Ross L. SCHEETZ
Funeral services for Ross L. SCHEETZ, 73, were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the
Foglesong Chapel with the Rev. David DRAGGOO, pastor of the First United
Methodist Church in Burr Oak, officiating. Mrs. John D. YOUNG was the
organist. The final rites were said in Burr Oak Cemetery. Casket
bearers were Leon KIMBALL, Kenneth FULLER, Earl BORDNER, Alvin
SHAW, John BURMEISTER and Michael SMITH. Mr. SCHEETZ, a former Sturgis and
Detroit bank teller and an insurance broker, died in Fairview Medical Facility,
Monday morning, after an illness of eight years. His home was at 1049
Kelly Road in Burr Oak Township. He had served on the Sturgis Board of
Education for 20 years and in later years had been active in the Burr Oak Grange
until he was stricken. He was married Jan. 14, 1920, to the former Esther
FERRIS, who survives, along with three sons, one daughter, one sister and one
brother. (Feb. 12, 1970) (No family connection to submitter.)
Foster D. REEG
Foster D. REEG, 78, 224 Susan St., Sturgis, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon
at his home. He had been in failing health four years. He was born
Aug. 24, 1900, in Whitley County, Ind., a son of Rev. Jacob B. and Cornelia C.
(SHORT) REEG. He had made his home in Sturgis the past 52 years, coming
here from LaPorte, Ind., where on Nov. 27, 1919, he married F. Irene LOSEY.
Mr. REEG was a tool and die maker, being employed for several years by Kirsch
Co.; Douglas Manufacturing Co. of Bronson; C and H Machine, and Burr Oak Tool
and Gauge Co., from which he retired in 1966. He attended the First
Baptist Church, was a member of the Sturgis Senior Citizens, and the American
Association of Retired Persons and a life member of Sturgis Elks Lodge, BPOE No.
1381. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Max (Audrey) HECHT,
Sturgis, and Mrs. Jack (Joy) MYERS, Williamsburg, Wis.; three sons, Gordon R.
and Vernon D. REEG, both of Sturgis, and Arthur P. REEG, Muskegon; 20
grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister Mrs. Reggie (Mary) PENDLETON,
North Palm Beach, Fla., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by a son, Jac, three sisters and five brothers. Relatives and friends may
call at the Rosenberg-Schipper Funeral Home in Sturgis until noon on Tuesday,
when Mr. REEG will be taken to the First Baptist Church where services will be
held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, with Rev. Ronald J. MILES officiating.
Interment will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery. (July 9, 1979) (No family
connection to submitter.)
Rita J. MYERS
Funeral services for Mrs. John P. (Rita J.) MYERS, 74, were held at 11 a.m.
Wednesday in Holy Angels Catholic Church with the Rev. William G. LIMBERT
serving as the officiant. The committal service was observed in Oak Lawn
Cemetery. Casket bearers were Richard WENZEL, Larry HARKER, Robert FERREL;
Bernard WOOD, Donald LANG and David FERREL. The Rosary was recited at 8
p.m. Tuesday in the Foglesong Funeral Home with Father LIMBERT also
officiating. Mrs. MYERS, retired Sturgis Newport employe, died
unexpectedly in her home, 114 Wenzel Ave., at 9:45 p.m. Saturday. She had
lived in Sturgis practically all her life. Relatives attending from out of
the city were from Chicago and Mundelein, Ill.; Ft. Wayne,
Ind.; Newark, Calif.; and Lansing. Mrs. MYERS retired from her employment
12 years ago. (Feb. 12, 1970) (No family connection to submitter.)
Marselena JONES
Sturgis-Marselena JONES, 88, 110 Magnolia St., died Nov. 20, 1986, at Sturgis
Hospital, where she was admitted Nov. 16. She had been ill for a short
time. She was born March 17, 1898 in Michigan City, Ind., a daughter of
Horace and Marinda HAYES. On April 8, 1916, she married
William F. JONES in Cassopolis. He died Aug. 7, 1978. She was a
Sturgis resident sicne 1921, coming from Toledo, Ohio. She was a lifelong
homemaker. Surviving are son Bill A. JONES, Philadelphia, Pa.; one
granddaughter; one foster daughter, Mrs. Bryan (Sara) COTTE, Cambridge Preston,
Ontario, Canada. She was preceded in death by two brothers. There
will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Burial of the
cremains will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements were handled by the Foglesong Funeral Home, Sturgis. (No
family connection to submitter.)
Harry Otis JOHNSTON
Harry Otis JOHNSTON, 78, 214 Jacob St., died at 1 a.m. today (Thursday) in
Sturgis Memorial Hospital, where he had been admitted last Dec. 18. He had
been in ill health the last year. Mr. JOHNSTON was born in Huntington
County, Ind., Aug. 2, 1891, a son of Sherman E. and Alice L. (MILLER)
JOHNSTON. He was married in Bluffton, Ind., to Emma L. LUCABAUGH on Aug.
9, 1910. She preceded him in death on Aug. 14, 1964. Mr. JOHNSTON
had been a Sturgis resident for the last 41 years and had been an employe of the
former Sturgis Register Co. for 28 years. He retired in 1957. He was
affiliated with IOOF Lodge No. 114 in Bluffton. He had been a member of
the lodge for nearly 60 years. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. B. E.
(Jean) MARBAUGH of Sturgis and Mrs. Vera HOGG of Fort Wayne, Ind., a son,
Leonard JOHNSTON of Niles; a brother Howard JOHNSTON, Marcellus; six
grandchildren; six great- grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and
cousins. Friends are being received at the Foglesong Funeral Home, where
services will be held at 1:0 p.m. Saturday. The Rev. M. John PALMER,
pastor of the First Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will take
place in Oak Lawn Cemetery, where the members of the Oddfellow Lodge will confer
honors. (Feb. 12, 1970) (No family connection to submitter.)
John W. HANSELMAN
John W. HANSELMAN, 61, 206 Washington St., died at 1:30 a.m. Thursday, in
Sturgis Memorial Hospital. He had been in ill health since 1963. Mr.
HANSELMAN was born in Greenfield Mills, Ind., Feb. 18, 1908, at son of Simeon
and Della (TOMS) HANSELMAN. He was married to Frances SEITZ, who preceded
him in death on April 21, 1960. He was married to Abigail SCHRADER, in White
Pigeon, on Nov. 24, 1964. Mr. HANSELMAN had resided in Sturgis most of his
life and for many years he had owned and operated the Castle Kwik Restaurant on
N. Nottawa Street, until his health forced his retirement. Surviving
besides his widow are three sons, John Jr., Robert and Dannie, all of Sturgis;
three sisters, Mrs. Edith MIRACLE of Grand Rapids, Mrs. William (Carol) NELSON
of Centreville and Mae HANSELMAN of Sturgis; two brothers, Harlow of Kouts,
Ind., and Edwin HANSELMAN of Sturgis; two stepdaughters, Edith ALLESHOUSE, at
home and Bonnie ALLEHOUSE of Augusta; and eight grandchildren. Visitation
may be made at the Foglesong Funeral Home, where rites will be held at 3 p.m.
Saturday with the Rev. M. John PALMER, pastor of the First Baptist Church,
officiating. Interment will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery. (Feb. 12,
1970) (No family connection to submitter.)
Harold HARVEY
Harold C. HARVEY, 58, president of Harvey Paper Products Co. of this city, died
early Sunday morning at Blodgett Memorial Hospital, Grand Rapids, where he had
been a patient the last five weeks. His death followed a long illness. He
underwent an operation six months ago at
University Hospital, Ann Arbor, but never fully recovered. Mrs. HARVEY and her
sister, Mrs. M. BLAIM, were present at the time of Mr. HARVEY'S death. He was
born Oct. 8, 1891, at Cobb, Wis., a son of Alfred and Lida CANDACE HARVEY. His
early years were spent in Wisconsin. Following his graduation from West Division
High School in Milwaukee, he continued his
education in mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin Extension.
After spending some time in the West on irrigation work, he returned to
Wisconsin and served on several metropolitan newspapers. During World War I, he
served in the motor transport and infantry
sections of the 85th and 14th Divisions. After the war, mechanical engineering
became his vocation. He was attracted to the pulp and paper industry, and became
engaged in the design and construction of paper and paper converting machinery
for many nationally-known manufacturers. In 1923, with his father, the late
Alfred HARVEY, he organized the Harvey
Paper Products Co. The company started operations in a two-car garage at
Appleton, Wis., with practically all the work of the infant industry being done
by the two men themselves. As the business grew, it moved to Waukesha, Wis., and
later to Monroe, Wis. Further growth made it
desirable to move closer to the source of paper supply, and in 1926, the company
moved to Sturgis. The first factory unit here was housed in building smaller
than the present offices alone. The growth of the business under Mr. Harvey's
leadership made successive additions
necessary, two of these additions being built during the depression years. The
factory now occupies an entire city block in the northwest part of the city.
Much of the special machinery used in the present factory was designed by him
personally and built under his supervision.
Mr. HARVEY had enjoyed a long friendship with the executives of the Kalamazoo
Vegetable Parchment Co., supplier of most of the paper used by the Harvey
Company. As a result, he in 1943 effected the consolidation of the Harvey Paper
Products Co. with the Kalamazoo Paper Products Co., remaining as president and
general manager of the local company. The consolidation proved an advantageous
one both for the company and the City of Sturgis. In 1943, Mr. HARVEY founded
the Tri-State Litho-Art of this city with F. D. BURDINO and Paul F. PICKER. Mr.
HARVEY held the position of secretary. Mr. HARVEY was widely known throughout
the paper industry and was recognized as a leader in the paper converting field.
His greatest satisfaction, however, was in his association with his employees.
Under his direction, his company was a pioneer in introducing many employee
benefits, locally, and his office door was always open to any employee. He was
married Nov. 17, 1920, at Kenosha, Wis. to Miss Mary M. PICKER, who is the only
close surviving relative, aside from an aunt Mrs. Frank SHRINER, of Monroe, Wis.
While he took an active interest in many civic activities, his first devotion
was to his home and he was jealous of time spent away from it. He was a member
of the First Presbyterian Church and of Neuman-Wenzel post, American Legion, and
was a former member of the Sturgis Exchange Club. He was a member of the board
of directors of the Paper Cup and Container Institute, and a former member of
the board of trustees of Sturgis Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will take
place at 4 p.m. Tuesday from the First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Charles T.
DOOLITTLE, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Rapids and formerly
pastor here, will conduct the services. Interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Friends
will be received at the Foglesong Funeral Home until 10 a.m. Tuesday.
From then until the time of the service, the body will lie in state at the
First Presbyterian Church. The plants and offices of the Harvey Paper Products
Co. and Tri-State Litho-Art will be closed all day Tuesday in respect to Mr.
HARVEY. (July 18 1949) (No family connection to submitter.)
Dr. Allen E. BRUNSON
Dr. Allen E. BRUNSON, 60, a benefactor and friend to countless persons on all
walks of life, died at 10:55 a.m. Sunday in Sturgis Memorial Hospital. He had
made a valiant effort to regain his health during the past year and one-half
after the discovery of cancer was made. He had
been under care, at intervals, in the University Hospital at Ann Arbor and was
last admitted to the hospital here on Oct. 31. Dr. BRUNSON became widely known
in the Sturgis community and area through his devoted care to his patients. He
had moved to Sturgis 24 years ago to
become associated with Dr. John P. SHELDON in the surgical profession and the
practice of medicine. He was graduated from the University of Michigan medical
school at Ann Arbor in 1935. His first practice was with the Coldwater State
Home and Training School and after one-year tenure there, he opened offices in
Colon where he remained for nine years before moving to Sturgis. Dr. BRUNSON was
a member of the First United Methodist Church, the American Medical Association,
St. Joseph County Medical Society, Sturgis Rotary Club and a member of the
founding board of the Froh Community Home. His chief hobby was railway
locomotive engines, trains, equipment maintenance, railway bridge structure and
train travel. This led to his membership in the Railroad and Locomotive
Historical Society. Dr. BRUNSON was born at Ganges, July 17, 1909, a son of Dr.
Eugene and Grace (HATHWAY) BRUNSON. His marriage to Margaret STEKETEE was
solemnized June 27, 1936 at Holland. Surviving are his
widow, at home; two daughters, Mrs. Donald E. (Mary) WILLIAMS of San Jose,
Calif., and Mrs. Kenneth (Barbara) ELZINGA of Charlotteville, Va., one son, John
BRUNSON, a student at Colorado State University at Ft. Collins; his mother,
Orlando, Fla; one sister, Mrs. Walter (Alice)
SCOTT, Okemos, and one grandson. Friends may call at the Foglesong Funeral Home
where rites will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Charles B. HAHN,
pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Private graveside
services for members of the family will
be observed at the Oak Lawn Cemetery following the funeral home rites.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the church of
their choice, the Sturgis Memorial Hospital Remembrance fund or any of the local
nursing homes. Envelopes are available at the
funeral home. (December 13, 1969) (No family connection to submitter.)
Funeral services for Dr. Allen E. BRUNSON, 60, who had served the Sturgis and
community area for nearly a quarter of a century as a surgeon and general
practitioner, were held at 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday), in the Foglesong
Funeral Home. The Rev. Charles HAHN, pastor of the First United Methodist
Church, of which Dr. BRUNSON was a member, was the officiant and Mrs. John D.
YOUNG the organist. The committal rites were observed at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Casket bearers were Dr. John P. SHELDON, Dale FAUNCE, Robert FINLAY, George
FIELD, Robert E. A. BOYLE and Paul OSWALD. Attending in a group were members of
the nursing staff and nursesâ aides from Sturgis Memorial Hospital. Others
were members of the St. Joseph County Medical Society and the Froh Community
Home which Dr. BRUNSON helped to found. The prominently-known physician died in
Sturgis Memorial Hospital after a long illness due to
cancer. He had resided at 507 Mortimer St.
Guy W. KIRSCH
Guy W. KIRSCH, 48, president of the Kirsch Co., died suddenly this morning at 9
oâclock of a heart attack which occurred at his home, 611 East Chicago Road.
She shocking news spread quickly throughout the community and saddened local
citizens of all walks of life. His untimely
death removes from the local scene one of Sturgisâ most stalwart citizens who
had made important contributions to the growth and progress of his home town and
the industry which he headed. Guy KIRSCH came to Sturgis with his parents, the
late Mr. and Mrs. C. W. KIRSCH, when the founder of the Kirsch Company moved his
infant industry here from Three
Rivers in 1907. He had spent all of his subsequent life in this community during
which time he had given generously of his energies and his talents. Following
the death of their father in 1933 Guy and his brother John came into control the
Kirsch Co. They had had a decade of
experience in practically all departments and Guy had been elected president and
general manager in 1933 a week before his fatherâs death.
From the sound foundations laid by his father Guy
played a substantial part of the development of the Kirsch Co. into the
multi-million dollar business that it is today with a market for its products
all over the world. Supplementing his business career, Guy found the time and
energy to take and active interest in civic affairs and in the club and
fraternal organizations of the community. To all of his activities, social,
fraternal, and business, Guy KIRSCH brought an abounding enthusiasm and the
sound and tempered counsel of a trained executive which was admired and
respected by all his friends and business associates. Guy had known for more
than a year that time was running out and that his over-worked heart might fail
at any time. He accepted the fact bravely and uncomplainingly, and continued his
social contacts as well as his duties at the Kirsch Co. In recent months, when
present at social gatherings, he would slip quietly away and lie down for an
hour or two of rest. Unless asked, he never referred to his illness.
Guy Waldo KIRSCH was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Feb. 6, 1902, a son of Charles
Wendell and Clara WALDO KIRSCH. He spent his boyhood in Milwaukee, Three Rivers,
Michigan and Sturgis. After graduating from Howe Military School in 1920, Guy
attended the University of Michigan, from which he received an A.B. degree in
1924. He was married to Flora CALLENDER in Ann Arbor on April 12, 1924, and is
survived by his widow, two children, Charles E., of Scarsdale, N.Y. and Judith,
at home, and his brother John. There is also a niece, Mrs. Donlee POFFENBERGER;
a nephew, John W. KIRSCH and two aunts and one uncle. Starting at the bottom of
the order filling department of the Kirsch Co., Guy served successively as
purchasing agent and as head of the art product division. On Sept. 5, 1933, he
was elected president and general manager at the age of 31. Other
responsibilities fell upon his youthful
shoulders. In addition to being a director of the Kirsch Co., he was elected to
the board of directors of the Kirsch Manufacturing Company of Canada, Ltd. He
became a director of the Citizens Lumber and Coal Company in 1933 and since 1947
has been a director of the Sturgis
Savings and Loan association. Just recently he became a director of an Ann Arbor
insurance company.
Always interested in any project for the betterment of his community, Guy
organized the Community Chest in Sturgis and served as its chairman from 1934 to
1945. He again headed the drive only last year.
Among the many obligations that he accepted and performed so ably, he was a
charter member and past president of the Sturgis Boy Scouts Association; past
president of Camp Fort Hill, Inc.; past president, St. Joseph County War Fund;
past president of the Klinger Lake Country Club;
past president, Sturgis Chamber of Commerce; past commander, Columbia Commandery
No. 18, Knights Templar; treasurer, Knights Templar Education Division, Grand
Commandery; former director, Michigan chapter of American Cancer Society. Guy
was affiliated fraternally with all the bodies of the Masonry which included,
besides the Commandery, membership
in the Meridian Sun Lodge No. 49, F.&A.M., Royal Arch Masons, Chapter No.
26, and the Ancient and Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Grand
Rapids and the DeWitt Clinton Consistory of Grand Rapids, of which he was the
local representative. After his term as commander of Columbia Commandery No. 18,
KIRSCH was elected as permanent captain
general, a station he held until his health began to wane.
One of Guyâs chief interests was the Sturgis Rotary Club, to which he devoted
a great deal of time and energy. He served as president in 1946-47 and as
district governor in 1948. In this latter office he made innumerable trips all
over Michigan and was made chairman of the Displaced Persons Committee and a
member of the Extension Committee of Rotary International. Friends may call at
the Foglesong Funeral Home until 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Following that hour, the
body will lie in state in the First Presbyterian Church where services will be
conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Jack R. STEELE officiating.
Interment services at the Kirsch mausoleum at Oaklawn Cemetery will be in charge
of members of the Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 49, F.&A.M. The cortege will be
escorted by the Sir Knights of Columbia Commandery No. 18. (Sept. 27, 1950) (No
family connection to submitter)
Roscoe M. LONGENECKER
Sturgis-Roscoe M. LONGENECKER, 88, 25657 M 86, died Jan. 5, 1985, at Fairview
Medical Care Facility, Centreville. He was born July 2, 1896, in Wakarusa, Ind.,
a son of Charles and Christina (KLING) LONGENECKER. On Sept. 8, 1917, he was
married to Mamie L. BOYER in Three Rivers. She died in 1970. On April 14, 1972,
he was married to Pauline F. (FULLER)
MINGUS in Three Rivers. He attended school in Wakarusa and for more than 30
years, he was employed at Weyerhaeuser Co., Three Rivers. He was a member of St.
Johns Luther Church, Three Rivers. Surviving are his wife; two daughters,
Mrs. Nicholas (Marian) PAPPAS, Bonita Springs, Fla., and one son, Rosco R.
LONGENECKER, Three Rivers; 10 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; and
two sisters, Mrs. Wilbur (Mabel) CARPENTER and Addie SCHRUMPHF, both of Niles.
The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. today at the Halverson Chapel,
Three Rivers, where services are 2 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Robert JOHNSON
officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Three Rivers. (No
family connection to submitter.)
Walter L. SCHROEDER
Sturgis-Walter L. SCHROEDER, 74, 1105 S. Ohio Court, died Jan. 4, 1985, at
Sturgis Hospital where he was admitted Dec. 30. He was born Jan. 19, 1910, in
Sturgis, a son of Edward J. and Eda (ECKERT) SCHROEDER. On April 12, 1933, he
was married to Elda L. WARKENTINE, in Sturgis. She died May 27, 1969. He was a
lifelong Sturgis resident. Since 1946, he was a printer for Abbott Magic Co.,
Colon, until his retirement in 1984. He was a lifelong member and past-treasurer
of St. Johnâs Lutheran Church. Surviving are two sisters, Margaret PUESCHEL
and Mrs. Robert (Mildred) ADAMS, both of Sturgis; one brother, Edwin SCHROEDER,
Sturgis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by
his parents. Relatives and friends were received Saturday and Sunday at the
Foglesong Funeral Home, Sturgis. Services were 11 a.m. today at St. Johnâs
Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ronald RADDATZ officiating. Burial was in Oak Lawn
Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Johnâs Lutheran Church Memorial
Fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. (No family connection to
submitter.)
Clara BARTOLD
Centreville - Clara BARTOLD, 89, formerly of 703 W. Congress St., Sturgis, died
Dec. 3, 1986 at the Fairview Medical Care Facility, following an extended
illness. She was born July 2, 1897, in Bronson, a daughter of Michael and
Anna (MALOVEY) KIBILOSKI. On Aug. 29, 1920, he
married Peter BARTOLD in Bronson. He died Feb. 15, 1974. She was a
Sturgis area resident most of her life. She was a lifelong
homemaker. She was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sturgis, and a
past member of the church Altar Society. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs.
John (Geraldine) WHITE, Danville, Ill.; one son, Virgil BARTOLD, White Pigeon;
eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Floyd
(Lucille) SMOKER, Elkhart, Ind., and Mrs. Matthew (Stella) NOVAKOWKSI,
Bronson. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Relatives and friends may call after 7 p.m. today at the Foglesong Funeral Home,
Sturgis, where the family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. today and 3-5
p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Friday
at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy
Angels Catholic Church with the Rev. James PEARL officiating. Entombment
will be in Oak Lawn Mausoleum. Memorials may be directed to Holy Angels
Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral. home. (No
family connection to submitter.)
Beatrice B. BECKWITH
Sturgis-Beatrice B. BECKWITH, 77, 128 S. Nottawa St., died Jan. 5, 1985, at
Millerâs Merry Manor Nursing Home, LaGrange, Ind., where she was a resident
for one day. She was born Aug. 4, 1907, in Sturgis, a daughter of Orlo and Marie
(McKALE) BECKWITH and was a lifelong Sturgis resident. For many years, she was
manager of the Strand Theater until her retirement in 1968. She was also
employed by the Colonial Motor Inn. Surviving are one half-brother, Charles
MEESE, Venice, Fla.; three nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by
her parents; two sisters, Winola MUSTONE and Josephine SITES; and two brothers,
Bryant and William BECKWITH. Relatives and friends may call at the Foglesong
Funeral Home, Sturgis, where services are 3 p.m. today. The Rev. Joseph LIDDICK,
Wesleyan Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Nottawa Cemetery. Memorials
may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at the
funeral home. (No family connection to submitter.)
Raymond H. DRESSER
A prominent Sturgis attorney, Raymond H. DRESSER, SR. died Wednesday in Doctors
Hospital, Hollywood, Fla., where he and his wife were vacationing. He was 67.
Mr. DRESSERâs death, the result of a coronary attack, occurred at about 6 a.m.
Mr. and Mrs. DRESSER made their home in Sturgis at 1210 S. Lakeview Ave. Mr.
DRESSERâs contributions in time and
professional services to his community have been manifold. Mr. DRESSER served as
trustee of several estates of public spirited citizens through whose generosity
the Sturgis Memorial Hospital Nursesâ Home, the northerly addition to the
Sturgis Memorial Hospital, the Jane A. STURGES Memorial Home for elderly women
and the Sturges-Young Civic Auditorium were made possible, a dream seldom
realized in a city the size of Sturgis. Mr. DRESSER served the City of Sturgis
as its legal counsel for 15 years.
Mr. DRESSER was born in the village of Litchfield, Hillsdale County, on Jan. 28,
1901. After attending the Litchfield public schools where he was graduated from
high school in 1919, he entered the University of Michigan. On May 13, 1923, was
married to Lola JUCKETTE of Homer. In 1924 he was graduated from the University
of Michigan Law School and started his law career in Detroit. After three years
he moved to Sturgis to become a partner of Theo T. JACOBS, a prominent local
attorney. After Atty. JACOBS was elected Circuit Court judge, Mr. DRESSER
continued the general practice of law as an individual until 1956 when he was
joined by his son, Raymond H. DRESSER, JR.
Mr. DRESSER was a member of Gamma Eta Gamma, legal fraternity, Michigan State
Bar Association, American Bar Association, American College of Trial Lawyers (an
honorary membership of prominent trail attorneys), a Fellow of the American Bar
Foundation and a director of the American Judicature Society. Atty. DRESSER was
qualified to practice before all
of the courts of the State of Michigan, the federal district courts, the Federal
Court of Appeals of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the United States Supreme Court in
Washington D.C. He had served on many State Bar committees including the
Grievance Committee for the Fourth Congressional District. He had been a
commissioner of the State Bar of Michigan for many years and held the offices of
treasurer, second vice president and first vice president. In 1958 Mr. DRESSER
assumed the presidency of the State Bar, the highest honor that can be bestowed
upon an attorney by his constituents in the practice of law. Mr. DRESSER had
been active in Rotary International and in 1935 was elected district governor
for Western Michigan. He was, at the time of his death, a director of the Kirsch
Co. and the Sturgis Savings and Loan Association. He was a member and an
ordained elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. Mr. DRESSER served
for 27 years as a member of the Selective Service System; he was a life member
of the Meridian Sun Lodge No. 49, F&AM and Columbia Commandery No. 18,
Knights Templar; DeWitt Clinton Consistory and Saladin Shrine Temple, Grand
Rapids; a past president of Klinger Lake Country Club; active in the Republican
Party, and a member of the Elks Lodge.
Surviving are his widow, three children Gloria MILLER of Hollywood, Fla.,
Marilyn CALLAHAN of Los Altos, Calif.; and Raymond of Sturgis; and five
grandchildren. The body will arrive at the Toledo airport at 9:07 tonight and
will be brought to Sturgis to the Foglesong Funeral Home
where friends may call beginning Friday morning and until 9 a.m. Saturday.
Following that hour the visitations may be made at the First Presbyterian Church
where rites will be observed at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the pastor, the Rev.
William BOWEN, officiating. Interment will
take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery. If desired, friends may direct memorials to the
First Presbyterian Church or the Sturgis Foundation. Mrs. DRESSER arrived in
Sturgis at 1 p.m. today, flown here by the Kirsch Co. jet plane. (Thursday,
April 4, 1968)
Funeral rites for Raymond H. DRESSER, 67, widely-known attorney, were observed
at 11 a.m. Saturday in the First Presbyterian Church, with the pastor, the Rev.
William BOWEN, officiating. Mrs. Raymond MORRISSON was the organist. A prayer
service for members of the immediate family was held in the church at 9:30 a.m.
Saturday. The benediction was said in
Oak Lawn Cemetery. Named as honorary casket bearers were Howard E. AUGSPURGER,
Carlyle B. POWELL, Ledge D. FORD, Frank C. MILLER, F. Milton SEGER, Earl H.
PALMER and Herbert H. BECK. Active bearers were William P. MARKS, Franklin P.
BUSH, Raymond J. WOODRICK, Thomas PERSING, Robert P. POLEYS and Richard L.
FREEMAN. Mr. DRESSER, who began his law practice in the Sturgis area along with
the late Theo T. JACOBS in 1927,
died in Doctorâs Hospital, Hollywood, Fla., last Wednesday morning from a
coronary seizure. He had been active in all phases of his practice of law and
was the medium of coordinating estates that proved of untold benefits to
citizens of the Sturgis community, which included the Sturgis Memorial Hospital
Nursesâ Home, the north addition to the Hospital, the Jan A. STURGES Memorial
Home for elderly women, and the Sturges-Young Civic Auditorium. Attending the
service in groups were members of the Sturgis Rotary Club, St. Joseph County and
Michigan State Bar Associations, Circuit Court judges and county officials from
around the area and members of various Masonic groups, including Meridian Sun
Lodge No. 49, F&AM, Columbia Commandery No. 18, KT, and Saladin Temple,
Grand Rapids. In respect to his memory hundreds passed his casket and the church
was filled beyond the capacity of the sanctuary. He is survived by his wife, the
former Lola JUCKETTE, his son, Raymond H., Jr. of Sturgis, who was associated
with this father and the firm of DRESSER and DRESSER; his daughters, Mrs.
Richard (Gloria) MILLER of Hollywood, Fla., and Mrs. Marilyn CALLAHAN of Los
Altos, Calif.; five grandchildren; his brother, Laurence DRESSER, Tulsa, Okla.;
and a sister, Mrs. Fostena McKEE, Syracuse, N.Y. (undated) (No family connection
to submitter.)
Nellie R. ADDISON, 90, Grand Rapids, died 6:40 a.m. March 1, 1982 at Sturgis Hospital after a short illness. She was admitted Feb. 21. She was born in Grand Haven and was a Sturgis resident two years, coming from Grand Rapids. She married Fred J. ADDISON on July 6, 1916 in Grand Haven. He died Aug. 14, 1957. She was a housewife and member of the East Congregational Church of Grand Rapids. Surviving are two sons, Robert ADDISON, Sturgis, and David R. ADDISON, Santa Ana, Calif.; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; a sister Mary BOON, Grand Haven; a brother George RUSTER, Robstown, Texas; several nieces and nephews. Mrs. ADDISON was born Oct. 7, 1891, daughter of Marinus and Petranella RUSTER. She was preceded in death by four brothers. Surviving grandchildren are Mrs. James W. (Laurie) DeHAVEN, Kalamazoo, and Cynthia Y. ADDISON, Kalamazoo. Friends may call at the VanZanwick-Bartels and Kammeraad Funeral Home, Grand Haven, Tuesday evening. Religious services will be in the funeral home Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. Kenneth J. SEMON, rector of the St. John's Episcopal Church, Sturgis, officiating. Burial will be in Lake Forest Cemetery, Grand Haven. If desired memorials may be directed to the memorial fund of the St. John's Episcopal Church, Sturgis. Envelopes are available at the Foglesong Funeral Home. Foglesong's had charge of the arrangements in Sturgis. Submitted by: Cheryl Arver - (No family connection to submitter.)
George
BASHORE, 96, 201 Washington St., died July 19, 1987, at Veterans Hospital,
Battle Creek, where he had been admitted July 16. He had been ill for four
years. He was born Nov. 13, 1890, in LaGrange County, Ind. a son of Jackson and
Dora (PHILIP) BASHORE. On Sept. 14, 1918, he married Letty L. TWINING in Elkton,
Md. He was a Sturgis resident for the past 69 years coming from Wolcottville,
Ind. He had owned and operated a furniture refinishing business in Sturgis after
retiring as an engineer from Harvey Paper Company, Sturgis, in 1958.
Before that, he had been employed as an engineer at the A. Miller Company,
Sturgis. He was a life member of the Sturgis Prairie Oddfellows Lodge 37; the
Fred A. Rogers Encampment of Oddfellows 25, Quincy; Oriental Canton 19, Battle
Creek; Newman-Wenzel Post 73 American Legion; Captain John J. Kelley Post 1355
Veterans of Foreign Wars; Meridian Sun Lodge 76, LaGrange, Ind.; Canton Colfax
12 Patriarchs Militant of Kalamazoo; Order of the Eastern Star Olive Branch
Chapter 2; and the World War I Veterans, Kalamazoo. He had received a 50-year
jewel from Sturgis Prairie Oddfellows Lodge 37 and was responsible for the
hospital bed program offered by the lodge. His garage was used to store and loan
hospital beds and wheelchairs to the public. He had received the Citizen of the
Year award, the Golden Award for the American Legion Post and a 50-year pin from
the Masonic Lodge of Wolcottville. He had actively participated in the
collection of funds for the purchase of the local VFW Post Home. He was
recognized as a "Good Neighbor" on two occasions by the Kiwanis Club.
He was a veteran of World War I, serving in the U.S. Navy for four years and in
the U.S. Marine Corps for four years.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Florence LABADIE, Roseville, and Margaret
BAKER, Sturgis; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Georgedean WYER,
in 1965; one sister and two brothers. Relatives and friends my call after
6 p.m. today at the Foglesong Funeral Home, Sturgis, where the family will
receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Masonic
services are at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home by the Meridian Sun Lodge 76,
LaGrange. Services are at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the
Rev. Don
HERRINGTON, First Baptist Church, officiating, with memorial services being
conducted by the Sturgis Prairie Oddfellows Lodge 37. Burial will be in Oak Lawn
Cemetery with full military rites being conferred by the Captain John J. Kelley
Post 1355 VFW. Memorials may be directed to the charity of one's choice.
Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Submitted by: Cheryl Arver -
(No family connection to submitter.)
Mrs.
Lottie Mae CARVER, 93, a familiar personality in Sturgis for almost 60 years,
died at 1:45 a.m. Saturday, in Sturgis Memorial Hospital, where she had been
under care for the last 10 days. Over the past number of years Mrs. CARVER had
made her home in the Sturges Home at 129 S. Nottawa St. She was born in Steuben
County, Ind., Apr. 7, 1873, a daughter of Hugh D. and Emeline (WEST) VAN PELT.
Her marriage to William CARVER, who also had been widely known here, took place
in Orland, Ind., Dec. 3, 1893. He had preceded her in death in 1942. Mrs. CARVER
was a member of the First Baptist Church, and had been active in the Golden
Age Club and Mothers of World War Two. She was an honorary member of Neuman-Wenzel
Post American Legion Auxiliary and in this guise she acquired the name of ãCookie
Queenä in Sturgis during the last war. Surviving are four daughters;
Mrs. G. Orley (Irene) KRIBS, Mrs. Donald (Ruth) PRENTICE and Mrs. Paul (Grace)
JONES, all of Sturgis and Mrs. Clifton (Roberta) BEAVER, of Battle Creek. Also
surviving are two sons: Hugh CARVER, of Hillsdale, Mich., and Robert CARVER, of
Sturgis. Others who survive include 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren,
her sister, Mrs. John (Blanche) TELLER, of Battle Creek, and a number of
nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be observed at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday,
at the Foglesong Funeral Home, with the Rev. M. J. PALMER, pastor of the First
Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home beginning Sunday morning. If desired,
memorial contributions may be directed to the First Baptist Church Building
Fund. Submitted by: Cheryl Arver
JoAnne
EMBLER, 42, of 2136 Nazareth Rd., Kalamazoo, died at 1:40 p.m. Friday, May 18,
in Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, where she had been a patient since April
29. She had been in failing health a year and her condition had been serious the
past month. She was born in Indianapolis, Ind., June 4, 1936, to William and
LaRue (HOSTETLER) WALLMAN. She had
resided in Sturgis from 1959 until 1970; in Kalamazoo from 1970 to 1974; in
Glendale Ariz., from 1974 until 1977, in Sturgis a year and in Kalamazoo the
last year. She was married to Joseph A. EMBLER on April 4, 1959. Mrs. EMBLER was
a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis, had been employed as a nurses
aide by Sturgis Hospital for several years, and earlier by Ross Laboratories,
Inc. She was a member of the Parent-Teacher Organization of Wall School while
residing in Sturgis. Surviving are her husband; three daughters Cherie
Marie, Holley Jo and Heidi LaRue EMBLER, all at home; a son Joseph A. EMBLER,
II, also at home; her parents-in-law Mrs. and Mrs. Joseph D. EMBLER of Sturgis;
and uncles, aunts nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents,
a sister and an aunt, Mrs. Mary ULERY, with whom she had made her home in her
early life. Visitation was held in the Foglesong Funeral Home in Sturgis until
noon Monday. Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday in Trinity Lutheran Church in
Sturgis with the Rev. H. M. HEIDENREICH, pastor emeritus, officiating. Interment
took place in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Sturgis. Memorials may be directed to the
Memorial Fund, Trinity Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available in the funeral
home. Published in: Sturgis Journal: May 21, 1979 Submitted by: Cheryl
Arver
Loren Bovard FELT, 63, Sturgis, died
August 4, 1979 in Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo. He had been a resident of Sturgis
since 1948. Mr. FELT was born March 29, 1916, in Oak Park, Ill., a son of Frank
Ray and Elizabeth (BOVARD) FELT. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois
in 1941 and of Texas A & Am in 1948. He graduated from the Detroit College
of Law in 1968. On November 23, 1942, he was married to Roberta WILSON, in
Sacramento, Calif. Mr. FELT was an attorney in Sturgis and was a member of the
Sturgis Rotary Club, Shrine, and Elks Club, serving as president of all three
organizations. He also had served as chairman of the St.
Joseph County Republican Party. Mr. FELT was a captain in the Air Force during
World War II, being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with four clusters,
and the Air Medal. He had been active in many community activities in the county
and Sturgis area. Surviving are his wife; five children: Mrs. Robert (Peggy)
D'IORIO, Wilkes Barre, Pa.,; Mrs. Roger (Pamela) WISE, Marblehead, Mass.; Carol
FELT, Lynn, Mass.; Jay FELT, Sturgis, four grandchildren; a sister, Margaret
FELT, and a brother, James H. FELT, both of Chicago, Ill. Friends may call at
the family residence, Marathon Road, Klinger Lake, from 5-8 p.m., on Sunday. The
body was cremated. Memorials may be directed to the Shrine Burn Center;
Remembrance Fund at Sturgis Hospital, or the Salvation Army. Submitted by:
Cheryl Arver
Robert
Foster, 75, 500 Mound Springs, Klinger Lake, Sturgis, died June 20, 1979 in his
residence. His death was unexpected. Mr. FOSTER was born in Marion,
Ind., March 25, 1904, a son of Frank and Olevah (FROHNHAFER) FOSTER, and had
been a Sturgis area resident 50 years, coming from the Topeka and Wolcottville,
Ind., areas. He was married to Jennie JOHNSON Jan. 1, 1932, in Buffalo,
N.Y. Mr. FOSTER was a driver for Motor Car Transport Co., 39 years,
retiring in 1965. He was last employed with Consumer Power Co., as a
security guard, and during the war worked at Wade Electric. He was a
veteran of the United States Navy
during police action at Panama City, serving on the USS San Francisco, USS
Schawmut and when discharged, was stationed aboard the USS Lark. Mr.
FOSTER had attended South Bend Business College. He ran a truck farm near
Klinger Lake many years and was an amateur boxer in his early years.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Victoria SLYWKA (MELCHI), Sturgis
and Mrs. Roberta KITE, Tacoma, Wash.; four grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Dorothy
BAAD, Chicago, Ill.; two half sisters, Mrs. Wanda PENFIELD and Mrs. Juanita
PLUMB, both of Wolcottville, Ind., and several nieces and nephews. A
brother, Ted FOSTER, preceded him in death. Friends may call at the
Foglesong Funeral Home, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, with
Rev. H. M. HEIDENREICH, pastor emeritus of Trinity Lutheran Church,
officiating. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery, Quincy, Mich.
Robert FOSTER
Omitted from the list of survivors is a half sister, Mrs. John (Marjorie) LORISH,
Sturgis. Services for Mr. FOSTER will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, in the
Foglesong Funeral Home. Submitted by: Cheryl
Arver
Bertha I. GABLE, 89, 128 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, died May 23, 1979 in Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Home, LaGrange, where she was admitted six months ago. She had been in failing health several years. Mrs. GABLE was born in Howe, Ind., Feb. 10, 1890, a daughter of Sanford and Clare (PFENNING) HURST, and had been a lifelong resident of the Sturgis area. She was married to William GABLE Sept. 27, 1924, in Sturgis. He died Aug. 23, 1976. Mrs. GABLE formerly was employed by Nelson Restaurant and Walgreen Drug Store. She was a member of the Sturgis Missionary Church. Surviving are several cousins. Friends may call at Foglesong Funeral Home, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, with Rev. Lawrence Runyon, pastor of Sturgis Missionary Church, officiating. Burial will take place in Sidener Cemetery, New Howe, Ind. Submitted by: Cheryl Arver
Mrs.
Emma GAGE, 68, of 605 W. West St., (Sturgis) died early Saturday evening at her
home after an illness of two years. Born in Sherman Township on Apr. 3,
1889, she was the daughter of John and Belle (CORNER) BOTHAMLEY and had lived
all of her life in Sturgis with the exception of five years in Whiting,
Ind.. She was married to Dan GAGE on Sept. 24, 1896, in Centreville.
He preceded her in death in 1936. Surviving relatives include two
brothers, George BOTHAMLEY, of near White Pigeon, and Frank BOTHAMLEY, of
Sturgis; and nieces and nephews. Friends are being received at the
Foglesong Funeral Home, where services
will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, with the Rev. Forrest GEARHART, pastor of the
Wesleyan Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be at Oak Lawn
Cemetery. (November 23, 1957)
Note: Marriage date typed as printed in obituary Submitted by:
Cheryl Arver - (No family connection to submitter.)
Maxine
E. GREEN, 71, formerly of 1011 Cato Lane, Sturgis, died Jan. 4 in the Orlando
Medical Center. She was born Aug. 30, 1913, in Tustin, Mich., the daughter
of R. J. and Dorcase COCH. She was retired from the Kirsch Co. after being
employed there 23 years. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge Auxiliary and the
Lady Moose Auxiliary. Surviving are two sons, James M. WALWORTH, Milan,
Mich., and Terry L. GREEN, Orlando, Fla. She was preceded in death by her
parents. Friends and relatives my call at the Roseberg-Schipper Funeral
Home, Sturgis, after noon Sunday. Religious services will be at the
funeral home 2 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Submitted by: Cheryl Arver - (No family connection to submitter.)
Dewey
Isreal HART, 88, 70467 S. Big Hill Road, died Oct. 11, 1986, at the Froh
Community Home, where he was admitted Oct. 10. He had been ill for a short
time. He was born May 24, 1898, in Clearspring Township, LaGrange County,
Ind., a son of Isreal and Jennie (CAPMAN)
HART. On Oct. 12, 1920, he married Edith Marie Helen HOLTZ, in
Centreville. She died Jun 16, 1938. On July 27, 1957, he married
Pearl I. HARRIS, in Angola, Ind. She died May 24, 1973. He was a
Sturgis resident since 1918, coming from LaGrange, Ind. He was retired
from the New York Central Railroad after 20 years of service. Before that,
he was employed at Kirsch Company and the State of Michigan. He was a
veteran of World War I, serving as a corporal in the U.S. Army with the 137th
Field Artillery Co. A. He was a charter member of the Captain
John J. Kelly Post 1355 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Neuman-Wenzel Post 73
American Legion, and a life member of the Loyal Order of the Moose 574.
Surviving are five sons, Ward HART, Neal HART, Bruce HART, Dale HART and Ted
HART, all of Sturgis; 13 grandchildren, 14
great-grandchildren; one brother Henry HART, Sturgis; three sisters, Pansey
POSTMA, Sturgis, Iva VANGOYE, Portage, and Retha SELNER, Kalamazoo; and several
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter,
Carol HART, one great-grandson, two brothers and one sister. Relatives and
friends may call today at the Foglesong Funeral Home, Sturgis. Graveside
services are at 1 p.m., Tuesday at Oak Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. George
HARTMANN, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Full military rites
will be conferred by the Captain John J. Kelley Post 1255 VFW. Memorials
may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at
the funeral home. Submitted by: Cheryl Arver - (No family connection to
submitter.)
Lyle
Wayne JOHNSON, 51, 61571 Burr Oak Road, died June 12, 1986, from injuries he
suffered in an automobile accident on Highway 120, east of Fremont in Steuben
County, Ind. He was born April 3, 1935, in Colon Township, a son of
Erneste and Mildred (VAN VORST) JOHNSON. He had lived in the Burr Oak area
all of this life. He graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1953. On
Feb. 14, 1953, he married Donna HOEKZEMA. He worked for Sturgis Newport
Business Forms for 33 years, and was employed as a supervisor. He also
farmed the family centennial farm, and was a member of the St. Joseph County
Farm Bureau. He had been a 4-H leader for 16 years. Surviving are
his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Larry (Sheryl) SCHIEBER, Pleasant Lake, Ind.,
Mrs. Robert (Linda) TEADT, JR., Sturgis and Cynthia JOHNSON, Burr Oak; a son of
Lyn JOHNSON, Burr Oak; seven grandchildren, his mother, Mrs. Mildred FIORELL,
Colon; two brothers, Arnold L. JOHNSON, Burr Oak, and Harold F. JOHNSON,
Bronson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
father
in 1964 and one grandson in 1979. The family will receive relatives and
friends from 7-9 p.m. today and from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the
Schipper Funeral Home, Colon. Services are at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral
home with the Rev. Landis C. MARTIN of the South Colon Mennonite Church and
David J. FERRELL of Colon officiating. Submitted by: Cheryl
Arver
Anna (Maude) McCloud (Winkleblack)
Mrs.
Anna (Maude) McCLOUD, 85, 210 N. Jacob St., Sturgis, died Jan. 17, 1979 in
Sturgis Hospital where she had been a patient since Tuesday. She was born
June 20, 1893, in Kalamazoo, a daughter of George and Anna WINKLEBLACK.
She was married to William Otis McCLOUD Feb. 20, 1912, in Burr Oak. He
preceded her in death. Mrs. McCLOUD was a homemaker. Surviving are
two daughters, Mrs. Roy (Wanetta) PENN and Mrs. Glen (Beatrice) HARKER, both of
Sturgis, four grandchildren: Charles (Don) BRYIE, Mrs. Ronald (Janice)
HOPKINS and Mrs. Tom (Judy) ROBERTS, all of Sturgis, and Gregory HARKER,
Bronson; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She also
was preceded in death by a
daughter, Mrs. Henry (Devona) SPRISTER. Relatives and friends may call at
the Rosenberg-Schipper Funeral Home in Sturgis where services will be held
Friday at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Ronald MILES of First Baptist Church of Sturgis
officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Submitted
by: Cheryl Arver
Otto A. MEAD, 75, 204 E. Hatch St., died July 5, 1986, at the Sturgis Hospital, where he was admitted July 2. He had been ill for a short time. He was born Oct. 3, 1910, in Mesick, a son of Birt and Anna MEAD. On April 12, 1936, he married Geneva (Jean) D. WILTROUT, in Sturgis. He was a Sturgis resident since 1919. He owned and operated MEAD Machine and Tool, Sturgis. Before that, he was employed as a toolmaker at Scoville Manufacturing for 20 years, and at Formed Tubes for 20 years. He was a lifetime member of the Sturgis Bible Chapel. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy. Surviving are his wife; and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers. Relatives and friends may call after 2 p.m., today at the Foglesong Funeral Home, Sturgis, where the family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., today. Services are at 11 a.m., Tuesday a the funeral home with the Rev. Larry WALLMAN, Sturgis Bible Chapel, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Sturgis Bible Chapel. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Submitted by: Cheryl Arver
Perle MESTA, the one the Washington set called the "hostest with the mostest", will be buried by the side of her husband. A spokesman said no time had been set as yet for the private funeral for Mrs. MESTA, who died Sunday night, but that it will be later this week. Burial will be in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mrs. MESTA, 85, had been an invalid since she broke her hip in a fall at her Washington D. C., home in July 1973 and a family spokesman said she had been in intense pain constantly for the last 18 months. She returned quietly to Oklahoma City last year to a residence established by her brother, an oilman, who was at her side holding her hand as she died. Born Pearl REID SKIRVIN in Sturgis, Mich., Oct. 12, 1889, she changed the spelling of her name to Perle when she changed her political affiliation from Republican to Democratic in the early 1940s. She moved to Oklahoma City after her father made his fortune in the Oklahoma and Texas oilfields. At his death his fortune went to his daughter. In 1907, she moved to Washington and married George MESTA, founder of MESTA Machine Co., of Pittsburgh. At his death in 1925, she inherited his fortune. Mrs. MESTA was the social leader in Washington during the administration of seven presidents. Although she was known widely for her parties, she preferred to be remembered for her works for women's rights and social welfare programs. President Harry S. TRUMAN named her minister to Luxembourg, a post she held for five years. Her exploits in the diplomatic field formed the basis for the hit musical, "Call Me Madam". When she left Luxembourg she became the first woman to be awarded that country's highest honor, the Grand Cross of the Crown of Oak. Submitted by: Cheryl Arver
Dr.
M. F. PARRISH, 79, Succumbs Friday in Leila Post Hospital. Dr. M. F. PARRISH,
79, one of Sturgis' pioneer physicians and surgeons, died at 11:45 a.m. today in
Leila Post Hospital, Battle Creek, where he had been a patient since Oct. 22.
His condition had been regarded as serious since he entered the hospital. Dr.
PARRISH had practiced in Sturgis, at 120 S. Nottawa, since 1922. He was a
graduate of the Cincinnati University's medical school with the class of 1897,
and had practiced in Indiana before opening his office here. He served in the
medical corps during World War I. Dr. PARRISH was a member of the St. Joseph
County Medical Society, had served as president of Sturgis Memorial Hospital's
medical staff, was a member of the Fifty Year Club of the Michigan State Medical
Society, and was to have been honored next Monday evening by the Exchange Club.
His name was to have been entered in the club's "Book of Golden Deeds"
and a facsimile of the page on which his name was written
was to be presented to him. This, the highest honor the club confers, is
extended to one or more persons each year for outstanding achievements in the
community. He was a native of Monroe, Ind. Dr. PARRISH is survived by his widow,
Minnie C. PARRISH; and a daughter, Mrs. Earnest (Mary Catherine) HENRICKS,
Sturgis. The body was returned to Sturgis this afternoon and is at the Moon
Funeral Home. Submitted by: Cheryl
Arver
Main St Joseph County Page Main Obits Page
Click on any of the logo's below to go to there home pages.
Jan Cortez, MI State Coordinator
This page was last modified <Friday, 05-Dec-2008 20:46:32 MST >
This website is created and copyrighted 2004 by Dannielle Thomas