DEERFIELD — Mary Ann Cousino, age 86, of Deerfield, died Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at ProMedica Bixby Hospital, Adrian with her family by her side.
She was born August 17,1929, in Toledo, Ohio to Anthony and Anna (Lucas) Kucera.
On February 19, 1955, she married LaVern Cousino in Toledo, Ohio and he preceded her in death on May 7, 1985. Mary Ann devoted her life to being a wife and mother, raising 4 children and becoming “nana” to 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She loved to bake and was well known for her delicious pastries.
Mary Ann was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Parish (St. Alphonsus Catholic Church) in Deerfield and a member of the Alter Rosary Society. She always looked forward to spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary Ann is survived by two sons, Ronald Cousino and Gary (Dawn) Cousino of Deerfield; two daughters, Phyllis Fielder of Deerfield and Cathy (Mike) Gilpin of Tecumseh; a brother, Joseph (Jeri) Kucera of Oregon, Ohio; a sister, Millie Dusseau of Deerfield.; and nine grandchildren, Ryan (Monica) Cousino, Renea (Josh) Crots, Jacob, Kelsey and Taylor Cousino, Jason Fielder, Jeremy (Julie) Fielder, Jonathan Gilpin and Kristen Gilpin; and nine great grandchildren, Isaac, Emily, Audrey, Oliver, Hunter, Tanner, Colton, Bowen and Bronson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a nephew Joseph Kucera Jr.
A Funeral liturgy was given on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Light of Christ Catholic Parish (St. Alphonsus Catholic Church) in Deerfield with Fr. Jeffrey Poll as celebrant.
Burial followed in St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery, Deerfield. Visitation took place Friday, August 28, 2015, from 2-8 p.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield with a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Light of Christ Catholic Parish, Deerfield or Deerfield Fireman’s Association. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.
Month: September 2015
Joni Goodrow
Joni M. Goodrow, age 53 years of Hudson, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2015, at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born on January 30, 1962 in Adrian, the daughter of Donald M. and Rose J. (Lievens) Harpst.
Joni graduated from Adrian High School in 1980 and got her teaching degree from Siena Heights University.
She married Rodger A. Goodrow on April 27, 1985, at St. Joseph Church in Adrian. He survives.
Joni was an elementary school teacher for St. Joseph Academy. She enjoyed gardening, garage sales, cooking, being with her grandchildren and was very passionate about God’s Word.
Joni was a member of Open Door Bible Church.
Surviving besides her husband, Rodger, are two sons, Nicholas (Kim) Goodrow of Hudson, Benjamin (Allie) Goodrow of Schoolcraft , two granddaughters, Rosie and Ella, her mother, Rose Harpst of Adrian, four brothers and sisters, Janyce Rodgers of Adrian, Mark (Cheryl) Harpst of New Port News, Va., Matthew (Pam) Harpst of Blissfield and Julie Roehl of Princeton, KS. She was preceded in death by a grandson, London Kol Goodrow, her father and brother in infancy, Kirk Lewis Harpst.
Funeral Services for Joni were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at the Open Door Bible Church in Hudson with Pastor Charlton Connet officiating.
Interment followed at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hudson. Visitation was Tuesday, September 1, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Hudson. Memorials are suggested to Open Door Bible Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
View this obituary and send condolences to the family at: www.brownvanhemert.com.
Robert Gentz
Robert Elmer Gentz, of Blissfield, passed away August 26, 2015, at Tecumseh Place. Robert was born August 19, 1929 to Elmer and Elsie Gentz of Blissfield, Michigan.
Robert was a hard-working auto mechanic and journeyman electrician for many years. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1991 and became an avid golfer.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Gentz.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years Jennie (Dowling), and children, Charlyn Watch, Debra Miles (Thomas), Terry Gentz (Ginny), and Sharon Wingerd (Paul) and sister, Marjorie French, and 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Lenawee County or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com
Bruce Monroe
Bruce Denton Monroe, 81, returned to his heavenly home on August 30, 2015, after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
“I’ll be seeing you down the road,” was something that Bruce said to us during his last weeks. For someone who had sayings for almost every situation in life, it was another that showed his gentle and polite nature. That he would talk of such a difficult situation in a gracious way.
Bruce was born to the late Walter Lewis and Rebecca Dove Monroe, a hard-working Coal Miner and a homemaker respectively, in Itmann, West Virginia on March 10,1934.
He graduated from Itmann High School in 1951 and worked for the railroad. He enlisted into the Army in 1955 and was soon stationed in Rome, Italy. There he met and married Gianna, on February 28, 1959. ‘Take care of her, she’s my pride and joy’, he said to us at the end displaying his unending devotion.
They moved back to West Virginia for a short time, then Blissfield, Michigan, in 1960. There they settled and had twins: a son, Tracy and a daughter, Sabrina.
He worked in the banking industry for over 30 years, first starting at Sylvania Savings Bank. Due in part to his work ethic, loyalty and integrity he worked his way up to eventually becoming the president of Jipson Carter State Bank in Blissfield.
Bruce helped many in the community. Because of his integrity and humility, his kind deeds were not mentioned at home and it was only later, through others that we found out.
Bruce loved to meet and talk to people. So in his later years, working at Cabela’s Retail Store suited him. He was in front of people sharing his big heart and helping.
We will miss him the rest of our lives. But we gain strength, joy, comfort and hope that we will see him again in the Kingdom of Heaven. There, he now joins his father and mother, his brothers; Lonnie, Danny and James, his sisters; Betty and Emma Jane.
Bruce is survived by Gianna, Tracy and Tim as well as Sabrina and Joe.
There was a viewing at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield on Sunday, September 6 from 4-7 pm. The funeral liturgy for Bruce was offered on Monday, September 7, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Light of Christ Catholic Parish in Blissfield with Father Jeffrey Poll as celebrant. Burial ed follow in Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to Light of Christ Catholic Parish or Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at Wagley Funeral Home, Blissfield. You may leave condolences to Bruce’s family at www.wagleyfuneralhomes.com.
James Siering
James Edmund Siering, 79, of rural Blissfield, died Sunday morning, August 23, 2015, at ProMedica Bixby Medical Center.
He was born April 18, 1936, in Blissfield, to the late William and Thelma (Webster) Siering.
He married the love of his life, Kaye Jean Diver, on November 21, 1959, at St. Alphonsus Parish in Deerfield, and she survives.
Jim lived his entire life in Blissfield, where he graduated from high school in 1954.
He worked as a skilled tradesman for Delphi for nearly 25 years, and retired in 2001.
Jim is remembered for his selfless and virtuous character, who always led by example. He lived his life for the benefit of others, always giving priority and time to other people before himself. He and Kaye often opened their home to people in their time of need.
Jim, a talented man, could fix anything. He enjoyed tending to his garden, camping with family and friends, and most importantly spending time with his cherished family, often at the cottage at Round Lake. Jim was blessed with many loving family members whom he adored.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 55 years, Kaye, are a son, Bill Siering of Lake Orion; a daughter, Sherry (Bruce) Carter of Blissfield; nine grandchildren, Drew, Emmett, Mikayla, Collin (Brit), Jeff (Rebecca), Amanda (Darcy), Emily (Nate), Sarah (Matt), and Greg; 11 great-grandchildren; three nieces, Jeanne, Julie, and Joan; and numerous special nieces, nephews, and extended family members, including Lyndin, Lauren, Sadie, Kaden, and Angie Siering.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard.
The funeral liturgy for Jim was offered on Friday, August 28, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Light of Christ Catholic Parish in Blissfield with Father Jeffrey Poll as celebrant. Burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Visitation was Thursday, August 27, from 2-8 p.m. at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield. Visitation was also be held on Friday, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church.
You may leave condolences to Jim’s family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Light of Christ Parish or Lenawee Mission. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.
Local child dies after fall from pickup truck
By Melissa Burnor
PALMYRA — A seven-year-old boy died Monday evening after falling from a pickup on Sharp Road near Ogden Highway in Palmyra Township. The boy is a second-grade student at Blissfield Elementary School.
According to a press release from Lenawee County Undersheriff Jim Anderson, deputies responded to a serious accident at approximately 7:47 p.m. A pickup driven by Jeremy Halter, 33, pulling a trailer allegedly attempted to exit a driveway onto Sharp Road. Both the pickup and the trailer were filled with scrap metal and a 10-year old and a seven-year old were riding in the bed of the truck. Upon entering the roadway from the driveway, the seven-year old boy, Ethan Halter, fell from the bed of the truck and struck his head on the paved road.
Ethan Halter was taken by helicopter to St. Vincent’s Medical Center where he later passed away.
Blissfield Elementary Principal Michael Valasek, who confirmed the boy was a student there, said the school was notified of the tragedy during the night and were able to make decisions on how to tell elementary students about their classmate on Tuesday.
“We made the decision to directly communicate with the classrooms directly affected,” Valasek said.
Ethan Halter also has a sibling who attends school. Students in both the boy’s and the sibling’s classroom were told directly.
All students will be sent home with a letter explaining what had happened. Parents can choose to continue the discussion at home or utilize counseling services with their children through the school.
“It has been a difficult day here,” he said on Tuesday.
Valasek said additional counselors will be available in the elementary school for students and staff members who might need to talk to someone throughout the week.
Valasek said counseling services will be available as long as needed. Hospice of Lenawee has also been contacted and has grief services they will offer at the school.
He has reached out to the family. Valesek said Ethan Halter was a very well-liked young man.
“As a representative of Blissfield Community Schools, our most sincere condolences go out to the family,” he said.
He said the elementary school will have a “hat day” on Friday along with spirit day for homecoming to raise money to aid the family.
Valasek said a gofundme.com account was to be set up for the family by another family members but the school did not have any more information at the time.
Police are still investigating the accident.
Madison defeats Patriots; Bobcats, Royals fall
The Whiteford Bobcats saw their so-far perfect season marred Friday night with a 38-18 loss to neighboring Summerfield.
Madison’s Trojans claimed a TCC victory over the Britton Deerfield Patriots by a score of 45-14.
And over in Ida, the Blissfield Royals fell victim to the Ida Bluestreaks win streak on the short end of a 56-6 final score.
For the full story on all these games, please see the Sept. 23 edition of The Advance.
Board prepares to launch capital campaign for American Farm Museum and Educational Center
The name has officially been changed but the mission of the Tri-County Historical Society remains the same as the committee announces the intent to launch a capital campaign to raise $2.5 million to complete the purchase of the former Home Canning Company Property and upgrade and construct an initial building.
For more than three years, the idea to preserve agricultural history and also showcase the massive collection of the late Charles and Barbara Burkholder has been in the works. From the original idea, the concept has developed into a destination that would attract both agricultural experts and professionals and visitors to the proposed museum that would not only house the toy collection but potentially other artifacts.
According to a press release, what was formerly known as the Agricultural Awareness and Preservation Museum is now The American Farm Museum and Educational Center. The museum would, according to the board of directors, put Blissfield on the national radar as an agricultural center of the United States as well as draw thousands of tourists and visitors to the village yearly to visit the location.
A three-phased course of action has been identified and partially completed.
A feasibility study, business and strategic plan have all been completed in phase one.
Currently the second phase of inventorying, packing and moving the Charles and Barbara Burkholder Farm Toy Collection, which includes and estimated 13,000 pieces along with more than 360 pedal tractors, is wrapping up These items plus a 70-piece showcase collection were given to the museum by the couple in a signed Deed of Gift in September 2012. Mrs. Burkholder died in 2014 and Mr. Burkholder died this past May. The Burkholder collection was showcased in a feature article in the Jan. 7 edition of The Advance.
A development committee that includes leaders in the agricultural community has been formed. This group has been charged with raising the $2.5 million dollars needed to purchase the 34.5-acre former Home Canning Company property from the village.
The village and the museum board reached an agreement last December with a lease to purchase agreement that will come due in full next year.
Board secretary Melissa Durbin said “The $2.5 million dollars includes purchasing the property, site preparation and construction of a utilitarian structure.”
The building would have three functions, storage of the collection and other donated farm equipment, tools, toys and paper memorabilia, office space and an initial small gallery.
Members of this committee are co-chairs John Tuckerman and Phillip Schaedler, Dawn and Duane Goetz, Jeff Ehlert, Barb Kunkle, Adam Nine and Pete Durbin.
“We plan to hold groundbreaking for the initial multi-purpose building on this site in early spring 2016,” Tuckerman said.
“Farming is in a huge transitional period not only in methods, equipment and final product but also the public perception and demands are changing at the speed of light.”
“The need is great and the time is right for the American Farm Museum & Education Center to provide a venue which is designed to develop an understanding and renewed appreciation for the farming industry,” committee member and museum board chairman Pete Durbin said.
The Museum Board of Directors includes educators, business owners, bankers, finance professionals and agricultural experts including Durbin, chairman; Frank Baker, vice chairman; Growden, secretary; Julie Goll, treasurer; and trustees: Mark Buuck, Mike Cory, Wayne Knoblauch, Kunkle, Brian Nofzinger, James Ott and Tuckerman.
The museum board is looking for individuals interested in volunteering to help move the museum forward and they can contact anyone on either the committee or the board of directors or send a note to the museum at P.O. Box 37, Blissfield, MI 49228.
Knights of Columbus to host ‘Scrap Metals into Meals’ Sept. 26
The Knights of Columbus council 7832, will be hosting their “Scrap Metals into Meals” on the last Saturday of September, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The scrap metal drive will take place in the rear parking lot of the St. Peter’s/Light of Christ Parish Church.
The council will accept anything metal, in any shape or form. Car batteries, motors, appliances, fencing, metal food containers and the like will also be accepted.
Limited pickups will be made.
If any additional information is needed or assistance is needed please contact Rudy Mirelez at 517-486-4148. This number is a correction from the number supplied for the Sept. 16 edition of The Advance.
The drive helps support the Knights of Columbus’ annual Christmas Basket Food Drive. This will be their 34th year hosting the Christmas basket program.
BD foils Whiteford volleyball win streak
It was a long night of volleyball in the Tri-County Conference opener between Britton Deerfield and Whiteford on Sept. 10. In the end nine matches played, Whiteford’s TCC winning streak had been broken and the two squads split a double-header for identical 1-1 records in the Tri-County Conference.
In the Britton Deerfield High School gym. the Patriots took the first two games of the first set. 25-19, 25-21. But the Bobcats came back and won the next three 25-20, 25-23 and 15-13. The Bobcats won the first match in the second part of the double-header 25-21 and then the Patriots came back to win the next three 25-19, 26-24 and 25-15.
The Bobcats increased their winning streak to 42 consecutive games by winning the first set. However, it was broken by the Patriots in the second set.
For the complete story, please see the Sept. 16, 2015, edition of The Advance.