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April 14, 2002ObituariesTRAVERSE CITY - Leon Charles McGarry, 77, died Thursday at Munson Medical Center.Leon was born the son of Bernard and Alice (Berry) McGarry on June 9, 1924, in Traverse City. He later married Joan C. Johnson in November of 1947, here in Traverse City. Leon worked in Detroit and retired from the IBEW, Local 58 in 1986, after 42 years. After returning to Traverse City Leon became a member of VFW Cherryland Post 2780, Elks Lodge No 323, and the Cedar Rod and Gun Club. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and his two children Marcia (William) Burgess of St. Joseph, and Mark (Sharon) McGarry of Traverse City. Leon is also survived by his four grandchildren Brian and Megan Burgess and Patrick and Briana McGarry; and several nieces and nephews. Leon was preceded in death by his parents and brother Eugene Richards. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. No other services are planned at this time. Burial will take place in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, or to the American Diabetes Association. TRAVERSE CITY - James P. "Jim" Patterson, 44, known to his associates as Lord Veilance, died Friday, surrounded by his family and friends. Jim was born May 29, 1957, in Traverse City, the son of Arlie O. "Pete" and Nancy L. (Craig) Patterson. He was raised in the Traverse City area and returned here after serving 18 years of active duty with the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, Jim was a hull technician and a nuclear inspector. He served in the Persian Gulf War, and after his retirement, served with the U.S. Navy Reserves. He currently was employed as a surveillance operator for Leelanau Sands Casinos. He attended Bay Pointe Community Church and enjoyed golfing, fishing, carpentry, and movies and was an avid reader. Jim is survived by his wife, the former J. Sheryl Thomas, whom he married Nov. 12, 1983, in Virginia Beach, Va.; his children, Kira N. Patterson and Cody J. Patterson, both at home; his parents, Arlie "Pete" and Nancy Patterson of Traverse City; his sisters, Kathleen "Kathy" Patterson of Texas and Susan (Scott) McCarthy of Colorado; his mother and father-in-law, Don and Pat Thomas of Traverse City; his sisters-in-law, Myra, Kathy and Michelle; his nieces and nephews, Breden, Keengan, Nick, Bridget, Rachel, Christopher, Shawn, Todd and Randy; and his aunts, uncles, cousins and best friends. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Kim; and by his grandparents. Visitation will take place at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home today from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday, April 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Time, day and place of funeral services will be announced in the Monday edition of the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Memorial contributions may be directed to The American Cancer Society. BELLBROOK, Ohio - Richard B. Gertz, 41, of Bellbrook, Ohio, died Good Friday, at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland A.F.B. in San Antonio, Texas with his wife Susie Arnold Gertz at his side. Rick was born on April 30, 1960, in Traverse City, the son of Richard and Phyllis Gertz. He was a 1978 graduate of Suttons Bay High School and earned an associates degree in science from Northwestern Michigan College. In 1983, he graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering. He worked as a propulsion engineer for McDonnell Douglas Corp. in St. Louis, but his dream of flying called and he joined the Air Force to follow that dream. Rick was commissioned an Air Force officer in 1985, earned his pilot wings in 1986, and served in Strategic Air Command. He graduated from the highly coveted USAF Test Pilot School in 1992. He earned his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Fresno, graduating with distinction. Throughout his military career, Rick accumulated over 3,300 accident-free flight hours on more than 30 different aircraft and was a command pilot. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Rick Gertz carried himself with a spark in his eye. People instantly liked his smile, sense of humor, warm heart and intelligent mind. His most admirable personality trait, however, was his modesty. Rick's life was full of accomplishments but what mattered most to him in life was to be a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. He took these roles to heart, becoming a complete joy and blessing to all of his family. He was a tremendous role model and devoted father to his sons. Rick fought leukemia, as he would take on any of life's challenges, with courage, faith, hope, a sense of humor and steely determination. His miraculous struggle with cancer affected the hearts of so many. Through it all, he taught his family and friends one of life's most valuable lessons, 'Every day is a good day, a precious gift!' Rick was a gift from God. The sheer number of people who loved him gives testimony to the significance of his life. He will be missed every single day, loved, and carried forth through life in the hearts of those he left behind. In addition to his wife, Susie Arnold Gertz, he is survived by his sons, Nathaniel, Michael, Christopher, and Alexander Gertz, and his stepson, Christopher Arnold; his parents, Richard and Phyllis Gertz; his sisters, Christie (Tim) Hackney, Teresa (Josh) Hyman, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Carolyn Gertz; and many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, and mother of his four sons, Diana (Leeper) Gertz; his paternal grandparents, Carl and Ruth Gertz; his maternal grandparents, Francis and Mary Taylor; and his uncle, Robert Taylor. A funeral with full military honors will be held April 20th at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, in Traverse City, with the Rev. Gary Hogue will officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings, Traverse City, MI 49686. KALKASKA - Julia B. Woodhams, 98, of Kalkaska, passed away on April 12, 2002, at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Long Term Care. She was born on April 21, 1903, in Kalkaska County, the daughter of James and Mary (Ryckman) Montgomery. Julia married Raymond A. Woodhams on June 24, 1922, in Orange Township, Kalkaska County. She graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1920 and continued her education, completing two years at Kalkaska County Normal. Julia then furthered her education and earned a Life Certificate in teaching. She taught in Kalkaska County rural schools for several years. In 1958, Julia graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University. Julia retired from Kalkaska Public Schools in 1969. She was a very faithful member of the East Boardman United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Rebekkah Lodge in Kalkaska and the Historical Society, also in Kalkaska. Julia enjoyed her grandchildren, loved people and always had a "helping hand" for anyone who needed her. Julia is survived by her loving family, her son, Martin (Roberta) Woodhams of Kalkaska; her daughter-in-law, Gene Woodhams of Fife Lake; her grandchildren, Michelle Ray (Robert) Patton of Gladwin, Mona Kay Woodhams of East Lansing, Michael Lee (Barbara) Woodhams of Kalkaska, Victor James (Carolyne) Woodhams II of Fife Lake; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; her sister, Esther C. Jones of Traverse City; and several nieces and nephews. Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 1951; son, Victor J. Woodhams in June 2000; granddaughter, Marcia Jo Smires in November 1987; and brothers, Alvah (Agnes) Montgomery and Gary (Geraldine) Montgomery. Visitation will be today from 2 until 5 p.m. at Wolfe Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted on Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Howard D. Seaver from the East Boardman United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made in behalf of Julia Woodhams to East Boardman United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements by Wolfe Funeral Home. THOMPSONVILLE - Derryl L. Rockwell, 76, of Thompsonville, died Friday morning at his home. Derryl was born Nov. 23, 1925, in Beulah, the son of Derryl and Hermie (Forrester) Rockwell. When he was 15 years old Derryl began driving produce to Detroit for his father. Truck driving became his lifelong occupation. He retired from long haul driving in 1982. After his retirement he enjoyed spending more time with his family and sharing his experiences with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On June 16, 1956, in Angola, Ind., he married Esther Moore, who survives. Derryl is also survived by his daughters, Beverly (Larry) Kohn of Honor, Linda (Greg) Dalman of Beulah, Katherine (Terry) McArthur of Benzonia and Pattie (Jerry) Rodebush of Milton, Fla.; his son, Loyde (Beverly) Rockwell of Beulah; and his stepson, Clifford (Debbie) Butler of Thompsonville. Derryl is survived by 19 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joan (Jerry) Richardson of Honor. Derryl was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Margaret McKibben; stepson, Michael Butler; and grandchildren, Christie and Wade Butler, and Aaron Fay. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 15, from the Benzonia Chapel, McElduff Funeral Homes, with Pastors Cyrus Bowman and Dan Ingersoll co-officiating. Interment will be in Homestead Township Cemetery. Friends may call at the time of the service on Monday. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Heart Association or Springdale Bible Church. Arrangements by the Benzonia Chapel, McElduff Funeral Homes. PHILADELPHIA, N.Y. - Helen M. Juricek, 87, formerly of Frankfort and Onekama, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, N.Y. Helen was born June 6, 1914, in Deferiet, N.Y., to the late Stephen and Helen (Gregus) Melisko. She attended schools in both Deferiet and Carthage, N.Y. as a child. She married George Juricek on Nov. 21, 1951, in Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Chicago. The couple moved from Chicago to Frankfort in the late 50s, and it was here that Helen worked at the Garment Factory. In the late 60s the couple moved to Onekama, where Helen was a homemaker, She enjoyed cooking and baking her Slovak pastries. Helen loved her church, and was a communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New York, where a Mass was celebrated following her death. Helen is survived by three brothers, Edward Melisko of Horseheads, N.Y., Albert Melisko of Gouverneur, N.Y., and Donald Melisko of Brownville, N.Y.; her sister, Agnes Mattingly of Philadelphia, N.Y., with whom Helen lived for several years prior to her death; her sister-in-law, Mary (Warren) Putney of Frankfort; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, George; and her two brothers, Stephen and Robert Melisko. Services have already taken place in New York where arrangements were handled by Scherer Funeral Home in Carthage, N.Y. ELAINE COOPER, 78, of Rapid City, died Friday, April 12, 2002, at her home. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 15, at Wolfe Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, at the funeral home. Interment will be in White Chapel Cemetery. Arrangements by Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska. CARLTON KROUPA, 89, of Gulfport, Fla. and formerly of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2002, in St. Petersburg, Fla. There will be no services. Interment will take place in the Kroupa family lot at Oakwood Cemetery.
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