Obituaries

DEERFIELD – Shirley A. Etzel, age 58, of Deerfield, passed away Friday, June 3, 2016, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. She was born April 19, 1958, in Daytona, Florida to Ray and Marilyn (Barell) Morgan. Shirley married Hugh S. Etzel. In addition to her loving husband of 28 years, she is survived by two sons, Stewart Etzel and Christopher Etzel both of Deerfield; one daughter, Megan Etzel of Deerfield; and two brothers, Mark Morgan and David Morgan both of New York. She was preceded in death by her parents. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services for Shirley will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the Deerfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Sam Pooley officiating. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.   Memorial contributions may be made to the family for future designation. Envelopes are available at Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Thomas Earl Virden, 81, of Grayling and formerly of Lewiston, passed away
on June 10, 2016.
Born to the late Russell, Sr. and Lillian (Salter) Virden in East
Liverpool, Ohio, on January 1, 1935.
Survived by his children: Brenda (Brian) Gilson of Kimball; Thomas Virden
of Carson City; and Rick (Helen) Virden of Lewiston and daughter from a
previous marriage,  Joyce Meranda of Newport and her three children.
Grandchildren: Becky, Josh, Tommy, Tiffany, Rick, Jr., Marissa, Mike, and
Kayla.
Sister: Dorothy Bankowski
Preceded in death by his wife Barbara; son, Paul; parents, two brothers and
six sisters.
Interment of cremated remains and military honors will be held at Great
Lakes National Cemetery in Holly on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com
Arrangements by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.

OTTAWA LAKE — Arthur G. Berry, 79, of Ottawa Lake, passed away Saturday afternoon, May 21, 2016, at his home. He was born on November 19, 1936, in Blissfield, to Silas E. and Flora Mae (Rentschler) Berry. In January 1954, Arthur married Hazel Bierman in Ottawa Lake. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Hazel survives. Arthur was a 1955, graduate of Blissfield High School. He was a farm chemical and fertilizer salesman in the Dundee, Delta, Ida and Maybee areas. Arthur then delivered batteries for Interstate Battery and parts for Brown Honda. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Riga.

He enjoyed antique tractors and his 1950 Jeepster. He was a lifelong farmer. Arthur was known for his excellent story telling and was noted as a great salesman.

In addition to his loving wife, Hazel, he is survived by his children: Alan (Sally) Berry of Ottawa Lake, Cindy Cousino of Deerfield, Bruce Berry of Riga, Diane (Bob) Ebright of Blissfield, and David (Mindy) Berry of Ottawa Lake; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-children, with two more on the way; and his brother, Gayln (Maybelle) Berry, Blissfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lillian Minter.

Funeral services for Arthur were at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Riga with the Rev. James Seelow officiating. Burial followed in Riga Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday, May 25, from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield and on Thursday, from 10 am until the time of the service at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Riga. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Riga Fire Department, or the National Kidney Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Allan D. Loar, age 83 of Blissfield, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016 under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Lenawee. He was born July 10, 1932, in Blissfield, the only child of Thornton and Carrie (Betz) Loar. After graduating from Blissfield High School he attended DeVry Technical Institute. During the Korean Conflict he proudly served in the United States Army.

On May 31, 1958, Allan was married to Wilma Corum, and they celebrated 53 years together. She preceded him in death in 2011. Loar Appliance, his family’s business, was founded in 1945. Allan worked with his father for several years until he took over the business in 1969 and continued working until just recently. After store hours, he would often repair appliances in his customers’ homes. He also put up many of the TV towers in this area. Allan’s quiet, generous spirit was appreciated by the many he helped get land contracts for their first home and appliances on credit.

He was a faithful member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #325. Surviving are his children: Gordon (Dianna) Loar of Blissfield and Cathy (Michael) Palmer of Adrian and his two grandchildren, David Loar and Jenna Palmer. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 20, 2016, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with the Rev. Devin Smith officiating and burial at Riga Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Allan are suggested to Emmanuel United Methodist Church or Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

TOLEDO, Ohio – Herbert E. Foote, age 86 of Toledo, formerly of Blissfield, passed away Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Mercy St. Anne Hospital. Born January 3, 1930, in Blissfield Township, he was the 11th of the 12 children of Sylvester and Emma (Brown) Foote. On September 15, 1951, he married Dorothy Colyer. She preceded him in death in 1998, having shared 47 years together. Herb married Margaret Yantis on June 4, 2001, and she survives. He retired from Maxitrol Company in Blissfield in 1993 with over 20 years of service. Throughout his life Herb enjoyed working on farms. He was a former member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Blissfield and was a member of Heritage Church of God in Maumee. He enjoyed square dancing in his younger years, traveling extensively and spending winters in Bradenton, Florida. Herb treasured time with his grandchildren. In addition to Margaret, his wife of 15 years, he is survived by his children, John (Barbara) Foote of Jasper and Juanita Adams of Adrian; grandchildren: Jennifer (Austin) Raines, Adria, Andrew (Abigail), Aaron (Pamela) Foote and Amy Jo (Tim) Topolewski; five step children; six siblings and numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Besides his first wife, Dorothy, he was preceded in death by a son in infancy, a granddaughter, Alicia Foote, and five siblings. Funeral services will take place Thursday, June 2, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with Pastor Robert Fry officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Contributions in memory of Herb are suggested to the Hospice organization of choice. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

GRAND RAPIDS — Katherine A. “Kay” Williams, passed away May 26, 2016, at home. Kay was born March 27, 1939, in Adrian; the daughter of Adrian and Irene (Finley) Williams. Raised in Blissfield, Kay was a 1957 graduate of Blissfield High School, a graduate of Adrian College, and she received her Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University. An educator and teacher for 33 years, Kay was the Director of the special needs program at Kent Occupational High School. A huge University of Michigan fan, Kay enjoyed watching their football and basketball games. Kay also enjoyed reading, the out of doors, camping, golfing, and traveling in their motor home, including driving to Alaska and wintering in Anna Maria Island, Fla,.  Most of all; Kay loved her family, friends, and the staff at Kent Occupational. Kay is survived by her best friend: Pat Black, sisters-in-law: Judy Williams and Pat Williams, five nieces, and 11 great nieces and nephews. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Thomas Williams and Robert (Red) Williams, and a niece:  Wendy Williams. Kay’s family will receive friends Tuesday, May 31, 2016, noon-2 p.m. at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton; where her funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Pastor Brian Bunch, officiating. Burial will take place Wednesday, June 1, 2016, 2 p.m. in Ashland Center Cemetery, Grant, Michigan. Memorial contributions to Faith Hospice or St Mary’s Foundation, The Thrive Program will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Kay’s family.

Mabel E Knierim age 96, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Charlotte Stephenson Manor in Adrian, MI. She was born on November 23, 1919 in Palmyra Twp. to Frank E. and Elva R. (King) Wickter. On October 23, 1937 she married Glenis E. Knierim and he preceded her in death on September 14, 1995.

Mabel was a three time Cancer survivor and enjoyed her time volunteering at Bixby Hospital helping other cancer patients and was a member of the Extension Club. Mabel and her husband Glen were inducted into the Michigan Farmers’ Hall of Fame in 1987. She enjoyed working in the Lenawee County 4H building, feeding and chaperoning the 4H members.

Mabel is survived by one son, (G.) Larry and his wife Sandra Knierim of Blissfield, MI.; 3 grandchildren, Tami Knierim, Todd Knierim and Keith Knierim; step grandchildren, Kari Bateson, Jodi Galvan, Ken Lane, Sarah Fritz: 7 great-grandchildren; many step great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter and sister, Ardith Wickter.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 10:00 am. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Adrian, MI. The Rev. Aden Porter will officiate, with the burial following in Ogden Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday,

May 13, 2016 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Adrian.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contribution may be made in Mabel’s memory to Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.

Karen Jo Gentz, age 69, of Palmyra, MI passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at her home. She was born on August 7, 1946, in Adrian, MI to Gilbert “Jim” and Virginia “Ginny” (Jackson) Seeburger. On July 13, 1968, at St. John’s Church in Riga, MI she married Bruce William Gentz. She was a lifelong member of the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Karen retired in September 2009 from Holy Cross Children’s Services (formerly Boysville), she also worked as the office manager for the former Seeburger Gambles Hardware Store. She enjoyed vacation cruises with her family and friends, as well as RV camping and scrapbooking, but most of all she enjoyed the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren.

Surviving Karen, besides her husband Bruce, are two sons, Jim (Carrie) Gentz of Flint, MI; Garry (Jane) Gentz of Blissfield, MI; a sister Monica (Dale) Wotring of Blissfield, MI; and four grandchildren, Christine, Morgan, Madeleine, and Jaxon.

Funeral services for Karen Gentz will be on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 am at the

Anderson Rudd Funeral Home in Blissfield, MI with Reverend James Seelow officiating. Burial will follow at the Palmyra Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Anderson Rudd Funeral Home in Blissfield.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Palmyra Fire Department or St. John’s Lutheran Church or Autism Society of Michigan. Envelopes are available at Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Roger Ray Robinson, age 64, of Blissfield, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016, at ProMedica Flower Hospital. He was born August 25, 1951, in Flint to Dickey R. and Jeanette (Deopker) Robinson. On April 16, 1976, he married Cheryl L. Burt in Flint. Roger had been employed since 1976, with Pioneer Pole Buildings, in Post Frame Construction.  He loved hunting, coaching his kids in sports and being a Grandpa. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, Jeanette (Dick) Porter; children, Reggie (Brittney) Robinson of Blissfield, Dickey (Cheryl Cleveland) Robinson of Adrian, Roger (Amanda) Robinson of Blissfield, Jeanette (Stephen) Anderson of Pittsford and Charlie (Jessica) Robinson of Adrian; sisters, Brenda (David) Mozafari and Julie (Tom) Cochran; grandchildren, Dariann, Nick, Rylee, Jerzie, Scout, Brooke, Ella, Zachary, Adison, Beau, Cooper, Taylor, Rene, Evan and Levi; great-grandkids, Ryder and Novalee. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Kathy Robinson. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services for Roger were held on Monday, May 9, 2016, at 6 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian with the Rev. Aden Porter officiating. Visitation took place Monday from 4 p.m. until time of service at Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.   Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes are available at Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.

Ronald  John  Fischer, Sr., age 82, of Blissfield, passed away, April 28, 2016.

He was born August 31, 1933, in Adrian, MI, the son of John & Minnie (Barnhart) Fischer.

On October 29, 1955, he married Joyce Mann at the Blissfield First United Methodist Church.  She survives.

Ronald attended the Adrian First Church of the Nazarene.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  Ronald was an avid Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Tigers fan.

In addition to his wife Joyce, he is survived by his children; Jennifer Fischer Mitchell, Ronald John Jr. (Gennie) Fischer, Timothy Scott Fischer and Marc (Shannon) Fischer, seven grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Shane, Jill, Jessica, Kyle and Nathan, eight great-grandchildren, Zaccary, Alayna, Benjamin, Emma Claire, Addyson, Sarah and Lydia, his brother, David (Mary) Fischer, his sister in law, Stacy Fischer and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Joyce Grinage; three brothers, James Fischer, Frank Fischer and Gary Fischer and son-in-law Bobby Mitchell.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m.  Monday, May 2, 2016, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI, with Dr. David Fulks, Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield, MI.  Visitation will be on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 4-8 p.m.  and also on Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the Adrian First Church of the Nazarene.  www.PurseFuneralHome.com