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   DeVona Bradley, age 82 of North Branch died Monday, February 13, 2012 at  The Pines of Lapeer Memory Care, surrounded by her family.  DeVona was born July 20, 1929 in Pontiac, Michigan to Arthur and Merytle (Brazil) Podvin. 

   DeVona grew up in the North Branch area.  On February 20, 1945 she married Ivan Bradley.  They were happily married for almost 67 years.  She enjoyed playing bingo, sewing, and visiting her friends and family. 

   Left to cherish her memory are husband Ivan, daughter Kathy (Richard) Curtis of North Branch, sons; Alan (Denise) Bradley of Denver, Ivan (Pam) Bradley of Prescott, MI, and Kevin (Donna) Bradley of North Carolina, sister Maxine Garwolds of Wyoming, MI., and brother Arthur “Butch” (Allona) Podvin of North Branch, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, son Evan, brother Don Podvin, and sister Marce Rogers.

  Memorials may be made in her name to the North Branch Ambulance Service.

   The family will be present for visitation on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 4 to 8 pm, on Friday, February 17, 2012,  DeVona will lie in state at SS. Peter and Paul from 10 to 11am with the funeral mass to follow.  Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery, North Branch, MI.  Fr. Richard Treml will officiate.

      The family would  like to extend a very special thank you to the North Branch Firehouse Café and their staff, John Holcomb, Ron Rogers, and family and friends for their kindness and help.

    

   Lucille Coleman-Lawrie,  age 70, of North Branch died Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at McLaren Lapeer Region.  Lucille was born March 17, 1941 the daughter of Warren and Ival(Wallace) Coleman, in Louisville, Kentucky.

   Lucille enjoyed  sewing,  bird watching, working on crossword puzzles, cooking, spending time with her family and grandchildren, and she was very fond of her cats.   

   Left to cherish her memory are; daughter Carol (Conrad) Schmidt of Mayville, son Eddie (Renee) Rubicz of North Branch,  brothers; Gene (Jan) Coleman of Howell, and Jerry (Irene) Coleman of Ohio, sisters; Sheila (Doug) Lockard of Howell and Robin Coleman of Howell, and Dawn Coleman of Howell, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. 

   She was preceded in death by her parents.

   The family will be present for visitation on Friday, February 10, 2012 from 3 to 7pm with the  funeral service to follow at 7:00 pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.

Pastor Steven Henry will officiate.

   Bernice K. Smith age 97 of Kings Mill died Friday, February 3, 2012  in the care of her grandchildren at her granddaughter’s home.  Bernice was born July 30, 1914 in Arcadia Twp., she was the daughter of Joseph and Milly (Randolph) Schwerin. 

   Bernice grew up in  the Kings Mill area and attended Kings Mill Country School.

She married Anthony Smith, he preceded her in death.  Bernice, Anthony, and their only daughter Cathy, worked together on the family farm.  After Anthony’s death Bernice worked at Lapeer General Hospital for several years before retirement.  She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and visiting with family and friends. She  attended SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. 

   Left to cherish her memory are granddaughter Tina (Vern) Freeland of Bancroft, MI., grandson Tony (Danielle) Hartley of Lapeer, 3 great-grandchildren; Amber Douglas, Brandon Douglas and Jordan Hartley, son-in-law Larry Hartley, sister Louise Ragatz of Imlay City, several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

   She was preceded in death by her husband Tony, daughter Catherine, sisters; Margurite and Helen and brothers; Vern, Louie and Harry. 

    Memorials may be made to the Family for use at their discretion.

   Visitation will be Monday, February 6, 2012 from 4 to 8 pm with a rosary at 7:00pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  The funeral mass will be10:00, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in North Branch with Fr. Rich Treml officiating.  Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery

 

   Robert E. Porte, D.O., age 80 of North Branch died Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Mission Health Care At Bellevue, Washington.  He was born March 7, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of  Clifford and Mildred (Lerner) Porte. 

   Robert graduated from Redford High School, in Redford, MI.. After graduation he attended Albion College for his pre-med degree, and completed his education in Des Moines, IA. for his Doctorate of Osteopathic. Dr. Porte worked with Dr. Henry Balbanian  before starting his practice in North Branch, MI., where he practiced until the time of his car accident in 1998.   Dr. Porte’s primary focus remained being a skillful, devoted and loyal Physician to his patients for over 40  years.

   Robert married the mother of his  three children, Julia Jean Goodfellow in 1954. After their divorced in 1984, he married Donna Jean Lyman in 1991, who was his stability and strength until her death in 2005. 

   Dr. Porte  attended Lapeer Presbyterian Church and was a member of the North Branch United Methodist Church. 

   Robert was a member of the Michigan Osteopathic Association, Michigan Heart Association, North Branch Masons and several other organizations. 

   He enjoyed raising and riding horses on his farm..  He also  enjoyed weight lifting and running.

   Left to cherish his memory are his son Todd, and daughters; Tracey and Heidi, step-daughter Tonya Lyman, step-son Robert Lyman,  12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, and a special family Earl, Debbie and Cheryl.

   Memorials in Dr. Porte’s memory  may be made to the North Branch Emergency Aid.

   The family will be present for visitation on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 4 to 8pm, and Sunday, February 5, 2012 from 11am to 1:00pm.  The funeral service will be 1:00pm Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Gedcke officiating.  Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery, North Branch, beside his wife Donna.

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

   Ann Brusie age 79, of North Branch died Monday, January 30. 2012  at home in the care of her loving family.  Ann was born on January 10, 1933 in Deford, MI., she was the daughter to William and Anna Gural.  Ann married David W. Brusie on August 22, 1953, together they raised four sons.  Ann spent much of her life working side by side with her husband and sons on the family farm.  She took pride in raising her sons in an environment of love, hard work and integrity.  Mrs. Brusie was a meticulous bookkeeper and her skills were valuable in the growth of the family business.  Ann was an excellent cook and specialized in Ukrainian dishes.  Her kitchen was always open to whoever happened along at mealtime.  After her family was raised she worked at Independent Bank in North Branch until retirement.  Ann was a member of  the North Branch Eastern Star. 

   Memorials may be made to the Maple Grove Cemetery, First United Methodist Church or the Marlette United Hospice Service. 

   Left to cherish her memory are sons; Dave (Deanna) of North Branch, Robert (Melissa) of Wellington, Florida, Tim (Patty) of North Branch, and Dan (Jody) of North Branch, 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, sister Marion (Ed) Ferkowicz of Smiths Creek, MI., Brothers; Michael Gural of Ohio and Anthony Gural of Washington, sisters-in-law Mary Jane Diegel of Clio, and Margaret Ann (Oscar) Schierlinger of Texas .    She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave, brothers; John, Frank, and an infant brother William Frederick sisters; Olga, Sandra, and Rose Marie.

   Visitation will be Tues., January 31, 2012 from 5 to 8 pm, Wed., February 1, 2012 from 11 am to 1 pm, and 4 to 8pm, Thurs., February 2, 2012 Ann will lie in state at the North Branch United Methodist Church from 10 to 11am. with the funeral to follow at 11:00am. 

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, North Branch.  Pastor Joe Schierlinger, Father Richard Treml   will officiate. 

                             

   John Steven Wilson, Jr., age 50 of North Branch, died Sunday, January 22, 2012.  He was born July 6, 1961 in Flint, Michigan to John and Irene (Machnik) Wilson.  John  grew up in North Branch and graduated from North Branch High School in 1979. 

   John enjoyed scrapping, boating, watching football and he loved to eat.

    He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Wilson, sons; Jonathon and Michael Wilson, father, John (Judy) Wilson Sr. and mother, Irene Gratopp, grandmother, Belva Wilson and sister, Brenda Coster.

   He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and an infant sister and brother.

   Memorials may be made to the family.

   The family will be present for visitation on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 4 to 8pm, Friday, January 27, 2012  from 10 to 11.  The funeral service will be 11:00am,  Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  Rev. Roger Keur will officiate.  Burial in St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery in Marlette.

   Leo J. Ruhlman, age 84, lifelong resident of North Branch, died Monday, January 16, 2012 at Devonshire Retirement Village.  Leo was born August 20, 1927 in North Branch,

the son of Lawrence J. and Margaret (Grobbel) Ruhlman.  Leo served his country during the Korean War.  On July 12, 1958 he married Josephine Kohler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Burnside.  Leo was a dairy and crop farmer.  He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the SS. Peter and Paul Knights of Columbus, Council 9568,  a member of the North Branch American Legion, Post 457 and a Life Member of the NRA.

Leo enjoyed hunting and site seeing. 

   Left to cherish his memory are, wife, Josephine, sons; Tom (Mary) of North Branch, Tim Sr. (Kathy) of North Branch, daughter, Cathy (Jeff) Render of Brown City, and son, Al of Lum, and Pat (Debbie) of North Branch,  15 grandchildren, sister, Cecilia Theison, brothers; Dave and Edwin and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Mary Theresa, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

   You may make memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org) or a charity of your choice. 

   Visitation will be on Wed., January 18, 2012 from 5 to 8 pm, Thurs., January 19, 2012 from 2 to 8 pm, with a rosary at 7:00 pm.  The funeral mass will be  11:00 am, Friday, January 20, 2012 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Treml officiating.  Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, North Branch. 

 

  Gordon “Gordie” Coulter, age 48, of North Branch died  Saturday, December 24, 2011 at Marlette United Hospice surrounded by his family.  Gordie was born August 23, 1963 in Lapeer, MI, the son of Duane and Laura (Ross) Coulter.  Gordie grew up in Lapeer and graduated from Lapeer West High School in 1981.  On January 2, 1993 he married Gayle Rock at Trinity Methodist Church.  They were happily married for 19 years.  Gordie was very active in the Real Estate Business for 18 years and he also was an auctioneer for Coulter Auction Service.  Gayle and Gordie were members of West Goodland United Methodist Church in Goodland Twp.  Gordie was also very active in his community.  He was on the Board of Directors for Tri-County Bank for almost 4 years, involved with the Eastern Michigan Fair, multiple Chambers of Commerce, Lapeer Optimist Club, and many other organizations. Gordie enjoyed golfing, hunting, spending time with Samantha and Gayle, working in the Real Estate Business and socializing with friends. In May 1996, Gordie and Gayle’s son Jacob passed away and was buried in Marlette Cemetery.  Jacob will be reinterred with Gordie.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife Gayle, daughter Samantha, both of North Branch, brothers; Michael (Cheryl) Coulter of Lapeer and Thomas (Cindy) Coulter of St. Johns, parent-in-laws; Henry and Janet Rock of Mayville, brother-in-law; David (Lori) Rock of Lapeer, sister-in-law; Angie (Tom) Rye of Marlette and a special companion, his dog Scooby, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Jacob and his parents, Duane and Laura Coulter. Memorials may be made to the Marlette United Hospice Service or the Family Discretion Fund.  Visitation will be Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 12 to 4pm and 6 to8pm and Wednesday, December 28, 2011 12 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm with the funeral service at 11:00am, Thursday, December 29, 2011 at West Goodland United Methodist Church.  Gordie and son, Jacob will be buried at West Deerfield Cemetery in Fostoria, MI. Pastor Don Moshier, Pastor Greg Reynolds, and Pastor Don Bennett will officiate.

 

   Jennifer Junod, age 60 of Columbiaville died December 8, 2011 at her home in the loving care of her family. Jennifer  was born June 2, 1951 in Barking, Essex, England, the daughter of James and Barbara ( Johnson-Cooper) Limage. On June 21, 1969 she married Timothy Junod in England.  She enjoyed knitting, cooking, camping and spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband Timothy, mother Barbara Limage, daughters; Stacy Klos of Columbiaville, and Ammie (Charles) Wright of East Pointe, son Jamie (Susan) Junod of Mt. Clemons, sisters; Patricia (Michael) Pratt, Michelle Limage, brother Ken Limage all of England, 6 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her father. Cremation has taken place.

 

Cody Olmstead, age 18, of North Branch, passed away November 17, 2011 at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, MI. Cody was born June 22, 1993 in Marquette, MI to Mark Olmstead and Sandy Olmstead. He grew up in North Branch and graduated from North Branch High School, class of 2011. Cody wished to join the Navy SEALS. Cody worked for Albar Industries in Lapeer. He enjoyed weight lifting, wrestling, hunting, dancing, and spending time with his family and friends. His favorite thing was to make people laugh. Cody is survived by: father, Mark Olmstead; mother, Sandy Olmstead; step-father, Jeff Van Wagnen; brothers, Eric Olmstead, Dalton Bates and Dylan Bates; sisters, Michelle and Jennifer Olmstead, and Cassie Holden; cousins, Billie and Tammy Bates; his buddy, Duke; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The family will receive visitors Tuesday, Nov. 22nd from 3-8 PM and on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd from 10-11 AM at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 11 AM at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home with Pastor James Hampton officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery in North Branch, MI.

 

  Kenneth R. Ferguson, age 68 of Attica, died Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Lapeer Regional Medical Center.  Kenneth was born July 10, 1943 in Melvin, Michigan, the son of Arnold and Pearl (Osworth) Ferguson.  Ken grew up in the Village of Melvin.  On April 11, 1964 he married Linda Davis at the Marlette Bethel Church.  He worked for General Motors for 30 years and retired in 1994.  Ken was Past-Master for Marlette Lodge in 1974, and was a member at the Attica/Imlay Lodge for over 40 years.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and he especially loved to ride his 6-41 1958 Ford Work Master tractor in parades.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife Linda, daughters; Dawn (Rusty) Badgley of Peck, and Shelley Ferguson of Cleveland, GA., and son Robbert “Robbie” Ferguson of Attica, brothers; George (Marilyn) Ferguson of Roscommon, and Edward (JoAnn) Ferguson of Davison, sisters; Martha Ferguson of Warren, Marilyn Ferguson of Davison and Grace (Rick) Yourdan of Missouri, grandchildren; Travis Welch and Stephanie Nielsen, and great-grandson Bryce Nielsen, many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill. Memorial Contributions may be made to the family for use at their discretion. The family will be present for visitation on Sunday, November 20, 2011 from 5 to 8pm, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  On Monday, November 21, 2011 from 12 to 1 pm with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  Rev. Ronald Hutchinson will officiate.  Burial in Elk Twp. Cemetery in Peck, MI. 

  

   John E. Turner, age 73 of  Ossineke, (formerly of North Branch),died Sunday, October 30, 2011 at Alpena Regional Medical Center.  John was born March 5, 1938 in North Branch, the son of Walter and Elizabeth Ardis (Thompson) Turner.  John grew up in North Branch and graduated from North Branch High School in 1956.On November 11, 1961 he married Shirley Tanton, she preceded him in death on July 11, 1986.  On December 15, 1987 he married Joan McDonnell Beatty, she preceded him in death on March 27, 2010.  John was a farmer before he started working for General Motors in 1966 and  retired in 1979.  He opened the  Turner AFC Home in North Branch in 1969 until they closed it in 1999. John enjoyed stamp collecting, watching western movies, dancing, collecting trains, camping, gardening, wood working, listening to classic country music and he missed living on the farm. He is survived by his daughters; Lisa (Brad) Wetherford of North Branch, and Lori (Gary) Milam of Lapeer, step-daughters; Renee Beatty and Mark Barnes of Attica, Karen C. Beatty of Beverly Hills, MI., Lynne (Tony) Catoggio of Palm Coast, Fla., Mara (Frank) Berishaj of Chesterfield, MI., and Tara A. (finance Mike Presta) Beatty of Romeo, 1 grandson, Bradley Wetherford, Jr., and 7 step-grandchildren,  sister Charlotte (Norman) Stine of North Branch, brothers; Walter R. Turner of Arz., and Harry L. (Ilene) Turner of North Branch,  many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the  Alzheimer’s Association.

The family will be present for visitation on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 from 4 to 8 pm and Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 from 10 to 11am with the funeral service at 11:00 am, at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  Rev. Ronald Hutchinson will officiate.  Burial in Westlawn Cemetery, North Branch. 

Joyce M. Stoneburg, age 87 of Lapeer, died Oct. 24, 2011 in Lapeer. Joyce was born April 7, 1924 in Millington, MI to Willis and Maude (Storms) McMaster. She grew up in Millington. On Oct. 23, 1943, she married John H. Stoneburg in Genesee. She was a nurses’ aid for several years in Oakdale. Her world was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce is survived by: daughter, Linda (Hal Tolan) Pangus of CO; sons, Gary (Gwyn) Stoneburg of Lapeer and Bill (Laurie) Stoneburg of Hadley; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, John, son, John, 2 sisters and 1 brother. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family. Family will receive visitors on Saturday, Nov. 5th from 10-11 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lapeer. A memorial service will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, Nov. 5th at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 1310 N. Main St., Lapeer, with Pastor Gloria Haynes officiating.

 

 Ted James Pratt, age 38 of North Branch died Wednesday, October 12, 2011.  On Monday, October 17, 2011 from 9:30 am to 10:00am there will be a small gathering at the Clifford Baptist Church in Clifford.  The funeral service will follow at 10:00am.  Pastor David Lott will officiate.  Burial will be in Great Lakes Cemetery, Holly, Michigan. 

    Donald J. Bueche Sr. age 82, of Fruitland, Florida (formerly of North Branch), died Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Florida. There will be visitation on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 3 to 8pm  and Friday, October 14, 2011 from 10 to 11 am with the funeral at 11:00 am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Crestwood Cemetery in Grand Blanc.  Memorials may be made to the St. James Lutheran Church in North Branch or St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Florida. 

 Nancy M. Owens, age 61 of Otter Lake died Tuesday, October 4, 2011.  She was born December 24, 1949 in Cheyboygan, MI., the daughter of William and Frances (Lafond) Barber. On July 19, 1968 she married Michael Owens in Cheboygan.  Nancy’s Catholic Faith was important to her.  She enjoyed gambling, gardening, baking and being a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband Michael, daughters; Toni (Bill) Tarrant of Gladwin, Tricia Owens of Grand Blanc, Tanya Keiter of Millington, Tiffany (Erik) Erickson of North Branch, sons; Tyler (Cindy) and Tanner Owens both of Otter Lake, sisters; Mary Bur, Sally (Vern) Hiar, and Sue Carlson, brothers; James, Joseph (Jeri-Lu), Bill (Roseann), Ken, and Keith (Debbie) Barber, 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  The family will be present for visitation on Friday, October 7, 2011 from 2 to 8 pm and Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 9 to 10 am.  The funeral service will be 10 am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. Father Richard Treml will officiate.

 

   Frances McCardle, age 87 of Silverwood, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Sanilac Medical Care Facility.  Frances was born February 5, 1924 in Detroit, Mi., the daughter of Aurther and Winnie (Pepper) Rowe.  She grew up in the Silverwood area and graduated from North Branch High School.  On August 17, 1946 she married Edwin “Jay” McCardle in North Branch United Methodist Church.  Frances worked for the North Branch School District as a playground aide and a secretary for more than 30 years.  She was a member of the Silverwood United Methodist Church and the North Branch Eastern Stars.  Frances enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, cooking, baking wedding cakes, gardening and her family and grandchildren were very important part of her life.  Frances is survived by her sons; Pat (Cathy Griewahn) and Tim (wife, Annette) McCardle  both of Silverwood, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, nephews; James Fulford of CA., and Dale McCardle of Gladwin. She was preceded in death by parents, husband Edwin in 2009, and brother Harvey in 2001. Memorials may be made to the Silverwood United Methodist Church. The family will be present for visitation on Thursday, October 6, 2011 from 5 to 8 pm and Friday, October 7,  2011 from 3 to 8 pm with an Eastern Star Service at 7:00 pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  On Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Silverwood United Methodist Church from 10 to 11am.  The funeral service will be 11:00 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Silverwood United Methodist Church. The burial will be in West Burlington Cemetery, Silverwood, MI.  Barry Brown will officiate. 

 

Sharon CoxSharon Cox, age 68 of North Branch passed away Monday, October 3, 2011 at her home in the loving care of her family. Sharon was born June 1, 1943 in Springfield, Michigan, the daughter of Clyde and Viola (Nelson) Knowlton. She grew up in Clarkston and graduated from Clarkston High School. On December 9, 1961 she married Carl Cox in Oxford, Michigan. Sharon was a homemaker and attended Dixie Baptist Church in Clarkston. Left to cherish her memory are; husband Carl , daughters; April Young of Oxford, and Bonnie Cox of Oxbowl Lake, and Son; Carl L. Cox Jr., (wife, Michelle) of Lake Orion, sisters; Carol Smith and Kathie Peters both of Mt. Morris, brothers; Jim (wife Cheryl) Knowlton of Alpena, Harold (wife, Beth) Knowlton of Lapeer, and Donie (wife, Dorothy) Knowlton of Mt. Morris, 4 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Bob Knowlton. The family suggests memorials may be made to the American Cancer Association. The family will be present for visitation on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 from 3 to 8 pm and Thursday, October 6, 2011 from 12 to 1 pm with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. Pastor Doug Richardson will officiate. Cremation will follow.

 

Doris (Vielhaber Ficht) Lisek, age 71 of Marlette (Formerly of Brown City and North Branch) died Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Covenant Health Care in Saginaw.
Doris was born May 14, 1939 in North Branch, MI., the daughter of Raymond and Clara (Schumacher) Vielhaber. Doris grew up in the North Branch area and attended school in the North Branch District. In 2002 she retired from Lear Industry in Marlette. Doris loved to work in her vegetable and flower gardens and taking care of her birds, and her dog Chewie. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters; Ann (Steve) Cunnings of Chesterfield and Kathleen (Danny) Strong of Decker, sons; Gregory Ficht of Wyoming, and George (Pam) Ficht of Silverwood, sister, Grace Daukantas of Cass City, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials may be made to the Country Christian Church or the Activity Fund at the Meadow Ridge for Seniors. The family will be present for visitation on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 5 to 8, and Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 11 to 1 and from 4 to 8, Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 11 to 1 with the funeral service at 1:00 PM at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Brown City. Rev. Roger Keur will officiate.