Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page 30

Journal JOURNAL E-mail: 377-1112 Editorial LAURIE www.lsj.com Assistant HOLLINGER JULY 19, 4B SUNDAY 2009 DEATHS FUNERALS Deaths Death notices Funerals appear also on appear Pages on 5B, Page 3B 5B For paid obituary notices, call 377-1104 Helen Marie Skorupski Lansing How do we measure a successful life? Is it fame? Is it material wealth? Is it social status? Or is it to know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived? Our mother made many lives easier. She passed away July 11, 2009. Born March 29, 1923 in Grand Rapids, and moved to Lansing in the early 1960's. Mom worked as an executive secretary at the American Red Cross for 22 years. Mom was an artist, painter, seamstress extraordinaire and she had her own repair toolbox.

Friday nights on the front porch were her favorites. She loved crafting, cross-country skiing, square dancing, and performing graceful moves on the ice rink and in Lake Michigan. Her strength and bravery throughout her life served as a shining example to all who knew her. When life gave her lemons, she made lemonade. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Liane Brodella.

Surviving are her 4 children, Sandra S. Hudson of California, Susan E. Croston, Kristin K. (Mark) Barrett, and Mark H. Skorupski all of Lansing; son-in-law, John Brodella; 5 grandchildren, Nickie (Tom) Hakes, Allison (Kevin) Holtz, Andrew Croston, Jonathan Hodgin, and Hailey Barrett; 4 great family members and Zachary, friends.

Tyler, Riley, and Max; and Services are being planned for September 12, 2009, and complete details will be announced. We wish to thank Stoneleigh Hospice House for their loving care to Mom. Arrangements by Tiffany Funeral Home. Friends may visit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com. "A sweet and cheerful nature made her an endearing soul." Robert L.

Vitek St. Johns Age 65 peacefully passed on Friday, July 17, 2009 in the arms of his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born January 1, 1944 in St. Johns the son of Ivan Alex Bernita (Fedewa) Vitek. He graduated from Rodney B.

Wilson High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. On May 15, 1965 he married Cynthia Flegler in St. Johns. Bob was of Vitek Construction and enjoyed raising and showed rabbits.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of which he was active in several capacities, Clinton County Habitat for Humanity, numerous national and state rabbit organizations, and was active in the local 4-H. Survived by his wife Cindy, children, Cathy (Dan) Graham, Brent Vitek, Monica (Ryan) Dennings. Grandchildren, Hunter, Danielle Catrina Graham, Parker Cooper Dennings. His mother, Bernita Vitek, mother-in-law Edna Flegler Brothers, Ray (Sharon), John (Camilla), Rich (Marilyn) and Larry Vitek.

Sisters, Mary Ann (Jerry) Pung, Agnes (Bob) Showers, Delores (Glenn) Hinckley, Jane Vitek and Diane (John) Wemlinger, sister-1 Maureen Durbin. Several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death his father, Ivan Alex Vitek and father-in-law Francis Flegler. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.

Rosary services will be held Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 989-224-4422 on Sunday, 3-8 p.m. and Monday 2-8 p.m. Memorials may be given to Clinton County 4-H or Clinton County RESA Building Trades. Melania S.

Brzozowska De Witt Age 95, passed away in Lansing on Thursday, July 16, 2009. Melania lived in Milwaukee, WI most of her life and most recently resided in DeWitt. Surviving is her niece Barbara (Leon) Smith and numerous other loving family and friends. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Milwaukee with interment in St. Adelbert Cemetery.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, East Lansing at a later date. Arrangements by Palmer Bush Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. PJB PALMER, BUSH JENSEN Albert M. "Bum" McMullen Lansing Age 64 passed away July 18, 2009.

He was born November 13, 1944 in Newberry, Michigan, to John Clara McMullen. He was a Masonry Laborer for many years, loved to fish, watch birds, Nascar, and gardening. He is survived by his daughters: Lisa (Marc) (Gonzales)Townsend of Lansing, and Jeanette (Mike) Pung of Charlotte; grandchildren: Ruben, Kevin, Katy, Amanda, Dylan, Dalton; a sister, Babe Messer; Fiancee, Faye Scarbro of Lansing and special friend, Rambo. There will be a funeral held, 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel with Rev.

William Haggard officiating, interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Dimondale. Visitation will be Tuesday p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Capitol Area Humane Society in memory of Albert "Bum" McMullen. Estes- Leadleu 6) MID MICHIGAN'S FINEST Lois R.

Nelson Haslett Also of Webberville, age 87, passed away on July 15, 2009. She was born on January 24, 1922 in LeRoy Township, the daughter of Lewis and Marcia Bement. She was a member of the Webberville United Methodist Church and a retiree of Michigan Health Department, Crippled Children Division. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; her parents; 2 brothers, Richard and Ben; 7 sisters, Ella, llaMae, Nanette, Dorothy, Mildred, Tess, and Juanita. She is survived by 4 sisters, Lena Foreman, Cleo Chase, Louie (Charlie) Stringham, and Helen (Robert) Bigelow; 2 brothers, Si (Annie) Bement and Bob (Joan) Bement; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Monday, July 20, 11:00 a.m. at the Webberville United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the Church 1 hour prior the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webberville United Methodist Church, 4215 E. Holt Road, Webberville, MI 48892, Hospice Advantage, 801 S.

Waverly Road, Ste. 304, Lansing, MI 48917 or American Cancer Society, 3100 West Road, Bldg. Suite 110, East Lansing, MI 48823 in memory of Mrs. Nelson. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston, Michigan.

Erin Alexandra Korb Caledonia Erin Alexandra Korb, age 8, of Caledonia, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at home surrounded by her loving family. Erin is survived by her parents, Steve and Joni (Pinar) Korb; sisters, Audrey and Eden; grandparents, Nancy Korb, John and Lois Pinar; great-grandfather, Nick Pinar; aunts and uncles, Jeff and Shelly Korb (Lindsey, Allison), Fred and Jenni (Korb) Janke (Ethan, Gabe, Mara), Jim and Wendy (Pinar) Mielock (Carl, Johnny, Sammy, Ben); a host of extended family; special friends, "Auntie" Deb Tabert, "Miss" Mary Bouma, and "BFF" Gabrielle VanHorn; and many loving caregivers. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Ken Korb. Erin enjoyed many activities: music, story time, walks outside, being in the water, fairies, spa treatments, and playing with her sisters. She also thoroughly enjoyed attending Ken0-Sha and Lincoln Developmental Center and was a part of Trinity Lutheran Church and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Project DOCC.

The family will greet friends and relatives on Sunday, July 19 from 5-8 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (Centennial Hall). A Celebration of Erin's life will be held on Monday, July 20 at 3:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 E. Fulton, with Pastor Paul Krupinski officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Celebration and a reception will follow.

A special thank you to Erin's pediatrician Dr. Douglas Daining, who joined in her medical journey from the beginning, as well as all of Erin's doctors, nurses and church family who helped care for her throughout her eight years in this life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Erin's memory to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation, Lincoln Developmental Center or to Trinity Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Memorial Alternatives, 2432 Fuller NE, 363-3700. www.memorialalternatives.com Andrew Perkins Lansing Age 62, was born on February 18, 1947 to the late Jimmie Lee and Ora Lee Perkins in Birmingham, AL and passed away on July 13, 2009.

Andrew served as a Greeter at Christian Celebration Center Church (C4) for 3 years. He was preceded in death by his children, Jimmie Lee and Arianna. Survivors include: his wife of 5 years, Latasha Nicole; 13 children; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, James (Elaine), Paula, Eric, Pinky (LB), Denise, Rochelle and Carlotta; mother- in- love, Viola (Ricky); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Friends may visit Mr. Perkins Sunday, July 19, 3 6 p.m., at the Riley Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 20, 11:30 a.m., at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 3500 Pleasant Grove Rd. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the funeral. Cecil M. and Phyllis E. Scholfield Okemos Cecil and Phyllis both left this world within one day of each other (January 27 and 28th, 2009), to reunite and again share their love in heaven through eternity.

Please join us in a celebration of their lives and love on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave, East Lansing with the Rev. Penelope Swartz officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Cecil and Phyllis to the American Cancer Society, 3100 West Road, Building Suite 110, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 or Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River East Lansing, MI 48823. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. Madeline Ver Planck Also known professionally as Martha Dixon, passed away peacefully in Scottsdale, Arizona on Thursday, July 9th. Born in Adrian Michigan in 1921, she held numerous positions in the food and hospitality fields from northern Michigan to Florida and the Bahamas.

In 1954, she was chosen to host the television cooking show 'The Copper Kettle' at WJIM-TV in Lansing, Michigan. That thirty minute live production turned into a full production sixty minute 'Martha Dixon Show' and ran for twenty five years. In 1963 the 'Copper Kettle Cook Book' was published, and became an instant success. A twentieth anniversary edition was published in 1983 due to popular demand. Doing live women's programming over the years provided a wealth of experiences and friendships.

Martha, as all of her friends knew her, was active in American Women in Radio and Television as well as American Women For International Understanding. After retiring from broadcasting and advertising, she relocated to Scottsdale in 1992. She was a devoted and faithful member of the Christian Science Church, which gave her the faith and strength to overcome many obstacles. She will be remembered for her generosity, joy, and love of life. She is survived by son, Thomas, and daughter-in-law, Stratia Ver Planck of Sonoma, California, and beloved family members in Michigan.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, AZ. Annie L. Watkins Lansing Sister Annie L. Watkins, 94, went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2009. She was born on March 26, 1915, in Gates, TN, to the late Senior and Annie Wells.

She was the fourth child to this union. She was preceded in death by husbands, William Murphy and William Watkins; 3 brothers and a sister. Sis Annie "Aunt Annie" leaves to cherish her loving memories: 2 nieces, Annie L. Phillips and Susie (Rusty) Forbush of Lansing; 3 nephews, Homer (Jennie) Jones of Lake Odessa, John Taliferra of Mesa AZ and C.D. Wells of Detroit; and a a host of great and grand nieces and nephews, friends, and the Dimondale Nursing Care community.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 30 minutes before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Dimondale Nursing Care Center or In House Hospice in memory of Annie Watkins. Estes -Leadleu 6) MID MICHIGAN'S FINEST Charles L.

Irvin Eaton Rapids Charles Luther Irvin, age 85, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Haslett, died Friday, July 17, 2009. Charles was born in Lansing, November 15, 1923, the son of Oakley Reams and Coy Merle (nee James) Irvin. Charles was predeceased by a daughter, Marie Kinsey, sister, Gentry Harvey, and by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Emma Lorraine (nee Carr); 2 daughters, Kathleen (Douglas) Franz and Julie Ann (Paul) Willard; 4 sons, James (Carol) Irvin, Richard (Linda) Irvin, Thomas (Becky) Irvin, and Paul (Judy) Irvin; son-in-law, Kenneth Kinsey; 15 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren; 2 brothers, Horrace J. (Marilyn) Irvin and Herbert R.

(Joyce) Irvin. Charles was a veteran of WWII serving with the Navy Corps. He loved to hunt, fish, and tinker with anything mechanical, and he loved baseball. Charles was a mechanic with the State of Michigan Department of Natural Recourses. Funeral services will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E.

Grand River East Lansing, on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at 12 noon, with The Rev. Wesley, follow B. at Emerson East Lawn officiating. Memorial Burial and Gardens, Military Okemos. Honors The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Monday from 6-8 p.m.

and Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. Those desiring may make a contribution in memory of Charles to the American Cancer Society, 3100 West Bldg. Suite 110, East Lansing, MI 48823. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Edith Rose Crosby Lansing Born Aug.

22, 1917 in Detroit the daughter of John and Edith (Koch) Muenz, passed away, Friday, July 17, 2009 at age 91. Edith lived most of her life in Lansing. Earlier in her life she was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where she knitted and crocheted items for the church. She enjoyed being outdoors and could often be found watching the Detroit Tigers. She was a special lady who was deeply loved and will be sadly missed.

She is preceded in death by her husband Merrill and her son George. Surviving is her children: Jim Crosby and Marilyn (Gary) Hanson, 7 grandchildren: Kim (Bob) Schrauben, Kari (Brice Duncan) Hanson, Kellie (Rob) Furgerson, Shannon (Mark) Houdek, Robin (Ron) Montoya, Jim (Jennifer Marazano) Crosby and Shelby (Aaron) Kidder, 9 great-grandchildren and several loving nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Rev. Matthew A.

Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Park. Visitation is Monday 6-8 p.m. at Palmer Bush Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 520 E. Mt.

Hope and Tuesday, at the church. Memorials can be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Condolences can be made at www.palmerbush.com. PIB PALMER, BUSH JENSEN Kenneth M. Strobel Lansing Age 65, died July 1, 2009.

Mr. Smith was born December 21, 1943 in Lansing, son of Earl W. and Margaret A. (Mollitor) Strobel. 'He was a retired G.M.

employee, member of the U.A.W. Local 652, the Lansing Area Flying Aces (Model Airplane Club) and Greater Lansing Wood Carvers. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his father, Earl, and brother, Michael. Surviving are his wife, Carol; two daughters, Maggie Strobel of Houston, TX, Sarah Strobel of Okemos; step-son, Douglas Dyer of Tucson, AZ; his mother, Margaret Strobel of Lansing; brother, Robert (Leota) Strobel of Dimondale; sister, Nansie K.

Strobel (Dr. Herbert Ross) Bath; one granddaughter; several nieces and nephews. Memorial services for immediate family and friends will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Elm Park, Elm Street, Lansing (South of I-496 and West of Cedar) with Rev. Joe Huston officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Horses Haven, the Humane Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were handled by Field Leik Funeral Home, Dimondale. Steven Lynn Somers Williamston Steven was called to his heavenly home on July 17, 2009, to be reunited with his parents, Robert and Hope Somers. Steven was born on September 17, 1954, in Lansing. He attended Transitions North in Lansing and the West Locke Wesleyan Church in Williamston.

Steven is survived by: his sister, Sandra (Steven) Gleason of Holt; and by brothers, Scott (Patricia) Somers of Holt and Marc (Mary) Somers of Texas. is also survived nieces; Beth, Shelley, Sara and Shanna, 3 nephews; Brian, Seth and Luke. The family would like to extend a special thank you for all the loving care given to Steve and for all the "special" friendships made by Steve at the Harris Development Center in Williamston, where he resided. The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff members at Community Mental Health who were a part of Steve's "team" as well as the staff at Transitions North. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m.

at East Lawn Memory Gardens in Okemos. The family is being served by the Estes-Leadley Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Harris Development Center, PO Box 5, Williamston, MI 48895 Locke Wesleyan Church in Williamston in memory of Steven. Estes -Ecadicu 63 MID MICHIGAN'S FINEST J. Lee Hamrick Grayling Lee, formerly of Lansing, passed away July 11, 2009 at the age of 82.

He was born June 22, 1927 in Detroit, MI to Hugh Hamden and Jessie May (Howell) Hamrick. Lee was a real estate broker for most of his adult life in the Lansing and Grayling areas. A Navy veteran of the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, he was also a Master Mason and a member of the American Legion. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Hugh Lake Hamrick and daughter-in-law, Hamrick. Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Peggy (McBride) of Grayling; children, Terry (Cherry) of Lansing, Rick of Houston, TX and Babs (Garry) Smith of Willcox AZ; grandchildren, Utah (Kristy) of Austin, TX and Lacey (Jeremy) Freeman of Rockledge, FL; greatgrandchildren, Robert and Taylor Freeman.

Lee's family celebrated his life in a private ceremony. A special thank-you is extended to Mercy Hospice of Grayling. Estes Greater Lansing Chapel Chapel 325 W. Washtenaw Street 2121 N. Cedar Street Ta FUNERAL HOME 62 Lansing, MI 48933 Holt, MI 48842 MID- FINEST 517.482.1651 517.694.2631 0010579776 www.estesleadley.com Locally Owned Steven Co T.

owner. Morgan Jeremy Co S. owner Gough Jeremy S. Gough, Manager Steven T. Morgan, Manager.