Robert Marsh Gladstone
City of Grosse Pointe resident Robert Marsh Gladstone passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Born in 1928 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Gladstone grew up in the Bronx and graduated from the High School of Music and Art in New York.Ê
At the age of 17 he became a member of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra.
He later joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.Ê
In 1955, Mr. Gladstone became a member of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, where he played until his appointment in 1966 as principal bass of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until his death.
Mr. Gladstone was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 of New York and Local 5 of Detroit.Ê
He was also a member of the International Society of Bassists, the Friends of the Grosse Pointe Library, The Detroit Institute of Arts and the Grosse Pointe Jewish Council.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; his daughters, Claudia (Gary) Kohlman, Sarah (Jeffrey) Cohen, Elizabeth (Alexander) Kolar; his son, J. Alexander Dillon; and two grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms.
Memorial contributions may be made to the International Society of Bassists, 13140 Coit Road, Suite 320, L.B. 120, Dallas, TX 75240-5737; The Par Fund c/o University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0759Ê or to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Attention: Kathleen Hardy, The Cancer Counseling & Complimentary Treatment Program, The Weisberg Center, 31995 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Ralph E. Miller
Grosse Pointe Park resident Ralph E. Miller, 78, passed away at his home on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, after a six-month struggle with cancer.
Born in 1923 in Detroit, Mr. Miller graduated from Southeastern High School and Wayne State University. He served in the U.S. Army as an electrician in Greenland during World War II.
Mr. Miller enjoyed a 33-year career as a soap salesman for the Proctor & Gamble Distributing Co. The highlight of his career was in 1968, when he was voted "Salesman of the Year" by the Associated Food Dealers of Greater Detroit.
After his retirement, Mr. Miller worked for Eastside Locksmiths and enjoyed repairing bicycles at home.
He taught Sunday School at Knox Presbyterian Church, which he attended for almost 60 years.
He also sold Bibles for the Kirkbridge Bible Co.
Mr. Miller played the accordion by ear, and his seven children are accomplished musicians in the Detroit area.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Millicent; his children, Ralph (Yvonne), Milton, Paul (Theresa), Donald (Rhonda), Laurie (David) Strachan, John (Debra) and Roger; and his grandchildren, Kristen, Claire, Kate, Abigail, Sarah, Matthew, John, Richard and Ana Miller and Libby and Matthew Strachan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church in Harrison Township.
Interment is at the Fort Custer National Cemetery near Battle Creek.
Memorial contributions may be made to Knox Sunday School, 25700 Crocker, Harrison Twp., MI 48045 or Bon Secours Hospice.
Dorothy (Weeks) Reamer
Former Grosse Pointe Woods resident Dorothy (Weeks) Reamer, 87, of Albuquerque, N.M., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002.
Born in 1915 in Fairmont, W. Va., Mrs. Reamer and her husband both retired from AAA Michigan.
She was a member of Grosse Pointe Memorial Church.
Mrs. Reamer is survived by her husband of 51 years, Norval.
Interment is in the Columbarium at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church.
Mary R. Simson
Forty-six year Grosse Pointe Park resident Mary R. Simson, 87, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 10 2002, at St. John Hospital in Detroit.
Born in 1915 in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Simson received her bachelors' degree from Mercy Hurst College in Erie, Pa. and received additional education at the graduate level from Wayne State University.
She volunteered for more than 30 years at Bon Secours Hospital in the City of Grosse Pointe and enjoyed playing bridge.
Mrs. Simson is survived by her children, Mary Ann Phillips, Susan Pittman, Dr. Michael B. Simson and Dr. William C. Simson; her six grandchildren, Patricia, Michael, Christopher, Michael, David, Craig and Brad; nine great-grandchildren; and her brother, Rev. Joseph Ciaiola.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Clyde B. Simson; and her brother, Rev. Ralph Ciaiola.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms.
Arrangements were made by Verheyden Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Covenant House.
Lois Tope
Longtime Grosse Pointe Woods resident Lois Tope passed away.
Mrs. Tope was the first woman accountant in Wayne County government and active in some hereditary societies such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the Founders and Patriots and the Dames of the Loyal Legion.
She is survived by her husband, Boyce; seven nephews; and 19 great nephews and nieces.
Joan M. Wakely
Grosse Pointe Woods resident Joan M. Wakely, 74, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002 at Georgian East Nursing Home in St. Clair Shores.
Born in 1928 in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mrs. Wakely was a direct line descendant of the Vernier and Brys families, both pioneer Grosse Pointe natives.
She graduated from Dominican High School and worked as a receptionist for Dr. Woodbury's office in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Mrs. Wakely participated in Jazzercise at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and was the former first lady of Building Officials & Code Administrators.
She was a member of the Tuesday Afternoon Rosary Club at St. Joan of Arc Church; a caregiver for family and friends; and enjoyed golf and nurturing her granddaughters.
Mrs. Wakely is survived by her husband of 53 years, Earl J.; her son, Michael (Pam); her grandchildren, Sarah and Annie; her sisters, Judy Rauen, Delores Geddes and Carol Beatty; and her brother, Laverne Athman.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at St. Joan of Arc Church in St. Clair Shores.
Interment is at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.
Arrangements were made by A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VanElslander Cancer Center, 22101 Moross, Detroit, MI 48236.
John Wetzel
Longtime Grosse Pointe Farms resident John Wetzel, 89, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002.
Mr. Wetzel graduated from Cass Technical High School and received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit, where he served as president of the Tuyere Engineering Fraternity.
He joined the Dodge division of Chrysler Corp. in 1933, where he served in several positions until his retirement.
He led the engineering team that invented the gearing system for World War II radar devices.
After his retirement, Mr. Wetzel assisted Almor Corp. as administrative vice president and general manager.
He was an avid boater and was very involved in the promotion of safe boating.
He was a member of the U.S. Power Squadron for over 50 years and served as an officer for several years.
A lifetime member, Mr. Wetzel had a full certificate, earned 37 merit marks and received the Neumann Award for educational service.
He won several Mine Sweep competitions and Predicted Log contests.
He also served the U.S. Power Squadron as a member of several committees.
A member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, he served as a lector there for several years.
He was a past member and former director of the American Speakers Club, a charter member of the Detroit Engineering Society, a lifetime member of the American Society of Body Engineers and a member of the Warren Astronomical Society.
He was also a licensed pilot, avid photographer, amateur radio operator, astronomer and bird enthusiast.
Mr. Wetzel is survived by his son, John "Jay" (Martha); his daughter, Charlene (Dave) Kull; his grandchildren, Liz (Brad BeMent) Wetzel, Dawn Wetzel, Mary Wetzel, Dave (Chris Colver) Kull, Tom (Noelle Bowman) Kull and Rob (Laura Freeland) Kull; his grandchildren, Matilda, Emma and Adam Kull and Bryce and Blake BeMent; and his sister, Tillie (Rene) Haelewyn of Grosse Pointe Woods.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at St. Hugo of the Hills Stone Chapel in Bloomfield Hills.
Interment is at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.
Arrangements were made by A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home in Royal Oak.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
