Obituaries

Herbert J. Guntzviller
Died December 4, 2004
      BELLAIRE - Herbert J. Guntzviller, 88, of Bellaire, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire.
      Herb was born Aug. 20, 1916, in Highland Park, the son of George and Edith (Mouch) Guntzviller. On Jan. 23, 1944, in Ohio, he married Norma J. Chatham, who survives.
      A farmer and excavator for much of his life, Herb moved to Bellaire from Northville in 1969. He was also a fur dealer and enjoyed hunting and fishing. After moving to Bellaire, he owned and operated Guntzviller and Sons Dock and Hoist for several years.
      In addition to his wife, Norma Guntzviller, he is survived by three sons, Gary (Nancy) Guntzviller of Central Lake, Wayne (Beth) Guntzviller of Elk Rapids and John (Mary) Guntzviller of Bellaire; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
      He was preceded in death by two brothers, Marvin and Harvey, and a sister, Blanche.
      The family will receive friends Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.
      A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mary Brown officiating. Interment will be Lakeview Cemetery, Bellaire.
      Memorial contributions may be made to the Antrim County Commission on Aging, P.O. Box 614, Bellaire, MI 49615.

James Orren Mashka
Died December 3, 2004
      KENTWOOD - James Orren Mashka, 71, died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at his home in Kentwood. He was born Feb. 15, 1933, the son of Alex and Rose (Fox) Mashka. He was raised by his Grandpa and Grandma Wabsey, whom he dearly loved.
      James served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953-56. A family man, he was an incredible story-teller who loved his children and grandchildren. James was a very talented musician, guitar-player and singer. He was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
      James is survived by his wife, Maryan (Moore) Mashka; two daughters, Delores (Robert) Petoskey of Peshawbestown, Robynn Mashka and Mark Rouckert of Mount Pleasant; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; sisters, Norma Chambers, Ruth Porter and Charlotte Moore; and his brother, Daniel Wabsey.
      He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elaine Mashka; son, Gordon Mashka; sister, Rose Marie Chambers; and a brother, Gordon Wabsey.
      Visitation will be held today, Dec. 6, from noon until the time service on Tuesday at Indian Mission Church in Northport.
      Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the church, with Rev. Thomas John officiating. Burial will be in Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.
      Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Leelanau County Chapter.
      Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay is in charge of funeral arrangements.

William A. Rysberg
Died November 30, 2004
      TRAVERSE CITY - William A. Rysberg, 91, of Traverse City, formerly of East Lansing, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at Munson Hospice House.
      William was born on March 19, 1913, in Crystal Falls, the son of immigrant Finnish parents, Seena and Andrew. He graduated from Alpha High School and entered Michigan Agricultural College, now Michigan State University, where he majored in forestry. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression Era, and served in the CCC at the Pigeon River Camp, where he was in charge of tree planting. Later he transferred to the Paradise Camp in the Upper Peninsula, where he designed the roads going into Tahquamenon State Park. In his five years with the CCC, William supervised the planting of several million trees in the state.
      He returned to Michigan Agricultural College and was a member of the ROTC Cavalry, graduating in 1940 with a bachelor of science degree in forestry.
      Following college graduation, William was in the employment of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, covering 10 states as a land appraiser and buyer, purchasing land for many wildlife refuges, such as the Wisconsin Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.
      William was nearly drafted in World War II, but received a deferment due to his work on a land purchase for The Hanford Atomic Project in Washington State, and other related war efforts.
      Tiring of government employment and travel which took him away from home and family, he purchased a lumber yard in Bancroft, where he was in business for several years. The business was sold and the family moved to East Lansing where his children could attend Michigan State University.
      Bill was employed with the city of East Lansing as an assistant city engineer. He also sold real estate and was a land appraiser for the Highway Department for several years.
      Bill began a building company in 1965 with his son, Brian, and they worked together for 17 years in East Lansing and Traverse City.
      Bill leaves his children, Warren (Wanda) Rysberg of Crystal Falls, Coralie (Jose) Calle of San Anselmo, Calif. and Brian (Linda) Rysberg of Traverse City; grandchildren, Braulio Calle, Mark Rysberg and Erica Rysberg; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg and Gladys Lill of Hemet, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
      He was preceded in death by his wife, Vesta Warren Rysberg in 1966; second wife, Marion Rysberg in 1974; brother, Hanno Rysberg; sister, Sally Rysberg Waytulonis; and niece, Jean Waytulonis Bolles.
      Bill was a cheerful loving person, and in the truest sense, a gentle man. He supported his family to the fullest and left his mark on everyone he met. Bill's memory will be cherished and he will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
      Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004, at the Gorsline-Runciman Company, East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing.
      Those desiring may make contributions to Munson Hospice House, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, in memory of William Rysberg.