Obituaries

Mike Briggs passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday October 30, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family age 70 years.  Son of the late Eugene and Roberta (Burgess) Briggs he was born April 6, 1941 in Bay City.  He married the former Alice V. Dishaw April 23, 1960 in Holy Trinity Church.  She survives him.  Mike was owner and operator of Mike Briggs Builders.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing bingo and the harmonica.

 Surviving besides his wife Alice he leaves five children; Tina (Tony) Militello, Lori (Bob) Courier, Michael Briggs, Michelle (Matthew) DeBats, Crystal (Howard) Jacobs, Lisa Briggs, fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one due in January.  Also surviving is one sister and three brothers; Pat (Don) Filary, Tim (Bonnie) Briggs, Gene Briggs, Rick (Leanne) Briggs and Mike’s two dogs; Holly & Cujo.

 The family would like to thank Dr. Cook for his wonderful and compassionate care that he gave to Mike over the years and to Kristin Lapinski of American Home & Hospice for her spicial care.

 A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from Bay Valley Christian Church.  Pastor David Ferranti will officiate.  Friends may call at the church only on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until time of service.  In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

www.squiresfuneralchapel.com

Bay City, Michigan

     Arthur passed away Friday, October 28, 2011 at his home, age 73.  He was born October 22, 1938 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Duane Arthur and Myrtle (Howard) Conklin.  Arthur moved to Benton Harbor as an infant, graduated from Benton Harbor High School and later Benton Harbor Junior College. He was transferred to Bay City by his then employer, St. Joseph Office Supply.  He eventually moved to Saginaw and was a manager for two years at Earl Scheib Paint Shop.  Eventually working at League General Insurance Company, which was renamed Cuna Mutual Insurance as an account manager.  Arthur married Barbara A. Irwin on March 2, 1972 in Palm Beach, Florida; she survives him.  They lived in Saginaw and Bay City.  Art has lived with Alzheimer’s for 12 years.  In 2008 he began going to Golden Horizon three days a week and had an ongoing love for the caregivers and they for him.  Art loved golf more than life. He was a patient and good teacher to anyone who wanted to play.  He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and former member of the Moose Club.  Pastor Matthew Schramm and nurse practitioner, Janet Beattie was with Art until he died among friends and neighbors.  Arthur had Heartland Hospice for his final 10 days at home.

     Surviving besides his wife Barbara is one brother, Daniel Conklin, one sister, Sally Carroll, Barbara’s large loving Irwin Family, two nieces: Kim Greene and Cheryl Crane and one nephew, Scott Richards.  Arthur was predeceased by one sister, Mary Ann Richards.

     Cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service for Arthur will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11:00AM at Squires Funeral Home.  Rev. Matthew Schramm will officiate.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Golden Horizons, Westminster Presbyterian Church or a charity of donor’s choice.

     He was always a gentleman and a hero to children and his wife.  We rejoice that he can “leave” the Alzheimer’s life and go think again.

Bay City, Michigan

     Our loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Carriage House of Bay City, age 78.  He was born November 12, 1932 in Bay City to the late Dewey and Bella (Dora) Anderson.  George married Noreen E. O’Keefe in Bay City on March 28, 1953; she survives him.  He retired from CSX Railroad in Saginaw after 34 years of dedicated service and was a veteran of the US Navy.  George enjoyed pheasant hunting, deer hunting and animals, especially dogs.

     Surviving besides his wife, Noreen are three children: Brian (Paula) Anderson, Debbie (John) Kader and Wendy DeWyse, four grandchildren, Brittney Patterson, Nicole DeWyse, Brandon Young and Mike (Kellie) McMann, two great grandchildren, Alex and Madeline,  two brothers and four sisters: James (Norene) Anderson, Rosella (Alfred) Nietzke, Wavey (Clifford) Williams, Jerry (Judy) Anderson, Avon Anderson and Nioka Nicols.  George was predeceased by two sisters, Agnes (Ray) Foucault and Ione (Ken) Williams and one brother in-law, Jack Nicols.

     Cremation has taken place.  No visitation or services are scheduled at the Ambrose Funeral Home.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Christine A. Gifford a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a genuine caring person passed away at her home on Thursday October 20, 2011 at the age of 61.  Daughter of the late John & Bernice (Bielinski) Swiecicki she was born October 4, 1950 in Bay City.  She instilled a strong work ethic in her three children and was very proud of their accomplishments.  Christine loved being “me-maw” to her three grandchildren and cherished every moment of their visits.  She will now enjoy her peace with the Lord and bless us forever from above.

Surviving are three children; Lisa “Gifford” Nedo, Jody “Gifford” (Barry) Markwart, Ben (Jennifer) Ryers, three grandchildren; Brooke Nedo, Emilee Ryers and Jayden Markwart.  Also surviving are three brothers and three sisters; Tommy Swiecicki, Dennis (Marge) Swiecicki, Angie (Bob) Kurlinski, MaryAnn Mika, David Swiecicki, Laurie Smith and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will take place Monday October 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from the Ambrose Funeral Home.  Pastor A. James Englehart will officiate with burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Ambrose Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 6 p.m. and on Monday after 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to honor Christine Gifford can be made to: Lupus Foundation of America MI. & Northwest OH. Chapter.

www.ambrosefuneralchapel.com

Ms. Schroeder passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011 at her home age 37 years.  She was born June 5, 1974 in Bay City.

 Surviving are three children; Cody Colson-Schroeder, Derik Medina, Maddisen Herin-Schroeder, her mother; Darla (Valencia) Schroeder and her friend, Larry Lorenz, two brothers; Donnie (Christy) Schroeder, Christopher Schroeder, her grandmother; Emeline Valencia and uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.  She was predeceased by her father; Donald Schroeder.

 There will visitation for Amanda on Friday October 21, 2011 at the Ambrose Funeral Home from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider family wishes.

www.ambrosefuneralchapel.com

Bay City, Michigan

     Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Bay Regional Medical Center, age 94.  She was born February 27, 1917 in Flint, Michigan to the late Edward and Mildred (Ryan) Dresden.  She married Frank A. Nalazek, Sr. on June 19, 1937; he predeceased her on February 7, 1993.  Mary was a member of St. Hyacinth Church.

     Surviving are two daughters; Irene N. Melby and Rosemary E. Rikle, four grandchildren: Joseph “Jay” (Shari) Malenfant, Jr., Julie (Richard) Malenfant-Henderson, John A. Malenfant and James (Jenny) Rikle, four great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.  Mary was predeceased by her son, Frankie Jr. and one daughter, Judy Malenfant.

     The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 21, 2011 at 10:00am at St. Hyacinth Church.  Fr. Edward J. Konieczka will celebrate Mass and interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Ambrose Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00pm and at church on Friday after 9:00am.  A Parish Vigil Service for Mary will be held Thursday at 7:00pm.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to “Family Wishes.”