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Donald Francis Filter
(Born August 18, 1916) died at his home at Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh on March 20, 2008. Don was the son of Albert and Dorothy (Fisher) Filter of Tecumseh. Living in the German immigrant farming communities near Tecumseh early in his life, Don became a star athlete and top student at Tecumseh High School, earning a full scholarship with
his twin brother Ron to General Motors Institute, now Kettering University, where he graduated in 1937.
Don returned to Tecumseh to marry his high school love, Elizabeth Jane Anderson (Bettie) on September 17, 1937. Don and Bettie raised two children: Terrance Anderson Filter, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist living in Ann Arbor, and Jennifer Dianne Filter (Simpson) R. N., a nursing manager at a healthcare facility in Traverse City. Don began his career at Cadillac, and during World War II was an industrial engineer at the Detroit Tank plant on Clark Street. Later Don did stints at New Idea (a farm implement manufacturer) near Dayton, Ohio, and with Perfection Steel Body and Cobey Corporation in Galion, Ohio, where he was Ohio industrialist Ralph Cobey's operations general manager for his various companies in Galion, Bucyrus, Wapakoneta, and Kent, Ohio. The corporations manufactured dump truck bodies, garbage trucks and dumpsters used by many municipalities, farm equipment, and specialized heavy machinery like stone crushers under contract from the government and infrastructure building companies.
In 1968, Don and Bettie returned to Michigan, living in Brooklyn where Don worked for Kysor Corporation headquartered in Cadillac, and became the Columbia Township Treasurer.
In the 1970's Don and his partner, Fred Waite, founded Fredon Corporation, a materials handling equipment sales company, from which Don retired in 1982.
Don and Bettie returned to Tecumseh in retirement and lived in Herrick Park until moving to Cambrian in mid-2006. In their private life, Don and Betty lived simply and quietly. Their lives centered on their active membership in the Episcopal Church wherever they lived. They enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and socializing with a small circle of friends and family, in addition supporting their children's activities. Seldom was there a ball game, recital, or school play that was missed.
In his retirement, Don also enjoyed playing golf regularly in a season stretched as far as possible in Michigan.
Don is survived by his children and grand children Christopher Adam and Amy Melissa (Pohlod) Zezulak, and great grandchildren Sydney and Erin Elizabeth Pohlod.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Bettie in January, 2008, his twin brother, Ron, and two sisters, Bertine (Filter) Rhoades, and Marie (Filter) Grieman.
Funeral services for Don will be 11:00 A. M. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Tecumseh, with Fr. John Lohmann officiating.
Burial will follow in Clark Lake cemetery, Brooklyn, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Tecumseh or Hospice of Lenawee.
Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh. .
William M. Murray
Age 86 years, of Adrian, passed away Friday evening, March 21, 2008, at Bixby Medical Center. Bill retired from active duty as a Captain in the U.S. Army in 1958, settling his family in Adrian, Michigan.
His career as a computer programmer/systems analyst took him to American Chain and Cable, American Motors/Jeep and Owens Corning, in Toledo, Ohio.
Among his community service activities were Junior Achievement and the Bixby Medical Center Auxiliary.
He was also an active participant in the United Methodist Church during the 1960s.
He is survived by his children Christina (Jim) Feak and Karen (Brad) Alspach; grandchildren Amanda (Michael) Sulyi, and Jennifer Feak; and great grandchildren Logan and Libby Sulyi.
He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Bangert, of Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, in December 2007, as well as his parents and a sister.
Funeral services will be private.
His daughters request any memorials take the form of a contribution to the Bixby Medical Center Auxiliary, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian. .
Leland R. Smith
Age 78, died Saturday, March 15, 2008, at his home in Adrian. He was born July 6, 1929, in Hudson to James and Cora (Randall) Smith. In May 1967 he married Hannalore Meister. She preceded him in death on Feb. 14, 2005. “Smitty” was a lifelong resident of Adrian, retiring from the Adrian Public Schools.
Survivors include his children, Kayleen Cagle and Richard G. Smith of Adrian, Kathy J. Smith of Mason and Nancy S. Smith of Yuma, Ariz.; a brother-in-law, Berend Meister of Morenci; a sister, Leona (William) Alfrey, and brother, Philip (Norma) Smith, both of Adrian; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his special “family” at Big Boy of Adrian.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Howard, Robert, Richard and Stanley. At Ray’s request cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Maple Avenue Bible Church, 735 W. Maple Ave., Adrian.
Maria Sulema Canales
Age 68, of Madison Twp., passed away at home March 22, 2008. She was born October 6, 1939 in Joyce Laredo, Texas. Cremation will take place and there will be no public visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
Brian Ray Whitlock
Age 33, of Florence, AL, passed away March 19, 2008 in Canton, MI. Cremation has taken place.
Memorial Services will take place in Florence, AL. Arrangements entrusted to J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI.
Eva E. Waldron
Age 85, of Tecumseh, formerly of Rome Center, passed away March 23, 2008. Eva was born May 13, 1922 in Rome Township, the daughter of Howard and Grace (Thompson) Skeese.
She married Boyd Waldron and he preceded her in death, Eva was a 1939 graduate of Onsted High School.
She worked as a nurse at Addison hospital until her retirement in 1982. Eva was a member of the Rollin Friends Church, the Michigan Fiddlers, and the Rome Grange.
Her great joy in life was spending time with her family and friends.
Eva is survived by her son, Alfred Howard of Onsted; grandchildren, Tyler Howard and Jay Howard, both of Tecumseh, Jennifer Howard of Addison and Ray Howard of Mt. Pleasant; four great grandchildren; and two sisters, Ethel Kiefer of Adrian and Leta (Don) Schiel of Brooklyn Besides her husband, Boyd, Eva was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Calvin Waldron; and a brother, Elmer.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P. M. Wednesday, March 26. 2008 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian with Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating. Burial will follow in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park, Adrian. Visitation will be 4 - 8 P. M. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
Vincent Peter Mroz
Age 86, currently of Adrian, Michigan died on July 22, 2008 at his home. Vince was born in Stanley, Wisconsin, lived for many years in the Washington, DC. area and Naples, Florida, as well as, other areas of this great nation.
Vince attended the University of Michigan, taking a break to serve as a Marine Corps Lieutenant during WW II.
After returning from the war, Vince completed his under graduate degree from Michigan State University.
He was a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service from 1948 until retiring as Deputy Assistant Director in 1974.
During his U.S Secret Service Career, Vince was awarded the Department of Treasury Certificate for Meritorious Civilian Service for his actions taken in the 1950 assassination attempt on the life of President Harry S. Truman.
After retiring from the Secret Service, Vince worked as a consultant for several federal agencies.
He also worked for Montgomery County , MD Public Schools and later the Collier County Sheriffs Department in Naples, FL.
He is a life Member of the Association of Former Agents United States Secret Service and the Michigan State University Alumni Association.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Gamm Mroz, daughter Barbara, Bolling (Raleigh), son Gregory Mroz (Gail), 4 grandchildren, Kara Curtis, David Mroz, Julie Mroz and Lauren Mroz and 2 great grandchildren, Courtney Curtis and Kyle Curtis. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, from 7 until 9pm and Saturday, July 26 from 12:00 until 1:00 PM at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, Michigan. A funeral service will follow immediately after the Saturday visitation at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI. Military Honors will be conducted by the Adrian VFW Post 1584 Annis Fint & American Legion Post 97, Adrian, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center, 1000 Wall Street #741, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
Delores "Dee" June Ireland
Age 72, of Adrian, passed away July 22, 2008 surrounded by her loving family. Dee was born November 2, 1935, in Adrian, the daughter of Paul A. and Elva (Daykin) Turner. On August 20, 1955 she married Billy Ireland who preceded her in death. Dee was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed her children and grandchildren, reading, traveling and Adrian Maple sporting events.
Dee is survived by her children, Billy (Robin) Ireland of California, Kelly (Alan) Vanover, Wesley Ireland, Tracy (Timothy) Hoag, and Rhonda Brenner, all of Adrian; her siblings, Paul (Diane) Turner, Billy (Carol) Turner, Susan (Rick) Stephens and Michael Turner; brother in law, Michael (Jean) May; sister in laws, Greta Barker and Jeannine Clemmons; her 11 loving grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and many other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Billy. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A. M. Friday, July 25, 2008 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
Burial will follow at Oakwood cemetery, Adrian. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 P. M. Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, 230 Huron View Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-2948 or St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Frank J. Leary
Age 94, of Tipton, passed away July 25, 2008. Frank was born March 14, 1914, in Calumet, MI the son of John and Irene Leary. On April 7, 1934 he married Genevieve L. Brandt in Detroit. She preceded him in death March 20, 1991. Mr. Leary was a resident of the Tipton area since 1975 coming from Detroit. He was a member of St. Joseph Shrine Catholic Church in the Irish Hills.
Frank is survived by his children Alice Jane Hewitt of Quitman, Georgia, Ardis Marie (Albin) Kurylczuk of Jerome, MI, Robert (Carol) Leary of Traverse City, and Danny (Sharon) Leary of Jackson, Mi; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Besides his wife, Genevieve, he was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Delrene; granddaughter, Arlaynna; grandson, Robert; and one sister, Betty.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 P. M. Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh with Rev. Fr. Carl Simon officiating. Burial will follow in Lenawee Hills Memorial Gardens, Tecumseh. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P. M. Monday, July 28, 2008 and two hours before the service Tuesday at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.
Larry D. Miller
Age 69, of Adrian, passed away peacefully at home, July 25, 2008, after a long battle with ALS. He was born June 21, 1939 to Phyllis Jean Miller.
His mother passed away when he was very small and his grandparents; William L. & Katie Miller adopted and raised him as their own.
Larry attended Blissfield Schools; excelled in sports, and continued his education in Fontana California.
Larry married Joanne Case in 1959 and their union blessed him with three children.
Larry was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Fontana, California, and the owner of Miller Distributing.
He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball and was the president of and coached Little All American Pop Warner Football. Larry returned to Adrian and married Janet E. Westgate in 1986. Janet preceded him in death on March 8, 2008.
Larry is survived by his uncle; Lou Miller, whom he considered his brother and dear friend Sharon McDonald, his children; Kyle Dean Miller, Kathy and her husband Parker McCool, Russell and his wife Hope Shartzer, step-children; Chad and Mary Ann Westgate and Michelle (Tim) Nickelson, 16 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife Janet, his mother, Phyllis Jean Miller, his grandparents, William L. & Katie Miller, two uncles, James Vernon Miller and Chester Stewart Miller, an infant daughter, Jackie and a stepson Marvin Clark of Bloomington, CA.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Wedneday, July 30, 2008, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian with Pastor Ned Newlin officiating. Interment will follow in Palmyra cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday in the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
Roman Kolodziej
Roman Kolodziej, 85, of Monroe, MI, died, July 26, 2008, at Fountain View of Monroe. Cremation has taken place.
Edward Sheptoski
Edward Sheptoski, 66, of Adrian, passed away July 30, 2008. Cremation has taken place.
Ronald R. Henkel
Ronald R. Henkel, 76, of Tecumseh, passed away, August 2, 2008, at Cambrium Assisted Living. Cremation has taken place.
