Merkle Funeral Service Life Stories

January 26, 1921 – March 6, 2010

Virginia Grady age 89 of Monroe passed away at 11:45pm, Saturday, March 6, 2010 at The Lutheran Home in Monroe.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until services at 11:00am Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church, 186 Cole Road. Reverend Ross Ulrich and Reverend Gary Tryggestad pastors of the church will co-officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for interment.

Born January 26, 1921 in Monroe, Michigan she was the daughter of Edward and Anna (Bunge) Heitger. She married Harold Hochradel on October 14, 1939. He passed away on April 14, 1970. She then married Donald Grady on December 31, 1970. Donald passed away on May 11, 1985.

Virginia attended Zion Lutheran Elementary School, and was a 1939 graduate of Monroe High School. She continued her studies many years later and graduated from the Northwest Ohio Practical Nursing School in 1963.

She was employed at Monroe Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and then worked twenty-one years for The Lutheran Home before retiring in 1999. She was a former member of the Mercy Memorial Guild and the Altar Guild at Zion Lutheran Church where she regularly attended Bible study and worship. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and working in her yard. She also completed many needle work projects over the years.

She leaves to forever cherish her memory three daughters: Bonnie McColl of Monroe, Janice (Greg) Thurner of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Pam (Steve) Aldridge of Monroe; two step-daughters: Jaci Grady of Monroe and Kathy Heisner of Central Lake, Michigan; seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a son: Theodore “Ted” Hochradel on October 6, 2007; and a brother: Lester Heitger.

Memorial donations in Virginia’s honor are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Home, or Heartland Hospice and Homecare.

Virginia had written: “I’ll not leave much worldly possessions behind, but in my lifetime I haven’t found that to be the most important. But hope that I have instilled in you the Christian’s way of life.”

Virginia’s family wishes to thank Heartland Hospice and Homecare and specifically their staff: Japhia, nurse; Karen, aide; and Karen, social worker for their compassion and care for their mother during this difficult time.

October 5, 1918 – March 4, 2010

Theresa Zurawski was born in Toledo, Ohio on the fifth day of October in 1918. Theresa was one of eleven children born to the union of the late Joseph Zurawski and the late Mary (Boza) Zurawski.

As a young woman prior to her marriage, Theresa performed several different tasks including factory work building automotive door panels, but she would meet the love of her life Norman Brand, and they were joined in marriage on September 28, 1940.

Theresa appreciated the opportunity to be a homemaker and took her responsibilities seriously. The hard work paid off because her children stated that she was an excellent mother and wife.

Following Norman’s retirement Theresa and Norman moved several times and they spent more than twenty years as residents of Sarasota and Port Ritchie, Florida. Together they would share in the birth of three children and celebrate more than sixty-nine years of marriage prior to Normans passing on January 21, 2009.

Theresa Brand age 91 of Monroe passed away at 3:50pm, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to her parents and husband Norman, her passing was preceded by a beloved son: Thomas Brand who died in Vietnam; and nine brothers and sisters.

Theresa’s memory will forever be cherished by her daughter: Bonita (Jerry) Wheeler of Monroe; a son: Brian Brand of Allen Park; a sister: Esther Gitschlag of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

Friends may gather from 10:00am until a Celebration of her Life at 11:00am, Monday, March 8, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Father William Fisher pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Monroe will officiate. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park, in Huron Township for her entombment.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to any Vietnam Veterans organization or to the Humans Society of Monroe County.

September 6, 1923 – March 2, 2010

Thomas George Hefferon was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 6, 1923. Thomas was one of two sons born from the union of the late Joseph Hefferon and the late Louise (Boucher) Hefferon. Thomas graduated from the United States Naval Academy earning a degree in electrical engineering, and he served honorably during World War II as an Ensign with the United States Navy.

Thomas married his true love the former Shirley Ann Unger on May 6, 1950 in Detroit. Together they would share in more than 59 years of marriage before her passing on January 9, 2009. Thomas worked as an Electrical Engineer for the Ford Motor Company for more than thirty-two years. He retired in 1983, and they moved to Florida. In 1999 they moved to Noblesville, Indiana where he lived until the fall of 2009.

He was a member of St. Colette Catholic Church in Livonia, a past member of their Men’s Club, and served on the Building Committee. Thomas was an avid bowler and following his retirement he took up golf.

Thomas George Hefferon age 86 of Monroe passed away at 4:17am, Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Clare Bridge of Monroe. He had been under the care of Heartland Hospice and Homecare. In addition to his parents, and his wife: Shirley his passing was preceded by a brother: Robert Hefferon.

He leaves to cherish his memory a son: Michael (Terri) Hefferon of St. Louis, Missouri; two daughters: Christine (Larry) Person of Carleton, Michigan and Terry (Allen) Smith of Newport, Michigan; four grandchildren: Kelly (Jason) Capps, Brad Hefferon ,Sara Smith and Tracy Smith.

Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Members of the Monroe VFW Post 1138 will perform military honors at 6:00pm. Sister Dorothy Krupp of St. Michael the Archangel Parish will lead a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00pm. Thomas and SHIRELY will be interred together at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers for those who desire to make memorials in Thomas’ name; Alzheimer’s organizations are suggested.(www.alz.org)

THE FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STAFF AT CLARE BRIDGE OF MONROE AND HEARTLAND HOSPICE AND HOMECARE FOR THEIR CARING, COMPASSION AND CONTINUAL DEVOTION IN RESPECTING TOM’S DIGNITY OF LIFE.

February 9th, 1923 – February 20th, 2010

On February 20th, Donald F. Grosteffon, passed away in his home at the age of 87 after a long battle with cancer. Don the son, of Sherman and Vera Grosteffon was born February 9, 1923, in Monroe, Michigan, and was a 1942 graduate of Monroe High School. He has worked in Finance, retiring from General Motors in 1985. He married Barbara L. Bammel Paxson, November 21, 1959, at the First Presbyterian church, raising their four children in South Monroe Townsite. Don was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grand father. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

He was a longtime member of the Monroe, First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon , while also heading many church committees, including the most remembered annual Easter morning church breakfasts. Don was an avid bowler, secretary and treasurer of the Fellowcraft Bowling league, and also was a Life Member of Monroe Lodge 27, Free Accepted Masons. Enjoying their winter home in Florida for many years, Don held all offices including president for 8 years at the Alcove Mobile Home Association in Clearwater Florida. He was a former President and Coach for the Custer Baseball Association, establishing great rapport with Monroe youth and parents. Don will be most remembered for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, talking and laughing with anyone who crossed paths with him. The grandchildren always enjoyed his tractor rides, pulling them around the yard in a wagon he built for the children while cutting his yard. He always enjoyed working around the house, fixing, repairing, painting and building. He especially loved caring for his yard as well as giving a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and family.

Survivors: His loving wife of 50 years Barbara Louise Grosteffon, Daughter, Jan (Bammel) Harris, Sons, Ronald V. Bammel and his wife Cindy, David G. Grosteffon and his wife, Gerry, and Donald F. Grosteffon II, and his wife Sherry. Grandchildren, Aaron Tipton of Monroe, MI, Beth Harris of Sylvania, Ohio, Brandon Bammel of Lewisville, TX, Brad Bammel and Derek Bammel of Southlake, TX., Mackenzie and Campbell Grosteffon of Cascade Colorado. Rashelle Chavez of Idaho and Justin Ostermiller of Wisconsin. Great-grandchildren; Austen, Madison, Leopold, Suzanna and Emma. Brother Dale Grosteffon, and Sister, Donna Knight.

A service will be held on February 25th, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Roselawn Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials can be made to Alzheimer’s disease Research at www.ahaf.org , honoring his loving wife, Barbara. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support, compassion, and assistance for Barb and Don. They have been fortunate to have so many friends and family who care for their welfare.

March 31, 1944 – February 19, 2010

Albert Charles Cordts was born in Monroe, Michigan on the 31st day of March in 1944. Albert was the son of the late Amil Cordts and the late Marie (Heisler) Cordts. At a young age he was adopted and then raised by Floyd and Margaret Fix.

Al was currently an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #113, and he was a past member of the Dundee Township Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and watching television. Al enjoyed the company of others. When he was younger he had been an avid hunting.

Al had been employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years. He had worked for Irvin O Weiss Excavating and Lewis Roe Excavating of Petersburg. Recently, he had been employed in security for Nationwide Security.

Albert “Al” Charles Cordts age 65 of Newport passed away at 8:00pm, Friday, February 19, 2010 in the Intensive Care Unit of Mercy Memorial Hospital. He had been in poor health for the past year.

He is survived by four children: Cindy Cordts of Monroe, Michael (Rhonda) Cordts of Goldsboro, NC, Teresa Cordts of Dundee, and Marie Cordts of Dundee; one sister: Marge Morris of Monroe; four brothers: Frank (Mindy) Cordts of Morenci, Ed (Carolyn) Clock of Ida, Amil Cordts of Adrian, and Louis Cordts of Milan; a brother-in-law: Harry Leroy Polley of Monroe; and seven grandchildren: Jacob Hurley, Ashlee Perez, Curtis and Laureen Cordts, Devin Cordts. Aaron Evans, and Chance Balcom. He is also survived by an extended family including: Beaulah Morrison of Newport, Linda Cosby of Flat Rock, Rosemary Cosby of Flat Rock, Vickie Lowrey of Monroe, and Christina Lowrey of Monroe.

Friends may gather from 3:30pm until a Celebration of His Life at 4:00pm, Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Fraternal Order Police Hall, 1051 Strasburg Road, Monroe, Michigan 48161. Brian S. Merkle from Merkle Funeral Service will officiate. Following the service friends are invited to stay at the hall for refreshments in Al’s honor. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements.

Memorial donations to assist the family are suggested; donations should be made to Cindy Cordts.

August 12, 1950 – February 19, 2010

Gary Lee Bomia was born in Monroe, Michigan on August 12, 1950. He was one of six children born from the union of the late Merlin Bomia and the late Hazle (Butler) Bomia.   He enlisted in the United States Army on February 5, 1969.   He served honorably as a Private and was discharged on February 8, 1972.

For many years Gary lived in Pennsylvania before finally settling in Monroe. He met his soul mate the former Tina Valerio and they were married on July 26, 1986 in LaSalle, Michigan. After retirement Gary had plans to return to Pennsylvania. He was employed as a Union Laborer with Local 499 working for the past seven years at R.L. Coolsaet.

Gary enjoyed visiting flea markets and garage sales every chance he had. His favorite partner in these endeavors was his buddy and father-in-law: Donald Valerio. Gary had a passion for old marbles and stamps. More than anything Gary loved his family.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard worker and never complained. Gary believed in the value of leading others by his example. He was a “Die Hard and Devoted” Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Gary Lee Bomia age 59 of Monroe passed away at 8:13pm, Friday, February 19, 2010 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center Heart and Vascular Center in Toledo, Ohio. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by three brothers: Robert Bomia, Terry Bomia, and Cletus “Eugene” Bomia.

He leaves to cherish his memory a wife: Tina of Monroe; three children: Angela Bomia of Pennsylvania, Eric Bomia of Monroe, and Andrea (James Jr.) Anteau of Monroe; one brother: Kerby Bomia of West Branch, Michigan; one sister: Linda Mexico of Monroe; three granddaughters: Sierra Bomia, Starr Anteau, and Skyla Tickle; his first grandson on the way; his beloved dog: Kaiser; and two very special friends: Jess Litteck and Frank DuVall.

Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan. Friends may gather from 5:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 7:00pm, Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.

For those who desire to make memorial donations the Bomia family is suggested.

April 2, 1923 – February 16, 2010

Daniel Richard Myers was born in Adrian, Michigan on April 2, 1923. He was one of five children born from the union of the late William Edward Myers and the late Abbie Ann (Chauvin) Myers. Daniel served his country honorably during World War II as a member of the United States Army from January 27, 1943 until his discharge on December 24, 1945.

He married the love of his life Henrietta Cousino on September 5, 1946 at St. Joseph Parish in Erie, Michigan. They would share more than fifty-eight years of marriage before Henrietta passed away on October 12, 2004

Daniel enjoyed the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, and was an avid sports fan enjoying the likes of football and college basketball, and watching the Olympics among others. He was a member of St. Joseph Church and also of Erie VFW Post 3925. He was a family man and enjoyed the time he spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

For more than thirty-eight years Daniel was employed as a machine operator for Oracle Packaging of Toledo. He retired in 1987.

Daniel Richard Myers age 86 of Erie passed away at 1:55am, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Fountainview of Monroe where he had been the past three weeks. In addition to his parents and wife his passing was preceded by a brother: Ward Myers, and two sisters: Viola Linsner and Margaret Stevenson.

His memory will forever be cherished by his six children: Charlotte (Rupard) Isham of Romulus, Richard Myers of Virginia, Margaret (Mark) Grancitelli of Monroe, Jeffrey (Kathy) Myers of Monroe, Donna (Don) Laboe of North Carolina, and Danette Myers of Erie; thirteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and a sister: Catherine Rowan of Brighton.

Friends may gather on Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and on Friday, February 19, 2010 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Bennett-Erie, 9156 Summit Street (734) 848-5185. He will lie in state from 9:30am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am, Saturday, February 20, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2238 Manhattan Street. Father Fred Kalaj pastor of the church will officiate. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Erie for burial where graveside services will be under the auspices of Erie VFW Post 3925.

Memorial donations in Daniel’s name may be made to St. Joseph School in Erie.

October 28, 1938 – February 18, 2010

James Alan Cousino was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 28, 1938, one of twins born to the late Isaiah J. and Thelma (Baird) Cousino. Jim attended Catholic Central High School, graduating in 1956. He attended the University of Dayton for two years before completing Michigan State University’s Agriculture Short Course, where he received the Outstanding Leadership Award in 1960. He married Prudence Cousino on February 4, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie, Michigan.

Jim began his lifelong farming career by working with I.J. and B.L. Cousino Hay and Straw; in 1968 he became the president of Erie Farms, Inc. Jim retired from this position in 2001, and then began working for C. Reau Farms in Erie.

Like his mother, Jim was extremely patriotic, with a passion for both American history and the American flag. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the LaSalle Fire Department for eight years and for the Erie Fire Department for ten years. He was a member of the Erie Township Planning Commission and most recently served with the CDBG Program in Erie. He was a charter member of the Erie Liar’s Club, which meets daily at the Erie Restaurant. Jim was a man of few words, but taught others the value of hard work and led by example.

James A. Cousino passed away Thursday, February 18, 2010 at age 71. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves his wife, Prudy; four daughters: Sister Colleen Marie Cousino, SND of Toledo, Christy Cousino of Bozeman, MT, Annette (Chris) Hirschfeld of Indianapolis, IN, and Renee Cousino-Feil (Bill Feil) of Phoenix, AZ; Chris Cousino of LaSalle, a nephew whom he helped raise; four grandchildren: Douglas and Thomas Hirschfeld and Eric and Nicole Feil; and his twin sister, Janet Kronk of Morris Plains, NJ.

Friends may gather Sunday, February 21and Monday, February 22 from 3:00 pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Bennett-Erie, 9156 Summit Street (734) 848-5185. On Tuesday, February 23 he will lie in state at St. Joseph Church, Erie, from 10:30 am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:30am, followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial suggestions include Masses for the deceased, donations to St. Joseph School, or donations to the Sisters of Notre Dame.

February 12, 1955 – February 15, 2010

Deborah Teressa Miller was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 12, 1955. Deborah was the daughter of the late Patrick Phelan and the late Jean (Woscek) Phelan.

Deborah married Clyde Edward Miller and from their union came two children. She was employed as a secretary for the Bucks Oil Company for more than seventeen years until taking a medical retirement.

Debbie as she was known by her family and friends had a passion for life. She enjoyed the company of others, and especially loved her children. Debbie was active with the Taylor N.W. Little League. She had many hobbies. She loved to play bingo, she enjoyed curling up and reading a great book, playing cards, and her computer.

Deborah Teressa Miller age 55, passed away at her daughter’s home at 7:30 pm on Monday, February 15, 2010. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband Clyde in 1995.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son: significant other: Dale Whitaker of Newport, a son: Bryan Edward Miller and his fiancé Lizzy Jones of Pennsylvania, a daughter: Nicole Renee Miller and her life partner Jamie Leigh Stewart, a sister: Patricia Cicenia and her husband Jerry, and 2 beautiful grandchildren, Kayleigh Renee Stewart and Michael Aaron Rothman..

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 7:00pm, Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 7:00pm Saturday with the Rev. Heath Hunter, Associate Pastor of the North Monroe Street Church of God officiating. Cremation will follow through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan.

Memorial donations in Debbie’s honor are suggested to the family.

March 20, 1943 – February 14, 2010

Janet Evelyn Hutchison was born in LaSalle, Michigan on March 20, 1943. Janet was one of fourteen children born from the union of the late Emerson Dewitt Hutchison and the late Loretta Henrietta (Layman) Hutchison. Janet attended Erie Mason Schools and graduated with the class of 1961.

On January 27, 1962 Janet would marry her true love Larry Francis DuVall at St. Mary’s Parish. Following their nuptials, Janet became a homemaker. The responsibility of raising a family was extremely important to Janet. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, and many of her quilts were given as gifts. Her apple pie was one of the family’s favorite treats, but she was probably best known for her meticulous cleaning. Janet adored her grandchildren and loved the time spent with each of them.

After Larry’s retirement from Premier Industries in 1997 they moved to Crystal Falls, Michigan.

Janet Evelyn DuVall age 66 of Crystal Falls formerly of Monroe passed away at her daughters home on Sunday, February 14, 2010. The family had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a daughter: Jennifer DuVall in February of 1969; sisters: Phyllis Cole and MaraVene Hutchison; brother: Edward Hutchison; and brothers-in-law: Harley Reaume and Charles Cole.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband with whom she shared forty-eight years of marriage: Larry of Crystal Falls; two daughters: Lisa (Brian) Schmitz and Michelle (Rodney) Weisbecker both of Monroe; five grandchildren: Wesley (Erin) Schmitz of Marquette, Hillary and Hannah Schmitz, Sydney Weisbecker, and Laura Sarchenko all of Monroe; and ten siblings: Norma (Leo) Barranco of Baltimore, MD, Carol Reaume of Monroe, James (Jorda) Hutchison of Asheville, NC, Barbara (Robert) Mikolyczyk of Erie, Larry Hutchison of LaSalle, Linda (Vernon) Brooks of Monroe, Nancy Nofziger of Toledo, Marcia (Steve) Dykes of Monroe, Diane Bowman of Toledo, and Joyce (Fred) Veryser of Columbus.

Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 1:00pm, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.