Obituaries

OTTAWA LAKE — A “Free Spirit” was lost Sunday morning. David “Harry” Smith, 60, of Ottawa Lake, died at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. Harry was an operating engineer all his adult life. He worked with Dan’s Construction and Holloway Construction, Midwest Bridge, and McComb Concrete for many years. He was proud to be a member of Operating Engineers Local 324. Harry loved the out of doors. He enjoyed his vegetable gardens and raising goats, chickens, sheep and pigeons. Harry was an avid hunter and a member of the Ottawa Lake Sportsmen’s Club He is survived by his daughter Tiffany (Bradley Emerson) Smith; grandchildren Samantha and Lane Smith Emerson; parents Raymond and Willow May (Lloyd) Smith; sisters Sandy (Charlie) Nadeau, Debra (Lonnie) Creque, and Ruth Ann Smith; brothers Fred (Lee) and Raymond (Jeanette) Smith. Harry enjoyed being with family and friends, but especially enjoyed his two grandchildren. He will be missed tremendously! Friends may call at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, Ohio, Tuesday from 3 – 9 p.m., where Harry’s life will be celebrated Wednesday, March 20, at 1 p.m.. He will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, tributes to Harry’s family would be appreciated. Online condolences may be offered at www.reebfuneralhome.com

TECUMSEH — Aaron Martin, 32, of Tecumseh, passed away March 13, 2013 at his home. Aaron was born on January 18, 1981, to Rose (Ryan) and John Martin in Adrian. He worked at a car body shop in Deerfield. He enjoyed snowboarding, wake boarding, playing guitar and flying model helicopters. Aaron also loved to travel and music, he especially liked to attend concerts. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his parents, a brother, Adam (Liz) Martin of Worthington, MN; a son, Elliott Clark-Kosal of Dafter, MI; his significant other, Cagni Karl of Tecumseh, MI; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Ryan of Adrian; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerald Ryan, John Joe Martin and Lillie Mae Martin. Funeral services for Aaron were held on Monday, March 18, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield, with Pastor Tom Frantz officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Blissfield Baptist Church for their Mission Program or to the Martin family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

ADRIAN — Kathryn Porter, 84 , of Blissfield, passed away Monday, March 4, 2013, under the loving care of the Hospice of Lenawee at the Hospice Home. She was born May 11, 1928, in Ogden Township, the oldest child of Bernita (Hahn) and Clarence Harrington. She graduated from Blissfield Schools in 1945. On March 6, 1948, Kathryn married Dale William Porter in Ogden Township. He preceded her in death in 2007, celebrating 59 years of marriage. Kathryn was a member of the Zion United Brethren Church. Kathryn and her sister, Bess, had a craft business together for many years; she also drove bus for Blissfield Schools. Survivors include her daughters, Mary (Frank) Novak of Blissfield, Susan (Paul Moceri) Porter of Deming, Wash., Sandy (Gary ) Holfman of Arizona; siblings, Ann Johnson of Genoa, Ohio, Bess Harrwaldt of Blissfield, and John Harrington of Pa.; grandchildren, Allison (Tony) Urban of Texas, Matthew Novak of Blissfield, Tony (Lindsey) Moceri , Dominic Moceri, both of Washington, and Jessica (Chris Lujan) Holfman of Arizona; and her great great grandchildren, Nash and Hayden Urban and Harper Moceri. In addition to her husband, Dale, she is preceded in death by her parents and great-grandchild, Zachary Matthew Urban. Funeral services for Kathryn were at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2013, at the Tagsold Chapel of the Wagley Funeral Home, Blissfield. Visitation was on Wednesday, March 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

JOHNSTONVILLE, Ga. — Word has been received of the death of Allene Ziss Walters, 98, Johnstonville, Ga., on Feb. 28, 2013. Mrs. Walters, formerly of Blissfield, was the daughter of Gust and Cora Ziss. She was preceded in death by her husband Morgan Walters and a brother Robert Ziss. She is survived by a sister, Gerry Demlow, Blissfield, five children and several grandchildren.

DEERFIELD — Robert “Bob” A. Jones, 70, of Deerfield, passed away Friday, March 8, 2013, at Regency Hospital in Sylvania. He was born February 8, 1943, in Adrian, Michigan, the son of Robert and Rosemary (Bondy) Jones. He was a graduate of Deerfield High School and also attended Stautzenberger College. On April 13, 1986, Bob married Catherine Craig in Las Vegas, and she survives. Bob worked for Revco for several years. He worked at Ford Motor Company in Saline where he retired with over 35 years of service. Favorite pastimes include fishing, league pool, golf and bowling. Bob served as a volunteer Deerfield Fireman and also refereed basketball. He was a member of the Adrian Moose Lodge. In addition to Catherine, his wife of almost 27 years, Bob is survived by their children: Lori Jones of Monroe; Eric (Debbie) Jones of Liberty Center, Ohio; Janet (William) Kennedy of Newport, Mich.; Cathy Ann Pelham of Brooklyn; Danny Freshcorn of Denton, Texas; and Wendy (Enrico Ialacci) Freshcorn of Temperance; 14 grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; half-brothers: Harold (Anita) Prielipp of Ohio; Howard (Becky) Prielipp of Riga; and Billy (Allison) Prielipp of Blissfield. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Jones and a great-grandson, Brandon Reau. Funeral services for Bob took place Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel. Contributions in memory of Bob are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Karilyn L. Nieman, 60, of Blissfield, passed away Friday, March 8, 2013, at Toledo Hospital.
Born May 8, 1952, in Adrian, she was the oldest child of Richard and Ivadell (Goll) McCarty. She was a member of the 1970 graduating class from Blissfield High School. Karilyn attended Michigan State University and completed her bachelor’s degree at Siena Heights University.
On August 25, 1972, Karilyn married her high school sweetheart, Albert Nieman, and he survives.
Karilyn’s career with the postal service spanned 32 years, working in Sand Creek, Petersburg, and Blissfield serving as postmaster for the last 20 years. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she played bells and sang in the choir. Karilyn was also active in the community as former district director for the Blissfield Jaycees, and working on the River Raisin Festival Committee as parade director.
In addition to Albert, her husband of over 40 years, she is survived by their son, Nicholas (Deatra) Nieman of Blissfield; granddaughter, Grace; her parents, Richard and Ivadell of Belleview, Florida; and siblings: Monica McCarty of Novi; Martin (Judith) McCarty of Tecumseh; and Loretta (Keith) Mills of Blissfield, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Karilyn will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blissfield with Rev. Gary Leking officiating. Burial will follow at Palmyra Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and again Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Karilyn are suggested to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or St. Paul Lutheran Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Shari L. Jones, born May 20,1961, passed February 18, 2013, Age 51.

She is survived by her husband Jay Jones of Adrian (formally of Blissfield) Children; Sheryl (Jamie) Eason of Metamora,OH, Melissa Jones of Adrian, Ashley (Brian)Peters of Erie,PA, Jason Jones of Adrian, David Jones of Adrian, Daniel Jones of  Adrian. Grandchildren; Zachary,Megan, and Michael Eason, Brady Peters. Her mother Dorothy Webber of Alachua,FL., Sisters; Ann (John) Kerns of Morenci,MI, Brenda (Russell) Coleman of Waldo,FL, Delores (Junior) McGinnis of Cordele,GA, Joan (Randy) Smith of Kent, OH, Linda Gifford of Archer,FL, Sister-in-law Virginia (James) Gifford of Sand Creek,MI, Brother; William Webber of Archer,FL. And many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Father; James Gifford Sr.,Toledo,OH, James Gifford Jr. of Adrian,MI, and Virginia Gifford of Adrian,MI.

Visitations will be Saturday February 23, 2013, from 9:30 – 12:30 at Purse Funeral Home in Adrian,MI Burial at 12:30 at Oakwood Cemetery. Pastor Lloyd Jewett officiating.

 

ADRIAN — Kimberly Sue Svestka, age 49, of Adrian, died on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at her home.

She was born on September 7, 1963, in Adrian to Ronald L. and Sharon (Dunbar) Svestka.

She graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1981 and from St. Vincent School of Nursing/Lourdes with a Registered Nursing Degree in 1984.  She had been a RN for 22 years at the Ypsilanti Center of Forensic Psychology and then for two years at Tendercare now known as Magnum.

Kim was baptized at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Blissfield, was confirmed at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and currently attended Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus).  Kim was an accomplished organist who won numerous trophies and awards.  She enjoyed making homemade cards and loved her dog, Paco, very much.

Kim is survived by her parents, Ronald and Sharon Svestka of Blissfield; a brother, Douglas (Rieki) Svestka of Adrian; a sister, Sherrie Dauer of Port Clinton, Ohio; two nieces, Arianna Svestka of Adrian and Samantha (Jared) Calkins of Maumee, Ohio; and her dog, Paco at home.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ladd and Mary Svestka and Egbert and Frieda Dunbar.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013,  from 4-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian, where there will be a Vigil Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be held at Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus) on Monday, February 25, 2013, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. The funeral liturgy for Kim will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 25, 2013, at Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus) with Fr. Jack Loughran as celebrant.  Burial will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to Light of Christ Parish.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.

Louva Schroeder Seiler Lake, 72, Boulder, Colo. died February 3, 2013.

She was born May 4, 1940 in Ottawa Lake to Edgar and Rose (Dvorsky) Schroeder. She gradated from Blissfield High School. In 1959 she married Michael Seiler in Sylvania, Ohio.  She later married David Lake in 1982 i Boulder, Colo.

She is survived b her daughter Sheri Schultz, Bonita Springs, Fla. her son Martin, Petaluma, Cal., grandchildren, Sean and Shelby Brucken and Devon and Andrew Seiler, sister Sally King, Riga, brother Clifford, Arlington, Texas, and a niece Billie, Blissfield. A son Michael preceded her in death.

Louva was a sweet and wonderful person. She always had a smile. She will be missed b family and friends. She lived in many laces but always had a special place for her home town.

As per her wishes her body was donated to science.

DEERFIELD – Emma Eleanor Barta, age 95 of Adrian, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013, at the Hospice of Lenawee’s Hospice Home.  She was born May 15, 1917, in Werner, North Dakota, and was the fifth child of Paul and Rosa (Goetzfreidt) Hoffer.

On  January 24, 1939, she married Otto Barta, in Wauseon, Ohio.  He preceded her in death on December 12, 1981.  She was a member of Our Light of Christ Parish, St. Alphonsus Parish in Deerfield.  Emma and Otto moved to Deerfield to open “Otto’s Tavern” on November 21, 1948 until the Tavern closed in 1964.  Emma began her career as a beautician in the 1960’s, going to beauty school days, while working midnights in a plastic factory.  Otto and her sons, built her a large beauty shop, “Emme’s Hidden Beauty Haven”, which she opened on December 10, 1969, unfortunately, their home and beauty shop burnt in 1978.  She then became a traveling beautician, whose motto was “HAVE BRUSH WILL TRAVEL”, and continued to serve some of her favorite clients, especially the older ones, even if and especially if they were in nursing home.  And until just a few years ago, she still did her best friend, Ramona Meyer’s hair.  Emma loved to knit and crochet.

Emma is survived by two sons, Jim (Kathy) Barta of Deerfield and Rick (Sue) Barta of Deerfield; a daughter-in-law, Linda Barta of Deerfield; grandchildren, Robert (Tammy), Brian, Denise (Marcus) Ramsey, Toby, Ashli (Joe) Krainock, Tennille (Steve) Taraszkiewicz and Travis (Ginnie); and great grandchildren, Alex and Daniel Barta, Rachel, Caleb, and Connor Ramsey, Aidan Barta and Tyler Taraszkiewicz.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Terry; two granddaughters, Tara Barta and Renee Barta  and eights siblings, Elizabeth, Florence, Joe, Eddie, John, Jack, Mary and Paul (Buddy).

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian, where a Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be held on Monday, February 18, 2013, from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. at Our Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus).  The Funeral Liturgy for Emma will be offered on Monday, February 18, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Light of Christ Parish, (St. Alphonsus), with Father Jack Loughran as celebrant.    Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 18, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park, Adrian.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to Our Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus).  Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.