Obituaries

Bay City, Michigan

     Don passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at his home with his family by his side, age 79.  He was born June 24, 1932 in Bay City to the late Edmund and Eva (Lukowski) Wisniewski.  Don married Maxine P. Kondziola on September 13, 1958; she survives him.  He was a veteran and served his country during the Korean Conflict with the US Army.  He retired from Prestolite with over 30 years of dedicated service and was a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church.  Don loved spending time and sharing memories with his grandchildren.  He had a great passion for woodworking and enjoyed golf, hunting and fishing.  Don also loved dancing and was like “Fred Astaire” on the dance floor.

     Surviving besides his wife, Maxine are three children: Beverly (David) Garon, Ken Wisniewski and Darlene Wisniewski, five grandchildren: Aaron (fiancé, Jayme) Williams, Brandt, Keaton, Derek Wisniewski and Kevin “Buck Shot” Wisniewski, one brother, Norman (Fran) Wisniewski, one sister, Charmaine (Edward) Ratajczak, one brother in-law, Dan (Mary) Kondziola, three sister in-laws: Mary Ann (Ed) Murphy, Grace Ann Chislea and Judy Wisniewski, several nieces and nephews.  Don was predeceased by one brother, Roger Wisniewski and one sister, Phyllis Piechowiak.

     Prayers will be held at Ambrose Funeral Home on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 9:30am.  The Funeral Mass will follow at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church at 10:00am.  Fr. Rick Filary will celebrate Mass and interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Ambrose Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00pm, Friday from 1:00 to 8:00pm and Saturday after 9:00am.  Members of St. Stan’s Parish will pray the Rosary Friday at 2:00pm, followed later by a Parish Vigil Service for Don at 7:00pm.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to “Family Wishes.”

     The Wisniewski family would like to thank Dr. Daniel Webb, his staff and McLaren Visiting Nurse and Hospice, especially Tiffany for their professional, compassionate and gentle care they gave Don and his entire family.

Bay City, Michigan

     Sandra passed away Friday, February 17, 2012 at McLaren Bay Region, age 71.  She was born January 2, 1941 in Bay City to the late Edward and Irene (Szymanski) Premo.  Sandra worked for over fifteen years at the Old Bar on Lafayette and was currently employed with 7-11 on the corner of Broadway and Cass Ave.  She was a huge Red Wings fan and enjoyed playing bingo and trying her luck at the casino. 

     Surviving is her son, Robert A. Premo, one brother, James E. (Sandy) Premo, an aunt, Grace Behmlander and cousins, Tom and Carol Behmlander.

     Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends will gather at Ambrose Funeral Home on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 3:00 to 8:00pm.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to “Family Wishes.”

Char passed away, Wednesday, February 15, 2012, surrounded by her family, at Shannon’s House, where she has resided for the past four years.  She was born August 17, 1926 to the late Arthur and Theresa (Rosentrater) Tacey.  On June 25, 1949 she was united in marriage to James R. Couture, who survives her.  Char was a member of the Church of St. Boniface and it’s Christian Mothers & Altar Society.  Char was devoted to her family and faith.  She was an accomplished seamstress who was also known for her extraordinary baking skills.  Growing up on the family farm, attending high school was not an option, yet she worked complex crossword puzzles daily, and her math skills were legendary.  She was very proud of the GED she earned in the mid- seventies. 

Other surviving family members include her six children: Kathy (Dave) Pruden, Harold (Dona) Couture, Dennis (Deborah) Couture, Michael (Linnea) Couture, Michele Frank & David Mitchell, Yvonne (Tom) Wolff.  Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Emily (T.J.) Meier, Sarah Pruden, Eric (Amy) Davenport, Alexandra James, Jeremy & Christopher Moe, Danielle (Will) Ashton, Julie Ann (Jeremy) Moe, Amanda Wolff, Anthony (Lindsay) Wolff, seven great-grandchildren, one brother;  Ken (Doreen) Tacey and a brother-in-law:  Ron Hebert.  She was predeceased by six sisters and a brother:  Vivian Meyer, Margaret Doyen, Eveagene DeWyse, Nathalie Tacey Bernadine Walraven, Harold “Rusty” Tacey and Fran Hebert.

The family would especially like to thank Fran Blanchard and Sheri Young, co-owners of Shannon’s House and their compassionate staff for the love and care shown to mom during her time there.

Funeral Mass and committal service will take place Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. from the Church of St. Boniface.  Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate.  Friends may call at the Ambrose Funeral Home on Friday from 6-9 P.M. and at the church on Saturday after 10:00 A.M.  In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Dominican Sisters-Grand Rapids.

To those who knew her, no words are necessary.  To those who didn’t, no words will suffice.

www.ambrosefuneralchapel.com

Essexville, Michigan

     Mr. Conger passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at his residence, age 80.  He was born September 5, 1931 in Bay Port, Michigan to the late Ralph H. and Agnes C. (Cleaver) Conger.  He was a veteran and served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.   Harold worked for the Division on Aging and was a Special Deputy for the Bay County Sheriff Department.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.

     Surviving is seven children: Carol Conger, Judy Hacker, David (Linda) Conger, Jim (Michelle) Conger, Kathy (Bob) Snyder, Frank Conger and Kim Wardynski, thirteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, one brother, Ralph (Joann) Conger, one sister in-law, Phyllis Conger and his ex-wife, Rose Pommerville.  Harold was predeceased by one brother, Kenneth Conger and his first wife, Laverne (Glaza) Conger.

     The Funeral Service and Military Honors, under the auspices of the Bay County Veterans Council will be held Friday, February 17, 2012 at 4:00pm at Ambrose Funeral Home.  Fr. William J. Gruden will officiate.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00pm.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to “Family Wishes.”

Bay City, Michigan

Barb Pretzer passed away Friday evening February 10, 2012 surrounded by her friends at the McLaren Bay Region age 63 years.  Daughter of the late Edward J. & Helen A. (Kunigilis) Sinicki she was born September 10, 1948 in Bay City.  Barb was a member of St. Hyacinth Church.  She retired from General Motors and enjoyed watching baseball, NASCAR and football. 

Surviving is a sister in-law; Patricia Sinicki, several nieces, nephews, special friends and her cat;

Puss –N- Boots.   She was predeceased by a brother; Richard F. Sinicki and a sister; Dolores Sporman.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday February 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. from St. Hyacinth Church.  Fr. Edward J. Konieczka will officiate with burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Ambrose Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday after 9:00 a.m.  There will be a parish vigil service for Barb at 7:00 p.m. Thursday.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider family wishes.

Bay City, Michigan

     Our loving sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother went home to be with her savior and loved ones Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at McLaren Bay Region, age 87.  She was born September 14, 1924 in Bay City to the late William and Augustine (Dambrou) Lukowski.  Len married Marion “Kit” Grzegorczyk in St. Hyacinth Church on May 4, 1946; he predeceased her on February 2, 2002.  She was a member of St. Hyacinth Church and the League of Catholic Men & Women.  Len played softball many years ago for the Moose Lodge and was two time City Bowling Champion.  She was also a devoted Detroit Tiger, Detroit Piston and University of Michigan fan.

     Surviving is three children: Dennis J. Grzegorczyk, LuAnn (Chris) Holman and Mark T. Grzegorczyk, eight grandchildren: Denise Couture, Lori (Jared) Surrency, Daniel Dockweiler, Chris and Scott Grzegorczyk, Jamie Renee Gordon, Joshua James Brumwell and Brandon Martin, four great grandchildren: Elizabeth and Michael Anderson, Alex Couture and Leanora Gordon, one sister, Delores Buczek, ex-son in-law, James Dockweiler, several nieces and nephews.  Len was predeceased by her daughter, Diane M. Dockweiler.

     The Funeral Mass and Rite of Committal will be celebrated Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00am at St. Hyacinth Church.  Fr. Edward J. Konieczka will celebrate Mass and private interment will be in Floral Gardens Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Ambrose Funeral Home on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00pm and at church on Saturday after 9:00am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of donor’s choice or “Family Wishes.”

     “Her grace, humor and support will be sadly missed.”