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Bernard "Ben" Dreffs
Mr. Bernard “Ben” Dreffs, age 78, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2004. Ben was born October 28, 1926 in Johannesburg and lived all his life in the Otsego County area. He was employed by Gaylord Lumber Company for over 42 years and was also a farmer. Mr. Dreffs gave many years of service to the Knights of Columbus. He was a Third and Fourth Degree Knight, a former Grand Knight for two terms, and Treasurer for many years. He was also a member of St. Mary Cathedral. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen (Mankowski) Dreffs, and infant brother Eugene. He is survived by his wife, Marion; son, Michael; brother, Thaddeus “Ted” Dreffs; and many nieces and nephews. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. from Diocese of Gaylord Pastoral Center, Father John McCracken, officiating. Burial will be at Resurrection cemetery. Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord will be held on Wednesday, 12:30-9 p.m. and at the pastor center on Thursday beginning at 10 AM. An Altar Rosary Society rosary will be offered Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus rosary will be offered Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Ben Dreffs for donation to charity, through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
Mrs. Emma E. Erat
Emma E. Erat, age 86 of Gaylord, died Tuesday Jan. 4, 2005 in Traverse City. Mrs. Erat was born on Dec. 27, 1918 in Saginaw, but raised her family in the Detroit area. After her retirement, she followed her husband up north and made her home in Gaylord in 1981. Here, she embraced the northern community and its lifestyle, and even took up skiing. She led a very organized and busy life, attending her grandchildren’s athletic events, miscellaneous classes offered through the high school, traveling overseas, and volunteering for many years with RSVP. She was very active with Trinity Lutheran Church, whether it be singing in the choir, or organizing the funeral luncheons for her church family. She enjoyed to sew, and do all kinds of crafts, but especially loved hosting family dinners; “The bigger the better”, and relished in cooking for a crowd. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 7th at 1:00 PM from Trinity Lutheran Church in Gaylord, Pastor Todd Brunworth officiating. Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be on Thursday from 3:30 until 8 pm, and at the church on Friday beginning at noon. Burial will be held in Fairview cemetery. Emma was preceded in death by her husband William in 1988. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Edward) Reitz, of St. Louis, MO, Marjorie (Jim) Kunisch, of Gaylord, William (Linda), of Philadelphia, PA, and Robert (Kathy) of Gaylord. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a brother Richard (Marge) Younk of Saginaw. She was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers. Memorials appreciated to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Assoc. through the Nelson Funeral Home. P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI. 49734.
Deborah Lee Johnson
Mrs. Deborah Lee Johnson, 60 of Vanderbilt died Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at her home. She was born in Newberry on June 25, 1944 and had been living at Horsell Manor in Vanderbilt the past four years. During her free time she loved working on cars. She was loved by those who knew her and will always hold a special place in their hearts. Deborah is survived by her children, Joseph Murphy of Vanderbilt, Michael Simmons of Ohio, and Edith Keel of Texas; two grandchildren, Tianna Ward of Texas and Elainie Puente of Oklahoma; one sister, Roma (Simmons) Pardike; and all of her special friends at Horsell Manor. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Simmons in 1980, two brothers and two sisters. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan (to whom the family extends a special thank you for their care and compassion). Contributions may be sent to the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49735.
Mr. Robert Hill Johnson
Robert Hill Johnson, 79 of Johannesburg died Sunday, January 9, 2005 ay Grayling Nursing Center. Mr. Johnson was born in Hart on November 12, 1925, the son of Howard T. and Marjorie Johnson. He grew up in Kalamazoo and attended State High School. He joined the Army Air Corps and served in Europe during WW II as a tail gunner in a B-17. On January 23, 1949 in Kalamazoo he married
the former Mary Jane Louis, who survives. Mr. Johnson had been employed by Saniwax Paper Co. & Spearflex in Kalamazoo. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #22 in Schoolcraft. He was an avid golfer and bowler. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; his children, John P. (Marcia) of Vicksburg, Jill (Larry) Cherwinski of Johannesburg, Denise Stringi of Deerfield, FL; grandchildren, Cody Ann Johnson, John Cherwinski, Julie (Cherwinski) Madej, Joe Cherwinski, Chris, Gary and Danielle Fricke; great-grandchildren, Kiani, Brittany, Kelsey, Emma, Tyler and Tara. He was preceded in death by his brother Dick Johnson in 1980. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 1 p.m. in the chapel at Mount Everest cemetery in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
Mr. Waymond D. Kirk
Waymond D. Kirk, 71 of Gaylord died Saturday, December 11, 2004 at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Mr. Kirk was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia on June 11, 1933 and lived in the Detroit area for most of his life. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and later worked for St. Joseph Hospital in Detroit for 20 years. On April 6, 1957 in Detroit he married
the former Cornelia Ingram. The family then moved to Gaylord where Mr. Kirk worked for 6 years in the janitorial department at Treetops Resort, retiring in 1997. He was a big fan of the Detroit Tigers and enjoyed western movies. He was a caring father and grandfather and loved to spoil his grandchildren. Mr. Kirk was preceded in death by his wife Cornelia on August 5, 2004. He was also preceded in death by his sister Wanda Rose. He is survived by his children, Debra Ann Elliott, Connie Sue Kirk, Wayne Kirk and Diana (Charles) Green all of Gaylord; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Johnny (Fran) Kirk of Minnesota, and Frank and Aubrey Kirk. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 11:00 AM from the Nelson Funeral Home, Pastor Robert Perrotti, officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-8 PM and on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of services. Burial will take place at Fairview cemetery in Gaylord. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
Mr. John C. Kozlowski
John C. Kozlowski, age 77, of Gaylord died Tuesday, Dec 7, 2004 at his home. Mr. Kozlowski was born in Gaylord on December 27, 1926, the son of Isadore & Mary Kozlowski. He was raised in Gaylord and was a graduate of St. Mary High School. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He then moved to Detroit and worked for General Motors. In 1965 he moved to Flint and retired from GM in 1989. Mr. Kozlowski was a member of St. Mary Cathedral parish, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Flint and a member of the Fly wheelers Club in Walloon. He was fascinated with antique tractors and just about anything that was mechanical. His father had been the proud owner of the first John Deere tractor with rubber tires in Otsego County. Mr. Kozlowski is survived by his wife, Millie; his children, Dennis (Joy) Kozlowski of Grand Blanc, Peggy (Jim) Nowak of Elmira, Dave (Kathy) Kozlowski of Flint, Pam (Ron) Gonzales of Arizona; step-children, Marty Martin of Swartz Creek and Christy (Tom) Cannon of Grand Blanc; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Chet (Betty) Kozlowski and Richard (Loretta) Kozlowski of Gaylord; sisters, Marie Davis of Canton and Bernadette (Bill) Bloom of Gaylord. Mr. Kozlowski was preceded in death by his sister Irene Schlucter and his step-daughter Sherry Bentley. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on, Friday, Dec 10, 2004 at 11:00 AM, from the Diocese of Gaylord Pastoral Center, Rev. John McCracken, officiating. Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Thursday from 1-8 PM and at the Pastoral Center on Friday beginning at 10 AM. A rosary will be offered Thursday afternoon at 3 PM. Burial will take place at Resurrection cemetery in Gaylord. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
Raymond John Lash
Mr. Raymond John Lash, 82 of Gaylord died Thursday, December 23, 2004 at Mercy Manor in Grayling. Mr. Lash was born in Gaylord on January 17, 1922, the son of John and Frances (Szocinski) Leszczynski. Mr. Lash had worked for Standard Products for a number of years. He was a member of the Gaylord F.O. E. Mr. Lash is survived by his children, Raymond and Tina; one granddaughter; several nieces and nephews, including, Ray (Pat) Dreffs of Vanderbilt, Rita (Hilbert) Butka, Donald Dreffs, Chris (Vern) Collins, and Joseph Dreffs, all of Gaylord. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Marie Dreffs, and two brothers, Joseph Leszczynski and Stanley Lash. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Monday, December 27, 2004 at 11 AM from Holy Redeemer Church in Vanderbilt, Rev. John McCracken, officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary cemetery. Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Sunday from 1-9 p.m. and at the church on Monday beginning at 9:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Redeemer Church in Vanderbilt or to St. Mary Cathedral “Faith in the Future” building fund through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
Jerry L. Macek
Mr. Jerry L. Macek, 61 of Wolverine died Friday, December 17, 2004 at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord. Mr. Macek was born in Mt. Clemens on August 22, 1943. He worked for Buick for several years and upon his retirement in 1999 he moved to Wolverine. He enjoyed going to the casino and taking long rides in the car. He also loved watching wildlife. Mr. Macek was a veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Macek is survived by his wife, Alice; eight children, Randy Macek, Jerry Macek Jr., Steven Macek, Alina Conklin, and Pamela Manjerina all of Burton, MI, Harold Bunker of Florida, Lisa Hickey of Indian River, Angela McCerry of Plymouth; 27 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Gary “Dennis” Macek of Clarkston; one sister, Carol May of Kentucky; several nieces, nephews and special friends. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Monday, December 20, 2004 at 1:00 PM from the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord. Burial will take place in the spring at Silver Lake cemetery in Wolverine. Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Sunday from 4-6 PM and on Monday from 11 AM until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Macek family through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
Ms. Francine L. Malindzak
Francine L. Malindzak, age 47, died Tuesday, September 28, 2004. She was born and raised in Gaylord. She was a graduate of Gaylord High School and excelled as a top athlete. She moved to the Upper Peninsula and has worked for Northern Michigan University for 17 years. She has been very active in all levels of sports especially skiing. She was most recently in her 2nd year as assistant ski coach for the Marquette High School. She also was a guitarist in a local band Renegade as well as an advocate for women and women’s rights. Francine is survived by her mother and step-father, Virginia and Edwin Harvey of Calvary, Georgia; sisters, Maryellen of Mt. Pleasant, Dyann (Adam) Goddard of Gaylord; niece and nephew, Kellie and Buddy; also many aunts, uncles and cousins. Her father Francis “Bud” Malindzak precedes her in death in 1991. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gaylord Athletic Boosters for women’s sports programs through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
Mr. Richard Robertson
Richard Robertson, 71 of Gaylord died at his home on Sunday, January 9, 2005. Mr. Robertson was born on April 9, 1933 in Royal Oak and grew up in the Royal Oak area. He raised his family in Troy and had been employed by the G.B. Dupont Co. in Troy for 31 years, retiring in 1994. Upon retirement he moved to Lewiston and later moved to Michaywe’ in 1999. Mr. Robertson was a US Army veteran, a member of the Gaylord Elks and the Bloomfield Hills Masonic Lodge. In his free time he enjoyed golfing. Mr. Robertson is survived by two daughters, Jodi Robertson of Auburn Hills and Traci (Joe) Morgan of Gladwin; three grandchildren, Michaela Robertson, John and Charlie Morgan; two brothers, Neel (Nancy) Robertson of Pennsylvania and Tom Robertson of Royal Oak. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim. Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 14, 2005 at 1 p.m. at White Chapel cemetery in Troy. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Paws for Cause, through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
Mrs. Margaret H. Savory
Margaret H. Savory, 89 of Gaylord died Saturday, January 8, 2005 at Tendercare in Gaylord. Mrs. Savory was born in Polley, WI on May 28, 1915. She graduated from the University of Alaska in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She later moved to Michigan where she spent the majority of her teaching career. She taught for 20 years in the Holly School system, teaching 2nd grade at the Patterson & Holly Elementary schools. She retired from teaching in July 1975 and moved to California for several years. While living in California she was active in the senior center. She returned to Michigan in 1990. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and in her free time enjoyed traveling and gardening. Mrs. Savory is survived by her son, Rex (Vicky) of Elmira; grandchildren, William, Justin, Mark, David, and Paul (Santha); great-granddaughter, Maya. She was preceded in death by her son Forrest in 2004 and her brother Elmer. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734
Mr. Roger Allen Skowronski
Roger Allen Skowronski, 51, currently of Saginaw died Wednesday, January 5, 2005 in Saginaw. Roger was born in Gaylord on September 23, 1953, the son of the late Adam & Angeline (Jurek) Skowronski. He was raised in Gaylord and was a 1971 graduate of St. Mary High School. Roger had lived in Arizona for 15 years and returned to Michigan in 1989. He enjoyed reading, hunting, playing cards and watching football. He was also a history buff. Roger is survived by three brothers, Arnold (Joann) and Dwain (Kathy) of Gaylord, and Eric (Robby) of Mt. Pleasant; nephews and niece, Adam, Mark, John, Cole, Dalton and Angeline. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 1:00 PM from the Nelson Funeral Home, Rev. John McCracken, officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 6-8 PM and on Saturday from 11 AM until the time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Cathedral Schools or to the Skowronski family, through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
Mr. Carl Morton Wingo
Carl Morton Wingo, age 68 of Elmira died Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Mr. Wingo was born on Sept. 29, 1936 in Elmira, and had spent his entire life there. He had been employed with various companies through the years, and was a “jack-of-all-trades”. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing poker and horseshoes. He loved to tease his grandchildren, and especially loved to work on Ford trucks and cars. He was a very caring husband and father, and was adored by his family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 17, 2005 at 11:00 AM from the Nelson Funeral Home, Inc., Pastor David Beckner officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-6 p.m., and on Monday beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be held in Hallock cemetery. He is survived by his wife Joyce; children, Dottie (Russ) Greenman of East Jordan, Carla (Mike) Befort of Gaylord, Jerry Wingo of Gaylord, Theresa (Kevin) Huff of Johannesburg, Tracey Tomsett of Gaylord; and nine grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers and sister, Charles (Bonnie), Robert, and Jane (Mike) Catalano, all of Gaylord; and three children from a previous marriage. He was preceded in death by two sisters and seven brothers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wingo family through the Nelson Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI. 49734.
