fulfillment from participating in their youth group ministries; including traveling with them to Mexico. He and his family were also missionaries in Jamaica from 1995-1997. Matt was very involved with community service activities and as an athlete, enjoyed cross country, track and wrestling for three years in high school. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family.
      Along with his parents, Gary and Janice Slater of Traverse City, Matt is also survived by one sister, Anne E. Slater; two brothers, Benjamin O. Slater and Daniel A. Slater, all at home; maternal grandfather, Walter L. (Cheryl) Kidd of Traverse City; maternal grandmother, Cynthia Clark of Traverse City; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
      He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Garrett and Bertha Slater.
      Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
      Funeral services will be held at the Church of the Living God on Monday at 1 p.m. with Pastor Michael Davis and Matt's uncle, Pastor Steve Slater officiating.
      Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
      In remembrance, memorial contributions may be directed to the Erin Lockman Fund, C/O Traverse City Central High School, P.O. Box 32, Traverse City, MI 49685 or the Church of the Living God - Youth Group, 1514 Birmley Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.
     
      BENZONIA - Velma M. Miller, 86, of Benzonia, died on Friday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
      Velma was born on June 23, 1915, in Benzie County, the daughter of George and Lillian (Rose) Hanmer. In 1935 in LaGrange, Ind., she married Milo Miller, who preceded her in death in 1973. Velma returned to Benzie County in 1971 from Sturgis.
      Velma was a member and Past Worthy Matron of the former Mt. Olive Chapter #347 OES and was a current member of Benzie Area Chapter #405 OES in Honor. She also held membership in the White Shrine in Traverse City, serving as Past Worthy High Priestess and was a member of the Indian Trials Sewing Club. Velma was a former Girl Scout Leader and was a cook at The Maples in Frankfort for 10 years.
      Velma is survived by two sons, Kenneth of Spokane, Wash., Richard (Geralyn) of Milford; and a daughter, Linda (Robert) Sears of Greenwood, Ind.; five grandchildren, Andrea (Doug) Baker, Denise (Brian) Briggs, Jennifer (Joe) Caltabalotta, Malissa and Colin; and two great-grandchildren, Brigitta and Annika Briggs.
      Velma was preceded in death by four brothers, George, Roy, Earl and Floyd; and two sisters, Florence Humstad and Margaret Ross.
      Services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. from the Frankfort United Methodist Church with Revs. Kay Coombs and Rodney Knapp officiating. Interment will follow in Benzonia Township Cemetery.
      Friends may call at the Benzonia Chapel, McElduff Funeral Homes from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday were an Eastern Star Memorial Service will be held at 8 p.m.
     
      FRANCES B. SVESKA, 86, of Kalkaska, died Friday, June 29, 2001, at her home. She was born on Oct. 6, 1914, in White Cloud.
      A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the home of Reg. and Janet Mullennix, 2339 Tamara Dr. in Kalkaska. Visitation will be held at the time of the service.
      Arrangements are being handled by the Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska.