Obituaries

ADRIAN – Mike Kerentoff of Adrian, Mich. passed away May 10, 2013. He was 89 years old.  Born May 27, 1923, Mike was the youngest son of Emma and Julius Kerentoff of Riga Township. Mike graduated Blissfield High School in 1941. As the youngest son of a farm family, Mike had a deferment from fighting in World War II as he helped keep the family farm going. Eventually, Mike went on to own a farm of his own, totaling about 200 acres in Riga. He married Beulah Ahleman on March 2, 1946. In addition to farming wheat, oats, soybeans and/or field corn, Mike raised milk cows, pigs, and chickens. He also worked at the Agricultural Services Extension Office in Lenawee County, spot-checking land for crop set-asides, and he worked for a few years at Blissfield Manufacturing Company. In 1974, Mike and Beulah moved to Winter Haven, Florida, where they lived for 37 years.  He worked on golf courses in and around Winter Haven on green maintenance and course irrigation systems. Regardless of where he called home, he was never too far away from the farm, at least in spirit.  He maintained a very large garden and planted numerous varieties of orange and grapefruit trees at his home in Winter Haven.  Pineapples were his garden’s specialty.  He was a long-time fan of the Detroit Tigers. Mike’s wife Beulah preceded him in death.  He is survived by two daughters, Jill (Dennis) Hartley of Adrian, Mich., and Luann (Richard) Sharp of Sylvania, Ohio. He also leaves five grandchildren, Michael (Breanne) Hartley of McCordsville, Ind., Michelle Hartley of Comstock Park, Mich., Mark Hartley of Adrian, Mich., Laura Sharp of Toledo, Ohio, and Jessica Sharp of Sylvania, Ohio. Mike had one great-grandson, Cameron, of McCordsville, Ind. The family also wants to extend a special thank you to friend, Leon Denecker of Posey Lake, Michigan, for his help and support throughout Mike’s life, but especially in the last two years. A special thank you to the staff at Cambrian Assisted Living and to all the Hospice of Lenawee Staff, especially Gloria Brooks and Carmen Carpenter. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home.  You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. The family requests tributes to Hospice of Lenawee.  Envelopes are available at the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home.

Mary E. Mraz, 93, of Blissfield passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2013, at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania, Ohio.  She was born on September 8, 1919, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of George and Julia Dombi. On July 13, 1946, Mary was united in marriage to Tony Mraz in Blissfield, Michigan. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together before Tony preceded her in death in 1997. In earlier years, Mary worked for Wegner’s Laundrama Laundromat in town. She later went to work for Maxitrol in Blissfield, from which she eventually retired. Mary was an all-around homemaker for her family. She sewed and repaired many of her family’s clothing and spent many hours canning various vegetables, including 200 quarts of tomatoes every year up until a few years ago. Mary was a lifetime member of the Light of Christ Catholic Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Campus in Blissfield, where she was active in the Altar Rosary Society, the Ladies Sodality and was very much involved in the planning of many funeral luncheons. Mary is survived by her children, John Mraz of Blissfield and Anne (Jim) Tench of Charlotte, North Carolina; her grandson, Tony and a great-granddaughter, Bella. Also surviving are her two brothers, Emery Dombi of Toledo, Ohio, and Mike (Katherine) Dombi of Oregon, Ohio. In addition to her husband, Tony, she was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, Frank, Bill and Tut Dombi and 2 sisters, Velma Magno and Julia Duras. A Funeral Mass for Mary will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Light of Christ Catholic Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Campus in Blissfield with Fr. Jack Loughran officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Visitation for Mary will be also be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Light of Christ Catholic Parish. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Robert O. “Bob” Knaggs, 86, of Blissfield, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013, at The Toledo Hospital. He was born July 22, 1926, in Ottawa Lake, to parents Ludy and Lucy (LaPointe) Knaggs, the union produced 17 children. Bob worked for many years as a ceramic tile setter. He served with the United States Navy during W.W. II. He loved being outdoors, especially working in his beautiful garden. Bob will also be remembered as a passionate fisherman. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Geraldene (Greene) Knaggs; daughters Sharon L. Johnson, Kathleen S. Howard, Michelle M. (Ronald) Sulier, and Janet R. (Steven) Clements; 10 grandchildren Heidi, Heather, Melanie, Amy, Rachel, Robert, Susan, Steven, Rebecca, and Sarah; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Letha Holup and Joan Young; brothers Arnold, Melvin, Roy, and Howard Knaggs. He was preceded in death by his son Bruce Robert Knaggs; sisters Jeanne and Alice Knaggs, Donna Cousino, Mary Scheuer, Anna LaVigne, and Rose Brosamer; and brothers Raphael, Paul, Larry, and Donald Knaggs. Visitation was at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, Ohio, on Monday., where funeral services were yesterday (Tuesday) at 11 a.m. Bob will be laid to rest, with military honors, at Whiteford Union Cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials in Bob’s honor are asked to consider the St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be offered to Bob’s family at www.reebfuneralhome.com Bob was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed!

Samuel J. Tibbs, 50, of Blissfield, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

Sam was born on July 26, 1962, in Adrian, the son of James W. and Evelyn Jeanette (Rigdon) Tibbs.  He graduated from St. John’s Academy of Toledo in 1980, attended Western Michigan University, and worked as manager and Vice President of the former Tibb’s IGA store in Blissfield.  Sam was a lifelong resident of Blissfield, and was a member of the Blissfield Presbyterian Church.  He was a two time Past Master of the Palmyra Masonic Lodge #184 F&AM.  He also was a member of the Knight’s Templar Adrian Commandry #4, and the Zenobia Shrine of Toledo.  Sam traveled to many Masonic Lodges in Michigan, assisting them with fundraising.  He also assisted many other charities with their fund raising efforts as well.

Surviving Sam are his parents, James and Jeanette Tibbs of Blissfield; sister Jeana Tibbs Jordan of Adrian; nephew and niece Christopher Jordan and Kathleen Jordan of Adrian; and three aunts, Jane Clark of Manitou Beach, Chris Tibbs of Manitou Beach, and Jacki (Richard) Hayes of Mariposa, CA.  Sam was preceded in death by his brother in law, Mark S. Jordan; uncles Jack Tibbs, Herb Clark, and Truman (Moose) Rigdon; and grandparents, Jack and Theresa Tibbs, Vivian (Robert) Nichols and Truman Bissell.

A memorial service for Sam will be held Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.at the Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with Rev. Bob Bidwell officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Visiting hours will be Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held Friday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Blissfield Presbyterian Church, the Daily Bread of Adrian, Hospice of Lenawee or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Online condolences are welcomed to the family at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

ADRIAN — Marisa Vince, 84, of Blissfield, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013, at Provincial House under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. Marisa was born on August 5, 1928 in Rome, Italy to Umberto and Teresa Cristofani. During WWII she met Alex Vince of Sand Creek, and they married on August 15, 1952 in Trieste, Italy. Marisa worked for 30 years at Bixby Medical Center in the dietary department, and was a faithful member of Light of Christ Parish in Blissfield. She enjoyed playing cards and cooking meals for her family. Marisa is survived by her children Alex (Shelley) Vince of Blissfield, Terrie Vince of Modesto, California, and Ronnie (Stacey) Vince of Aurora, Colorado; grandchildren Michael and Samuel Vince; and two great grandchildren, Isla and Adley; twin sister Gianna (Bruce) Monroe of Blissfield, sisters Pina Maraschi, and Anna (Sergio) Maraschi of Rome, Italy, and several nieces, nephews and sister-in-laws. Marisa is preceded in death by her husband Alex Vince, brother Giovanni Cristofani and his wife Silvana, and brother-in-law Franco Maraschi, and several brother and sister-in-laws. Services for Marisa Vince will be on Friday at Wagley Funeral Home Tagsold Chapel, in Blissfield at 1 p.m. with Rev. Jack Loughran officiating, burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the Lenawee Humane Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Violet L. Piotter, 84, of Blissfield, passed away Friday, April 12, 2013, at Blissfield Place.

She was born November 12, 1928, in Riga, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Knoblauch) Goetz.  Violet graduated from Blissfield High School, and attended Davis Business College.

On July 1, 1950, she married Robert Piotter in Riga.

Violet is a life-long member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riga.  For many years she worked at Iott Insurance.  Violet and Robert traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and and also enjoying trips abroad.

In addition to Robert, her husband of almost 63 years, Violet is survived by their children: Doug (Irene) Piotter of Katy, TX; Steve (Marcia) Piotter of The Woodlands, TX; and Patricia (Jeff Gyde) Marks of Oak Harbor, OH; grandchildren: Carey, Sonja, Heather, Adam, Mark, and Brice; and great grandchildren: Brooke and Liam.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Carlyn and Wilma; and brothers, Lynwood, Harold, Wilbur and Harlan.

Memorial services for Violet will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riga with Rev. James Seelow officiating.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield.

Contributions in memory of Violet may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the American Cancer Society.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Lillian Margaret Bohlka, Blissfield, age 89, entered into Eternal Rest, March 25, 2013. She was a resident at Blissfield Place since April 2012. Lillian was born in Chicago, Illinois December 3, 1923, the daughter of August and Mary Martin. She graduated from Blissfield High School with the class of 1941. Lillian married Robert (Bo) Bohlka March 2, 1942. Lillian did secretarial work at Donaldson Machine and then 27 years at Maxitrol in Blissfield. Her hobbies included playing bingo and reading. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family includes two children, Vicky (Jim) Rohrback of Decatur; Don (Kathy) Bohlka of Blissfield; four grandchildren; Pastor Mark (Luba) Rohrback, Jennifer (Jason) Gunter, Chad (Rebekka) Rohrback, Michelle (Matt) Ganun, and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bo), a stepbrother John Bogdan, and stepsister Rose Kuhn. Arrangements have been made by J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home. A private graveside Memorial service for Lillian and “Bo” will be held in July, 2013 at Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Pastor Gary Leking will be presiding. Memorials may be made to St. Paul ‘s Lutheran Church or Hospice of Lenawee. Condoleneces may be made to the family online @ www.PurseFuneralHome.com.

Kathleen M. Bussing, 87, of Blissfield, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian. Kathleen was born May 20, 1925 in Genoa, Ohio, to Helen (Root) and Earl Paul. She graduated from Sylvania Burnham High School in 1943. On October 25, 1943, she married Eugene Bussing in Blissfield. They celebrated 46 years of marriage, until his death in 1989. Kathleen devoted her life to her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, baking pies and canning, sewing, playing cards, visiting and helping people in need, and still driving people to doctor and hospital appointments. She attended the Element Church in Blissfield. Survivors include her children, Gloria (Jerry) Ricker of Blissfield, Terry (Kathleen) Bussing of Plano, Texas, Bruce (Cindy) Bussing of Haslett, and Traci (Rick) Arquette of Adrian; her sister, Ilene Ries of Iowa City, Iowa; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and her very special friend, Bob Dietsch of Swanton, Ohio. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Dean Paul and a sister, Pauline Tabbert. Funeral services for Kathleen were held Monday, April 1, 2013, at Element Church in Blissfield with Pastor Keith Smith officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lenawee Medical Care Garden Room, Element Church or Hospice of Lenawee. On line condolences are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

Ora Wilhelmina Christina Demlow, 101 passed away March 17, 2013, at Drew’s Place in Coldwater MI. She was born March 24, 1911 in North Dakota to Henry and Anna (Broecker) Moeller. The family moved to Detroit when she was five years old and later to Adrian. She graduated from Adrian High School in 1929. In 1941 she married Alvin Demlow, who preceded her in death in 1999. She is survived by their two children, Carl (Brenda) Demlow of Coldwater and Dorothy (David) Mathis of Union City, MI and by a niece she raised Janice Rehklau (Bob) Kirk of Circleville, Ohio. Six grandsons and one granddaughter, Mark Mathis, Chris Mathis, Pete Mathis, Steven Demlow, Brian Demlow, Alan Demlow, and Kristen Shook. She also has fourteen great-grandchildren. Ora is survived by a sister, Luella Demlow, now of Jackson. She was preceded in death by sisters Anne Meeker, Esther Fink, Martha Harsh, Edna Rehklau, and brother Paul Moeller. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian for 85 years and more recently a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City. A devoted wife and mother, she enjoyed the Demlow family farm in Palmyra, needlework, baking, and especially her grandchildren. Visitation was. Friday March 22, 2013 at Gillespie Funeral Home in Coldwater. The funeral services was at 11:00 a.m. Sat. March 23 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City with Pastor David Dodge officiating, luncheon following. Graveside services took place Tuesday March 26, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Adrian MI with Pastor Joel Sarrault officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Adrian MI, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Union City MI, Living Hope Church in West Unity, OH, or Southern Care Hospice. Visit www.gillespiefh.com to leave a message or condolences to the family.

Barbara A. Klump, 78, of Blissfield, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Blissfield Place. Born January 19, 1935, in Blissfield, Barbara was the youngest child of Arlo and Dorothy (Bassett) Bailor. She graduated from Hillsdale High School and went on to attend Wheaton College and Eastern Michigan University. On October 26, 1957, Barbara married Arnold Klump in Blissfield. Arnold, her husband of 55 years, survives. For several years Barbara taught elementary school in the Blissfield and Britton-Macon school districts. From 1978 until her retirement in 2003 Barbara served as the librarian at the Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library. She was a member of the Element Church. In addition to her husband, she is survived by their children: Linda (Tom Mullally) Klump of Arlington Heights, IL; Bruce Klump of Los Angeles, CA; and Bryan (Laura) Klump of Toledo; and two granddaughters, Elaina and Alexa Klump. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Yvonne Sherman, and brother, Keith Bailor. Funeral services for Barbara will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013, at the Element Church with Rev. Keith Smith officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday at the church from 1 p.m. until the service. Contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to the Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library or Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.