Welcome West Branch High School Alumni Association West Branch, Michigan

CLASS OF 1948

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2012 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED-PAGE 1
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Reservations for Alumni Banquet 2021

Ruth Romancky Myers

***

Ralph H. Miller, Supt
Hollis Miner, Principal
Pauline DeLooze, Class President
Margaret Sowton, Class Sponsor
* * * * * *

classof1948pic.jpg

Frederick Arnold
Robert Awrey
Blaine Baker
Betty Bedtelyon Hammond
Charles Behrens
Elizabeth Bowen Chandler
Betty Candy Robinson
William Cohen
Daryl Conrad
Alfred Cosand
Irma Crawford Kuykendall
Orval Cummings
Mildred Dantzer Zettle
Pauline DeLooze Baker
Katherin Dotson
Florence Elmore Giessinger
Gorden Ferguson
Gerald Fitzgerald
Mary Goulder Tweedie
Frank Hacht
Jim Hall
Clarabell Hanes Cronk
Russell Jackson
Donald Kalberer
Joy Ann Kaus Jones
Marilyn Kolb Miller
Helen Lally Klee
Jack Loomis
Malcolm McCallum
Hallie McCord Cockerton
Dorothy Meiser Tate
Ralph Mervyn
Grace Migan Gascoyne
Richard Miller
Mary Bridget Monaghan
Joyce Morris Trout
Philip Mutch
Beverly Myas Shortt
Edward Nienaber
June Ostrander Schafer
James Pappas
Richard Parker
S. Frank Poling
Mary Ida Poling Jackson
Ruth Romancky
Frank Rosebrough
Augustoff Sanders
Robert Small
Rosemarie Steinhauser Pearsall
Patricia Sullivan Weiler
Marilyn Thomas Beach
Mavis VanSickle Rau
Daniel Vosburg
Nelson Walker
Thelma Whitchurch Tuck
Rick Zettel St.Joe

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Gordon Ferguson

Gordon K. Ferguson, age 91, of West Branch, Michigan, passed away on June 14, 2020. He was born May 30, 1929 in Ogemaw County to the late Owen & Leita (Bunker) Ferguson. Gordon drove truck for Short Freight Lines for many years, he loved being behind the wheel it didnt matter the destination. In his early years he enjoyed hunting, later he enjoyed feeding and watching the deer. Gordon is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter; Karen Ferguson, Sons; Cary Ferguson, Chris (Julie) Ferguson, daughters; Kathy (Dan) Beltz, Kim Cozad (special friend Andy), Step-children; Chris (Paul) Taber, Fred Manor (special friend Kim), Mike Manor, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law; Carol Milstead of Kentucky, and brother-in-law; Larry Mann of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his brothers and two sisters-in-laws; Wendell Ferguson, Bryce & Dorothy Ferguson, and Max & Alice Ferguson.
In accordance to Gordons wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday June 27, 2020 at 2 pm from the Churchill United Methodist Church with Pastor Brenda Klacking presiding. Arrangements entrusted to Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home- PINCONNING CHAPEL.


* * * *
Betty Jane Candy Robinson, age 89,class of 1948, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at The Horizon Senior Living in West Branch. She was born on January 26, 1930 in West Branch to Delbert and Estella (Towner) Candy. Betty lived in West Branch for her entire life. She graduated from West Branch High School in 1948 and attended County Normal in Standish in 1949 to receive her teaching certificate. Betty was a retired school teacher and taught at Pleasant Hill from 1949-1953, Miller Country School 1954-1955, Geroy Country School 1960-1961, Edwards Country School, 1961-1962, Rose City Elementary 1962-1967 and Surline Elementary 1967-1988. She attended Central Michigan University and received her bachelors in 1959 for teaching. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in West Branch, Eastern Star, Rebekahs and the Ogemaw Genealogical Society.

Betty is survived by her daughter Karen (George) Dickson of Boyne City; brother Bobby Dean Candy of Mexia, TX; step-grandchildren Marianne (Hugh Pasika) Dickson of Oregon and Elizabeth (Ben) Levine of South Carolina; step-great grandchildren Scarlett and Harrison; sister-in-law Linda Candy of South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Leon, brothers Delbert Jr., Bill, and Allen, and sister- in-law Barbara Candy.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in West Branch on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 12:30 p.m. Pastor Tim Dibble will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Compassus, Horizon Senior Living in West Branch, or First United Methodist Church.
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Thelma Jane Whitchurch Tuck,class of 1948, born August 13, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan to Thomas and Estella (Matteson) Whitchurch, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019.

Thelma married Lawrence David Tuck on May 31, 1952, in her parents home in Houghton Lake, Michigan, one year after having met at the roller-skating rink. Their love of roller-skating/roller-dancing touched the lives of many throughout the years. They taught numerous youth the art of roller-dancing on weekly trips back to Houghton Lake, followed by carloads of teens eager to learn.

Thelma's first job was at Michigan Bell as an operator,number please... Upon moving to Gaylord in 1958, Thelma and Larry owned and operated the Gaylord Producers Dairy and Dairy Bar and later went on to own and operate Lakeside Food Products. Thelma and Larry purchased their farm, Sturgeon Valley Ranch, in 1964 and raised 200+ registered Herefords and a few horses. Thelma also worked alongside Larry in their businesses, Gaylord Lawn Care and Maintenance and Gaylord Snow Plowing. In a venture uniquely her own, Thelma opened Material Things; a yarn and material shop in Gaylord, specializing in authentic Swiss materials for Alpenfest clothing. Thelma also managed and ran the ski clothing shops at Otsego Club and the Yodeler shop in Gaylord. Thelma is likely best known for her 10 years at Helens Hallmark. Thelma knew her customers and had a gift for knowing what her clientele wanted. She catered to their needs and established many long-term customers and friends throughout her years there. Thelma was a true female entrepreneur long before the phrase became popular.

Thelma's interests throughout her life included teaching downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, farming, belonging to a horse club (though she wasn't successful at riding them, she sure enjoyed the social aspect), traveling and was an avid bowler for many years. Thelma initiated the Gaylord Community Church Choir program which brought numerous church choirs together for a yearly concert. Thelma and Larry were fortunate to enjoy many years of camping and traveling with their children and Thelma also had the opportunity to travel abroad with family and friends after Larry's death.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Larry Tuck; brother-in-law, Donald Tuck; sister-in-law, Mildred Frantz, and nephew, Timothy Tuck of Traverse City.

Thelma is survived by her sister, Maryanne (Whitchurch) Tuck of Houghton Lake; children, David (Linda) Tuck of Houghton Lake, Tom (Gale) Tuck of Elmira, and Linda (John) Gall of Gaylord, nephews Craig Tuck, Chris Tuck, Ken Frantz, nieces Kerrie and Julie (Frantz)...

Thelma was blessed with the love of 9 grandchildren, Amy (Mark) Dreffs, Jason Tuck, Dawn (Dustin) Williams, Logan Tuck, Dani, Kara, and Bryce Holland, Rachel (Todd) Ferrell, Lauren (Ryan) Kukulka; 8 great-grandchildren, Hayden Dreffs, Corey York. Alyssa and Paige Williams, Livia Pearson, Ella, and Owen Ferrell, and Brayden Kukulka.

A Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church, 215 S. Center Ave, in Gaylord. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service being held at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Hiland Cottage Hospice House, 1 Hiland Dr., Petoskey, MI 49770, or through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734, in Thelma's memory.

The family is asking friends and family to write any memories they may have of Thelma and Larry and send them to Linda Gall at 2750 Wilkinson Rd Gaylord 49735. These stories will be compiled into a memory book for the family as a keepsake.
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Francis F. “Frank” Hacht, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the Horizon Senior Living in St. Helen. He was born on July 17, 1928 in West Branch to Jack and Nellie (Purtell) Hacht. Frank served in the Army during the Korean War and played football in the army. He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council. Frank was a high school teacher of skilled trades at Ogemaw Heights High School and retired after 30 years of teaching. He enjoyed reading, playing cards, volunteering for his church and community and was an avid U of M fan. 

Frank is survived by his sons, Charles (Jennifer) Hacht of Caledonia and John Hacht of West Branch; daughter, Anne Marie Sumner of Ferndale; grandchildren, Morgan, Brogan and Addison; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Bernadine in 2017 and siblings, Mary, Florence, Frances, Katherine, James, Chuck and Tom. 

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m., Vigil at 6:30 p.m. and Veteran Service at 6:45 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Monday, February 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate. 

Memorial Contributions can be made to Hospice Compassus for all of their love and care for Frank. 

Online condolences can be shared at 
www.steuernolmclaren.com

To send flowers to the family of Francis "Frank" F. Hacht, please visit Tribute Store


Hallie Beatrice McCord, 88, left this life Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

Hallie was born March 30, 1930, to Grover McCord and Hallie Curry. Hallie was the sister of Marian, Edna, Wayne, Grover and Don. After high school graduation in 1948, Hallie left for the big city of Flint. She shared an apartment with her best friend Grace Voorhees, worked at the A.C. Spark Plug factory, became a dental hygienist and married Clinton LeRoy Cockerton. Her first child, Michael Lee, was born in 1952, and her second child, Leora Fae, was born in 1955.

Hallie was awarded a degree in education from the University of Michigan — Flint in fall 1968. Hallie began her remarkable education career with a teaching position at the Reid Road Elementary School, part of the Grand Blanc Unified School District, in 1969. Hallie would teach and contribute to education the rest of her life. Hallie contributed as a classroom teacher, principal and curriculum director in Alaska, Arizona, Palau, New Mexico and Michigan.

Hallie loved to travel and would bring family and friends with her on worldwide adventures. Some of her favorite trips were to China, Peru, Tonga, Cambodia, Spain, Ireland, Egypt, Tanzania and the Czech Republic. Hallie had several favorite charities she frequently supported including the Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, the Sierra Club and the World Wildlife Fund.

A memorial will be held Aug. 4, 2018, beginning at 2 p.m., located at the Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff, Ariz.
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Alfred Bruce Cosand, 88, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at The Villa at Rose City.



He had lived in Lupton since 2011, formerly of Eastpointe/East Detroit. Alfred was born April 13, 1929, in Lupton to Albert and Hattie (Small) Cosand. He was a graduate of West Branch High School in 1948. Alfred served in the Navy from 1949-1953 on the USS Salem for four years during the Korean War. He worked for Consumers Energy for 42 years and eight months. He was a member of the Lupton Friends Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6782 in Eastpointe. Alfred enjoyed fishing, watching his birds at the birdfeeder and hunting. Deer season was the biggest event of the year. He took rides on the backroads to see wildlife and stop by the Rifle River Recreation Area. Alfred was a Detroit Tigers fan and loved reading. He would eat lunch at Sunrise Café and dinner at Ponderosa daily and he considered them part of his family.



Alfred is survived by his son, John (Donna) Cosand of Camden; cousins, Dan Korman of Lupton, Dave Korman of Lansing, Bob Small of California and Jean Small of California; nieces and nephews, Sally Lewis of Leesburg, Fla., Lyle Selman of Harrisville, Lesley Selman of Bradington, Fla., Nancy Selman of Weirsdale, Fla., Millie Selman of Winter Haven, Fla., Margaret LaCusta of Sarasota, Fla., Sharon Bell of Lupton, Janis Card of Shepard, Debbie Krysmalski of Cummings, Ga., and Donna Cosand of Cummings, Ga.



He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen “Jackie” Cosand; parents, Albert and Hattie Cosand; sisters, Lela Selman, Gertrude Kalmback and Eva Belle Cosand; and brothers, Lester, Everett, Arthur, Earl and Ralph.



Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in Rose City will begin Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, from 4-9 p.m. The funeral service will be at the funeral home Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Pastor Mel Killinger will officiate. Burial will follow at Lane Heights Cemetery.



Memorial Contributions can be made to Lupton Friends Church. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com.

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CHUCK BEHRENS
Note from Sally Behrens
Chuck's Sister

Chuck passed away in California.  He passed away on June 9, on our father's 112 birthday.  He was 85 years old. Of course you know that since your sis (Thelma Whitchurch Tuck) were born the same day in the same hospital.


 He had an aneurism (spelling ?) rupture.  They took him to surgery and gave him a 15% chance of making it through.  He died on the table.  He chose to do the surgery.  He and Shirley told one another goodbye and that they loved one another before he went in to surgery.  He was cremated and will have a memorial service in California on July 30.  


They lived in Sun City, Arizona.  Since it is so hot there in the summer he and Shirley spent the summers with their daughter Kristie in California.  They had just gone there for the summer two weeks before he passed away so at least Shirley was not alone with him when it happened.

***********

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Joyce L. Trout, age 85, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City, MI. She had lived in West Branch for her entire life. Joyce was born to Walter and Nellie (Newberry) Morris on December 19, 1929 in West Branch. Joyce was a homemaker and farmer, and she enjoyed raising beef cattle and hunting.

Joyce is survived by her children, Diane (Ken) Turland of Mt. Morris, Walt (Connie) Trout, Bob (Cindy) Trout, Donna (Larry) Hastings and Keith (Jenny) Trout
all of West Branch, grandchildren, Brad (DeEtta) Turland, Lynette Turland, Rick (Raychelle) Trout, Tricia (Eric) Reed, Craig (Trisha) Trout, Kurt Trout (Brandy Warren), Christi (Tom) Neubecker, Sarah (Dale) DeMatio, Mark (Melissa) Trout and Kim Trout (Jake Houchen); and great-grandchildren, Stephenie, Amanda, Kaylynn, Cole, Courtney, Alec, Lane, Ty, Hunter, Austin, Alivia, and Karter. She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell E. Trout in 2012, and sister, Daisie Roe. 

Deceased

Ralph Mervyn
**************

Orville "Joe" Cummings
8-15-30 ---- 12-23-2013
Orval "Joe" Cummings, graduated from West Branch High School, West Branch, Michigan in 1948....He passed away December 23, 2013 in Dickson,TN. at the age of 83. Joe was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired from Lockheed Martin. He lived in both Douglas and Elbert Counties.

Married to Martha who preceded him in death, Joe is survived by his three children, Joe and wife Melissa of Parker, Cindy Biays of CastleRock, and Richard and Elida of Dickson, TN. He also had 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. He gave us all more than we could ever give back
*********

********


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Beverly Ann Myas Shortt
(July 22, 1930 - October 23, 2013)


Beverly Ann Shortt

Beverly Ann Myas Shortt, age 83, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2013 in West Branch. Beverly lived in West Branch for most of her life. She was born to James J. Myas and Mary (Richardson) Myas on July 22, 1930 in West Branch, MI.

Beverly was involved in many organizations during her lifetime. She helped start the West Branch Airport and was the secretary of the Airport Board. She was a board member for Senior HUD Housing Development. Beverly was a teacher for Montrose and West Branch Schools where she taught Math, and was a member of the WBRC School Board. She also helped start Peter Pan Preschool in West Branch. Beverly was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church where she helped start the Trinity Memorial Garden, and volunteered her services at Tolfree Memorial Hospital, WBRMC, Heartland Hospice, and Ogemaw Humane Society. Beverly was an office manager for her husband, Lee A. Shortt DDS in West Branch.

Beverly is survived by her children, daughter, Mary Shortt of West Branch, and son, Bill (Therese) Shortt of Green Oak Twp., MI, grandchildren, Derek, Christian and Madeline Shortt of Green Oak Twp., MI and many cousins and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband Lee A. Shortt DDS and parents James and Mary Myas.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Ogemaw Humane Society or Hospice Advantage.

Augustoff "Gus" T. Sanders
(November 23, 1930 - January 20, 2013)  

Augustoff

Augustoff T. “Gus” Sanders, age 83 of Alger, graduate of West Branch High School with the class of 1948.. passed away at his home on Sunday, January 20, 2013. Gus had lived in Alger for all of his life. He was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and being outdoors working in his garden.

Gus is survived by his wife Mary Sanders of Alger, daughters; Diane and Linda, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his special nephew Paul Walerych of Pontiac. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Olga Sanders, his brothers, George, Bob, Fred and Emil Sanders and his sisters, Millie Pettit, Matilda Meier, Hilda Miller, Dottie Reece, Evelyn Walerych, Helen Hanes and Lydia Martin.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Chaplin Randy Brokaw will officiate. Burial will take place at Edwards Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice Advantage

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Russell Trout
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Russell E. Trout, age 87 of West Branch, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012 at his home. Russell had been a resident of West Branch for all of his life. He was employed by Taylor Door as an electrician for 42 years and was a beef cattle farmer. Russell enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed entering his steers in the Ogemaw County Fair and helping with 4-H.

Russell is survived by his wife Joyce Trout of West Branch, children Diane (Ken) Turland of Mt. Morris, Walt (Connie) Trout, Bob (Cindy) Trout, Donna (Larry) Hastings and Keith (Jenny) Trout all of West Branch, grandchildren, Brad (DeEtta) Turland, Lynette Turland, Rick (Raychelle) Trout, Tricia (Eric) Reed, Craig (Trisha) Trout, Kurt Trout (Brandy Warren), Christi (Tom) Neubecker, Sarah (Dale) DeMatio, Mark Trout (Melissa Wangler) and Kim Trout (Jake Houchen) and great-grandchildren, Kaylynn, Cole, Courtney, Alec, Lane, Ty, Hunter and Austin. Also surviving are his sisters, Irene Zettle of West Branch and Gen Seifort of Flint and his brother George Trout of West Branch.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 1-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery, West Branch.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.

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A Personal Message from June Ostrander Schafer

Class of 1948

Father O’Tool officiated at our marriage at St. Joseph in West Branch.

I attended elementary schools at

Campbell Corners, Rifle River School..and Churchill.

In 1949, I attended Licensed Practical Nursing College at North Central School of Practical Nursing in Traverse City, Mi., which is affiliated with Little Traverse and Burns Clinic in Petoskey

returning to West Branch to work at Tolfree Hospital in 1951.

I became employed at Bay City to work at Bay City General, living at the Y.

Traveling to Mt.Pleasant, I worked at the State Home until

I decided to be a “stay at home” Mom raising my daughters.

At my home, I sold Sarah Coventry Jewelry and later, Avon, receiving a winner’s statue for making the President’s Club.

****

June Ostrander Schafer
juneostranderobit.jpg

Thelma Whitchurch Tuck and Chuck Behrens
thelmaandchuckbehrens.jpg
Nine years old ( Behren's store at Wildwood).)

 


 


 


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DECEASED CLASSMATES

Charles Behrens
(June 9, 2016)



 Rick Zettel
(St. Joe)
(10/6/14)


Orval Cummings


(December 23, 2013)


 


Beverly Ann Myas Shortt


(10/23,2013)


Kathryn Dotson


(March 22, 2013)


 


June Ostrander Shafer


(August 10, 2010)


 


Malcolm "Mac" McCallum


 (January 20,2010)


 


Mavis VanSickle Rau


 (June 7, 2008)


 


Russell Jackson


(May 28,2008)


 


Erma Crawford Kuykendall


(January 19. 2008)


 


Nelson "Skip" Walker


(December 24, 2006)


 


Fred Arnold


 (1983)


 


Robert Awrey


 


Blaine Baker


(1994)


 


Pauline DeLooze Baker


 (1995)


 


Betty Bedtelyon Hammone


(1996)


 


Elizabeth Bowen Chandler


 (April 2000)


 


Mildred Dantzer Zettle


 (1996)


 


 


Jim Hall


 (1996)


 


Jack Loomis


 


Grace Migan Gascoyne


 (1989)


 


James Pappas


 (12/24/2005)


 


Stacey Frank Poling Jr.


 (6/8/2005)


 


Marilyn Thomas Beach


(July 2004)


 


Dan Vosburg


(2001)


 


Daryl Conrad


 (September 10,2006)


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Donna Jo Greene Evans, age 80 of West Branch, passed away Thursday, September 30, 2010 at West Branch Regional Medical Center. Donna had lived in West Branch for all of her life. She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in both West Branch and Alger and was a past member of the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Joseph. She was a volunteer for the West Branch Public Library and worked at Tolfree Memorial Hospital as a ward clerk.

Donna is survived by her children, Brian Evans (Rosie Bernard) of Rose City and Karen (Gary) Campbell of Alger, grandchildren, Brian J. “B.J.” Evans (Brenda Conner), Brianna (Ryan) Demand, Kori (Paul) Klustaitis Ph.D and Ryan Osborne (Katrina Weishuhn), great-grandchildren Brooke Evans, Bethany Evans and Kiley Osborne. Also surviving are her brothers Joseph (Linda) Greene and William (Mary Jo) Greene and her sisters, Yvonne Storby and Margaret (John) McCoy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emery in 2006, her daughter Kay Evans and her son Bradley Evans.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 3-9 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch. Fr. Patrick Maher and Fr. Richard Seifferly will officiate with burial following at St. Joseph Cemetery

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Diane Demay Hofmann

 
Diane Marie Hofmann, age 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Diane was born in Detroit to Irene Gray-Dematio Demay and Sylvester “Rudy” Dematio Demay. The family moved to West Branch in 1942.

Diane was the Valdictorian of her class of 1948 and the same year was crowned Ogemaw County “Snow Queen” and the “Queen of Michigan”, crowned by the Govenor G. Mennen Williams.

Diane married Lawrence N. Hofmann, who was a Michigan State Trooper in 1950.

Diane’s home and gardens were her passion and she created, with her husband, a gracious welcoming atmosphere which was voted most popular in the West Branch “Parade of Homes.” Their home was always filled with family and friends.

Diane is survived by Larry, her loving husband of 59 years; four children, Carol, Lauren, Linda and Eric; sons-in-law, Mehrdad and Gary, three grandchildren, Sarah, Jarred and Austin; her brother, Pat Demay and family; Larry’s brother Dick Hofmann and family; and many wonderful loving friends

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"Bud" Neinaber...
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* * * * * *

Mavis attended this year's Alumni Banquet, May 24th..just two weeks before her passing.. Although it was difficult for her to get around and speaking was hard for her, she wanted to be with her classmates. Her son, Bill, attended with her...

Mavis VanSickle Rau, Class of 1948
mavisvansicklerauobit.jpg

* * * * * * * * * *

A memorial service is planned for Erma I. Crawford Kuykendall, 76, who passed away January 19, 2008, in Clarkston, Washington, following a brief illness.
The service will take place at noon Saturday, June 28, at the home of Don and Carla (Kuykendall) Fritz, 1156 W.Sage Lake Road, West Branch, 989-685-2650. A luncheon will be served.

* * * * * * * * * *

Russ and Joyce Morris Trout...
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WB COUNCILMAN RUSSELL JACKSON DIES..By Eric Young..News Editor
Less than a month after Russell Jackson resigned from the West Branch City Council for health reasons, the former city councilman has died.
Jackson, 77, died at his home last Wednesday. He ws reportedly battling stomach cancer.
"He did a lot for the community," said City Clerk Jane Tennant. "He'll be greatly missed."
Tennant said Jackson was very dedicated to the residents of West Branch.
"He was very caring and conscientious when it cme to making decisions on the council," she said. "He was an all-around good guy."
Jackson resigned through a letter to the council during the May 5 meeting, citing health problems.
"My health has taken a turn for the worse and I am not able to fulfill my functions," Jackson wrote.
"Russ did a lot of good things for us here," said Mayor Todd Thompson during the city's June 2 meeting. "He did some good things when he came back to town. He was very interested in the city and he was concerned."
"He came to meetings he probably shouldn't have, because of his health, but he never missed a meeting", Thompson continued. "We're going to miss Russ; this whole town's going to miss him."
Tennant told the Herald that the city is in the process of preparing a plaque that will be presented to Jackson's family at a later date.
Councilman Paul Frechette suggested the possibility of having a Russ Jackson Day when it comes time to present the plaque, which the council agreed to consider at that time.
Jackson had served on the city council since being appointed in October 1996 to replace former councilmember Timothy Smith, who resigned after taking a job out of state. Jackson had also served on the airport board since March 1999. He served on the planning commission two separate times, from 1996 through 1998 and from 2001 to present.
* * * * *
Russell's funeral was held May 31 at the Steuernol Funeral Home in West Branch. Burial was in Brookside Cemetery.
(Russ served as Treasurer for the WBHS Alumni Association from 1998-2001)

Thelma Whitchurch Tuck and Bob Small Class of 1948
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October 2007 - Carson City, Nevada

Chuck Behrens and Thelma Whitchurch Tuck
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Fall of 2007

Betty Candy, Erma Crawford, Mary Goulder
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Senior Trip...Class of 1948

Dear Classmates:

 

The following poem written in free verse by Michigan poet, Edgar Guest, is the one I  read after giving the Class Roll at our 1948 Graduation Exercise:

 

 

    This much I know:

          This little gift of years

     Which men call life

                  On me has been bestowed.

        I have been set upon

      the open  road

                  To journey through

                The sunshine and the tears,

    To fashion something

       Out of hopes and fears,

            And doubts and little facts,

 A form or mode

 Which neither shame

            Nor weakness can corrode

   And wait for judgment

                     When the end appears

 

I did not ask to come

       Nor do I know

    How long my pilgrimage

Nor whence nor why

        But still I feel all this

          Will clearly show

                   Some time, somewhere

           Beneath a fairer sky.

   And then  I hope

             I shall not blush to see

   The finished thing

            I shall have made

of me.

 

 

I share this with you now as we continue on our “pilgrimages” or life journeys and can be thankful  we have all come this far.  I regret that I can not be with you in person but I am with you  in spirit and send my best wishes to you all.

 

Your old classmate,

 

“Biddy” Monaghan