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Virginia M. Hansen, 85 of Ludington passed away on Saturday November 10, 2007 after a short stay at Tendercare of Ludington. She was born on December 17, 1921 and was the daughter of William and Julia (Gadziemski) Zygaj, who preceded her in death.
On June 30, 1951 she married
Hans I. Hansen, Jr. who died of injuries in an automobile accident on July 23, 1953. The had lived with son Tom, in Birmingham, MI for 2 years.
"Zag", as she was better know worked for many years as a clerical worker in the ticket office at the C&O Railroad in Ludington.
She is survived by her precious family Tom Greenwald and Lynn Davies-Greenwald and her granddaughters, Eve Davies-Greenwald and Eliza Davies-Greenwald, also surviving are her devoted sister-in-law and brother-in-law Edna and Wilbur Nelson as well as a cousin Josephine (& Paul) Sutherland, nieces and nephews and many long time wonderful friends.
Services will be held on Tuesday November 13, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with Rev. Norman Letsinger officiating. Visitation to honor the family will begin at 10:00 AM before the service.
Donald W. Kirt, 86, of Ludington died early Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 at Oakview Medical Care Facility. He was born July 14, 1921 in Lake Leelanau. On June 24, 1950 he married
Edythe Bacon in Frankfort, MI and she survives.
The couple came to Mason County in 1961. Donald served overseas in WWII in the U.S. Navy and traveled around the world. He was a devoted member of St. Simon Catholic Church. He was a life member of Edwin H. Ewing Post 76 of the American Legion, and was a life member and fourth degree knight of P.M. Council 1492 Knights of Columbus.
He was employed as a wheelman on C&O; Carferries for many years and retired in 1983. Don was very devoted to his wife, all his family and his church and was proud of the fact that his family was always all together for Thanksgiving Day.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Louis (Diane) Kirt of Reedsburg, Wis. and William (Veda) Kirt of Marion, Ohio; one daughter, Liz (Tracy) Blake of Interlochen; five grandsons, Nicholas (Kristin), Matthew, Eric, Jeffery and Christopher Kirt; one great-grandson, David Kirt; one brother, Joseph Kirt of Lake Leelanau; two sisters, Florence Sharonowski of Lake Leelanau and Margaret Peplinski of Cedar; nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5 at St. Simon Catholic Church with the Rev. Wayne Wheeler, celebrant. Military honors were offered by the American Legion Post 76. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home where a scripture wake service was prayed at 6:30 p.m. and the Knights of Columbus prayed the rosary at 6:45 p.m. Burial was in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorial offerings to Oakview Medical Care Facility or St. Simon Catholic Church.
Lorraine Beckstrom Soli, was born on January 14, 1916 in Ludington and died Thursday August 23, 2007. She was the daughter of Rudolph "Boody" and Rachel (Seyfried) Beckstrom. Lorraine attended Ludington Schools, graduating in 1934. She was married
on December 29, 1939 to Edmund Soli and he preceded her in death in 1990. Lorraine enjoyed gardening, collecting glass birds, and her bridge clubs. She was an Eastern Star member for numerous years and an officer. She was a long time dedicated member of the United Methodist Church. She was a yoga instructor for 20 plus years and loved the outdoors. She enjoyed her many years living near the beach and watching Gus Macker. Lorrain was employed in retail sales for many years.
Survivors include her son Lewis (& Carol) Soli, her grandchildren Lew (& Becky) Soli, Michelle Soli (& Robert Laurenceau) all of Florida and Rachelle (& Cory) Maurer of Charlotte, MI, she will also be missed by her 5 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and her lifelong friend Lorraine Oseland.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter Leah Rae McClellan, also her brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Marguerite Beckstrom.
A memorial service will be held on Friday August 31 at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Ludington with Pastor Tom Evans officiating. Those wishing to remember Lorraine are asked to spend time with their families. Arrangements are by the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
James Theodore Miller, 65 of Ludington passed away Thursday August 23, 2007 at Memorial Medical Center following a short illness. He was born February 21, 1942 in Detroit and graduated from Ludington High School in 1959. He attended University of Michigan and Michigan State University. He was a veteran of the US Army serving in Viet Nam as a 1st Lieutenant from September 15, 1965 until December 25, 1967. Jim loved sail boating and being on the water.He had formerly been employed as a chef and was former owner and chef of James Place Restaurant on James Street.
Survivors include 1 daughter Tamar Schoenberg of New York City, 3 sisters, Marilyn Harrison of Tampa, FL, Joanne Miller of Ludington, and Susan (& Jim) Strabel of Traverse City, and his former wife Linda Farley of Ludington.
He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore & Florence Miller.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the LHS class of "59" Scholarship Fund with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Robert J. Amsterburg, 88, entered into the eternal glory of our Lord on Aug. 1, following a courageous battle with many ills. He took his place in God's kingdom. He was born Sept. 16, 1918 in Grand Rapids, to Ivy (Alsbro) and Robert J. Amsterburg I. Robert married
Jillonne Sabo in June 1951 and she survives. Robert graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1936. In 1942 he graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in math and forestry. He received his diploma from MSU while he was serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of service. While in the service he attended Signal Corps School at the University of Chicago and the School of Cryptology. He was in the 149th Army Airwaves Communication Squadron on New Caledonia. After his discharge from the service, he went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the Soil Conservation Service. He loved working with people and had a passion for making the land green and saving our soils. After retirement, he went to work at West Shore Community College in placement and special projects. He also had a program at radio station WKLA called 'Outdoor Magazine.' Bob loved our country and the flag, and he considered it a privilege to honor all veterans and our country on special patriotic days. He enjoyed helping the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on different conservation projects. He coached Little League baseball for Nordhouse and South Hamlin, and also served on the Salvation Army board. Bob loved a good cigar while doing chicken barbecues for his family on Sundays.
He will be dearly missed by his wife of 56 years, Jillonne. He also leaves his two daughters to cherish his memory, Heidi (Dr. Michael) Thomas, Merrie (Peter) Linton; two devoted sons, Dr. Jan (Carol) Amsterburg and Robert J. Amsterburg III; four grandchildren, Andrea (Keith) Jones, Morgan Amsterburg, Robert (Dr. Rachel) Amsterburg, Phillip (Kim) Amsterburg; three great-grandchildren, Aiden and Madeleine Jones and Robert John Amsterburg V; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Amsterburg, Elverna Sparrow and Mariell Gazdag. He will also be missed by nieces, nephews and many devoted friends.
Robert was preceded in death by a dear son, Luke Alan; his mother, father and brother, Huson; and last but not least, his beloved dog, Zildjian.
His going home was celebrated by a service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home conducted by the Rev. Norman Letsinger. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 and 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to Lakeshore Animal Friends, West Shore Community College or the charity of donor's choice. As Bob used to end his Outdoor Magazine radio program, 'so long for now.'
Elizabeth A. Backwick, 93, of Ludington died today, July 25, at Oakview Medical Care Facility. She was born Elizabeth Burgess June 8, 1914 in Chicago. She married
George Backwick and he preceded her in death in 1976. After high school graduation she attended Mason County Normal School and in 1935 received a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church, Court Ludington 745 Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Altar Society of the church. She was a pink lady at Memorial Medical Center for several years. She was a member of Mason County Retired Teacher's Association. She taught over 40 years in Oceana and Mason counties including Shelby Elementary, French School, St. Mary's Lake, Summit, Victory and Franklin and retired in 1980. Elizabeth is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Otto) Listing-Shepherd and Connie (Gary) McCallum of Ludington; three granddaughters, Lynne Listing of Salt Lake City, Utah, Zachary (Julie) McCallum of Portage and Luke McCallum of Ludington; two sisters-in-law, Beatrice Stead of Grand Rapids and Sharon Bachwich of Flint; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a sister, Anne Jones.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 27 at St. Simon Church with the Rev. Wayne Wheeler, celebrant. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home where the rosary was recited at 6:30 p.m. Burial was in St. Mary's cemetery in Custer. Memorials may be directed to St. Simon Church or to the charity of donor's choice.
James F. 'Jim' Heglund, 76, of Ludington, died peacefully at his home July 19 after a short illness. He was surrounded and comforted at the time of his death by many of his loved ones. He was born in Ludington June 11, 1931 where he spent his entire life. He was married
on Aug. 25, 1951 to Vernice Caroline Whitaker. She preceded him in death in September 2000. At the time of his death, he had been sharing his active life for several years with Kathy Beimer, a loved companion. He worked on the C&O; carferries and the C&O; Railroad for many years. He and his wife owned and operated Heglund's Paint and Glass for many years before semi-retiring to enjoy his passion for hunting, fishing and trapping. He served his country in the anti-aircraft division during the Korean War. Jim is survived by two sons, Jim Heglund of Grand Rapids and Greg Heglund of Ludington; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladys Daron of San Jose, Calif; one son-in-law, Daniel Sniegowski of Ludington; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Judy and Karen; his son, Gary; and one granddaughter, Brianna; his brother, Frank of Scottville; and his sister, Dorothy Johnson of Ludington. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with the Rev. Leslie Lew of Cornerstone Baptist Church officiating. Burial was in Lakeview cemetery with members of the Edwin H. Ewing Post 76 American Legion conducting military honors. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice. Jim will be deeply missed by all of his loved ones including his favorite hunting and fishing companions, his sons, grandsons and his son-in-law.
Isobel M. Malcho, 88, of Grand Haven, formerly of Ludington, died Tuesday morning, July 17 at Robbinswood Assisted Living Center in Grand Haven. She was born Isobel Scott Feb. 17, 1919 in Montreal, Quebec. On June 18, 1943 in Detroit she was married
to Frederick Malcho and he preceded her in death July 1991. She graduated with honors from Northwestern High School in Detroit. Isobel was affiliated with St. Simon Catholic Church. She was employed for 25 years at the former Ludington Federal Savings and Loan Assn. as vice president and retired at age 65. She was then a part time board secretary for over two years. Isobel is survived by two daughters, Diane (Richard) Poe of Mountain City, Tenn. and Joanne (James) Ashley of Jenison; a brother, James Scott of Grand Haven. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Euphamia (Reid) Scott. The funeral was at 11 a.m. Friday, July 20 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Wheeler of St. Simon Church officiating. Visitation was from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial was in Lakeview cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Ottawa or Mason County Humane Society
Robert David Kring, 78 of Ludington passed away Sunday July 15, 2007 at Memorial Medical Center after an extended illness. He was born on April 14, 1929 in Flint. He was a member of the Detroit Steelheaders Fishing Assoc., and t a former member of the National Guard.He owned RK Sports Fishing Charter Boat and was Captain Bob, prior to that was owner of RK Design in Clarkston & retired several years ago.
Survivors include 2 sons, David (& Barbara) Kring of Holly, MI, Douglas Kring of Clarkston, 1 daughter Susan Ingli of Las Vegas, NV, 24 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Dennis (& Joyce) Kring of FL, Jonathan (& Chris) Kring of Washington, MI, his companion and caregiver Erma Farley of Ludington, and all his fishing friends. He was preceded in death by a sister, Georgene Williams and her husband Basil.
At Mr. Krings request his body has been donated to Michigan State University Department of Anatomy for research. Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice. The Alexander-Rye Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Violet Macaitis, 91 of Ludington passed away Wednesday evening at Autumn Winds AFH. Violet Bozic was born April 10, 1916 in Chicago and married
in 1937 to Anton Macaitis, he preceded her in death in 1979. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church and employed by General Motors as a rivetor during WWII.
Violet is survived by 2 sons William (& Carol) Macaitis of Downers Grove, IL, Anton J. (& LaVonne) Macaitis of Emery, SD, 3 grandchildren Karyn, Suzanne, & Bill, 1 great granddaughter Emma, 1 brother Nickolas (& Rose) Bozic of CA, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death in addition to her husband by 3 sisters, Mary, Helen, & Millie.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday May 21, 2007 at the Mt Carmel Catholic Church, Chicago, IL. Burial was in the Holy Cross Catholic cemetery in Calumet City, IL.
Evelyn A. (Lund) Pedersen, 88 of Ludington passed away Saturday evening at the home of her sister. Evelyn A. Lund was born on May 6, 1919 in Amber Twp and married
to Christian Geldenvald Pedersen of Denmark, he preceded her in death on July 24, 1973. She was a longtime member of the Bethany Lutheran Church.
Surviving Evelyn are her children, Sarah (& Delmar) Dolbier of Dallas, TX, Niels (& Gerri) Pedersen of Winters, CA, Richard (& Lori) Pedersen of Spring Creek, NV, and Evelyn "Susie" Pedersen of Sparks, NV, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, sisters, Agnes Hansen, Florence Cabot, Dorothy Jensen, Irene (& Edward) Larsen, all of Ludington, brothers, Louie (& Virginia) Lund of Scottville, Nels (& Margery) Lund and Jack (& Kae) Lund both of Ludington. She was preceded in death in addition to her husband by a granddaughter, Katie Dalbier.
There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place at West Michigan Crematory in Muskegon. A memorial service will be held at a later date and final interment will be in Lakeview cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions be directed to the Rev. John Christensen Scholarship Fund envelopes are available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Albert Churchill Speer was born the 4th of seven children to George W. & Elinor S. Speer on December 12, 1909 in Springfield, OH. He passed away at Tendercare of Ludington on May 16, 2007 at the age of 97.
He is survived by his children, daughter Nancy Thomas of CO, daughter and son-in-law Susan & Jim Van Hoven of Ludington and son Robert Speer of HI. Also surviving are 1 brother Howard Speer of NC, 5 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ellen N. Speer in 1998, brothers Richard & Charles Speer and sisters Alice Erbe, Mary Brandstetter, & Elinor Doolan.
Al Speer was a chemical engineer, graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 1933. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity while on campus. After graduation he worked for various companies in the Chicago area where he met and married
his wife, Ellen in 1936. In 1941 he was called to active duty as captain in the US Army where he served until December, 1945. In 1948, Al & Ellen bought a small fruit farm in Summit Twp and moved the family there. They farmed for 3 years after which Al took a position as a chemical engineer with Dow Chemical Co. in Ludington in 1951 where he worked until his retirement in 1969. The family lived on the farm on Kistler Rd. until 1964 when they moved to a new home on Lakeshore Dr. overlooking Lake Michigan. Al became a member and president of the Lions Club and a member of the Elks Club in 1954. He was also a member of the Grace Church of Summit and St. Paul United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hobbies of swimming, bowling, golf, and was especially involved in his favorite hobby of woodworking and furniture re-finishing throughout his lifetime.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date at the St. Paul United Methodist Church.
