September 25, 2005

Obituaries

      The Mass of Christian Burial for NOEL JEAN GALLA will take place Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, at 11 a.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Isadore. Visitation will take place at the church Monday evening, Sept. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m., with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m.
      Arrangements are by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

      Services for KARI M. HUNT will be held Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, at 11 a.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will take place today, Sept. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., also at the funeral home.

      BARTIE T. PIERCEFIELD, 68, of Thompsonville, died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at his home.
      No services are planned at this time.
      Local arrangements are by the Benzonia Chapel of McElduff-Jowett Funeral Homes and Cremation Service.

      CHARLENE R. ROGERS, 80, of Northport, died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at the Leelanau Memorial Health Center.
      Visitation will be held Monday, Sept. 26, from 3 to 8 p.m., at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ at a time to be determined.
      A full obituary will follow in Monday's edition.

      LOUIS P. SHIEMKE, 90, of Interlochen, died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at Traverse Manor.
      There will be no services. Cremation will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee.

      The Oak Grove Cremation Center is in charge of funeral arrangements.DOROTHY F. STEPHISON, 81, of Arcadia, died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at West Shore Medical Center in Manistee.
      Services will be held at a later date.
      The Benzonia Chapel of McElduff-Jowett Funeral Home and Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.
     
Elaine Mae Cluff
Died September 22, 2005
      TRAVERSE CITY - Elaine Mae Cluff, 47, of Traverse City, died of cancer Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, at Munson Hospice House. She was born in Traverse City on Nov. 6, 1957, the daughter of Maurice and Helen Cluff.
      Elaine was a 1975 graduate of Traverse City High School. She graduated from Northwestern Michigan Community College in 1977, and from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in 1979 .
      She worked at Gerber Products Company in Fremont in various accounting positions from 1979 to 1999. While she worked at Gerber, she earned her Masters of Business Administration through Grand Valley State University. In 2000, Elaine moved back to Traverse City and began working for MCN Oil and Gas, subsequently DTE Gas and Oil.
      Elaine loved to travel, read and watch Tiger Baseball.
      She is survived by her mother, Helen Cluff of Traverse City; and a sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Steven Pedlow of Orlando Park, Ill.
      She was preceded in death by her father, Maurice Cluff; and her aunts and uncles, Velma and Richard Caldwell of Traverse City, and Alice and Ray Albee of Midland.
      Memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, 2005, at 11 a.m., at the First Christian Church, with Pastor Evan Williams officiating. A luncheon will be held following services at the church.
      Cremation has taken place and burial will be in Ogdensburg Cemetery on Old Mission Peninsula.
      In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Munson Hospice House or the First Christian Church.
      Arrangements are being handled by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
     
Katy Garrett
Died September 23, 2005
      ELK RAPIDS - Katy Garrett died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, in peace, surrounded by people who loved her. She thoroughly prepared all of the people in her life for her passing while living each day to the fullest. She was a fine teacher.
      Born Helen Katherine Rehkopf on Nov. 27, 1944, in Winfield, Kan., she was the daughter of Joe and Ruth (Ligler) Rehkopf. She enjoyed childhood and much of her adult life on the family farmland in Williamsburg. In May of 1991, she married Donald Garrett, who survives.
      Katy loved her family, gardening, nature and music, and had the joy of sharing those loves. She played for many years in the NMC Community Band.
      Katy was active in efforts toward peace. She spoke out against injustice and had respect for all people without prejudice.
      She is survived also by her daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne (Matthew) and Ken Anderson of Williamsburg; grandchildren, Kacey, AJ and Charley; sister, Wendy Lou Godowitz of Clemmons, N.C.; sister-in-law, Tina Rehkopf of Elk Rapids. She is also survived by Donald's children and their families, Michael (Sue) Garrett, Dr. Maureen Street and Mary (Bob) Ziola.
      She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Timothy Joe; and Sgt. Sean Reynolds, Don's grandson.
      A memorial ceremony will be held Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, at 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids, where the family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.
      In June of 2004, daughter, Sue, friends and family surprised Katy with a party/roast at the farm, with guests bringing plants and flowers for a garden. That garden flourishes, reminding all of the love that brought it to be.
      Though she loved flowers, Katy's wishes were that memorials be directed to the American Cancer Society, Interlochen Public Radio or the Nature Conservancy.
      Arrangements have been entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.
     
Gerhart H. "Pat" Johnson
Died September 22, 2005
      FRANKFORT - A man of integrity, a loving husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully at home with his wife at his side. Gerhart H. Johnson, better known as "Pat" was born July 5, 1922, to the Rev. J.C. and Johanna Marie Johnson in Frankfort.
      He graduated from Frankfort High School in 1940, and in 1941 married Kathryn Walbrook from Frankfort. They were high school sweethearts. He was the captain of the football team and Katie was a cheerleader. They just recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
      Pat worked as a welder in the shipyards in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., before serving overseas in Tsingtau, China in the Marine Corps in WWII, receiving an honorable discharge in Oct. of 1946.
      Pat owned the Sinclair gas station business in Frankfort, now the Bayview, for ten years. Some people still remember him today as their childhood bus driver, which he did for several years, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.
      In April of 1956 Pat began his long career as the Register of Deeds for Benzie County for 32 years, retiring in Jan. of 1988. He enjoyed most his opportunity to meet so many people as the Register of Deeds. Pat served as president of the Michigan Association of Register of Deeds from 1981 to 1982. Pat and his wife, Katie also owned and operated the Benzie Abstract and Title Company from 1975 to 1988. After retiring, he and Katie enjoyed many winters in Sedona, Ariz., and Cocoa Beach, Fla.
      Pat was very active in the Trinity Lutheran Church throughout his life, singing in the choir for many years, serving on the Board of Trustees and helping to serve in many other ways. Pat also served as the treasurer for the Boy Scout Troop 44 in Benzie County. He also served as a member at large for the Crooked Tree Girls Scout Council in Traverse City. He was a member of the Frankfort Volunteer Fire Department for several years, a charter member of the Frankfort Lions Club and served in every office before becoming president in 1958 to 1059. Pat was a lifetime member of the VFW and also a member of the American Legion.
      In 1991 Pat and Katie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a large party given by their children.
      When younger, Pat enjoyed skiing at Buck Hills, now Crystal Mountain, with his five children and also enjoyed ice-skating. His favorite pleasure though, was golf.
      Most recently he worked the U.S. Men's and Women's Open in Pinehurst with his son, Bob. Pat was an ardent sports fan, always attending football games, and in the last few years attending girls sports to watch his granddaughters play. Pat's greatest joy was his five children and especially his twelve grandchildren.
      Due to his illness, Pat wanted people to remember him the way he used to be. It was his wish to not have a memorial service. His family is honoring his wishes. There will be private family graveside services in the Garden of Remembrance at Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort.
      Pat leaves to mourn his loss his beloved wife, Kathryn; two sons, Allan and Robert Johnson of Frankfort; three daughters, Signe (Peter) Petelle of Sedona, Ariz., Laurie (Greg) Satanski of Ypsilanti and Melissa (Randall) Gilbert of Frankfort; twelve grandchildren, Gary (Cathy) Johnson, Jennifer and Christine Johnson, Kristin and Matthew Petelle, Katie, Carolyn, and Emily Satanski, Kendra, Jordin, Abby and Kimberly Gilbert. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Seltzer and Harriet (Bernard) Mick; and brother, Roger (Barbara) Johnson, all of Frankfort; along with many nieces and nephews.
      Pat was predeceased by his parents, the Rev. J.C. Johnson and Johanna Johnson; in-laws, Roy and Nettie Walbrook; sisters, Signe Nielsen and Beverly Jewell; and brothers, Erling and Carl Johnson.
      There will be a "moments to remember Pat" at his home at 310 Forest Avenue in Frankfort on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.
      Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church of Frankfort, Munson Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
      The Frankfort Chapel of McElduff-Jowett Funeral Homes and Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.
     
A.L. "Al" Miller
Died September 22, 2005
      AURORA, Wis. - A.L. Miller, 87, of Aurora, Wis., went to be with his Lord on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005.
      Born in Oak Forest, Ark., on Oct. 11, 1917, A.L. was the youngest of four children. He was born to William and Elizabeth Miller.
      Mr. Miller grew up in Oklahoma, but because of his Army career, was able to live in several places during his adult life, including the Philippines, Texas, Michigan and Arizona. He visited several other places, including Australia, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. He moved to Aurora, Wis., in 1997, and resided with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
      Mr. Miller was a lover of life. He was a loving and caring individual who easily made friends. He always had a story to tell. Once you heard one of his stories, you were hooked, and couldn't wait for the next one.
      Football season was always exciting at the house in Aurora, Wis. Al was rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, while the rest of the house was pulling for the Packers! He watched his Cowboys often and was an avid fan, no matter how they were doing for the season. He will be missed this next season.
      Al had two children, stepson, Orville Tuck Sr., who preceded him in death in 1986; and daughter, Delores (Dennis) Coddington of Frankfort, Ind. Besides his son, he was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Janie; sisters, Mae and Jewel; and one brother, A.C.
      He is survived by grandson, David Tuck Sr. and his wife, Julie of Aurora, Wis., their children, David Jr., William and Ashley; daughter, Delores (Dennis) Coddington of Frankfort, Ind.; stepdaughter-in-law, Linda (Dennis) Conway; grandchildren, Danial (Lois) Tuck, Cindy (Tim Laukhart) Tuck, Orville (Kay) Tuck, Belinda (Ron) Way, Mary (Smoke) Skillern, Delores Marie (Travis) Strain, Danny (Lisa) Arnold; many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; plus many other friends and extended family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
      Visitation will be held at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska on Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m., also at the funeral home, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Robert Lanning from the Rollins Christian Fellowship Church will be officiating. Great-grandsons, David Tuck Jr., Bill Tuck, DJ Tuck, Joshua Tuck, Jesse Krumlauf and Noah Williams are honored to be pall bearers. Interment will be in the Antioch Cemetery in Wexford County.
      Arrangements were made by the Wolfe Funeral Home of Kalkaska.
     
Dorothy Mae Stephens
Died September 22, 2005
      TRAVERSE CITY - Dorothy M. Stephens, 80, died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, at the home of her daughter in Grawn.
      Dorothy was born Oct. 7, 1924, to Vance and Tessie ( Allen ) Baker in White Cloud. On April 25, 1942, Dorothy Baker married Walter Stephens, who preceded her in death on March 23, 2005.
      She spent most of her life in the Traverse City area enjoying her family, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
      Dorothy was a homemaker, and she was also a life member with the VFW auxiliary #2780 in Traverse City.
      Dorothy is survived by her son, Jerald (Brigitta) Stephens of Mesa, Ariz.; daughter, Linda (Jack) Crandell of Grawn; six grandchildren, including Bruce (Kathy) Stephens and Melissa (Dan) Kelsey; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
      Besides her husband of 63 years, Walter, Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Susie in 1953; and son, James Walter Stephens in 1981.
      Cremation has taken place and Dorothy's cremains, along with her husband's, will be buried in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, at 2 p.m.
      Memorials may be directed to the Hospice House of Traverse City.
      The family is being served by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.