David Walsh
Janet Zettel Wilkinson
Carol Sanders Stephens
Phyllis Melrose DeCaire
Ray Brewer
Janet Johnson Williams
***
Chester Surline, Supt.
Hollis Miner, Principal
Genevra Gould, Class President
Robert DeMatio, Class Advisor
Hildred Moss, Class Advisor
* * * * * *
CLASS OF 1956
WEST BRANCH HIGH SCHOOL
Age: 82 years
Klacking, Thomas L.
West Branch, MI
Thomas Lee Klacking, age 82, passed away April 30, 2020 at his home. He was born in Garden City, Michigan on February
1, 1938 to Wallace and Bessie Klacking. Tom graduated from West Branch High School, Class of 1956.
Tom was a dairy farmer for over 40 years and a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He was an avid golfer and bowler and he never
gave up. In his younger days, Tom was well known as a high-pitch softball pitcher for Wangler’s Trucking. In Canada
tournaments, they called him “The Rainmaker” because he threw the balls so high and he loved it. He also
enjoyed hunting, fishing and Thursday coffee with the Jacksons.
Tom is survived by his wife of 42 years, Brenda Rosebrugh Klacking; children, Gary Klacking and Annet (DeWayne) Culbertson
of West Branch, Tammy Bell (Sean Averna) of Post Falls, ID, and Terry Klacking of Howell, MI. He had 6 grandchildren, Ben
Klacking, Jessica Sheppard, Christina Grell, Mitchell, Mason and Mallory Bell; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Hughes
of Arlington, TX ; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
At Tom's request, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be held later in the summer. To sign
online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.
****************************************************
Carol Jean VanSickle Bragg
D.O.B:
6/8/1936
Age:
81
D.O.D:
7/10/2017
West Branch, Michigan
Westland, Michigan
Beloved wife of
the late John Bragg
Survived by:
Susan (Robert) Dick : Daughter
Monica Tierney : Daughter
Kenneth Bragg : Son
Matthew (Jackie) Bragg : Son
Robert (Camille) Van Sickle : Brother
William (Nicole) Dick : Grandson
Donald Dick : Grandson
Rachel Tierney : Granddaughter
Christopher Tierney : Grandson
Lola McCallister : Lifelong Friend
Many loving nieces and nephews
Preceded in death by:
Everette Van Sickle : Father
Imbi Van Sickle : Mother
Everette Van Sickle : Brother
Maxine (Eugene) Gehl : Sister
Mavis (Keith) Rau : Sister
Clifford Van Sickle : Brother
Jerry Van Sickle : Brother
Visitation:
Fri, July 14, 2017 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Funeral service will be at:
Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church
Sat, July 15, 2017 10:00 am
Special Services
Scripture service Friday, July 14, 2017 at 7:00 pm.
Disposition
Cremation to take place. Burial of cremated remains to take place on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Saint Joseph's
Cemetery in West Branch, Michigan.
Obituary for Norma Jean Rice
Norma Jean (Jeanie) Burns Rice, passed away on Wednesday, May 10,
2017 at The Villa at Rose City. Jeanie was born on May 29, 1938 in
Detroit, MI to Mildred and Floyd Burns, but was raised in West Branch,
MI by her loving grandparents, John and Mary Grubb. She attended the
Pleasant Hill one-room school and graduated first in her class from West
Branch High School in 1956. Jeanie worked many years in the law
enforcement field as an executive secretary and court reporter.
She married
David Rice in 1961 in West Branch and was blessed with three wonderful
children, Brad Rice of California, Dr. Kerry Rice of Idaho, and Todd
(Kim) Rice of Texas; five grandchildren, Jessica, Kristy, Colin,
Samantha, and Sydney; great grandchildren, Emmalyn May and Josephine
Joy; and one brother, Donald (Lita) Burns of California.
Per her request, no funeral service will be held. Burial
will be in the Rose City Cemetery.
In
lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for the
West Branch High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
**************
Mona Mae (Barnum) Wenzel, 79,
of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., passed away April 8, 2017.
Mona was born Dec. 14, 1937, in Prescott. She graduated from West Branch High School in 1956. Later
she received an accounting degree from Cleary College.
Mona was married to Anthony A. Wenzel on Aug. 1, 1959. They were married for 25 years.
Mona served as Green Oak Township
clerk for 10 years. She went on to work in accounting until she retired in 2000 and moved to Naples, Fla.
During her retirement, Mona
volunteered more than 11,000 hours at North Naples Community Hospital, where she was named Volunteer of the Year and received
the President’s Call to Service Award. She was a member of the Green Oak Historical Society, Red Hat Society and several
other organizations. Mona served as a Girl Scout leader and taught Catholic catechism. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing and
decorating cakes. Mona made several Moses beds for newborn babies going home from the hospital without cribs. Mr. and Mrs.
Wenzel unselfishly provided a home for Catholic Social Services to place foster children and expecting mothers many times.
They loved to camp with their family and friends.
Mona is survived by her children, Monica (Michael) Johnson, Brian (Kathe) Wenzel and Martha (John)
Kiani; in addition to six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; several siblings; nieces and nephews; and other family
and friends.
Mona was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony, in 1984.
**************
James William Hasty, 78, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at his home in West Branch.
He
was born April 28, 1938, to Dr. Earl and Mildred (Albertson) Hasty in West Branch. Jim married Janet Schultz on June 29, 1968,
at the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City. He lived in West Branch for most of his adult life, where he was a member of
the First United Methodist Church.
Jim graduated from West Branch High School in 1956 and went on to Central
Michigan University where he received a bachelor’s degree. He was a chemistry teacher in Bay City and West Branch. In
1967, he started his career working in the environmental health field with the District Health Department No. 2, and retired
from the health department in 2008.
Jim was a past master and life member of the West Branch Masonic Lodge
376. He also served as past president of the West Branch Area Shriners. Jim held a board position with the West Branch Regional
Medical Center on the board of trustees for 22 years and was a member of the West Branch City Council and Creative Arts Association.
He volunteered at the local food bank and at the West Branch Library Book Nook. Jim’s hobbies included hunting, fishing,
golfing, sculpting and wood carving. He was a jack of all trades. His two grandsons, James and Jacob, were his pride and joy.
He was a loving husband, father and a very loyal friend. He loved telling jokes and stories. Jim was very dedicated to the
West Branch community, and was truly a man of integrity and sincerity.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of
48 years, Janet Hasty of West Branch; children, Andrew (Anna) Hasty of West Branch and Erin (Matthew) West of Hickory, N.C.;
grandsons, James West and Jacob West; sisters, Helen Jennings of West Branch and Marjorie (Richard) Fletcher of Bay City;
and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, William Jennings.
Visitation
at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, from 3-8 p.m. with a Masonic service
at 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with visitation
beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Tim Dibble will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to the West Branch
Masonic Lodge and the Community Food Pantry in West Branch.
********
Donald P. Noel
Died Nov. 6, 2014
Donald P. Noel, 76, Oak Hill, owner of Noel’s RV
Park, Oak Hill, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at Southeast Volusia Hospice Care Center, Edgewater.
Mr. Noel,
a U.S. Air Force veteran, was born in Detroit and moved to West Brach in 1944 and graduated from St. Josephs High School in
1956 and later moved to Oak Hill, Fla., in 1984. He was a former electrician for Megatron Electric, Miami and a member of
St. Gerard Mission Church, Edgewater.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Nancy J.; two sons, Donald
P., Jr. of Dallas, Texas and Jim of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; one daughter, Katherine Laskowski of Oak Hill; two brothers, Bill
of Midland and Charles of Au Gres; one sister, Marion Brewer of Standish; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Thomas J. (Jake) Zettel (July 18, 1936
- September 13, 2012)
Thomas Jacob (Jake) Zettel passed away on September 13, 2012 at Select Specialty Hospital in
Saginaw. Jake married Connie Schliter on June 10, 1961. Jake lived all his life in West Branch except for three years in the
U.S. Army, stationed in Germany where he was in communications and played soccer. He was later recalled to active duty and
served in the Army reserve. Jake retired from Coca Cola after 36 years, then working for BZ Patch and Pave for 9 years and
Mid-Michigan Paving Company for 4 years. Jake was a member of the West Branch Volunteer Fire Dept. for 60 years. He was also
a member of the Moose Lodge, the Knights of Columbus and Holy Family Catholic Church. He was an avid sports fan including
NASCAR, an Ogemaw Heights Falcon supporter and rarely missed his children or grandchildrens high school or college sports
events. He enjoyed playing cards, deer hunting and being with family. His morning routine was a trip to Schmitt’s Tire,
Mac’s for breakfast, West Branch Diesel and Rau’s Cedar Land Dairy Farm. He also enjoyed the Reetz spring maple
syrup operation.
Jake is survived by four children, Thomas R. (Amy) Zettel, Todd J. (Karen) Zettel, Terry A. (Carrie) Zettel,
and Janey K. (Mike) Singer. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brandon (Ashley) Zettel and Courtney (Dan) McVeigh, Trevor
and Robie Zettel, Kyle, Jenna, Anthony and Easton Zettel, Max and Quinn Singer, step-grandchildren, Michelle and Madaline
Munoz. Also, great-grandchildren Khloe Zettel, Braden and Cora Zettel. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Zettel
of Winter Haven FL. and William Zettel of West Branch and his sisters, Joan Poling, Janet (Barry) Wilkinson and Joyce Nelander
all of West Branch and a special friend, Nancy Kelley of Oklahoma.
Jake was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Connie, on January 26, 2007 and his infant daughter Kim
on December 2, 1972, his mother Margaret Reetz Zettel and father Paul Gabriel Zettel. Also, his sister-in-law Eileen Zettel
and brothers-in-law Stacy Poling, John Tobin, Jim Nelander and Terry Schliter.
*********
Unknown Addresses
Donna Reminder Charles
***
DECEASED CLASSMATES
Thomas "Jake" Zettel
(9-13-12)
Clifford Saladine
(November 2, 2011)
Sybella Boddy Andujar
Dennis Orr
(May 29, 2010)
Betty J. Burkett Peacock
(2/28/2010)
Raymond Parrish
Alta Rabidue McNeal
(2-27-2009)
Nancy Burns Koscis
Glenn Goff
(June 12,2004)
Myrtle Goulder Mudgett
(Deceased February 26, 2002 at the age of 90 years and 10 months)
Patrick Hodgins
(March 20, 2004)
Gwen Orchard Smith
Frances Partlo
John Puerach
Bernard VelteJr.
Donald White
Keith Winslow
(June 3, 2000)
Ron Benjamin
(January 29,2003)
Hollis Miner
(May 25, 2006)
****************
Carol Breadon Piar
Carol Ann Breadon Piar, Class of 1956, age 72, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2010 at
her home. Carol was born to Albert Breadon & Sarah (Breadon) Rosevear on August 9, 1938. Carol has lived in Sand Lake,
MI for 3 years previously of Greenville, MI and West Branch, MI. She enjoyed reading, but she mostly enjoyed spending time
with her family and loved her children and grandchildren dearly.
Carol is survived by her 9 children Wade (Alisa) Piar of Chesterton, IN; Lynne (John) Fielstra of Grand Rapids,
MI; Pamela Piar of Sand Lake, MI; Diana (Larry) Frandsen of Sand Lake, MI; Mark (Dawn) Piar of Ravanna, MI; Shannon (Earl)
Kingsbury of Davenport, IA; Cindy Piar of Chicago, IL; Vickie Piar of Sand Lake, MI; and Mitchell (Jennifer) Piar of Sparta,
MI. There are 15 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren. 1 sister Mary (Kenny) Bragg of West Branch; 2 Brothers Edward (Irene)
Breadon of West Branch, and Donnie (Elizabeth) Breadon of Traverse City, MI.
Carol was proceded in death by two sisters, Mona Durfee and Marge Day and by her parents.
***********************************************
Clifford Saladine, Class of 1956, passed away in Saginaw on November 2, 2011 at the age of 74.
He is survived by his wife, Grace (Badour), a daughter Debra Jo, and a 10 month old grandson.
Dennis E. Orr, age 72, of 2722 S Hill Rd, Gladstone,
died Saturday morning, May 29, 2010 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba. He was born on February 19, 1938
in West Branch, MI and was the son of Melvin and Joan (Tolfree) Orr. Dennis was a graduate of West Branch High School. He
continued his education at West Virginia Wesleyan and Alma College. On February 18, 1966, Dennis married the former Judith
Jensen in Lansing, MI. In 1967 he moved to Marquette and served as district manager for the Stroh’s Brewing Company
covering the Upper Peninsula and Northeastern Wisconsin. Dennis relocated to Escanaba in 1981 and acquired distributorship
of Brownberry Bread and Archway Cookies.
Dennis loved golf, cars, motorcycles, and hunting. He was past commodore
of the Escanaba Yacht Club twice, president of the Marquette Sand Stormers, held many different positions with the Press on
Regardless Rallies for ten years, and was a co-organizer for the International Frisbee Tournaments.
Dennis E. Orr
is survived by:
Wife: Judith - Gladstone
Daughter: Jai Lene Orr – Denver, CO
Brother: Jim (Grace)
Orr – West Branch, MI
Brother-in law and Sister-in law: Bill and Donna Perron - Escanaba
His infant daughter
Jai, parents Melvin and Joan, and stepfather L.J. Earl preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 –
11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba.A closing prayer service celebrating the life
of Dennis E. Orr will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. On Monday, June 7, 2010, a visitation will
take place from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Steuernol McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI.A closing prayer service
will follow at 12:00 noon.
