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Frederick W. Granger, 68 of Ludington passed away Tuesday night at Mercy General Health Partners, Muskegon after an extended illness. He was born on August 11, 1939 in Mason County and married
on January 6, 1958 in Los Angeles, CA to Judy Laird who survives. Fred was a veteran of the US Marine Corp stationed in Camp Pendelton, CA from 1956-1959, he was a longtime member of the Edwin H. Ewing post 76, American Legion and a member of the National Rifle Assoc. Fred was an avid gun collector and enjoyed gardening and his family. He also had a gift for music and enjoyed playing, especially his concertina and organ and most recently played at his 50th class reunion in July. Fred was formerly employed by Hart Redi Mix & was No.1 machinist for Harrington Tool Co., Jackson Jordan, then the couple purchased the Floor Place which they owned for 18 years until they sold the business and retired in 2003.
Surviving besides his wife Judy are 2 daughters, Sherral (Leonard) Rodriguez of Hudsonville, Michelle Thomas of Ludington, 1 son David (Kim) Granger of Custer, 7 grandchildren, MarLana, Mandell, Morgan, Nicholas, Megan, Marrison, & Easton, 5 great grandchildren, Joshua, Gavin, Bryce, David, & McKenzie, 2 brothers, Richard (Chris) Granger of Shelby, Greg (Rhea) Granger of Ludington, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick & Virginia Granger.
Cremation has been held at W. Michigan Crematory and a memorial service was held at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home on Friday at 11:00 AM with Rev. Wayne Buskirk officiating. Visitation was from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Friday. Burial will be in Lakeview cemetery, the American Legion will conduct military rites at the Lakeview cemetery Chapel following services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Michigan Heart Association or the Edwin H. Ewing Post of the American Legion.
Edward 'Eddie' Emmit Lessard, 84, of Ludington, passed into glory to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday morning, March 18 with his family at his side after a lengthy illness. Eddie was born Oct. 3, 1922 to Nia (Taylor) and Emile Lessard in Ludington. He lived all his life in Ludington. He attended St. Simon School until his junior year when he transferred to Ludington High School where he could play in the band. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1940 and served 38 months in the U.S. Army during W.W. II. While in the Army, Eddie played the drums in the Army band and later in life played the drums in the Clown Band for 20 years or more. He was also a member of the Edwin H. Ewing Post 76 of the American Legion for over 40 years, a member of the Ludington Aerie 1354 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and in his youth, a member of the Saddle Club of Ludington. For ten years he and a few friends from MichCon Gas Company played on a bowling league. Eddie retired from the MichCon Gas Company after 32 years of service and made many friends while he worked there and remained close friends with a few of those through the years. At the age of 66, he married
Evelyn Snyder of Ludington. They were married
for nine years when Evelyn passed away after a brief illness. In 1999 Eddie met and married
Pearl Creamer of Ludington. Through their married
life, they enjoyed traveling to Florida where they visited with Pearl's family and his cousins. They played in the Disney parks in the winters as well as Branson, Mo. He and Pearl enjoyed working side by side in their beautiful yard together, planting flowers and watching the butterflies and birds. Eddie and Pearl took many walks near the lake together whenever they could. They did everything together, and were rarely seen apart. He and Pearl loved going to Big Boy Restaurant in Ludington where they enjoyed seeing many of their friends and favorite waitresses and staff. Eddie loved his church and was a faithful lifelong member at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington. His stepchildren and stepgrandchildren adored him and 'adopted' him in to the family right from the start as Dad and Grandpa. All who knew him loved him and those who were loved by him were truly blessed. Eddie never met a stranger. He was a friend to all and had a heart of gold, always willing to lend a hand in any way he could. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Surviving Eddie is his beloved wife, Pearl, and stepchildren, Christine (Fritz) Fales of Alma, Leonard (Kim) Thompson of Ithaca, Crystal (Willie) McCormick of Fountain, Annette (Christopher) Kalisch of Ludington; stepgrandchildren, Jack, Lisa, Matt, Allen, Jesse, Joshua, Kristy, DJ, Ana; and two step great-grandchildren, Emma and Keegan; cousins, John (Mary Lou) Claire of Ludington and Luther Lessard of Ludington; nieces, Susan Lessard of Hart, Julie Lessard of Hart, Ann Meitzel of Calif., Susan Hollander of Calif., Jessica Lessard of Ludington, Michelle Lessard of Ludington and Jani Hannacher of Calif.; nephews, Patrick (Latima) Lessard of Pace, Fla. and Mike Lessard of Ludington; as well as great-nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nia (Taylor) and father, Emile Lessard; brothers, Robert C. Lessard, James J. Lessard; and cousin, Peggy Rubluski.
Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home where a scripture wake service was observed at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 21 at St. Simon Catholic Church with the Rev. Wayne Wheeler, celebrant. Burial followed at Pere Marquette cemetery under the direction of Edwin H. Ewing Post 76 of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial offerings made to St. Simon Church or Hospice of Mason County. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Leonard Hollick 'Pin' Laird, 97, of 406 N. William Street, Ludington, died peacefully early Saturday morning, March 17, at Oakview Medical Care Facility. Leonard was born April 5, 1911 in Ludington. He was married
in the Ludington Methodist Church in 1938 to Henrietta Tanis. The couple had been married
for over 60 years. Leonard lived in Ludington his entire life. He joined the United Methodist Church in 1926, taught Sunday School for many years and was an active and loyal member of the church for 80 years, participating in Methodist Men and the XYZ Club. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1930. In the late 1940s, Leonard was instrumental in the establishment of Little League baseball in Ludington, where he coached teams for numerous years. Leonard also enjoyed music and throughout his life collected Edison records, 45s, 33s, tapes and videos of musicians from the 1920s forward. Leonard retired from the Ludington Post Office as a window clerk in 1977 after more than 20 years of service. As a result, he knew and conversed with most people in Ludington. Previously, he worked at Atkinson Manufacturing Company, Barnett Standard Service, Toggery Clothiers, Dow Chemical and Hansen & Peterson Chevrolet and Cadillac. Surviving are one son, Richard A. (Patricia) Laird of Sewickley Hills, Pa.; one daughter, Nancy J. (James) Anderson of Ludington; two grandchildren, JoAnne (Philip) Bronikowski of Clayton, N.C. and Mark (Sherry) Anderson of Houston, Texas; one great-grandchild, Colby Anderson of Houston; one brother, Donald R. Laird of Muskegon. Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta (1998); sister, Claudia (Harry) Ziemkowski (2003); mother, Edith Diliert (1990) and father, Milton Laird (1971).
Services for Leonard H. Laird were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 22 at the United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ken Tabor officiating. Visitors were welcomed at 10 a.m. in the church narthex.
Burial was in Lakeview cemetery. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday March 21, 2007 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider the Leonard and Henrietta Laird Memorial Fund for the United Methodist Church in Ludington.
Barbara Keating, 82, of Ludington died early Wednesday, March 14, at Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. Barbara passed away peacefully with her family at her side. She was born Nov. 20, 1924 in Scottville to Gustav and Mabel Kline Hankwitz. In December 1950 she married
Jim Keating who survives. Barbara graduated from Scottville High School in 1943 and attended Wayne State University, then graduated from Traverse City State Hospital School of Nursing in 1947 where she received her degree in nursing. She was a past member of Michigan State Nurses' Association, Ludington District Nurses' Association, Ward Town Child Study Club and Little Flower Circle of St. Simon Catholic Church, Altar Society, Court Ludington 745 Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the American Red Cross. She quilted with the Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren for several years following her retirement. She belonged to Lakeshore Piecemakers Group and Monday Afternoon Sewers, was a member of the Mason County Softball Hall of Fame and attended many local basketball and volleyball games.
Barbara was employed by the former Paulina Stearns Hospital and later Memorial Medical Center as a registered nurse, retiring in 1985 after 38 years of service as supervisor in obstetrics, emergency room, surgery, recovery and ambulatory service.
Surviving besides her husband Jim, are two sons, Jim (Kathy) Keating of Muskegon and John (Shirl) Keating of Marquette; two grandsons, Matthew Keating of Muskegon and Aaron Burbey of Marquette; one granddaughter, Sarah Keating of Muskegon, one great-grandson, Justin Burbey of Marquette; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by brothers George and Lowell Hankwitz. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 16 at St. Simon Catholic Church with the Rev. Wayne Wheeler, celebrant. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. Burial was in Pere Marquette cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial offerings be made to St. Simon Youth Center or charity of donor's choice.
Joe R. Clark, 93, of Ludington, went to be with his Lord early today, March 9, at Memorial Medical Center following a short illness. He was born Nov. 1, 1913 in Ft. Wayne, Ind., to Wilson B. and Elma L. Clark. He moved to Ludington from Indiana in 1933. He was married
to Edith Bradshaw on Aug. 11, 1934 and she passed away Dec. 18, 2005. Joe was an active member of the former Washington Avenue Baptist Church, now Cornerstone Baptist Church, and was the financial secretary for approximately 30 years. He also drove the Sunday School bus for several years. Joe was on the Ludington City Council as Fifth Ward representative from 1968-1984. He was employed by Dow Chemical Co. for 30 years, where he helped organize the Dow Ludington Employees Credit Union in 1952. In 1984 he was chosen Credit Union of Michigan person of the year, which was also Joe and Edith's 50-year wedding anniversary. He is survived by daughters Rosamond M. (Louis) Carlson of Ludington and Dorothy (David) Plyler of Muskegon; five grandchildren, Brian (Jewels) Carlson of Cornville, Ariz., Rita (Gary) Kolanowski of Muskegon, Tom (Lisa) Carlson of Madison, Wis., Jonathan (Anna) Plyler and Jeffrey (Heidi) Plyler of Muskegon; nine great-grandchildren, Rachel, Irene, Matthew, Samuel, Jordan, Andrea, Gregory, Lillian and Olivia; great-great-granddaughter, Alexzandrea. Joe was preceded in death by brothers Glen and Harry and sister, Esther. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 12 at Cornerstone Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. James Carlson officiating. Visitation was from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home and 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. Burial was in Lakeview cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Cornerstone Baptist Church or charity of donor's choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Thomas E. Eickelberg, 60, of Ludington, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Tom was born Dec. 1, 1946 in West Bend, Wisc. to E. Stuart and Gracia Eickelberg. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, serving from 1966 to 1970 in Ludington, Grand Haven and Milwaukee. He moved back to Ludington in 1974 where he met his wife, Sally Shimel. They were married
on Aug. 8, 1975. He was the founder of Eickelberg Construction, building many homes in the Ludington area and later developed a passion for log homes and started Stone Ridge Log Homes, building many throughout the state. He was founder and long time member of the Victory Baptist Church, serving as deacon and on several church committees. His interests included painting, travel and building his 'dream castle' home. He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Sally; brother, Stuart; sister, Anne; daughters, A. Lizabeth (Michael) Zumbach, Brenda (Steve) Abbamonte, Amy (Paul) Herdegen; sons, Ethan (Meggan), Joshua (Tammi), Matthew (Katie), Stuart (Amy); grandchildren, Kathleen, Lilia, Gabriel, Aidan, Mallory, Lydia, Elijah, Arnold and Jonas. Visitation will be held at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 and again at Victory Baptist Church, 4353 N. Stiles Road at 10 a.m. Friday with funeral services at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. Donations may be made to Victory Baptist Church in memory of Tom Eickelberg.
Theodore F. Gadziemski, 81, of Ludington died early Wednesday, Jan. 3 at Tendercare of Ludington after an extended illness. He was born Jan. 1, 1926 in Ludington. On April 2, 1946 he married
Jacque Lemire, who preceded him in death March 2006. Theodore was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Simon High School. He was a 4th degree member of P.M. Council 1492 Knights of Columbus, longtime member of Ludington Aerie 1354 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ludington Lodge 637 Loyal Order of Moose. He was an active member of St. Stanislaus church council and other activities of the church. He was a veteran of WW II. He was a truck driver and salesman for House of Flavors for over 30 years and retired at age 62. Theodore is survived by two daughters, Judi (Terry) Taylor of Grand Rapids and Karen Samuels of Ludington; one son, Theodore Gadziemski of Evans, Ga.; five grandchildren, Steven Samuels, Jeff (Shelly) Samuels, Jennifer Fike, Leigh (Charles) Padgett and Robbie Gadziemski; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Skvarla of Ludington; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lou Ann Gadziemski; granddaughter, Sara Gadziemski; brother, Floyd; and sister, Virginia Bowen.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2007 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Wheeler officiating. Visitation is at 12:30 p.m. Friday until the time of service. Burial will be in Pere Marquette cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Donald Kermit Johnson Jr., 63, of Ludington, passed away surrounded by his family at home on Jan. 1. He was born to the late D. Kermit Johnson Sr. and Roselyn (Johnnie) Johnson on July 8, 1943. He attended St. Simon Catholic School and was a member of St. Stanislaus Church. He was married
on Nov. 28, 1964 for a wonderful 42 years to Rita (Van Dyke) Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Rita; children, Steven (Helisa) Johnson, children Taylor, Mallory Hunter and Lauren; Karolyn (Jack) Rillema, children Holly, Hannah and Hope; Thomas (Becky Lynn) Johnson, children Kristi, Jordan and baby; Kristin (Jason) Lange, children Morgan, Mitchell and Nathan; Diana (Kyle) Ross, children Austin and Aleiya; Denise (Thomas) Phinney, children Tommie Marie and Zoe; Becky Jo (Bill) McKinley, children, Evan and Emma, Nicholas Johnson; mother, Johnnie; sister, Barbara Barney; brother, James (Pam) Johnson; brother-in-law, Ron (Bev) Van Dyke; brother-in-law, Larry (Marge) Van Dyke; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time with all of his family. His passion for the outdoors was evident by the time he spent in his garden, woods and on the water. The Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4 at St. Simon Church. Visitation was on Wednesday, Jan. 3 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Burial was in Center Riverton cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Lacks Cancer Center and Hospice of Michigan. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Joann Kirwan, 72, of 707 N. Harrison Street, Ludington, died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 31 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born June 29, 1934 in Detroit. On July 26, 1952, Joann Brown married
Edward J. Kirwan and he survives. She lived in Ludington most of her life and attended Ludington High School. Joann loved deer hunting, fishing, mushrooming, feeding and watching birds and squirrels, and enjoyed her frequent trips to the casino. She and her husband owned and operated the Economy Laundry on S. James Street for several years and later was a quality control technician for several years. Joann is survived by her children, Shelly Melonas of Ludington, Debra (Henry) Sutton of Tallman Lake, Edward (Carolyn) Kirwan of Free Soil and Kevin (Connie) Kirwan of Naples, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, Melissa (Joseph) Henley, Eric Melonas, Henry Sutton, Chuck (Stacy) Sutton, Christopher Sutton, Ryan Kirwan, Samantha Kirwan, Christopher Johnson, Melissa Jensen and Jon Jensen; five great-grandchildren, one sister, Mabel Bacon of Ludington; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Donna Jean Kirwan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with the Rev. Thomas Bohne officiating. Visitation will from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeview cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to Joann's favorite charity, The Salvation Army. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Regina Anne Hunter, 80 of Ludington passed away very peacefully Monday evening at Mercy Hospital of Muskegon with her family present after a brief illness. Regina Anne Greiner was born on October 10, 1926 in Weare Twp. Oceana County and married
to Clark Lester Hunter. He preceded her in death on September 26, 1956. She lived in Mason County most of her life and graduated from Custer High School. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church and Court #745 Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She loved gardening and cooking. Regina was a multi-media star in her day and did the weekly newspaper article & radio program for the ASCS. She retired in 1996 as Mason County Executive Director for the Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Services for the US Department of Agriculture after 40 years of service.
Survivors include 2 sons, Deacon Roger (& Linda) Hunter of Dunlap, IL, Gary (& Cynthia) Hunter of Elburn, IL, 1 daughter Carole Kroon of Midland, MI, 4 grandchildren, Roger Jr., Gary Jr., Stephanie Hunter, and Jennifer Rae (& Troy) Mooberry, 3 great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Misty, and Aimee, and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death in addition to her husband by a son Elwyn Clark and two brothers.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM Thursday December 21, 2006 at St Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Wayne Wheeler the Celebrant. Visitation was Wednesday December 20, 2006 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home from 5-7 PM with a Scripture and Wake Service at 6:30 PM. Burial was in St. Mary's cemetery in Custer. Memorials may be directed to a Scholarship Fund to be established in her name to Ludington Area Catholic School or to t he Macular Degeneration Foundation with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.
Mildred A. Sarto, 86 of Oakview Medical Care Facility and formerly of Lansing passed awat Thursday Feb. 1 at Oakview. Mildred A. Kriksciunas was born March 29, 1914 in Chicago and married
May 27, 1936 in Lansing to Leo A. Sarto and he died Nov. 21, 1999.
The couple moved to Ludington in 1993, and she was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church.
Survivors include her 5 grandchildren, Ronald (& Kathy) Schmidt of Green Bay, WI, Ronald (& Dawn) Sarto of Ludington, Mrs. Elizabeth (Dale) Rich of Charlevoix, Dan Sarto, & Doug Sarto both of Ludington. Eight great grandchildren Jennifer, Meridith, Thomas, & Joseph Rich, Cassie & Maressa Sarto, Jessica & David Schmidt. 1 daughter in law, Anne Sarto Motyka of Ludington.
Mass of christian burial from the order of christian funerals was celebrated Saturday Feb. 3, at St. Simon Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was from 7-9 PM Friday Feb. 2 and the morning before the mass. A rosary was recited at 7:30 PM Friday at the funeral home.Burial will be in Pere Marquette cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Oakview Medical Care Facility.
Lillian Gesswein, our loving mother, Lillian Gesswein passed away Thursday January 11 with her caring family at her side.
Lillian Lucille Kaizer was born on May 18, 1917 to Edward & Mary Margaret Kaizer, who preceded her in death. The oldest of seven children, Lillian is survived by two sisters, Jean Galvan and Violette Kaizer. Her sisters Edna Haran and Priscilla Edington, and her brother Edward and Robert Kaizer preceded he in death.
Lillian grew up in Chicago where she graduated from Joseph Medill High School and attended Chicago Business College. She was employed as a secretary before she married
Rudy Gesswein on February 22, 1941. They later lived in Midlothian, IL for 22 years where they raised six children. After the children grew up she was employed as a secretary-office manager at State Farm Agencies in Midlothian and Ludington, having moved to Michigan in 1973.
After Rudy passed away on September 21, 1973, Lillian devoted her life to her children, family, friends and charitable works. Our mother enjoyed gardening, outdoor activities, swimming, cooking, and baking favorite dishes for family and friends. She volunteered at Memorial Medical Center in the clinic areas and cardiac rehabilitation services, serving over 4000 volunteer hours. She was also a member and officer of St. Simon's Madonna Circle and the former Women's Civic Club.
Mother is survived by her children, Judy Houston of Calumet City, IL, Tom (& Yolanda) Gesswein of Edenburg, TX, Mary Ellen (& Jim) Miller of Kouts, IN, Barbara (& Michael) McCann of Northport, Gail Ann Lefler of Custer, Gordy (& Robin) Gesswein of Ludington and a daughter-in-law Sharon Gesswein of Chicago, IL.
Family was very important to our mother and she was delighted to be grandmother to Jackie Martinez, Janis Lentz, John Ridgeway, Joanne Houston, Julie Rasgatis, Tom Gesswein, Jr., Kathy Rasgstis, Allen, George, and Amber Miller, Christopher and Sean McCann, Kelly McLaughlin, and Danielle and Mackenna Gesswein as well as great grandmother to Jessica Barnett, Manuel, and Michelle Martinez, Angela Alqallti, Jeremy, and Joshua Lentz, John, and Amanda Ridgeway, and Neena Houston, and her great-great grandchildren Nicole Barnett, Manuel Martinez and Jada Tomas. She also was loved by many nieces, nephews, & cousins including Albert Galvan and Eileen Smith.
She will be remembered by her swim mates Lois Ewing and Elta VanderVeer, and Marge Greenlee, and her very good friend Mary-Jo Miller.
Our Family is thankful to Mother's many friends whose many acts of kindness helped to keep her happy these last years.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday January 16 at St Simon Catholic Church at 12:00 PM with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was Monday January 15 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the funeral home and a wake service was held at 7:30 PM. Burial followed in Lakeview cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Simon's Food Pantry, Hospice of Michigan, Mason County, or the Leelanau Township Foundation, 109 Nagonaba, Northport, MI 49670, envelopes available at the funeral home.
