Obituaries

LAMBERTVILLE – Elden C. Brieschke, age 93 of Lambertville, passed away Friday, October 21, 2016, at the Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania. He was born February 19, 1923, in Blissfield, Michigan, to Frederick and Hazel (Coswell) Brieschke.  Elden graduated from Blissfield High School and completed his education at Cleary College, now University. He was very proud of his service in the Air Force as a bomber pilot during World War II. Elden married Shirlee Foster who preceded him in death in 1999, having celebrated almost 50 years together. Elden retired from Ford Motor Company in 1984 with 35 years of service at the Rawsonville Plant.  Growing up in Blissfield, he was raised in the First United Brethren Church, and later was an active member of the Ward Presbyterian Church while living in Livonia.  Elden was an avid golfer and also enjoyed gardening. He will be missed greatly by his family including his son, Mark (Terri) Brieschke of Ida, daughter-in-law, Nancy Brieschke of Ottawa Lake, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Shirlee, he was preceded in death by a son, Todd Brieschke, and siblings, Treva, Myrna, Anna Mae, Glen and Fred. Memorial services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with the Rev. Keith Smith officiating. Visitation took place at the funeral home Saturday from 11 a.m. until the service. Contributions in memory of Elden are suggested to Ebeid Hospice.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

ADRIAN — Rev. Robert (Bob) James DeLoria, age 71, after a long period of declining health was called to his Heavenly Home  Tuesday, October 18, 2016.  He passed peacefully at home in his sleep and was with his loving wife, Judy.
Robert was born July 3, 1945, in Manistique, Michigan, the son of a lumberjack, Junior Joseph Deloria and his wife Merle (Wharfield) Deloria. His early years were spent in a lumberjack shanty in Gould City.  He later moved to Manistique where he completed his elementary years.          Robert graduated from Lakeview High School in 1964 and went on to earn his BA in Education from Spring Arbor College/University in 1970. He also earned Masters Degrees in Education and in History from Eastern Michigan University in 1976 and 1980.
He was also an ordained minister with the Free Methodist Church of North America. Bob’s career included positions at the Starr Commonwealth for boys in Albion.  He taught history classes for Spring Arbor University at Jackson State Prison, Driver’s Education at several local schools including Adrian, Deerfield, and Blissfield.  He was a fifth grade teacher at Blissfield Community Schools from 1972-1999.  While there, he helped coach the baseball team, was instrumental in setting up the outdoor education program at Storer Camp, was a member of NEA, MEA, BEA, as well as served on the Blissfield teachers’ negotiation team.  He was a member of the Adrian Free Methodist Church from 1969-1988 when he became a member of the Southern Michigan Free Methodist Conference.
He was then appointed pastor of the Deerfield Free Methodist Church where he served from 1988-2011.  Since retirement, he has attended the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church and has been involved with the Community Bible Study in Adrian.
Bob married Judith (Judy) Ann Sherman, July 18, 1970, at the Adrian Free Methodist Church.  She survives as well as their two sons, Caleb (Melissa) DeLoria, Blissfield, Michigan; and David (Christina) DeLoria of Spring Arbor, Michigan, and six grandchildren:  Ellie, Hunter, Aubrey, Landon, Caleb Jr. (CJ), and Dominic.  His family truly was his pride and joy.  Also surviving are brothers Edward (Christine) Deloria, Wakefield, Michigan; Ben (Beth) Culey, Adrian; Paul (Mariah) Culey, Pottersville, Michigan, and sister Rebecca (Dan) Moran of Adrian, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather Andrew Culey of Charlotte.
Bob enjoyed serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He was a loving husband and proud father and Papa.  Traveling to historical and Biblical sites was a favorite past time.  He visited all 50 states as well as Europe, and the Holy Lands (Israel, Jordan, Egypt).  Sports also were a welcome diversion (GO BLUE).
Funeral services were held at 11  a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the Deerfield Free Methodist Church, 572 E. River St., Deerfield, with Superintendent Emeritus, the Rev. Thomas Ramundo officiating.  Burial followed in Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield.  Visitation was from 2-4 p.m.and 6-8 p.m. Monday, October 24, 2016, at the J. Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy (M-52), Adrian, and also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the Deerfield Free Methodist Church.

Barbara Jean Loar, age 87 of Blissfield, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Blissfield Place under the loving care of Hospice of Lenawee. She was born February 15, 1929, in Blissfield, Michigan to Arthur and Estella (Rutherford) Betz, and graduated from Blissfield High School with the Class of 1946.

On March 17, 1948, Barbara married Harold Loar in Blissfield. He preceded her in death in 2012, having been blessed with 64 years together.

In addition to helping on the family farm, Barbara baked and decorated cakes for 25 years.

She and Harold enjoyed many winters in Sebring, Florida and traveling with the Great Lakes Camping Club.

Barbara attended the First United Brethren Church (Element Church) for several years where she was active in the children’s ministry, preparing funeral dinners and the women’s missionary group. She was a member of Solid Rock Church.

She is survived by her children: Linda (Mark) Gramlich of Mauldin, SC; the Rev. Robert (Linda) Loar and Brenda (Gary) Zimmerman, both of Blissfield; ten grandchildren: Adam (Staci) Gramlich, Eli (Erin) Gramlich, Dawn (Brandon) Osenko, Deana (Andy) Strudwick, Christopher (Bridget) Loar, R. Scott (Rachael) Loar, Ryan Loar, Katie (Michael) VanEtten, Kristin (Michael) Oluwole, and Emily (Shaun) Mikicic; 19 great grandchildren; and a sister, Judy Mehan of Petersburg. In addition to her husband, Harold, she was preceded in death by her son, H. Keith Loar and a brother, Donald Betz.

Funeral services took place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at the Element Church in Blissfield with the Rev. Keith Smith officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation was held at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. and again Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the service. Contributions in memory of Barbara are suggested to Hospice of Lenawee or Solid Rock Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Born to Russell E. Beck and Elaine M. Kutzley Beck on January 7, 1942 in Hudson. Jan grew up on the family farm in Morenci.

She graduated from Morenci High School as Salutatorian, Class of 1960. Jan enrolled in Adrian College where she studied home economics education and met the love of her life Peter E. Durbin. She graduated from Adrian College in 1964 and she and Pete were married that August. They enjoyed 52 years together.

Jan began her teaching career at Blissfield High School where she served as FHA Advisor as well as class advisor. During that time she received the first Michigan FHA Advisor of the Year award. Her love of students and passion for learning served her well in her nearly four-decade career as an educator. Jan also taught in the Evergreen Local School District. She retired in 2003 from St. Francis Education Center where she taught middle school science. Jan also mentored numerous student teachers and colleagues throughout her career.

Jan was a Cub Scout den leader, 4-H leader and Sunday school teacher. She lived her faith and ministered throughout her life through Berkey Congregational Christian Church and her community as a whole. Her home baked pies and sugar cookies were the stuff of legends. She was also a talented seamstress.

Jan’s greatest achievements were her children Melissa A. Durbin Growden and Thomas M. Durbin and her grandchildren Isaac and Olivia Durbin.

She was a gracious hostess and lovingly accepted guests into her home. Jan never lost her “farm girl” upbringing and welcomed everyone with a smile, kind words and respect.

Jan’s faith and fighting spirit helped her remain a survivor of stage IV Ovarian Cancer for 34 years and also a Breast Cancer survivor for 10 years. She was a heroic role model for so many cancer survivors. Jan never gave up the fight.

On Sunday, September 25, 2016 she peacefully passed away at Flower Hospital with her family at her side.

Survivors include: husband, Peter E. Durbin, daughter, Melissa A. Durbin Growden, son Thomas M. (Dori) Durbin, grandchildren Isaac and Olivia Durbin and grand cats Stella and Baxter. She is also survived by brothers Keith R. (Beverly) Beck, Robert L. (Karen) Beck and Charles R. (Deborah) Beck and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Elaine Beck, in-laws Roger and Marian Durbin and son-in-law Andrew M. Growden.

In lieu of flowers, the family has arranged tributes in Jan’s memory to American Farm Museum & Education Center Memorial Garden c/o Blissfield State Bank or the Scholarship Fund at Lenawee Christian School.

Friends may call at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio, on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Ruth Alice Schneider (Sheldon), 83 years, of Blissfield, passed away on September 3, 2016. in the Saline Evangelical Home surrounded by her family.

The daughter of Ithamer and Loa (Clough) Sheldon, she was born on September 13, 1932, in Palmyra. A loving mother, her greatest joy in life was being with her family.

Ruth is a graduate of Blissfield High School and attended Lenawee County Normal. April 9, 1952 she married Leonard J. Schneider, he preceded her in death in 1993. Ruth worked at Just Rite Bakery until the age of 22. She then worked for Brockway Photography and Kohlman International all while selling Avon for over 20 years.

Ruth worked as a bookkeeper for Knapp Motors for over 15 years retiring in 1997. After retiring she volunteered for Hospice of Lenawee County for 15 years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Riga. Ruth very much enjoyed meeting with her “Lunch Bunch” for their monthly meetings. She was a member of the Maple City Swingers Square Dancing Club and a member of the Lenawee County Historical Society. Ruth loved to crochet for her family and was famous for her peanut brittle and chocolate chip cookies.

Ruth is survived by her loving children, Steven (Gretchen) Schneider, Sandra (Patrick) Duris; brother, Solon (Wanda) Sheldon; sister –in-law, Mae Sheldon; grandchildren, Dennis (Amy) Schneider, Michelle (Don) Fare, Melissa (Eric) Urbanski, Andrew (Kelsey) Schneider, Thomas (Lauren) Duris; great – grandchildren, Henry, Greta and Maxine Schneider, Charles and Harrison Fare, Connor, Zennon and Rylinn Urbanski, baby Schneider on the way; and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Albert.

Visitation was on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave., Temperance. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. with Funeral Service at 11 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church 7623 Riga Hwy. Riga. Burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery, Blissfield. In memory of Ruth, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Riga, or Hospice of Lenawee County. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com.

Johanna L. Riggs, 83, of Adrian, passed away, Thursday, September 1, 2016, at the Gaslight Village Assisted Living Center.

She was born July 26, 1933, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to parents James and Katherine (Brown) Pickard.

Johanna was employed as a Naturalist with the Toledo Metroparks for many years, prior to that she worked with the A.O. Smith Company. Johanna served as a Whiteford PTA President, Campfire Girl Leader, Cub Scout Leader, and Sunday School Teacher at Pilgrim Congregational Church, as her children were growing up.

She is survived by her daughter Karen (David) Finn; sons Darrell (Julie) and James (Liesel) Riggs; grandchildren Jennifer (Eric) Compton, Rebecca (Bradley) Perry, and Andrew (Cheryl) Riggs; great-grandchildren Alana, Katie, Nathan, Jack, Caleb, Isaac, and Adalyn. Johanna was preceded in death by her loving husband Darius Riggs and brother James Pickard. Friends called at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, Ohio, Monday, September 5th from 4-8 p.m. Johanna’s life was celebrated with a Memorial Service at the Sylvania United Church of Christ, 7240 Erie St. Sylvania, Ohio, Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at 10 a.m. Those wishing to offer memorials in Johanna’s memory are asked to consider, in lieu of flowers, the Hospice of Lenawee County, The Nature Conservancy, or the Sylvania United Church of Christ. www.reebfuneralhome.

 

Richard ‘Ted’ Delzeith Richard Theodore Delzeith, passed away on September 9, 2016 surrounded by his family at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla.

Ted was born on October 6, 1927, in New York City, NY to Aloysius and Nell (Desnoyer) Delzeith. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Jackson, Mich. Ted served in the U.S. Army in Guam and the Philippines under General MacArthur. Upon his honorable discharge, he used his GI bill to attend Ferris State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Ted was the charter president of the Gamma Chi chapter of the Kappa Psi fraternity.

Ted spent his career as a pharmacist in Jackson, Blissfield and even after retirement in Florida. Ted was married to his beloved wife, Mildred, for 59 years and was a proud father, grandfather and great-papa. An avid boater, Ted became a Captain in the Power Squadron and taught classes for many years. He was also an adjunct professor at the University of Toledo where he mentored many pharmacy interns. He was an active participant in the Devil’s Lake and North Cape Yacht Clubs and enjoyed nothing more than a day of sailing on the lake. After retiring to Florida, Ted and Mildred spent many years serving Meals on Wheels to shut-ins. He was also a member of the Peace River Car Club and the Peace River Boat Club. He was a member of the San Antonio Catholic Church. Ted and Mildred spent many years traveling in their Sportsmobile and were active in the Sportsmobile Club. Ted will be remembered for his commitment and devotion to his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Sarah (Ron) Rudland, Anne (Rick) Ryan, Lisa (Mike) Jordon, Becky (Brian) Tejkl. He was grandfather to Will (Mollie), Lauren (Christopher), Eric (Kristin), Brigette (Brian), Austin, Michael, Andrea, Christian (Melinda), MacKenzie (Alex), Meghan, Bailey (Zach), Brody and Braxton. He was also a very proud Great-Papa to Ella, Wyatt, Sophie, Nolan, Ethan, Myla, Cadence and Paul. Ted will also be greatly missed by Katherine Cellamare. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mildred, son Richard Jr., grandsons Tommy, Alexander, Kevin and Trey, sister Jeanne and brother-in-law Robert. The family wishes to thank the many health care providers at Fawcett Memorial and Tidewell Hospice for their care and compassion. Memorial services will be held at a later time in Michigan and at San Antonio Catholic Church, Punta Gorda, Fla. Contributions may be made to the Peace River Wildlife Center and/or Tidewell Hospice, Fla. Ted may be kindly remembered at icscremationandfunerals.org and facebook.com/icscremationandfunerals.

F.D. Ricker, age 69, of Blissfield, died Friday, August 12,
2016 in Adrian. He was born August 20, 1946,
in Adrian to Lawrence and Gayle (Scott) Ricker.  F.D. was drafted to
serve his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 during the
Vietnam War. He had been a farmer all of his life.  He also had been
employed by the Johns Manville Company in Waterville, Ohio.  F.D.
enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and fishing.  He had been a Hunter
Education instructor since 1970.  He was a member of the Palmyra Masonic
Lodge #184, the Scottish Rite in Toledo, the Zenobia Shriners, the
Marine Corp League, and the Blissfield American Legion Post #325.
F.D. is survived by a cousin, Janice (David) Wood of Blissfield; a
second cousin, Troy (Alicia) Wood; his companion, Nellie Lentz of
Blissfield, and her daughters, Dawn Butts and Yvette Smith.  He was
preceded in death by his parents.
The Palmyra Masonic Lodge #184 will conduct a masonic service at 11
a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home in
Blissfield.  Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Blissfield with
full military rites conducted by the Blissfield American Legion Post
#325 and Blissfield V.F.W. Post #10912. Visitation will be held from 2-4
and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral
Home, Blissfield.  You may send condolences to the family at
www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to
the Zenobia Shriners.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd
Funeral Home, Blissfield.

James “Jim” W. Tibbs, age 82, of Blissfield, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 9, 2016.

James Walter Tibbs was born on May 24, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to Jack and Teresa (Cissell) Tibbs. On September 14, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Evelyn “Jeanette” Rigdon in Jackson, Michigan.

Jim’s family moved from Detroit to the Manitou Beach area in 1942. He attended Addison Schools, graduating in 1952, where he was very active in football and basketball. He proudly served in the Army during the late 50’s in Germany. Jim and his brother Jack took over the family business, Tibbs IGA grocery store in Manitou Beach. When the family later expanded their business to Blissfield, Jim and Jeanette moved there to manage the store.  Although Jim and Jeanette lived in Blissfield, they were very close to their Manitou Beach family and friends.

Being an avid fan of youth sports, Blissfield American Legion baseball was especially important to Jim. Community service and civic organizations played a big part in Jim’s life. He was a life time member of Zenobia Shriners of Toledo, the Palmyra Masonic Lodge #184 F and AM, the Lenawee Country Club, where he once served as president, the Blissfield American Legion, and the Devil’s Lake Yacht Club.

Since 1984, Jim and Jeanette wintered in Carefree, Arizona, he enjoyed fishing, golfing and fine dining. Family was very important to Jim, he was definitely a family man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his extended family members.

Survivors include his wonderful wife, Jeanette; daughter Jeana Tibbs Jordan; grandchildren, Christopher Jordan and Kathleen Jordan; sister Jane Clark; and sister in law, Chris Tibbs.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Sam Tibbs in 2013, brother Jack Tibbs and son-in-law, Mark S. Jordan.

A memorial Celebration of Life for Jim will be held 11 am, Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at the Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with Rev. Douglas Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Visiting hours will be Monday, August 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held Monday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Hospice of Lenawee, Wounded Warrior Project 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

JASPER – Eleanor Mae Pifer passed away on July 27, 2016. She was born in Blissfield, and lived a wonderful life in the nearby area surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy (O’Haver) and William Thompson.

She graduated from Blissfield High School in 1962 and married the love of her life, Darrel Leland Pifer, on April 28th in the same year. She worked in the banking industry for twenty years in various departments and as Madison Township Deputy Clerk for over fifteen years. Above all else, Eleanor loved and cared for her family and helped create some of their fondest memories.

Her favorite place to spend time was outdoors, taking care of the farm with her husband, tending her garden, and camping with friends. She and her husband took many motorcycle trips, just spending time appreciating the journey together. Cooking for her family, exploring flea markets, listening to country music concerts, spending time in the park with her grandchildren, riding roller coasters, and enjoying fireworks are just a few of the wonderful memories of her long and fulfilling life.

Her joyful spirit and zest for life will be greatly missed by her husband and soulmate of 54 years, Darrel; their sons, David (Norm), Daniel (Trinh), and Darrin (Shelly); five grandchildren, Brandon (DeStelle), Maya, Leah, Connor, and Emma; two great grandchildren Lincoln and London.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Opal (Elmer) Kunkel, and is survived by her sisters, Fern (Vernon) McMunn, Gladys (Don) Dickerson, Doris (Bill) Vollmar, and her brother Nicholas (Millie) Thompson and many nieces and nephews.

Her family will continue to remember her through stories of her fun times and her limitless caring for us. The world lost one of the most loving women ever, but it is better for her time in it.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 at Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian. The family will receive friends that day from 1 p.m. until the service. Contributions in honor of Eleanor may be made to the University of Michigan ALS Clinic (www.umich-als.org), the ALS Association (www.alsa.org), or Hospice of Lenawee. Please share your memories of her overflowing love and joyful outlook on life at www.wagleyfuneralhomes.com.