December 4, 1999

Obituaries

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      Lucius E. Smith
      Died November 26, 1999
      SARASOTA, Fla. - Lucius E. Smith, of Sarasota, Fla., where he had wintered the past 12 years, and Honor, Mich., died Friday, Nov. 26, in Sarasota.
      He was born June 30, 1920, the son of Walter and Katherine (Mertz) Smith. Lucius graduated from Honor High School.
      In 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force, serving five years, including several months on a B-17 based in England. After the war he worked for the Wayne County Road Commission while earning his bachelor of science and master of science degrees at Eastern Michigan University. He then taught social studies in the Wayne-Westland school system for 28 years, retiring in 1980. For many years he was active as a private pilot of small planes, continued to be a ham radio operator, and was a lifetime VFW member.
      He is survived by his wife, Julia A. (Hopkins); two sisters, Marjorie Kowalski of Frankfort and Marie Vealey of Charlotte; a sister-in-law, Margaret of Benzonia; and several nieces and nephews.
      He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John.
      Cremation has taken place. Burial will be later in Michigan.
      Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
     
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      Allen Russell Walters
      Died December 3, 1999
      TRAVERSE CITY - Allen Russell Walters, 84, of Traverse City, died Friday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
      Born April 6, 1915, in Suttons Bay, he was the son of Nicholas and Helen (Grohowski) Walters. On Nov. 26, 1940, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City, he married the former Elsie Rokos.
      Allen was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy with the 46th Seabees. He received three battle stars while on Guadalcanal, New Guinea and Los Negros in the Pacific, and was a shell back (crossed the Equator). Along with his brothers, Willard "Gil" and Clifford "Bud," he was a partner in Walters Fine Footwear and Shoe Repair. He retired in 1980 after 50 years. Allen was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Usher's Club, VFW Cherryland Post No. 2780 and past commander, and a lifetime member of Traverse City Elks Lodge No. 323. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and telling stories.
      He is survived by his wife, Elsie; two sons, Spencer Allen (Gretchen) Walters of Leland and Gregory James (Dana) Walters of Hickory Corners; a brother, Clifford (Anita) Walters of Traverse City; two sisters, Mildred (Robert E.) Mullen Stone and Ethel DeTour - both of Traverse City; and five grandchildren, Shannon, John, Joe, Margaret and Nicole Walters
      He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Viola Walters; and a brother, Willard Walters. He was also preceded in death by a special friend, Bob Kortokrax.
      Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, where a wake service will be held at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Megge serving as celebrant; military honors are under the auspices of Cherryland Post No. 2780. Burial will be in Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.
      Memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.
     
      Marie Ellen Kerby Wrzesinski
      Died December 2, 1999
      MT. PLEASANT - Marie Ellen Kerby Wrzesinski, former resident of Benzie County, Manistee, and for the past year Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday afternoon at her daughter's residence at the age of 79.
      Marie was born on Feb. 28, 1920, in Barryton, the daughter of Lawrence A. and Florence E. (Braley) Lassen. She was united in marriage to Edwin W. Kerby on March 15, 1936. Edwin died Oct. 17, 1975. She was then united in marriage to Clarence Wrzesinski in July, 1977, and Clarence passed away in February, 1999.
      For many years Marie owned and operated Adult Foster Care Homes in the Benzie County area. She was always known to lend a helping hand to others when they may have needed assistance. Marie enjoyed canning, crafts, cooking and sewing. While residing in Benzie County, she attended the Benzie Area Church of Christ.
      She is survived by sons, Eugene (Beth) Kerby of Beulah, Frederick (Dorothy) Kerby of Benzonia, Wayne Kerby of Mt. Pleasant and a stepson, Thomas (Charlotte) Lewis of Empire; daughter-in-law, Connie Kerby of St. John; seven daughters, Darlene (Bryce) Gray of Honor, Shirley (Marvin) Young of Mt. Pleasant, Barbara (Larry) West of Empire, Maria (Jack) Shippey of St. Johns, Debra (Dennis) Kietzman of Jackson, Cheryl (Kenneth) Carpenter of Jackson, and Kimberly (Scott) Mead of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are two brothers, Loren Bixby of Fruitport and Dewey Lassen of Oklahoma; three sisters, Gladys Brown of Flint, Judy McCummins of Pickford and Althea Bowen of Mt. Pleasant; 48 grandchildren; 72 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
      She was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas Arner Kerby and three grandchildren.
      Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Perry Chapel, McElduff Funeral Homes in Benzonia. Services for Marie will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Benzie Area Church of Christ. Evangelist Robert Bodell will officiate. Burial will take place in the Gilmore Township Cemetery.
      Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a contribution in Marie's memory to either the Hospice of Central Michigan, 401 S. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 or the Benzie Area Church of Christ, 2460 Frankfort Hwy., Frankfort, MI 49635.