Obituaries

On Friday, January 4th of the year 2013, Thomas Allen Delzeith lost his life.  He was 17. Tom loved music.  He devoted most of his teenage years to listening to his favorite bands and learning everything he could about his love, music.  With over 50 vinyl records, most of his love was dedicated to the soulful music of the 1960’s and 70’s because of the giant soul he had.  He spent many hours as an accomplished writer and loved performing all genres of music with his friends. He cared deeply for many friends and family and used his love of music to lend his ears to anyone in need.  Tom saw the world and wanted to travel its vast expanses.  Now, he will be voyaging the depth of our hearts.  All Tom wanted was to love, and sought peace wherever he could.  He loved to walk and he loved nature’s paths. He felt in harmony with the Earth.  He wanted peace on Earth.  So, may he rest in peace. Tom is survived by his mother, Lisa Wilkie of Adrian, his siblings Lauren Delzeith also of Adrian, and William Delzeith of Toledo, his grandparents Ed and Judy Wilkie of Blissfield, his aunts and uncles Diana (Rich) Medley, Michael (Melanee) Wilkie and 5 gorgeous cousins; his father, Richard Delzeith of Adrian, his grandfather Theodore “Ted” Delzeith of Punta Gorda, FL, aunts and uncles, Sarah (Ron) Rudland,  Anne (Rick) Ryan, Lisa (Mike) Jordon, and Becky (Brian) Tejkl and many beloved cousins on his father’s side. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mildred Delzeith. He will be remembered by many other family members including his great aunt & uncle Sharon and Jack Kordt and their children where he spent time enjoying their lake property in suburban Chicago, and numerous great aunts and uncles with whom he enjoyed hunting “Up North”. Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to his family.  Online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Edward D. Wegner, age 90, of Blissfield died on January 1, 2013, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian.  Ed was born on September 15, 1922, in Blissfield, Michigan, the son of Frederick and Frieda (Tiede) Wegner. On January 23, 1942, Ed was united in marriage to the love of his life, Venona Mae Kelley in Adrian, Michigan. She preceded him in death on December 19, 1974.

Ed was baptized and a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palmyra. He was employed as a Hi Lo Driver for Ford Motor Company in Rawsonville and also engaged in farming.  Ed’s love of farming started at an early age when he had to work the family farm after the early loss of his father. This love of farming continued for the rest of his life even while working for Ford Motor Company. Ed was a wel-respected horseman who excelled in training and showing Draft horses, Shetlands and American Saddlebreds.  At an early age he showed great skill working with horses in 4-H. His training of an ordinary plow horse earned him a chance to demonstrate this in a national 4-H Horse Show in Chicago.

Surviving is his daughter, Pat (Jim) Horn of Adrian, MI; his brother, Richard Wegner of Clinton, MI; three grandchildren, Anita Horn, Eric Horn, Jack Still; two great-grandchildren, Joshua and Jessica Horn; four great-great-grandchildren, Destiny, Kaleigha, Malik, Halaena and some very close and loving relatives, Jen Shelden, Jamie Fox, Doug Lee Wegner, Jason Wegner and Chuck Holdridge.  He also greatly adored his many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife, Venona, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Stan and Doug Wegner and a niece, Diane Wegner.

Funeral services for Ed will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian with Pastor Gary Leking officiating.  Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield.  Visitation will take place on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made the Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hospice of Lenawee.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.

 

ADRIAN — Geraldine “Gerry” L. Miller, 92, of Adrian, formerly of Blissfield, passed away Monday, December 31, 2012, at Lynwood Manor.

Born January 14, 1920, in Addison, Michigan, she was the oldest child of Leo and Mary (Fuller) Smith.  She was a graduate of Blissfield High School.

Locally, Gerry was well known from working at the UAW, the American Legion in Hudson and Adrian, and the Barley House. She was also a daily customer at Morning Fresh Bakery in Adrian where she enjoyed visiting with other regulars. Gerry was a life member of the Blissfield American Legion Auxiliary.

Gerry is survived by her children, Shirley (Cletus) LaFollette of Atlanta, MI and Richard “Dick” Miller of Hernando, MS; six  grandchildren: Cheri LaFollette of Blissfield; Nancy (Robert) Hejl of Sylvania; Bret (Peggy) LaFollette of  Blissfield; Kim (Link) Geren of Ankeny, IA; Stephanie (Jim) Shoemaker of Oak Park, CA; and Amy (Rob) Henning of Blissfield; ten great grandchildren: Tyler Hejl of Ashville, NC; Jesse Hejl of Bowling Green, OH; Bailey Hejl of Sylvania, OH; Alex and Landon Geren of Ankeny IA; Brooke, Lauren and Kyle Henning of Blissfield; Shelby Baney of Blissfield; and Ashlee Proffit of Weston.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Donald Smith and sister, Helen Woerner.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 4, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian. Online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Arturo Trevino, 55, Blissfield, died Dec. 27, 2012. The funeral is scheduled for  2 p.m . Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian. Burial will follow in Riga Cemetry. Visitation is at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Michael F. Czar, 89, of Blissfield, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012, at his home.

Born October 6, 1923, in Akron, Ohio, he was one of the 10 children of Peter and Mary Czar.

He was married to Erma Davis who preceded him in death.

Michael was serving in the United States Navy in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked.  He continued his naval career as a pilot, flying with the Blue Angels. After retiring from the military, he worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, where he retired with many years of service.

Michael was a very loving and caring person. He liked helping others, and would often work on cars for his friends and family.  He also enjoyed collecting toy cars.

Family meant everything to Michael. He will be greatly missed by those surviving including his children, Candace (Ronald) Harrell of Blissfield; and Ronald (Molly) Czar of California; 7 grandchildren, Shelly, Brenda, Teri, Melissa, Rhonda, Brent and Kim; 16 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Laurie Nicochea, and 9 siblings.

The funeral service for Michael was held Friday, December 28, 2012, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield.

Contributions in memory of Michael may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Margaret “Jayne” Davis, 93, formerly of Adrian, passed away December 25, 2012, at Blissfield Place.

Born December 15, 1919 in Britton, Michigan, she was the daughter of Alexander and Anna “Florence” (Murphy) Gibson. She was a 1937 graduate of Britton High School.

Jayne was married to Loren Edward Davis who preceded her in death in 1969.

Jayne worked at First Federal Savings and Loan in Adrian for many years prior to moving to Blissfield where she became the branch manager. Jayne was a member of the Lenawee Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf.

She was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Adrian, serving as trustee, and currently a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blissfield. For many years Jayne was a member of the Bixby Medical Center Auxiliary, and the Order of the Eastern Star.  he was an avid University of Michigan fan and particularly enjoyed watching Michigan football and hockey.

Jayne is survived by her son, Gary Davis and his wife, Carol of Plymouth; three grandsons, Mark (Lisa), Timothy (Eva) and Christopher; and two great grandchildren, Libby and Rob.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Dale and Doug Davis; a brother Robert Gibson; and a sister in infancy, Anna Gibson.

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 29, 2012.

Contributions in memory of Jayne may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel where online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

ADRIAN — Sedonna Elsie Clark, 89, of Blissfield, Michigan, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2012, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility. Born January 25, 1923, in Riga, Michigan, Sedonna was the oldest child of Stanley and Rose (Fischer) Betz. On March 8, 1945, she married Charles Clark Jr. They celebrated over 47 years of marriage prior to his death in 1992. Sedonna was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riga where she was active in the Ladies Aide Society. She was also involved in the Blissfield Senior Citizens Group and as a volunteer aide at Blissfield Elementary School. While living in Franklin, Tennessee, she was a member of the Clay Center Writers Group and the Senior Citizens Group. Sedonna was a caregiver for both seniors and children. She was a writer, publisher and Betz family historian. Sedonna enjoyed extensive travels throughout the United States and internationally. Surviving are her children: Charlie Clark of Pensacola, Fla; Karen (Denny) Keitzman of Franklin, Tenn.; Leslie (Mary) Clark of Bowie, Md.; Ken (Becky) Clark of Blissfield; and Dan (Elenor) Clark of Tecumseh, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and her siblings: Homer (Donna) Betz of Blissfield; Harley (Shirley) Betz of Akron, Ohio; Herbert (Joyce) Betz of Palmyra; Susie (John) Sharp of Adrian; and Sally (Don) Chittenden of Palmyra. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Alice Betz in infancy and Erma Stieb; granddaughter Stephanie Catherine Keitzman; grandson Jacob Clark and three special aunts, Margaret Wentworth, Louise Kuechenmeister, and Emma Betz. Services for Sedonna will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec., 27, 2012 at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, Dec. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. and again Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service. Online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Edna V. James, 93, of Liberty Township. Private services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. Arrangements entrusted to Blackstone Funeral Home.

MOORE HAVEN, Fla. – Larry C. Steger, age 71, of Florida, passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at Hospice of Lehigh Acres. He was born February 22, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Lawrence F. Steger and the late Eva Lucille (Reau) Steger. On May 18, 2001 he married Betty Anne Davis Seavey who survives. Larry served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, two sons, Benny James Steger of Bradenton, Fla.., and Bradley John Steger of Charleston, Va., one stepson, Scott (Jen) Seavey of Sarasota, Fla., a stepdaughter Kera Anne Lawson, one brother Douglas (Joyce) Steger of Moore Haven, Fla., and a sister Barbara (Dick) Hadden of Deerfield, ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Arrangements and cremation by Akin-Davis Funeral Home, La Belle. Fla.

PALMYRA — Hugh H. Driggs, age 76, of Palmyra, died December 12, 2012 at Tecumseh Place II, under the care of Hospice of Lenawee.

Hugh was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 16, 1935, to Howard Hugh and Lucille (Dittman) Driggs. Hugh graduated from Blissfield High School and attended Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University.

Hugh was a member of the Palmyra Community Presbyterian Church; and the Palmyra Township zoning board and Palmyra Township Cemetery Association.

Hugh enjoyed trap shooting which earned him many awards. He was a life member of the National Trapshooting Association and was inducted into the National Trapshooting Hall of Fame in 1992. He was also a life member of the Michigan Trapshooting Association and was inducted into the Michigan Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame in 1990. Hugh was also a member of the N.R.A. and of the Palmyra #184 Lodge of Masons, holding the position of Master.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his loving wife, Lee Ellen, three step children, Tami (Brian) Buschmann of Ogden; Todd (Reyna) Knierim of Adrian; and Keith Knierim, co-owner and operator of H.H. Driggs Farms of Palmyra. He was exceptionally close to four of his grandchildren, Nikki Lee Welever, Ashley Ann Fowler, Blade Hastings Knierim, Breann Lee Knierim and great grandson, Joel Anthony. He is also survived by his brother, Howard H. (Jeannie) Driggs of Toledo and his children, Holly, Hale, Hunter and Heather.

Besides his family, Hugh will be greatly missed by his “fab” five classmates of 1954 from B.H.S., who have remained in close contact throughout the years; his brother Howard, Ken Mitchell, Jim Siering, DeArle Stucker and Loraine Bell (who passed in October of this year). He will also be missed by his good friend and longtime shooting partner, Dave Berlet.

Funeral services for Hugh were at 1 p.m. Monday, December 17, 2012, at the Tagsold Chapel, Wagley Funeral Home, Blissfield with the Rev. Bob Bidwell officiating. Visitation was Sunday, December 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic Service which started at 7 p.m. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Palmyra Community Presbyterian Church, Palmyra Masons #184, Palmyra Fire Department or to the Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Arrangements were entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home where on line condolences may be made to the family at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com