Lucille Fricke, age 89 of North Branch died Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Lucille was born October 7, 1920 in Detroit, MI. the daughter of John Stanley and Nellie Mae (Burnside) Rosolowski. Lucille spent most of her life in North Branch and attended school there. On April 20, 1938 she married Edward E. Fricke in Lapeer. Lucille attended SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in North Branch. Lucille was proud to have lived to see the 5th generation of the Fricke-Ragatz family. She enjoyed BINGO and playing cards. She was a loving care giver to many. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Lucille will be missed by her daughter, Jean (Walter) Ragatz of North Branch, son, Francis (Judith) Fricke of Kingston, 5 granddaughters, 4 grandsons, 5 great-granddaughters, 7 great-grandsons, 1 great-great-grandson and her God child, Suzanne. Lucille is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Edward; grandsons: Randy Joliceour, John Terranova and Walter Ragatz; siblings: Vincent Ross, Floyd Ross, Blanch Thompson, Daloris Tashnier, Nellie Moore and Edsel Ross. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to Lou Gehrig’s Foundation. Family will be present for visitation Saturday, Nov. 21 from 5-8pm, Sunday, Nov. 22 from 1-8pm with a Rosary at 3pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. On Monday, Nov. 23 Lucille will lie in state at SS Peter and Paul with her funeral mass at 11am. Father Richard Treml will be officiating. Burial will be in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery in North Branch.

Pauline Kula, age 85, of North Branch died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at the Marlette United Hospice. She was born on October 19, 1924 the daughter of George and Cecilia (Schmitt) Wendling.Pauline and Carl Robinet were united in marriage on May 18, 1946. They made their home in Kings Mill, Michigan for many years with their family, before moving to the Wendling family homestead on Summers Road. Pauline enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and helping on the farm. She had a special talent of writing short stories and articles for local newspapers. She worked at Lapeer General Hospital in the Housekeeping Department and was a care giver and companion for many seniors later in her life. She also volunteered her time at the Marlette Extended Care Facility mending the resident’s clothing. Pauline was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the choir and Lector.After the death of Carl Robinet on March 21, 1983, Pauline married Paul Kreiner on August 9, 1991, Paul died February 2, 1992. She married Walter Kula, on May 1, 1994, and he died on Sept. 11, 2005.She is survived by daughter Rose Marie (David) Shoemaker of Marlette, sons; George (Elaine) of Attica, William and Thomas of North Branch, sister Rita Zmudka of Dearborn and brother-in-law Louis Robinet of North Branch, grandchildren; Kevin, Christine, and Keith and Deanna, David Jr., and Daniel, many step-children and their families and many nieces and nephews.Pauline was preceded in death by her husbands, and daughter Cecilia.The family will be present on Sunday, November 15, 2009 from 6 to 8, Monday, November 16, 2009 from 1 to 8 with a Rosary at 4:00 pm, and Tuesday, she will lie in state from 10 to 11 at St. Mary’s Church with the funeral mass to follow. Fr. Richard Treml will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Branch.Memorials may be made to the Glenn Mary Sisters.


Ernest Sommer, age 91 of Midland passed away Saturday, November 7, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ernie was born October 3, 1918 in Levering, MI. He was the son of Robert and Myrtle (Srigley) Sommer.On July 23, 1944 he married Doris Evelyn Eckel in Metamora, MI. Ernie retired from GM with 30 years of service. He enjoyed the Methodist Men Club. Ernie had a passion for fishing and fishing trips. Ernie will be lovingly missed by his sons, Larry (Teresa) Sommer of Midland and Robert (Judy) Sommer of Imlay City; daughter, Sharon Sommer of Verona, WI; brother, Bill Sommer of Grand Rapids; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Ernie is preceded in death by his wife, Doris in 1987. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted by the family for use at their discretion. Family will be present for visitation Monday, November 9th from 5-8pm and Tuesday, November 10th from 10-11am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home in North Branch. Ernie’s funeral will be Tuesday, November 10th at 11am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Schneider officiating. Burial will take place in Mt. Pleasant-Oakwood Cemetery in Oxford Twp. Ernie’s family would like to extend a special thanks for the loving care he received at Colonial Villa in Midland.Arrangements entrusted to Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home in North Branch, MI.

 

Edwin "Jay" McCardle, age 82 of Silverwood died Thursday, November 5, 2009 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Jay was born January 19, 1927 in Rich Twp., MI. Jay is the son of James and Mildred (Smith) McCardle. Jay attended school at Pontiac Northern and grew up in Rich Twp. On August 17, 1946 he married Frances Rowe in the North Branch United Methodist Church. Jay served his country proudly in the Navy and Marines. After his time in the service, Jay worked for the Lapeer County Road Commission and retired with 33 years of service. He was also a dairy farmer for many years. He attended the Silverwood United Methodist Church in Silverwood. Jay was a member of the Masonic Lodge in North Branch, as well as the North Branch American Legion. Jay loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Jay will be lovingly missed by his wife, Frances of Silverwood; sons, Pat and Tim(Annette) of Silverwood; nephews, James Fulford of CA. and Dale McCardle of Gladwin; 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clifford and Ernest, and sister Lois. Family suggest memorials to Silverwood United Methodist Church. Family will be present for visitation on Saturday, Nov. 7th from 5-8pm, Sunday, Nov 8th from 2-8pm with a Masonic Service at 7pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. Jay will lie in state Monday, Nov 9th from 12-1pm, with his funeral at 1pm at the Silverwood United Methodist Church. Rev. Ron Hutchinson will officiate. Burial will be in West Burlington Cemetery in Silverwood.

Lora Luella Bridger, age 89 of North Branch died Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in Lapeer. She was born January 11, 1920 in Dexter, Missouri to Mancil and Emma (Patterson) Barrett. She married Ack Bridger April 10, 1935 in Missouri and moved to Michigan in 1950. Lora was a homemaker who loved to quilt. Her favorite thing was spending time with her family and making Sunday dinners. Lora will be lovingly missed by her children, Arthur (Donna) of Fl., Rodger (Karen) of Clarkston, Phillip (Gloria) of North Branch, Brenda (Tom) Cox of Clarkston, Iris (Bob) Howland of North Branch and Rodney (Bonnie) of North Branch; 17 Grandchildren; 40 Great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Wright of Illinois and Barbara Costello of Missouri; many nieces and nephews. Lora is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ack Bridger in 2000, 4 brothers and 1 sister. In leiu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. Family will be present for visitation on Saturday, Oct. 24th from 5pm-8pm, Sunday, Oct. 25th from 3pm-8pm and Monday, Oct. 26th from 10am-11am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. Lora’s funeral will be Monday, Oct. 26th at 11 am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Keur officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in North Branch. You may share an online condolence at www.blackburnchapel.com.  Arrangements entrusted to Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home in North Branch.

Luceine "Lou"StalkerJr, age 56, died October 9, 2009 at Lapeer Regional Medical Center. Lou was born on September 22, 1953 in Mt. Clemens, MI to Luceine Sr & Alice(Hewitt) Stalker. He moved to North Branch in 1968 and graduated from North Branch High School in 1971. On August 18, 1972 he married Judy Swoish at St Mary’s Church in Burnside. Lou worked as a carpenter for 30 years. He loved woodworking, snowmobiling, bowling, and spending time with his family and friends. Lou was a volunteer EMT in Lapeer County for many years. Lou will be lovingly missed by his wife Judy, his daughter Caneda(Will) Stalker Highsmith of Arizona, his sons; Nathan(Rachel) Stalker of Lapeer, Rodney Stalker of Lapeer, Jon(fiancé Amber Gibson) Stalker of Lapeer, and Timothy Stalker of Arizona; grandchildren Sylvia, Thomas, and Ryland; brother Tommy(Terrie) Stalker of Imlay City; sister Terry(Fred) Neal of Arizona; mother-in-law Blanche Swoish, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law C.J Swoish. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the family for a charity of their discretion. Family will be present for visitation on Monday, October 12, from 2-8pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home and Tuesday, October 13, 10-11am at St Mary’s Church in Burnside. Lou’s funeral will be Tuesday 11am following visitation at St Mary’s Church. Officiating will be Fr. Richard Treml. Burial will be in St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Burnside, MI. You may share an online condolence at www.blackburnchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home in North Branch

Bonnie Crawford, age 77

 She was born On October 6, 2009, Bonnie Crawford, born June 22, 1932, unexpectedly went with the Lord to join her beloved husband Jack. They were united in marriage July 12, 1952. He preceded her in death in 1999. She was greatly loved and will be sadly missed by her daughters and sons-in-law Jackie and Doug Stevens and Dawn and David Eisenhauer.  Bonnie’s greatest love was spending time with her four grandchildren and their loved ones. Jennifer and Steve Moring, Doug and Julie Stevens, Jami Wilson and Troy McIntosh, David and Trudy Eisenhauer.  Her greatest pride and joy were her 7 great-grandchildren, Ashley Stevens, Chloe Gayle, Haley Wilson, Kevin Wilson, Adriana Stevens, Ethan Eisenhauer and Clay Moring. Bonnie was also anticipating the birth of a new great-grandchild late October. She leaves behind family and friends including her best friend Bessie, her dog. There will be a Memorial Service 3:00, Thursday, October 8, 2009 at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends from 1 to 3. Memorials may be made to The Children’s Leukemia Foundation or The American Diabetes Association.  Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home  You may share an online condolences @www.blackburnchapel.com

Joanne Miller, age 72 of Fostoria died September 20, 2009 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Joanne was born May 30, 1937 in Flint, MI to Sam and Helen( )Nokovich. She grew up in Burton and graduated from Lapeer West High School. On November 17, 1961 she married Nelson Miller in Grand Blanc. Joanne worked for Gestamp North American Plant in Lapeer for about 40 years before retiring. She attended Fostoria Baptist Church in Fostoria. She loved the outdoors, especially her flower gardens. The most important thing to her was spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family.

Joanne will be lovingly missed by her children, Belinda Abbott of Fostoria, Sabrena Bonnett of Wisconsin and Nelson Miller III of Fostoria; brother, Steve Nokovich of Duran; grandchildren, Amanda Abbott, Casey Kelch, Sam (Katie) Kelch and Ken (Joyce) Kelch; and great-grandchild Myles; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Nelson in 2006; brothers, Ralph Nokovich and Mike Pesich, and her parents. Family suggests memorials to the family for use at their discretion. Family will be present for visitation on Tuesday, Sept.22 from 5-8 pm and Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 9-11am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home in North Branch. Joanne’s funeral will be Wednesday at 11 am at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home with Pastor Todd Harrison Officiating. Burial will be in West Deerfield Cemetery in Fostoria, Mi. Arrangements entrusted to Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home in North Branch