|
Chester Surline, Supt.
Hollis Miner, Principal
Dale Sheltrown, Class President
Dorothy Pointer, Class Advisor
Edwin Shiel, Class Advisor
* * * * * ******************************
******************************
Obituary for Gary Robert Ritter
Gary Robert Ritter, 79, of Casco, passed away at Medilodge of Richmond Sunday, April 12, 2020. Gary was born September
17, 1940 to the late Norman and Louise Ritter. Beloved husband of Dianne Ritter; cherished father of Gary Ritter Jr., Tammy
Ritter-Pyles, Craig and Mike Ritter; special grandfather of Heather Otlowski, Brittany, Emma, Meghan, Brooke and Travis Ritter
and Samantha Dusellier; great grandfather of Parker and Elliana. Also, survived by his siblings, Rodney Ritter and Joyce Pfeiffer.
Gary was an outdoors man and a sports fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, watching Tigers and Red Wings games,
puzzles, playing with his dog Sealy, spending time with family and grand kids and especially loved getting to play with his
great grandson Parker. They were best buddies.
Cremation has taken place
Obituary for Richard K. Coates
Richard K. Coates (80) born July 19, 1939, died peacefully in his sleep October 27, 2019. Dick considered West Branch,
Bay City, Mackinac Island, Michigan, as well as Marathon, Florida his home. Our Pop, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend filled
our lives with love. No one found more joy in everyday life. Dick constantly found the silver lining in every situation. He
was game for fun and lived spontaneously right up to his final days. He lived large; he took risks; he lived by his own terms,
and; he had few regrets. He loved his family first and never hesitated to share his pride in all of them. He treasured his
Kawasaki days, his sailing crew, his deer camp, his Mackinac Island family, his Tiki Bar in Marathon, Florida, and his Bay
City Moose Club buddies. He loved music and never missed an opportunity to hit the dance floor. They say a cat has nine lives,
Dick lived all nine plus some. He taught all of us how to live life. Dick will be missed by many. The family would like to
thank our good friends, Bill Darbee and Char Hogan for their love and constant support. Dick is survived by his two daughters,
Kelly Coates (Ron Mindykowski); Kim (Brian) Beechum; grandson, Brennan Beechum (fiancée Lisa Glazier); and granddaughter,
Kennedy Beechum and great-granddaughter, Bella Glazier; three sisters, Denise (Keith) Rubin; Kathy (John) Schailberger; Cheryl
(Cal) Neubecker; and sister-in-law, Betty (Matt) Mier; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Don and Eleanor Coates and brothers, Donnie and Kenny Coates.
********************************************************
Edwina L.Carscallen Abbott
Died Oct. 26, 2019
Edwina Lee Carscallen Abbott, 79, of Big Rapids passed away Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019.
She was born Jan. 15, 1940, in West Branch, the daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Adams) Carscallen. As a freshman in high
school, Edwina met a sophomore named Merle Abbott. They became high school sweethearts, and were married on Feb. 27, 1960.
In 1970, the Abbotts moved to Big Rapids. For many years, Edwina worked in the bookkeeping offices at the Big Rapids Community
(later Mecosta County General) Hospital. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, and a longtime volunteer
for Project Starburst. Edwina enjoyed camping and vacationing with family at the cabin.
Surviving are her husband, Merle; their children, Jeff (Yuko) Abbott, Melinda (John) Sims and Robert Abbott; her sister,
Carolyn Doyle; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Edwina was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle; brother, Dick Carscallen; and sister, Donna McKenney.
June Gardner Gallivan
Died Aug. 31, 2019
June Gardner Gallivan of Williamsburg, class of 1958, 79, passed away peacefully at home with her children by her side
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.
She was born June 4, 1940, to Aubrey and Leota (Vincent) Gardner in West Branch. She married Loren A.Gallivan on Jan.
7, 1961, at the St. Francis Catholic Church. June was the former owner of Grand Traverse Real Estate and had previously worked
for the Holiday Shopper. She enjoyed crafting, putting puzzles together, bowling and going to the casino.
June is survived by her sons, Loren J. (Mari) Gallivan and Lyle Gallivan; grandsons, Jason Gallivan, Alex Gallivan and
Sean Gallivan; great-grandson, Jackson Gallivan; a brother, Lyle Gardner; nieces, Diane Rau and her husband Randy, Sharlene
Gardner-Tullis and Stevie Dignal; and sister-in-law, Helen Gardner.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren A. Gallivan; her brother, Dale Gardner; and her parents.
Contributions may be made to the Cherryland Humane Society.
Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family
chose Life Story Funeral Home.
Harry Alden Lester, 81,
passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at MidMichigan Medical Center - West Branch with his family by his side. He was born Sept. 13, 1937, in
Mayville to Harry and Georgina (Morris) Lester. Harry was raised in West Branch and following his marriage he resided in
Alger. He married June M. Badgerow on July 2, 1960, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alger. He worked for the Arenac County
Road Commission prior to going to work at Buick Motor Division; he retired in 1993. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic
Church in West Branch. Harry enjoyed spending time with his family and treasured friends, with many of whom he hunted. He
also enjoyed motorcycling and snowmobiling with his son, Mark. In his later years, Harry enjoyed hanging out with his grandsons,
children and neighbors. He enjoyed nothing better than going for rides and sharing a meal at his favorite restaurants. Harry is survived by his children,
Jonna (Norman) Winter and Mark (Kim James) Lester, all of Alger; son-in-law, William Siminski of Alger; grandsons, Jedson
(Emilee) Winter of Saginaw, Wayne (Priscilla) Winter of Gaylord, Garth Siminski of Alger and Devyn Siminski of Warren, Pa.;
great-grandchildren, Merciana and Laelana Winter of Saginaw; honorary grandson, Jamie Daly; nephews, Ron Fox and Allen Fox;
and nieces, Harriet Hopkins and Paula Ide. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 41 years, June; daughter, Florie Siminski; sisters, Hildred
Moss and Katheryn Fox; and brother, George Lester. ****************************************************************************
Roy Clifford Fox, son of Earl and Crystal
Fox, passed away Oct. 23, 2017, in Myrtle Creek, Ore.
Roy was born Sept. 28, 1939, in Saginaw. He moved to West Branch at the age of 14, and graduated from West Branch High
School class of 1958. After his graduation, Roy enlisted in the Marines. While serving his country he met his future wife,
Lenore Thompson, also a Marine. They married January 1961 in Lexington Park, Md. They lived their first few years of marriage
in West Branch then moved to Lenore’s hometown of Myrtle Creek, where they raised their five children. Roy was a
loving husband, father and grandpa.
Roy is survived by his wife, Lenore, with 56 years of marriage; his daughters, Lana Jo Swaeze and Tracy Marie Fox; sons,
Eric Earl Ren Fox and Kirt Royal Fox; brothers, Dan (Sandy) Needham of West Branch and Doug Friesorter of Essexville; sisters,
Jean Fox (Flash) Myas and Coleen Fox of West Branch, Joan Fox (Dave) Lee of Gainesville, Texas, Rosalie Fox Baynham of Edgefield,
S.C., and Pam Fox (Russ) Hilts of Rose City.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Crystal; daughter, Faye Irene Fox; and sisters, Shirley Fox, Earleen
Fox and Delores St. Charles.
A memorial will be held in July near the ocean Roy enjoyed so well.
********************************************************
Obituary
for Robert "Bubba" Turow
Robert 'Bubba" Turow
Bay City, Michigan
Robert F. Turow, 77 of Bay City passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17, 2017. Our loving husband, father, grandfather
“Bubba”, brother, uncle, cousin and friend went home to be with the Lord.
He was born in Detroit on August 3, 1939 to Frederick & Dorothy (Zimmerle) Turow. He graduated from West Branch High
School in 1958 and joined the army later that same year. He served two years and was discharged in 1960.
On June 1, 1963, he married Sharon Harshman and they have two children. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Sharon,
daughter Dawn son-in-law Andrew and their five children, Alex, Ian, Jonathan, Addy and Elyse. His son Glen, daughter-in-law
Kathryn and their two children Nathan and Ella. A sister Donna & brother Denny of West Branch, brother-in-law Douglas
and Judy Harshman of Rose City, brother-in-law Todd of Stockridge and many favorite nieces and nephews who were all dear to
his heart as well as his many cousins and friends. Robert was predeceased by his mother and father, father -in-law Howard
Harshman, a brother and sister-in-law Hubert and Gayle Harshman.
Bob retired from Delphi in 1993, and has been spending time with his grandchildren, following his passion for travel,
and serving many agencies in the community. He started volunteering many years ago as the president of the PTA, then continued
to volunteer with many organizations until a few weeks before his death. Habitat for Humanity and Good Samaritan Rescue Mission
were his latest passion. We will miss him dearly.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be on Saturday July 22, 2017 at the Salvation Army Church at 401 Tenth St
Bay City at 4pm. Family will be present at the church from 2pm till time of service.
********************************************************
Norma Genevieve Finkbeiner Bedore,
76, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at West Branch Regional Medical Center. She lived in Gladwin since 1980, formerly
of West Branch. Norma was born Aug. 23, 1940, in Mount Clemens to Norman and Emma (LaFere) Finkbeiner. She worked for
the Michigan Employment Security Commission for 27 years before her retirement. Norma served as a secretary of the Clement
Township Friends of the Firefighters organization and quilting club, where she continued to be an active member. She volunteered
for many community events and fundraising dinners. Norma was a member of the Secord Lake Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, serving
as a past president and trustee. She was also a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch and the St. Joseph’s
Council of Catholic Women. Norma loved to bowl and, up until her death, competed on her local bowling team. In her youth,
Norma was an avid competitor in softball for many years. She was a truly exceptional woman with a profound faith, a great
gift for empathy and a terrific sense of humor. Her love and support will surely be missed by many. Norma is survived by her husband
of 34 years, Bruce F. Bedore of Gladwin; sons, Norman (Jonna) Winter of Alger, David (Chris) Winter and Dennis (Carol) Winter,
both of West Branch; daughters, Sherry (Mike) Galazin of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Carey (Vince) Ferrari of Ray; stepchildren,
Brian (Denise) Bedore of Alger, Scott Bedore of Flint and Theresa (Dave) Aitkens of Burton; grandchildren, John Galazin, Mary
(Justin) Galazin, Jedson (Emilee) Winter, Wayne (Priscilla) Winter, Tyler Winter (Kristin Fink), Kyle Winter, Frank Ferrari,
George Ferrari and Jacob Ferrari; six step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; many beloved
nieces and nephews; and a wonderful network of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Emma; sister, Carly Tallman; and brothers, George
Newell, Robert Newell, John Finkbeiner and Norman Finkbeiner. ***********
Elaine Joy (Hayes) Curtis, 77, formerly
of West Branch, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, with her daughter by her side. She had been recently under constant hospice
care for pain management of debilitating bone cancer in Sarasota, Fla., not far from her Englewood home shared with her partner,
Bud. Elaine was born Jan. 3, 1940 and graduated with the class of 1958 from West Branch High
school.She is survived by her mother, Teresa Spencer of Sterling; her sister, Loraine Brindley of West Branch; brother, Dan
(Sandy) Hayes of Westland; daughter, Cindy (Mike) Gildersleeve of West Branch; her son, John (Cindy) Curtis of Gladwin; grandchildren,
Ashley of Prudenville, Nichole of West Olive and Justin of Oregon; also eight wonderful grandchildren and many other dear
family members. She was preceded in death by brothers, John, Richard and Jim Hayes; her husband,
Carl E. Curtis; and granddaughter, Danyel Joy James. **********
Delbert Gene Perkins, 77, class of 1958,passed
away Saturday, June 11, 2016, at McLaren Bay Region. He lived in West Branch his entire life. Delbert
was born to Seaver and Ida (Olsen) Perkins in West Branch on March 7, 1939. He served in the Army from 1963-1965. Delbert
married Doris Jackson in Rose City on Aug. 15, 1964. Together they owned and operated a dairy farm in West Branch and raised
their family. Delbert coached Little League for 12 years. He also played softball and coached women’s softball as well.
He spent time playing hockey at Eddie’s Pond at the corner of M-33 and M-55 and enjoyed watching most sports. His granddaughter
was the highlight of his life. Delbert is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Doris
Perkins of West Branch; children, Gail (Frank Howey) Perkins of St. Helen and Mary (Bob) Bell of West Branch; granddaughter,
Aubrey; sister, Betty Blaisus of Royal Oak; sisters-in-law, Janet Sowmick of West Branch, Clara (John) Pasko of Bay City and
Millie Jackson of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews including the Perkins girls and Miller kids. He
was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Miller and Annabelle Schleicher; and brother, Ken Perkins. ******************
Earl R. Benjamin, 76, of West Branch passed away Friday,
March 25, 2016. He was born on Dec.
10, 1939, in Ogemaw County, to Earl and Doris (Miller) Benjamin and lived his whole life in West Branch. Earl was a retired
truck driver from Star Industries, and was currently working for the Rose City Greenhouse. Earl enjoyed bowling, hunting,
fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. Earl is survived by his brothers, Raymond (Barbara) Benjamin and Arvid (Dava) Benjamin; nieces
and nephews, Jeff (Karen) Benjamin, Susan Benjamin-White, Kristy Thrower, Christina (William) Caldwell, Brian (Lindsey) Morris,
Timothy (Julie) Benjamin, Arvid Benjamin Jr. and Barbara (Dalton) Vallad; and many great-nieces and -nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; and love of his life, Cathy Verellen
Bob Turow, Bob Smith, John Walsh
Class of 1958
********
55 Years Later *** Turow-Smith-Walsh ***
Senior Class trip to Washington DC
Dale Sheltrown, Bob Steelman,
Bob Turow, Gary Lobsinger
***
Bob Smith, Nelson Gelinas, John Walsh,
Bob Turow
****
| Harold and Rosella Walter Bragg Anniversary |
|
|
| St.Joe High School Grads. |
Carol Priddy Curtis, Class of 1958 and husband David
"Dutch" Curtis, Class of 1957
*************************
*************************
*************************
Thank you to Geraldine Basham Falkner for providing
us with Bob's obituary.
*****
Dale C. Turner
.... age 69 of West Branch, passed away Friday, November 7,
2008 at his home. Dale had lived in West Branch all his life...graduating from West Branch HIgh School with the class
of 1958.
He was a member of the Eagles of West Branch and he enjoyed
hunting, fishing and doing the “neighborhood loop.”
Dale is survived by his wife, (Eldona) Jane (Brindley)
Turner of West Branch, children, Mark Turner, Michael (Deb) Turner, Tim (Tracy) Turner, Karen Turner and Mary (Craig) VanWormer
all of West Branch, grandchildren, Brittny, Kyle, Hannah, Jason (Bonnie), Tanner, Cassidy, Kevin and a great-granddaughter,
Lillian. Also surviving is his half sister, Susan Vick. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kay, his parents, his sister
Kay and his brother-in-law, Russ.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November
14, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch. Fr. Robert Bissot will officiate.
Memorial Contributions will be used for a scholarship from West Branch
High School in Dale’s name.
DECEASED CLASSMATES
Elaine Hayes Curtis (2017)
Joyce Gelinas Leslie (St.Joe-7/30/08)
Bob Leslie 11/27/2010)
Carol Ann "Cookie" Nurss Miller
(February 8,2010)
Dale C. Turner
(November 7, 2008)
Robert Steelman
Fred Shappee
Charles Folsum
(November 5, 2005)
Alice Schmitt Greene Bragg
(August 17, 2007)
Isbel Dresnky Fox
(July 2000)
Don Finerty
(October 16, 2005)
Betty Fogarasi Hamilton
(April 28, 1999)
William R. Thomas
(Deceased 1997)
Veragene Wilcox Overbay
(March 23, 2002)
Leo Oaks
Rosemary Burkett Nelson
(November 27, 2007)
***************************
July 11, 1940-Feb. 8,
2010
Carol Ann Nurss-Miller, 69, of Weidman passed away on Monday, February 8, 2010 at Woodland Hospice House.
Per
Carol’s wishes, cremation has taken place with burial in Two Rivers Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions
may be made to Morey Cancer Center. Envelopes will be available at the Clark Family Funeral Chapel.
Carol was
born on July 11, 1940 in West Branch, the daughter of George and Guyda (Mott) Nurss. She graduated from West Branch
High School class of 1958, Bay City Junior College in 1960, and Mid Michigan Community College in 1980 as an EMT. Carol
married Vernon L. Miller on December 3, 1965 in Detroit. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for the State of Michigan
Department of Mental Health for eighteen years at the Mt. Pleasant Regional Center. She also worked for Bay City Mercy
Hospital, Plymouth State Home and Central Michigan Community Hospital. Carol was the first female fire fighter for the Sherman-Nottawa
Fire Department and also an EMT.
Carol is survived by her husband, Vernon of Weidman; children, Jesse R. Miller of
Mt. Pleasant and Julie A. (James) Wernette of Weidman; grandchildren, Madeline M. Wernette and Samuel S. Wernette, both of
Weidman, and Savannah R. Miller of Mt. Pleasant; and sister, Betty M. (Spencer) Kemmer of Houghton Lake.
Carol was
preceded in death by her parents, George B. and Guyda E. Nurss; and her grandparents.
| Rosemary Burkett Nelson..Class of 1958 |
|
|
Alice Schmitt (Greene) Bragg
November 30, 1939-August 17, 2007
Alice (Greene) Bragg passed away on Friday August 17th 2007 at the age of 67 after a long courageous
fight against cancer.
Alice was born in West Branch on November 30th, 1939 to John and Ethel Schmitt. She graduated
from High School in 1958 and moved to Bay City Michigan after marrying Ronald J. Greene on February 4th, 1961. Ronald and
Alice returned to West Branch in approximately middle of the year 1970 after purchasing the Klacking Creek store. Alice worked
for UPS from 1984 until retiring in 2002.
In 2004 Alice married Robert Bragg and moved to Rose City.
Alice was a great Mother who raised two daughters as a single parent. She was a courageous woman
who showed us all inner strength and steadfast will especially during the last 4 years when she beat cancer the first time
and fought valiantly the second.
Alice provided a safe loving home and could count on much needed help from her sisters
and brothers. She enjoyed golfing, playing bingo, card games and spending time with her family.
Even in her sickness Alice retained her sense of humor and independence.
Surviving are her children Lynette (Matt) Meiser of Fort Wayne Indiana and Rhonda Kaczynski of
Auburn Michigan; step-children Stan (Shellie) Bragg of Fenton, Dawn( John ) Niedermiller of St. Clair Shores, Jerry of Chicago
Illinois and Bobby of Clinton Township. Also surviving are five grandchildren Keegan, Kyra and Kiana Kaczynski of Auburn and
Morgan and Noah Meiser of Fort Wayne Indiana, two step-grandchildren Kayla and Kelsey Bragg of Fenton. Also surviving, special
friend James Little; Two brothers; Tobe (Joyce) Schmitt, Jerry (Jeanette) Schmitt, two sisters Mary (Albert) Miles, Betty
(Charlie) Rau all from West Branch.
Alice Bragg was preceded in death by husbands Ronald Greene and Robert Bragg abd siblings
Aleen DeRosa, Dean Schmitt and Robert Schmitt.
Memorials to Hospice Helping Hands or West Branch Humane Center Building Fund.
| Keith & Joyce Hamilton Brindley |
|
|
| 50th Anniversary... |
Back Row - Left to Right..Nancy Rea Griffin, Karen
Nelson Brewer, Margaret Johnson Winter, Pat Scott Munn, Edwina Carscallen Abbott, Grace Brindley Orr..
Front Row -
Left to Right..Linda Snyder Thurlow,Barbara Good Hughey, Evlyne Johnson Sheltrown,
| Get-Together 2005...At Christmas time... |
|
| Girls From The Class of 1958...Lookin' Good! |
Mary Schultz Zettle
Robert Smith
Delbert Perkins
Carol Priddy Curtis
Bette Raymond Thompson
Nancy Rea Griffin
Joe Rieger
Pat Scott Munn
Jean Schuler Farley
Alice Schmitt Green
Gary Ritter
Florine Orchard Sappington
Carol Ann Nurss Miller
Douglas Norton
Ruth Niswonger Szpeich
Harriet Moss Carter
Charles Mays
Joan Lucas Petry
Leo Oakes
Barbara M. Good Rouse
Lawrence Grezeszak
Elaine Neubecker Brennen
Karen Nelson Brewer
Jim Little
Gary Lobsinger
James Sutherland
JoAnn Klemmer Green
Elaine Kaiser Hartwick
Margaret Johnson Winter
Linda Snyder Thurlow
Charles Stahlbusch
Lowell Stevenson
Bob Steelman
Bob Turow
Jerry Vincent
Carrol Velte Hacht
Joyce Valley Denman
Dale Turner
William Thomas
Bessie Thomas Engel
Jerry Noffsinger
Sharon Utter Prevo
Victoria Blum Winslow
Ronald Walter
John Walsh
Larry Winslow
Veragene Wilcox Overbay
Rosemary Burkett Nelson
Barbara Benjamin Turland
Geraldine Basham Falkner
William Austin
Edwina Carscallen Abbott
Nancy Brick Walters
Grace Brindley Orr
Robert Brewer
Mary Bohlinger Kozuch
Don Finerty
Audrey Detzler Craft
Gaynol Denman Riley
Charles Combs
Dick Coats
June Gardner Gallivan
Charles Folsom
Betty Fogarasi Hamilton
Norma Jean Finkbeiner Bedore
Dan Everitt
Isbel Drensky Fox
Barbara J. Good Hughey
Judith Gillies Wintermute
Barbara Gibbs Cordova
Nelson Gelinas
Fred Shappee
Dale Sheltrown
Allen Smith
Pamela Smith Balfoue
Harry Lester
Bob Leslie
Evelyne Johnson Sheltrown
Gary Hughey
Barry Hughes
Elaine Hayes Curtis
Roy Fox
Sharon Atherton
Joyce Hamilton Brindley
Harold Bragg
Rosella Walters Bragg-St.Joe
**********
|
