Search Archived Marriage Records
Geraldine J. (Dominique) Whiteside
September 15, 1918 - April 15, 2008
Location: Eagle Funeral Home-Charles Fink Chapel in Morenci
Service: Memorial Service will be Saturday, May 3, 2008, at 11:00 a.m.
Geraldine Whiteside, 89, of Morenci passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Bixby Medical Center in Adrian. She was born on September 15, 1918, in Gibsonburg, Ohio, the daughter of Arthur & Gertrude (Phillips) Davis. On Janurary 16, 1943, in Mississippi, she married John E. Dominique. He preceded her in death on November 2, 1999. On May 5, 2001, in Florida, Geraldine married William Whiteside and he survives.
Geraldine lived most of her life in the Canandaigua area. She and her first husband, John, worked as vegetable farmers and she also worked out of her home as a beautician.
Besides her husband, William, Geraldine is survived by three daughters, Sandra (Kenneth) Griffith of Deerfield, Marcia (Max) Grieder of Bird Lake and Paulette (Ronald) Lada of Whitehouse, Ohio; two sons, Jack (Connie) Domique of Clayton and Dennis (Tina) Dominique of Morenci; eighteen grandchildren; thirty two great grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Zulger, Phylliss Wellman and Bernie Black; and three brothers, Glenn, Marv and Ronald Davis.
Besides her first husband, John, Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Don and Raymond Davis.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-Charles Fink Chapel in Morenci.
Sally J. Clifford
KALAMAZOO — Sally J. Clifford, 53, of Coldwater, died May 4, 2000, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
She was born Oct. 14, 1946, in Coldwater, Mich., to Joseph and Margaret (Lewis) Clifford. Miss Clifford worked in housekeeping at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater for 16 years.
Miss Clifford was a lifelong resident of Branch County. She attended Reformation Lutheran Church. She loved arranging flowers, gardening and crafts.
She is survived by her mother, Margaret Clifford of Coldwater; a brother, David Clifford of Coldwater; sisters, Carol Sechler of Coldwater and Connie Morgan of Albion, Ind.; 5 nieces; 3 nephews; 4 great-nephews and one great-niece; and a special friend, Andy Malovey of Bronson.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1990.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 6, and from 2-4 and 6-8 Sunday, May 7, at the Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 8, at the Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with pastor Bob N. Rundell of Cooks Prairie Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Mason cemetery in Coldwater Township.
Memorials may be made to the Maple Lawn Activities Fund.
Arrangements are by the Dutcher Funeral Home, 440 W. Chicago St, 517-278-2795.
Leona F. Bignell
KALAMAZOO — Leona F. Bignell, 83, of Hickory Corners, died Friday, May 5, 2000, at Borgess Medical Center following a brief illness.
She was born June 15, 1916, in Ballentine, Mo., the daughter of Ralph W. and Amy (Horton) Dennis. On Sept. 15, 1946, she married Robert R. Bignell, who proceeded her in death on July 25, 1987. The Bignells moved from the Coldwater area to Gull Lake with their young family.
Mrs. Bignell retired from the former Brown Company in Kalamazoo, where she worked in packaging assembly. She was an active member of the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, where she worked tirelessly wherever she was needed. She also enjoyed sewing and making quilts, often giving her work away as gifts or to charity.
Mrs. Bignell is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Demoin W. Bignell of Rothbury, Mich., and Michael L. and Marilyn Bignell of Portage; 5 grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence Dennis of Coldwater; and a sister, Doris Saurer of Sturgis.
Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Ave. (M-89), where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. today and from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Gull Lake United Methodist Church with Rev. Stephen M.G. Charnley officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gull Lake United Methodist Church.
Effie I. Macomber
MARSHALL — Effie I. Macomber, 93, of Tekonsha, Mich., died May 4, 2000, at Marshall Manor in Marshall.
She was born Sept. 26, 1906, in Brainerd, Minn., to Alonzo and Dora (Baker) Becker. She married George Macomber on Aug. 2, 1928, in Sauk Center, Minn., and he preceded her in death in 1989. She was a homemaker.
She enjoyed dancing in her younger years.
She is survived by three daughters, Georgie (Robert) Nelson of North Dakota, Marie Goodspeed of Florida and Kay Milne of Marshall; two sons, Duane (Dorothy) Macomber of Tekonsha and Bobby (JoAnn) Macomber of Centralia, Ill.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Macomber, 6 children, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Putnam’s Funeral Home of Tekonsha. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, at Putnam’s of Tekonsha with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by Putnam’s of Tekonsha, 517-767-4114.
Vivian Velma Sattler
QUINCY - Vivian Velma Sattler, 86, longtime Quincy resident, died Sunday, May 7, 2000 at Tollas County Aires Estates, Montgomery.
Mrs. Sattler served as Quincy Township Treasurer for 32 years and was also a Township Trustee. Formerly, she was employed at Mackenzie Milling Co. and served as a postal worker for many years.
She was born in Amboy Township, Mich., on March 8, 1914 to Cecil and Dessie (Welling) Mohr. She graduated from Waldron High School in 1932. She was a member of the Quincy Union Church; Past Matron and life member of Quincy OES Chapter #12; and 50 year member and treasurer for 29 years of Quincy Rebekah Lodge #186. She served on the Rotary Dinner Committee at the Quincy Union Church.
On Oct. 2, 1938 she married Alfred E. Sattler. He preceded her in death in 1991. Also preceding her in death was one sister.
Survivors include one son Edward and Joan Sattler of Peoria, Ill., one sister Mrs. Clair (Donna) Omo of Quincy; three grandchildren Linda Sattler of Los Angeles, Calif., Michael Sattler of Peoria, Ill. and Allen Sattler of Peoria, Ill.; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2000 at 1 p.m. at the Quincy Union Church, with Rev. David Mihocko officiating. Interment and Rebekah service will follow at Lakeview cemetery, Quincy.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2000 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Diedrich-White Funeral Home, Quincy, where a OES service will be held at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Quincy Union Church or Hospice of Branch County.
Penne Sue (Adamski) Gloor
STURGIS – Penne Sue (Adamski) Gloor, age 41, of Sturgis, formerly of Bronson, died at her home Friday, June 2, 2000.
Arrangements will be announced by the Kolcz Funeral Home of Bronson.
Ellsworth "Dick" Belote
Bronson - Ellsworth "Dick" Belote, age 78, of Coldwater, formerly of Bronson, died Sunday, January 16, 2005 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.Dick was born September 2, 1926 in Branch County, son of Franklin E. and Cecil (Warner) Belote and was a lifelong resident of Branch County. He graduated from Bronson High School in 1945 and went directly into the US Army where he served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War 2.He married Elizabeth "Liz" Earley on June 16, 1950 in Coldwater. She died February 15, 1996. After the War, he worked for a year at the former Bronson Reel Co,. then for two years with the Rail Road before beginning work at the former Douglas Manufacturing Company (now Douglas Autotech) where he worked as a machinist for 40 years, retiring in 1989. He was a member of the UAW Local 822 retirees, and while working also served as Union Steward. Dick was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bronson, where he had served on several Church Boards. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 259 in Bronson and for several years was a member of the Bronson Men's Bowling Association.An avid athlete, Dick played semi-pro baseball, was a member of a traveling football league and in his earlier years was a golden glove boxer.Surviving are his son Franklin E. Belote and his best friend Louise Snyder both of Coldwater, daughters, Kandie Belote of Indianapolis, Indiana and Karen Lang of Plymouth, Michigan; Grandchildren Michelle Vaughn and James Vaughn and their Mother Karla Belote; three Great Grandchildren; brothers, Robert Belote and Harold "Butch" Belote, both of Sturgis and a sister Iva Belle Large also of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Belote and Lawrence Belote and three sisters, Hazel Cunic, Frances Bell and Betty Stuchell.The family will receive friends at a Casual Memorial Gathering from 9:30 AM to 11 AM Saturday, January 22, 2005 at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson. A short Casual Memorial Service celebrating the life of Elssworth "Dick" Belote will be held at 11 AM Saturday followed immediately by a light lunch and time for fellowship at a place to be announced.Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hospitals Hospitality House in Kalamazoo or to Branch County meals on Wheels. Envelopes are available at the Kolcz Funeral Home.
Elmer S. Houghton
Bronson - Elmer S. Houghton, age 86, well known Businessman and Philanthropist of Bronson, died Sunday, January 9, 2005 at the Community Health Center of Branch County following a lengthy illness. He was born February 19, 1918 in Battle Creek, the only child of George and Helen (Devlin) Houghton and was raised in Gary, Indiana. In 1935, he graduated from Brighton, Indiana High School and moved to Bronson where he resided the rest of his life. Elmer married Doris I. Smith of Burr Oak on November 24, 1937 and they recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. >From 1943 to 1945, he served as a pilot in the US Army Air Force. Shortly after high school, Elmer began working in the Tool & Die Industry, and in 1956, along with friends Floyd Kibiloski and Paul Knapp, formed Bronson Specialties, which grew to include Tool & Die, Fiberglass, Plastics and Precision Machining Divisions. He retired in 1979 after the sale of Bronson Specialties, Inc, to the Kuhlman Corporation. Always very active in his community, Elmer served many years as a Director on several Boards including Church, City and County Government, many Civic Organizations and was a longtime Director of Century Bank & Trust (formerly Branch County Bank). Elmer was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Bronson, a life member of the Mystic Lodge #141 F. & A.M. and the Mystic Star #354 O.E.S.; a life member of the Saladin Temple of Grand Rapids and the American Legion Post 259. He was a member of the Shriner Organizations of Coldwater and Sturgis and he had over 60 years of perfect attendance with the Bronson Rotary Club where he served as President in 1953-54. He and Doris have both been honored by Rotary International as Paul Harris Fellows. Elmer and Doris were both well known for their generosity and benevolence over the years, generously supporting a great many projects in the Bronson area as well as Branch County. Truly enjoying sports, he played basketball with "Swank's Bisons" in Bronson and "Smitty's of Coldwater. He was also a member of the Bronson Reel Company Baseball Team. He was also an avid golfer with the accomplishment of a hole-in-one at age 70 and was an avid bowler for several years being inducted into the Bronson Michigan Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1999. He enjoyed flower gardening, collecting stamps and coins, hunting, fishing, photography and world wide travel. Family was very important to Elmer, whether gatherings were at home, family vacations or at the Cabin Up North. Surviving are his loving wife, Doris, daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Dominic Roussey and Judy and Keith Tracy, all of Bronson; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Anne Houghton of Bronson and Elmer and Jackie Houghton, Jr. of Wayland, MI; Grandchildren, Robin (Bryan) Schultz, Scott (Tina) Andrews, Steve Houghton, Mark (Patty) Houghton, Michael (Kyle) Houghton, Jody (Rod) Sunday, Matthew (Karen) Houghton, Kenneth (Elaine Lirot) Houghton, John (Tatiana) Andrews, Tonya (Doug) McKerchie, Tom (Lee) Bidwell, Mary (Dave) Cleveland, Barbara Sponsler and Martin (Lena Herl) Houghton; 28 Great Grandchildren and two Great Great Grandchildren. His parents, and two Great Grandchildren, Zachary Wojack and Paige Andrews, preceded him in death. Funeral Services celebrating the life of Elmer S. Houghton will be held at 1 PM Thursday, January 13, 2005 at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson with Pastor Terry Siler of the First Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow at Bronson cemetery with full military honors being conferred by the Bronson Posts of the American Legion and VFW. Visitation will be at the Kolcz Funeral Home where the family will be present from 4 - 8 PM Tuesday and from 2 - 8 PM Wednesday. The Mystic Lodge will hold a Masonic Service at 7 PM Wednesday at the Kolcz Funeral Home. The family requests that those wishing to make a Memorial Donation in the name of Elmer Houghton to please consider the Bronson First Congregational Church, The Alzheimer's Association, Bronson Rotary Club or the Charity of One's Choice.
Peter D. Kruszka
Sherwood - Peter D. Kruszka, age 75 of Sherwood, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at the Battle Creek health System after a lengthy illness. He was born September 16, 1929 in Bronson, son of Martin and Pearl (Wotta) Kruszka and was a lifelong Branch County resident residing on his farm in Sherwood for the past 45 years with his wife, Joyce. He married the former Joyce (Davis) Nowak on December 5, 1963 in Indiana. Pete attended Bronson Schools, graduated from Orchard Lake High School in Orchard Lake, MI and attended two years at St. Mary's College with intentions to continue his education at seminary school before he was drafted into the US Army in 1951. Pete served as a PFC stationed in Germany and Hawaii until his honorable discharge in 1953. He remained a US Army Reservist for the next eight years. Pete was a member of the American Legion Post 52 in Coldwater. Pete enjoyed farming for 54 years while also working at L.A. Darling Company in Coldwater for 24 of those years. His passions were hunting, fishing and farming. He and his brother Martin loved to travel to Northern Michigan in search of the elusive morel mushroom. In his later years, he loved to drive his pick-up truck around the neighborhood, stopping to chat with friends and neighbors. Surviving are his wife, Joyce, step-daughter Lynda Weers of Coldwater, step-son David Nowak of Bronson, step-son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Carol Nowak of Sherwood; five step-grandchildren, two step-great grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Mary Kruszka of Bronson, a nephew Jake Kruszka and a niece Teresa Engels. The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Peter D. Kruszka will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 15, 2005 at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Richard A. Fritz officiating. Interment will follow in Matteson Twp. cemetery with full military honors conferred by the American Legion Post 52 of Coldwater. The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM Friday where Deacon Gerald Smoker will lead the Rosary at 7 PM Friday. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church.
Thelma I. Ellis
Bronson - Thelma I. Ellis, age 80, of Bronson, died Friday, June 20, 2008 at the Rose Arbor Hospice House following a several day illness.
She was born May 18, 1928 in Mt Morris, MI, daughter of Francis M. and Maude E. (Robinson) Howe and graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1946.
Her first job was as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Flint at age 18.
Thelma married Freeman Ellis on May 7, 1955 in Mt. Morris. The couple made their home in Bronson and Thelma worked alongside her husband at the L.A. Darling Company for a few years. Freeman died May 20, 1992. Thelma was best known for her work with G.T.E. as a customer Service Representative for several years in Coldwater, Sturgis and Three Rivers, MI. She retired in 1990. She was also a former Avon Sales Representative and was the top sales person in South West Michigan for many years.
A very active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak, Thelma also served as Church Secretary for the last 14 years where she was also a member of the Altar Guild, Ladies Aid, Vacation Bible School, LWML Gateway Zone and the Faith Fellowship.
Thelma also enjoyed quilting and talking with her many friends. Family was a very important part of her life.
Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, Mark A. and Diane Ellis of Portage, MI, and Brian P. and Terri Ellis of Howe, IN; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM Monday, June 23, 2008 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burr Oak with Pastor Kurt Kuhlman officiating. Interment will follow in Bronson cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson from 2 – 8 PM Sunday where Memorial Donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to Hospice.
Marlene L. Sikorski
Bronson - Marlene L. Sikorski, age 74, of Bronson, died Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the Community Health Center of Branch County. She had been in failing health.
Marlene was born August 20, 1933 in Branch County, daughter of William and Clara (Herman) Losinski, Sr., and was a lifelong Branch County resident. She married Floyd Sikorski on August 25, 1951 at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church. Prior to her marriage, Marlene had worked at the former Hunsucker’s Dime Store in Bronson and for Trans-A-Gram in Sturgis.
She was a farm wife and while her children were in school, she worked part time as a cook for the Bronson School System. She was a member of St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church and was well known for her sewing abilities. Over the years, she created many dresses for Weddings, First Communions and other special occasions including many of her own clothes.
Marlene also enjoyed crocheting, baking and cooking for her entire family, especially for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also loved raising chickens.
Surviving are her husband Floyd, her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Robert Hayes of Bronson, her sons and daughters-in-law, Dwayne and Debra Sikorski and Larry and Janet Sikorski all of Bronson, eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; her brother Alvin (Diane) Losinski of Bronson; her sisters, Betty (Epifanio) Aleman and Janet Losinski all of Bronson, Norma Klavinski of Coldwater and Carolyn Lash of Tampa, FL, her sister-in-law Vera Losinski of Bronson and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother William Losinski, Jr. and her grandson Jade Sikorski.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Richard A. Fritz officiating. Prayers before Mass will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday at the Kolcz Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the Kolcz Funeral Home from 3 – 8 PM Monday where the Rosary will be recited at 5 PM Monday. Memorial Donations are suggested to St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church.
Gloria M. Ellinger
Bronson – Gloria M. Ellinger, age 62 of Sturgis, died Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Community Health Center of Branch County. She had been in failing health.
Gloria was born March 8, 1946, in Coldwater, daughter of Ashley Bud and Geraldine (Waite) Wiser and graduated from Bronson High School in 1964. Gloria married Leon Hoard in 1964 and together they share four children. After 20 years of marriage, they divorced. Gloria then married Arthur Ellinger in 1986 They recently celebrated 22 years of marriage.
Gloria had worked for several companies during her career including Kirsch Company, United Technologies, Precision Speed and Berk Knit (Lamb Knit).
She especially loved being with her children, grandchildren and he great grandchild. Animals held a special place in her heart and she had several cats, loved feeding birds and raccoons on her porch.
Surviving are her husband Art, daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Rick Outwater and Amber and Tony Wotta and son Ken Hoard all of Bronson; her sisters, Linda Snyder of Coldwater and Sheila Smith of Florida; nine grandchildren, Karlyn Richards, Mersadie Outwater, Alexsis Outwater, Paris Outwater, Kennedy Outwater, Hudson Wotta, Emerie Wotta, Sayler Wotta and baby-to-be Wotta; a great grandson Jax Richards (whom she loved to take of) and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant daughter Kimberly.
According to her wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 PM Wednesday at the Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 4 pm Wednesday at the Kolcz Funeral Home until the time of service. Memorial Donations may be made to the CHC Hospice.
