Merkle Funeral Service Life Stories

March 22, 1983 – March 10, 2010

Michael Vernon Gorowski was born in Monroe, Michigan on March 22, 1983. He was the son of Vernon Gorowski and Sue Davis. Michael grew up in the Ypsilanti area and attended Lincoln Consolidated Schools before transferring to Monroe High School.

Michael had an outgoing personality and the smile that went with it could warm the room. He was very talented in many aspects. He enjoyed drawing and could sketch most anything very well. Michael also was talented when it came to writing poetry. He enjoyed golfing and basketball. He played the x-box often with his nephew, Austin. Michael most of all enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
For many years, Michael had worked in the landscaping business. Recently, he was making the most of a layoff by going back to school. He was currently attending the welding program at Monroe County Community College. Welding it seems was something he enjoyed a great deal.

Michael leaves to cherish his memory his father: Vernon and stepmother Deb Gorowski of Monroe; a former stepmother: Elizabeth Gorowski of Willis; his mother: Sue Davis; two grandmothers: Joan Gorowski of Maybee and Leona Calhoun of Willis; his girlfriend: Sheree Gray of Monroe; a sister: Krystle Gorowski of Willis; his niece: Alexis Gorowski of Willis; three uncles: Mike (Terry) Gorowski, Danny Gorowski, and Mark Gorowski all of Maybee; and many beloved cousins.

Michael Vernon Gorowski, age 26, of Monroe passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. His passing was preceded by a grandfather: Stanley Gorowski.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Monday, March 15, 2010 also at Merkle’s with the Rev. Wayne Vann pastor of Dundee Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Rath Cemetery in Maybee for his final rest.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Gorowski family.

Mark Patrick Gonyea was born in Monroe, Michigan on March 11, 1967. Mark was the sixth of eight children born to the union of Thomas and Joanne (Idukas) Gonyea. He attended St. Charles Grade School, and then continued his studies at Flat Rock High School graduating with the class of 1985. While in high school Mark was a three sport star lettering in wrestling, basketball, and football. Following High School he attended technical school and obtained an Associates Degree in Technical Sales.

Mark married his soul mate the former Colleen Killen on October 20, 1990. He enjoyed sports including golf and rollerblading. Mark had a great sense of humor and jokingly referred to himself as # “6”. He was always a joy to be around, and was a favorite among his many nieces and nephews since he was just a “Big Kid”.

For the past twenty years he was employed as a Lead Salesperson for GFG Instrumentation formerly Dynamation. He had formerly worked for Westburn Golf Course and Guardian Glass.

Mark Patrick Gonyea age 42 of Northville passed away at 12:30am, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at his home. His passing was preceded by his grandparents: Earl and Clistie Gonyea and Stanley and Leona Idukas.

In addition to Colleen his memory will forever be cherished by his parents: Tom and Joanne Gonyea of South Rockwood; five brothers: Tim (Beth) Gonyea of South Rockwood, Tal (Kim) Gonyea of Ada, Michigan, Tony (Jessie) Gonyea of Monroe, Mike (Mesada) Gonyea of Monroe, and Robert (Audrey) Gonyea of Fernandina Beach, Florida; two sisters: Marci (Mike) Ibbetson of Milan and Julianne (Jason) Bomia of Lowell, Michigan; a beloved beagle: Duke; and many nieces and nephews with whom he had a special bond.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm Friday, March 12, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Scripture service will take place at 7:30pm led by Sister Pam Nosbusch of the IHM. Mark will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am, Saturday, March 13, 2010 at St. Charles Parish, 8109 Swan Creek Road. Father Fred Misolek pastor of the church will officiate, and procession will follow to the church cemetery for burial.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice, Companions of Christ the Lamb in Paradise, Michigan, The IHM, or Huron Valley Human Society.

August 13, 1952 – February 28, 2010

David Alan Kewish was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 13, 1952. David was one of several children born from the union of Kenneth Kewish and Doris (Petrat) Kewish. He was baptized at the Church of Christ in Huntington, Indiana. David enlisted in the military and served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army.

David was the family provider and he led by example. His favorite passage was Isaiah 40:31; But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint…King James edition. He proudly displayed the scriptural reference on his semi as he drove long distance. In 1998 he met Wanda Keller and hired her as a nanny for his son: Jeremiah. They soon found an inseparable bond and were united in marriage in Bedis, Texas at the Calvary Crossroads Church on March 5, 2000. Their marriage was blessed on March 11, 2001 with the birth of their daughter Saranna.

The family moved to Michigan and David took employment with the Canfield Dairy Farm from July of 2005 through October of 2009. Since October, David had been employed at Calder Dairy Farm in Carleton as a herdsman. He loved his cows and took pride in his work. He enjoyed fiddling around and fixing different things.

David Alan Kewish age 57 of Carleton passed away unexpectedly at 4:20pm, Sunday, February 28, 2010 in the emergency room of Mercy Memorial Hospital.

He leaves to cherish his memory a beloved wife Wanda Kewish of Carelton; his parents Kenneth and Sharon Kewish of Havasu Lake, California; his mother Doris Petrat of Flint, Michigan; thirteen children including: Jeremiah Kewish and Saranna Kewish both at home, David Kewish of Huntington, Indiana, Dawn Davis of Kansas, Melissa Shelton, and Big David Kewish; a brother Thomas (Jeanie) Kewish of Flint; and many grandchildren.

Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements, and private services were held for the family on Friday, March 5, 2010. Services were led by Pastor Louie Barnett of Eagle’s Nest Community Church. Cremation then followed through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Kewish family.

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.