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George A. Hanson
George A. Hanson, 83, of Grayling died on Sun., April 1, 2001, at Mercy Manor in Grayling. He was born on April 2, 1917, in Grayling, the son of Hans Waldemar "Walter" and Hulda (Karlson) Hanson. On July 16, 1958, in Boyne City, he married Hazel M. Lanning. George served in the United States Army 8th Air Force during World War II. He drove a truck for Tufts Parts Store in Grayling for 15 years delivering home heating oil to local homes. He retired in 1977. He is survived by son Bravard (Charlotte) Helms of Grandville; daughter Virgiline I. Barrett of Jacksonville, Fla.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Robert (Fran) Hanson of Grayling; several nieces and nephews; as well as a very special friend, Thelma Holland of Grayfing. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Hanson on July 31, 1991; sisters, Ingebore Libcke, Agnes Hanson, and Ann Hanson; son-in law C. Edgar Barrett; and brother-in-law John Libcke. The family will receive friends on Mon., April 9 from 1 p.m. until service time at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in Mancelona. Memorials may be given to American Heart Association. A memorial service will be held on Mon., April 9 at 2 p.m. at the Penzien Funeral Honies, Inc. in Mancelona. Rev. Kathy Steen of the Mancelona United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be in Chapman cemetery.
Elmer Ward Johnson
Elmer Ward Johnson, died Monday at home. He was born on June 17, 1917, in Mancelona, where he graduated from high school and County Normal. He spent two summers attending summer school in Mount Pleasant and soon after enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II. He was stationed in Panama and Trinidad. After the war he returned to Mancelona where he was employed at Mount Clemens Metal Products (now Dura) as production scheduler, retiring in 1981. He loved the north country and spent many days fly-fishing and hunting in the woods and nearby streams. He also loved skiing, especially cross-country on a pair of long skis he had since a teenager. His wife Marvis, of 54 years survives him along with son Alan of Grawn, and daughter Jeanne of Bellaire. Also grandchildren Jennifer and Benjamin Johnson, and Brian, Alex and James Gildas; brother Lyle (Virginia) Johnson; and sisters Ardis (Bruce) Cran, Mildred (Mark) Fiedler of Mancelona, Betty McClintock and Ann (James) Fiedler of Charlevoix. He was preceded in death by parents Elmer and Signa Johnson and sister Eleanor. Burial will take place at Fairview cemetery in Mancelona at a later date. In remembrance of Ward any memorial contributions may be directed to the Mancelona Missionary Church US-31 Highway, South, Mancelona 49659. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.
Barbara J. Lash
Barbara J. Lash, 64, of Mancelona, died Thurs., March 29, 2001, at her home. Mrs. Lash resided in Plymouth until 1968, when she moved to Kalkaska County. She was a member of the Mancelona Baptist Church, and enjoyed crocheting, flowers, and crafts. She was born in Ann Arbor on Nov. 25, 1936, to Charles and Geraldine Schroeder Pierce. She married Kenneth Lash in Plymouth on Jan. 22, 1957. Surviving are her husband Kenneth; sons Kenneth Jr. and Edward Lash, both of Mancelona; daughters Charlotte Zech of Wayne, Susan Simms and Geraldine Lash, both of Mancelona, and Marcella Stanula of Kalkaska; her mother Geraldine Pierce, of Kalkaska; brothers Samuel Pierce of Kalkaska and Charles Pierce of Fowlerville; sister Beverly Slyfield of Kalkaska; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A brother, Butch Pierce, and sister Charlotte Pierce preceded her in death. Funeral services were April 2 at Mancelona Baptist Church; Rev. Ray Roach officiated. Burial was in Coldsprings Township cemetery, Kalkaska County. Arrangements were made by Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska.
George J. Laufersky Sr
"Grandpa George"
Husband, father, grandfather, teacher of experiences - George was born in Grand Rapids, the son of Walter J. Laufersky and Helen (Breitenstein) Laufersky, who preceded him in death. He lived for many years on Torch Lake. He considered The Villages his home, which he shared with his wife Connie. At The Villages, he had the opportunity to work with people he loved and respected, and who loved and respected him. Teaching people through sharing his experiences was his passion. When he could help someone grow and learn, he was happy. Mentoring a sales team at The Villages gave great substance to his life. His greatest joy came from his family. He is survived by his wife Connie; children Debra (Denny), George (Carol), Lori (Sonny), Connie, Greg, Danny, Todd (Karen), Kelly (Rob); grandchildren Christopher, George, Erin, Geramie, Christopher Todd, Megan, Geoffry, Sarah, Harry, Sidney, Danielle, Haley, Samantha, Drew, Alexandra, Morgan and Samuel; and his only brother, Ralph W. Latifersky, and his family. Laufersky was born May 30, 1937 and died, suddenly, March 15 in "The villages of Florida." He was 63 years-old. Services were March 18.
Robert F. Lehman Sr.
Robert F. Lehman Sr., 79, of Mancelona died on Mon., March 26, 2001, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire. He was born on June 7, 1921, in Credo, W.V., the son of Claude M. and Edna (Cottle) Lehman. On Jan. 21, 1978, in Livonia, he married Dorothy (Johansen) Lind. Robert served in the United States Army during World Way II and the Korean Conflict. During World War II, Robert parachuted into battles and campaigns in, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Normandy on D-Day, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes. During the Korean Conflict, he served as a Forward Observer. Robert earned three Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts. Robert was one of the last of those individuals alive with four stars on their Jump Wing. After retiring from the military, Robert worked as a general foreman at Livonia Transmission for Ford Motor Company. He retired in 1977. Robert is survived by his wife Dorothy Lehman of Mancelona; sons Robert (Lisa) Lehman Jr., Roger Lehman, both of Sedona, Ariz., Richard Lind of Grand Rapids, and Robert (Joy) Lind of Watauga, Texas; daughters Susan Lehman-Kadela of Walled Lake, Sheryl LaBlanc of Novi, and Sheila (Clarence) Sherman of West Wellington, Conn.; 19 grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; and brothers Gary (Pat) Layman of New Vienna, Ohio and Wayne Lehman of Hillsboro, Ohio. The family received friends on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in Mancelona. A rosary service was held on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to American Heart Association. Funeral services were on Fri., March 30 at 11 a.m. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in Mancelona; Rev. Fr. James Holtz officiated. Military services followed under the auspices of the United States Army. Interment was in Fairview cemetery in Mancelona.
Ireta T. Mathis
Ireta T. Mathis, 80, a longtime resident of Kalkaska, died Thurs., March 29, 2001, at the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. She was born in Lake City on Feb. 9, 1921, the daughter of Martin and Pearl Clapper Wolverton. On. Aug. 10, 1944, in Cadillac, she was married to Cleelon "Click" Mathis who preceded her in death on Nov. 3, 1978. Mrs. Mathis resided in Cadillac until 1962 when she moved to Kalkaska. She was formerly employed by B.F. Goodrich Co. and as a cook at the Kalkaska Public Schools. She was an active member of the Kalkaska Church of Christ and the Sunshine Guild. She enjoyed music, nature, her family and church activities. Surviving are sons Steve (Patti) Mathis of Kalkaska and Bill (Barb) Mathis of Watford City, N.D.; daughter Deanna (Dan) Sattler of Grayling; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Sons Don and Kenneth and grandchildren Brenda and Regina preceded her in death. Funeral services were April 1 at Kalkaska Church of Christ. Jeff Badgero officiated. Interment was in Evergreen cemetery, Kalkaska. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Specialty Unit of Kalkaska Memorial Health Center or to Lowell Mason Ministries Russian Bible Fund.
Coral L. Merchant
Coral L. Merchant, 62, of Kewadin, died at home March 30, 2001. A Kewadin resident for the past 35 years, she was born Sept. 3, 1938 in Lake Orion, the daughter of Alden Keith Hendrick and Lucille Clarabelle Stites. On Oct. 15, 1956, in Angola, Ind., she married Max Merchant. Coral had been employed by Dr. Robert Green, D.O., of Elk Rapids. She was involved with the Elk Rapids School District as a lunchroom aide, a library assistant and with the PTA. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Max, of Kewadin; son Chris Merchant of Sacramento, Calif.; daughters Stephanie Rudisel of Kalkaska and Cheryl Merchant of Kewadin; brothers, Cal (Jean) Hendrick of Florida, Ron (LouAnn) Hendrick of Kalkaska and Larry (Sylvia) Hendrick of Redlands, Calif.; sister Dolores Fletcher of Redlands, Calif.; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Duaine Hendrick. Funeral services were April 2 at the Elk Rapids Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes; Rev. Tom Pier-Fitzgerald officiated. Interment will be in Maple Grove cemetery in Elk Rapids. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Elk Rapids Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.
Virginia M. Payne
Virginia M. Payne, 78, of Kalkaska, died Sun., April 1, 2001, at the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Long Term Care Unit. Mrs. Payne was born in Kalkaska County on Feb. 10, 1923, daughter of the late Glen and Ida Swartz Raupe. She married Alfred Payne in Kalkaska on Aug. 24, 1940. He preceded her in death on April 11, 1997. Mrs. Payne was a lifelong resident of Kalkaska, and a former member of the Rebekah Lodge and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She was a former Bear Lake correspondent for the Leader and Kalkaskian, and enjoyed travel, camping and baseball. Surviving are son Dennis Payne of Ovid; daughters Gay Cairns of Kalkaska and Sandra Payne of SanMateo, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. A brother Taori Raupe preceded her in death in World War II. Committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Thurs., April 5 at Evergreen cemetery, Kalkaska. Arrangements were made by Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska.
Sarah "Tina" Robbins
Sarah "Tina" Robbins, 99, of Mancelona died on Mon., March 26, 2001, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. She was born on Nov. 14, 1901, in Kalkaska, the daughter of Otis and Anna (Wood) Bartholomew. On Aug. 3, 1918, in Kalkaska, she married William M. Robbins. He preceded her in death on June 11, 1960. Sarah was a member of the Antrim Church of Christ in Mancelona. She enjoyed crocheting, playing her guitar, and watching television. She is survived by sons John (Inez) Robbins of Mancelona, Oscar "Smoke" Robbins of Millington, David (Marybelle) Robbins of Mancelona, Joseph (Susan) Robbins of Mancelona, Donald (Dorothy) Robbins of Mancelona; daughters Irene Fair of Newberry, Ila (Junior) Cantrell of Mancelona, and Mary (Gary) Cantrell of Mancelona; daughters-in-law Noreen Robbins Montgomery, Gloria Robbins, and Florence Robbins, all of Mancelona; five generations of grandchildren; and sisters Faye Czajhowski of Harrison and Florida and Lottie Councilor of Mancelona. She was also proceeded in death by sons Otis Robbins on March 27, 1967, Lorn Raymond Robbins on June 7, 1998, and Wilford "Coley" Robbins on Nov. 21, 1998; granddaughters Alice Howes and Phyllis Underwood; brother Ray; and sisters Mae, Neva, and Ida. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in Mancelona and Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service time at the church. Memorials may be given to Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. Funeral services will be Thurs., March 29, 2001 at 2 p.m. at the Antrim Church of Christ in Mancelona. Pastor Mark McCool and Pastor Aaron Cantrell will officiate. Interment will be in Fairview cemetery in Mancelona.
Richard "Dick" Tubbs Sr.
Richard "Dick" Tubbs Sr., 74, of Mancelona, joined his wife in Heaven on Sat., March 31, 2001, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City with his children at his bedside. He was born on March 16, 1927, in Royal Oak, the son of Lawrence and Ella (Krause) Tubbs. On Sept. 25, 1949, at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Flint, he married Marjorie Ann Niver. Richard worked as a mason for Ragnone Bros. in Flint for several years. He and his wife moved to Mancelona in 1975 where he continued his work as a mason until 1990. Up until his illness, be was employed at the Antrim County News. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching football, Tiger Woods, and was the Detroit Tiger's number one fan! He also enjoyed helping his children with remodeling jobs around their homes. He was a member of the Mancelona Moose Lodge where he held many offices. He is survived by children Lynn (Thomas) Wilcox of Mancelona, Debbie Buckwheat of Mancelona, Richard Tubbs Jr. of Mancelona, Gary (Laurie) Tubbs of Kingsley, Robby (Angie) Tubbs of Central Lake, and Lisa (Antbony) Peters of Petoskey; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Art (Doris) Tubbs of Florida; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marge, who passed on March 1, 2001; parents Lawrence and Ella Tubbs; and brothers Lawrence "Slim" and Robert "Bob" Tubbs. Funeral services were Tues., April 3 at 11 a.m. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in Mancelona. Yousef "Yogi" Jabara officiated. Interment will be in Fairview cemetery in Mancelona. The family received friends on Monday from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in Mancelona where a Moose Lodge service was held at 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society.
Scott Christopher Cook
Scott Christopher Cook, 24, of Elk Rapids, died April 29, 2001, in Charlevoix. He was a 1994 graduate of Elk Rapids High School. Scott was born June 14, 1976, in Southfield, the son of Kenneth and Susan Cook. He was employed at Bill Marsh - Price Point. Scott enjoyed golfing, boating and snowmobiling. He is survived by his parents Ken and Sue Cook of Elk Rapids; brothers Jeff (Tammy) Cook, Keith (Renee) Cook and Kenneth Paul (Michelle) Cook; sisters Deborah Brock and Dawn Bellah; grandparents John and Lillian LaGrant of Royal Oak; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by grandparents Ken and Ruth Cook and brother-in-law Bill Bellah. Visitation will be Thurs., May 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Elk Rapids Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes. Funeral services will be Fri., May 4, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids, with the Rev. Dr. Daniel Herlein officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove cemetery in Elk Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to Charlevoix Area Hospital in memory of Scott Christopher Cook.
