TRAVERSE CITY — Genevieve Krueger, 90, of Traverse City, formerly of Clio and Three Rivers, died Thursday morning, Dec. 4, 2008, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

The former Genevieve Dodd was born June 1, 1918, in Niles, Mich., the daughter of Katherine and Warren Dodd. He died in a hunting accident when she was seven; and her mother died five years later. From that point, Genevieve was raised by an aunt, Jane Standerline of Three Rivers.

She married Ronald J. Krueger on June 12, 1941, in Three Rivers. After he returned from duty in World War II, the couple lived in Clarkston; Dallas, Texas; and St. Joseph, Mo., before returning to Michigan to live in the Lansing area. The couple later lived in Clio from 1956 to 1963 and Mayville from 1963 to 1968. Mrs. Krueger moved to Three Rivers after Ronald's death in 1968 and lived there until 1990, when she relocated to Traverse City.

Mrs. Krueger was a member of Bethany United Methodist while living in Clio, later of Mayville United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers and most recently, Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City.

In Three Rivers, she was employed at the Edythe Shop and was a member of the Three Rivers Business and Professional Women's Club. In Traverse City, she was a longtime Senior Companion and a member of the Yokefellows circle of her church.

Part of Mrs. Krueger's legacy is her transcriptions of the wealth of correspondence from the war years involving Ronald Sr., his mother and herself. Her family is eternally grateful for this and for her compassionate, engaged spirit.

She was an avid reader who loved biography, history and thrillers, especially by Patricia Cornwall, Jonathon Kellerman, Tom Clancy and Sue Grafton.

Surviving are daughter, Julia and husband, Thomas Killman of Traverse City; sons, Ronald Jr. of Grand Blanc, Douglas and wife, Jan of Portage, and Warren and wife, Joy of West Lafayette, Ind.; six grandchildren, Tyler Killman, Rachel Killman, Clay Krueger, Philip Krueger, Katherine Krueger and Aubrianna Grubbs; and one great-granddaughter, Samantha Killman.

A son, David; grandson, Brandon Killman; and a sister, Ruth Dodd; preceded her in death.

A service will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at Central United Methodist Church, Traverse City, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clio, near her beloved Ronald Sr. and David.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Krueger's memory can be made to Munson Hospice House, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City 49684.

Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guest book at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/.

Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

HAZEL DAVIS, 97, of Traverse City, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be held in the summer of 2009.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.

TRAVERSE CITY — Dear friends, we, the children of Kathryn Kay Drescher Rowe, would like to announce that Kathy has completed her work in this life and now begins her next journey.

We ask that you light a candle to help her find her way during the next three nights. As you look at the flame, think of this great lover of color and notice all the pieces of light that make up the fire.

On Sunday, join us and other friends in celebrating her time with us at the home of E. Gail Robinson at 7838 E. Bernedette Dr. in Lake Leelanau (off CR 641). Potluck foods and your warm love will be welcomed additions from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please park at turnaround by mailbox. Call Joy's cell with questions; (530) 574-0632.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Women's Cancer Fund of Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

— With love, Joy, Jenee and Justin Rowe, and Ann Lombardi-Butt.

Please share thoughts and memories with the family on their online guest book at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/.

WILLIAMSBURG — Leona Rohr, 83, of Williamsburg, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Hope Village in Williamsburg.

Leona was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen (Reddy) Anderson. She was born on Sept. 6, 1925, in Flushing. Leona entered into marriage with the late Julius Rohr on Oct. 4, 1952, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City.

Leona moved with her family to Ohio in 1932, moving next to Indiana, where she was employed as a cook for Carmel Clay Schools for 21 years. She retired in June of 1987 and returned to the Traverse City area to become a permanent resident.

Leona was a very active member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She loved to read and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, creating beautiful needlework and travel.

Leona is survived by her sisters, Mary Ekorn of Roscommon and Edith Ostrom of Mt. Morris; brother, William (Elizabeth) Anderson of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; sister-in-law, Marie Anderson of Frankfort; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Julius Rohr; and brother, Allen Anderson.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 6, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Williamsburg.

Please share condolences with the family on their online guest book at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

SOUTH BOARDMAN — James "Keith" Petty, 93, of South Boardman, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at his home. He was born on Sept. 27, 1915, in South Boardman, to the late James Leroy and Tessie Luella (Risk) Petty.

Keith proudly served in the United States Army for four years during World War II in the South Pacific. He was a member of the American Legion Post 463 of South Boardman since its beginning in 1946.

Keith is survived by his sister, Christina "Jane" Johnson of South Boardman; many nieces and nephews; and many friends and neighbors that stopped in and helped him in many ways.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and three sisters, Marie Lonnsbery, Illa Dagneasis and Wilma Buxton.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, from 2 to 9 p.m., at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home in Kalkaska. The funeral service will be on Monday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home, with Reverend Howard Seaver of the South Boardman United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Boardman Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to American Legion Post 463, 5386 Scenic View Drive SW, South Boardman, MI 49680 or to the South Boardman Senior Center, PO Box 144, South Boardman, MI 49680.

Please share memories with the family on their online guest book at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

TRAVERSE CITY — Raymond "Pat" W. Block, 94, of Traverse City, previously of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at his home.

Pat was born on March 16, 1914, in Isabella County, the son of John and Adella (Miller) Block. He married Mildred McReavy in May 1938.

Pat was a general contractor in residential/light commercial construction and built many fine homes and swimming pools for 65 years, and worked with many well-known architects/engineers.

Pat was the oldest surviving founding member of the "Isabella Camp", a hunting trust on the Tahquamenon River in the Upper Peninsula, since 1948. He tromped through the woods with his family and friends for many years and took many fine bucks.

Pat is survived by his wife, Mildred of Traverse City; his children, Diane (Roger) Stocking of Vero Beach, Fla., and Jan (James) Hinds of Traverse City; grandchildren, Kenneth (Maret Sabourin) Soper, CSM Lesly (Sylvia) McCorkle, Darryl Todd (Laurie) McCorkle, Kathy (Tim) Strong of Traverse City, Jayme (Jeff) Wensko, Jenna (Drew Dokken) Hinds, Jillian (Mike) Schoeller, Iain Hinds, Shelley Fernandez, and Kelley Cone and Matt, Jasmine, Andy, Christina, Raymond, Stanley, Abby, Chelsea, Hannah, Paul and Joshua; and great-grandchildren, Remington, Noah, Heather, Mary, Blake, Liam, Hannah, Jayde and Odin.

Pat was the last surviving member of his siblings whose lives spanned from the 1800s to 2000s.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; sisters; his sons, Thomas and Kenneth; and great-grandson, Thomas McCorkle.

Funeral services for Pat will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church, 3401 E. River Road, Mt. Pleasant, with Pastor Samuel Reith officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at Clark Family Funeral Chapel, 114 S. Bradley Street, Mt. Pleasant, and on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the Zion Lutheran Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel and the church.

You may view Pat's obituary online and send a private condolence to the family or sign the public guest book at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.

TRAVERSE CITY — When Lillian (Antony) Ludka's journey of faith ended on earth, the angels led her to paradise. On Nov. 29, 2008, Lillian was granted her last prayer of being with loved ones in her beloved home on East Tenth Street in Traverse City when she died.

Lillian Margrete began her long life of 98 years, June 28, 1910, at the Keystone family farm on the Boardman River. She was the youngest daughter of French and Swiss immigrants, Florent and Mary (Eggli) Antony, who lovingly called her "Babe." In years to come, Lillian honored her Eggli/Antony legacy by gathering the generations for annual family picnics.

She began her education at Sabin country school. At the age of 12, the family moved to the home on East Tenth, and she entered St. Francis School. Under the guidance of the Dominican Sisters she grew in her Catholic faith. In high school Lillian developed a great love for literature, drama and music. Acquiring the nickname "Tony", she played girls' varsity basketball from 1924 to 1927. She and her future husband, Frank Ludka, graduated together with the Class of 1927.

Lillian attended nursing school in Grand Rapids until it was discovered she was only 17 years of age. Although disappointed, she wisely chose to pursue a teaching degree at Grand Traverse County Normal. At age 19, she taught for a year in the small, isolated town of Kenneth in the Upper Peninsula. She proved to be the finest teacher they ever had.

However, missing a more social life, especially dancing, she enrolled at Western State Teachers College in Kalamazoo to further her studies in elementary education. Returning to Traverse City, she taught at the Courtade one-room schoolhouse in 1932 to 1933.

On June 28, 1933, Lillian married Frank Ludka at St. Francis Catholic Church. They began their 65-year marriage with their honeymoon at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. They owned The Ludka Grocery on West Front Street and were known to extend credit to those in need during the Depression.

In 1944, when her husband entered the Navy, Lillian managed the household with five young children, aged one month to 10 years. After World War II, Frank suggested they move to San Diego, Calif. But, Lillian wanted to raise her children in Traverse City.

At age 98, she said it had been the best decision, and that she was still quite "enthused" about Traverse City.

Eventually more babies came, each one bringing her great joy. She created fun times for her family and neighborhood children, especially outings to O-At-Ka beach.

With their love for Catholic education they sent their four boys and four girls to St. Francis School. Lillian became greatly involved in school activities. She was a proud member of the Parent Teacher Association for 28 years, serving as president in 1947 to 1948, and vice-president from 1953 to 1955. Lillian was a delegate to the State Convention in 1948 and 1953.

After the St. Francis Athletic Association was formed in the early 1950s, Tony helped her husband when he served for years as the unpaid Athletic Director. Many evenings were spent at the kitchen table writing letters and contracts for sporting events. They helped establish Gladiator football in 1951.

In 1983 Lillian and Frank traveled to the Silverdome for the State football finals. Having witnessed the humble beginnings of the football program, they were overwhelmed and proud to see their tiny school compete for the championship. Lillian had looked forward to watching the Glads in last Saturday's State finals, but because of her health it was not going to be possible. Exactly at kick-off time, the Lord called Lillian to her heavenly home, and He must have given her the best seat by Frank to watch from above.

Lillian was a lifetime member of the St. Francis Altar Society. Known as a pillar of the parish, she took great pleasure in working with the other ladies on church activities, especially the annual Christmas bazaar and dinner. As a member of the new church building committee, she was given the honor of carrying the relics of the saints to the altar during the church dedication in 1977.

In 1967, Lillian was elected to the St. Francis school board. After St. Francis and Immaculate Conception schools consolidated, she continued to serve as secretary on the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Board of Education through 1974. Lillian considered her part in the effort to unite and keep the Catholic schools open, one of her life's greatest achievements.

Lillian served as Superintendent of the Fine Arts Department of the Northwestern Michigan Fair from 1969 to 1979. She was a member of the Martha Household #418, the Church funeral choir, the Variety Club and Munson Women's Auxiliary.

During this time of "volunteerism" and raising her family, Lillian also worked as an independent air-mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service from 1953 to 1973.

Lillian traveled with her husband to Europe four times and enjoyed numerous trips to Florida, California, Las Vegas, the East Coast, Canada and Hawaii.

In October 2007, Lillian and her husband, Frank, were inducted into the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Hall of Fame for the humble and unselfish way they lived their lives. They approached all trials prayerfully and lived by the words of Saint Francis, "In giving that we receive." Lillian had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Good Shepherd, always praying for the troubled and lost sheep.

Lillian was blessed on Nov. 18, 2008, to join her only other remaining St. Francis classmate of 1927, Evangeline Krietz Zimmerman, at her 100th birthday party at GTACS. The Holy Angels elementary and the St. Francis High School students helped them celebrate with cake, song and a special Mass in the St. Clare chapel. Lillian was pleased to see that the Catholic schools continued to be filled with happy children.

FAMILY was Lillian's greatest gift of all. Christmas was an especially magical time to be at Grandma and Grandpa's, from the cut-out cookie bakes to the Christmas Eve gathering. Grandma would turn out all but the Christmas tree lights and everyone joined in singing Silent Night while the youngest one present placed the Baby Jesus in the manger.

Lillian leaves behind her much loved children, Walter "Bud" Ludka, Ruth and Wilfred Holsather, Lawrence Noel and Loretta Ludka, Elizabeth and Paul Leask, Elaine and David Kozlowski, Virginia Schram, Francis Ludka II and Charles Ludka. Lillian had no greater smile than when any of her 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren came to visit.

Loved ones she now holds in her arms are her husband, Frank; her parents; her sisters, Clara and Marion Antony, Anna Emerson and Marian Walker; her brothers, Fred, Lawrence, Leon and Bernard K. Antony; daughter-in-law, Julia Ludka; and granddaughter, Tari Leask French.

Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m., where the Ludka family will receive friends. A scripture service will follow beginning at 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at noon, at. St Francis Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Kenneth Stachnik will serve as the celebrant. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery .

In lieu of flowers, a gift in memory of Lillian may be given for scholarships for students at St. Francis High School.

Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guest book at www.legacy.com/record-eagle/.

Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

MARIE INEZ DEAN, 95, of Kingsley, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Birchwood Nursing Home.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m., at the Kingsley Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Kingsley.

ROBERT N. "BOB" SMITH, 75, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Arrangements are pending. A full obituary will be in a later edition of the Record-Eagle.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.