Archive - Jul 2010

Douglas Warner Osworth I, 74, of Tecumseh, went home to the Lord on Sunday, July 4, 2010, at St. Joseph Mercy Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

He was born Jan. 25, 1936, in Fairfield, Mich. to Opal (Metz) and Harold O’Haver. He was later adopted by Kenneth Osworth, and was raised by his grandparents, Raymond and Bertha Metz.

He graduated from Adrian High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Navy with the Navy Mobile Construction Battalion I Sea Bees from 1955 to 1959. He was a Machine Repairman and later became a Drill Instructor. He married his high school sweetheart, Janet K. Woerner on Oct. 14, 1956. They had the blessing of enjoying many years together, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 14, 2006.

In his earlier years, Doug was a member of the Adrian Moose Lodge #1034, a long standing member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh, a member of the Tecumseh Jaycees, and a Charter member of the Tecumseh Lions Club. He also belonged to the Tecumseh Masonic Lodge #69. He was also on the Raisin Twp. Board of Appeals for many years. Doug worked for Barnes Group Corp. in Saline, Mich. He retired in 1996, but continued as a part time Engineering Consultant for several years. He loved hunting, golfing, John Deere Tractors and classic cars, spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet of 53 years; three sons, Douglas II (Lisa), Jeffrey (Denice) and Kevin (Jennifer) Osworth. He was the loving grandfather of Kayla, Steven, Cameron, Livia, and Maris Osworth. He is also survived by a half-sister, Constance Osworth; cousins, Lowell (Kathy) Metz, and Randy Metz. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Edward Duane Creger, 64, of Tecumseh, passed away June 30, 2010.

Memorial services were held Saturday, July 3, 2010, at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Military honors were conducted by the Tecumseh American Legion Underwood-Orr Post # 34.

Condolences may be made to the family online at HYPERLINK "http://www.pursefuneralhome.com" www.pursefuneralhome.com.

In loving memory of Joseph Prochaska, Jr., who passed away Dec. 21, 2009, in Wilmar, Minn.  A memorial mass of celebration will be held Saturday, July 17, 2010, at St. Alphonsus Church/Light of Christ Church, 222 Carey St., Deerfield, Mich. at 11 a.m.  Burial of cremains will be held at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

Alice A. VanValkenburg, 75, of Tecumseh, passed away June 30, 2010. Alice was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Blissfield, Mich., the daughter of John and Louise (Thompson) Marks.  On Nov. 5, 1955, she married Kenneth Dale VanValkenburg, Sr.  He preceded her in death Aug. 27, 1984.  

Alice retired from Goodwill Industries and also worked at Herrick Hospital, Provincial House,  Boysville and St. Joseph Academy as a cook.  

She was a member of the Tecumseh Monday Club, Tecumseh Chapter Eastern Star #51, Farmers Antique Tractor Club and a friend of the Tecumseh Nazarene Church.
Alice is survived by her sons, Kenneth Dale VanValkenburg, Jr., and John Russell VanValkenburg both of Blissfield; sister, Harriet Spiegel of Deerfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Ken, she was preceded in death by twin daughters, Mary Lou and Linda; parents and a brother, Elmer Marks.

Funeral services were held  Saturday, July 3, 2010, at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh with the Rev. Clayton Carn officiating.  Burial followed at Lenawee Hills Memorial Gardens, Tecumseh.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tecumseh Nazarene Church or the Lenawee Antique Tractor Association.  

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.

Lucy J. Wesch,  91, of Clark Lake, passed away July 5, 2010.  Lucy is survived by her children, David Wesch and Mary Jo (Michael) Rutan; grandchildren,  Lauri, Amanda, Jason, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Leighton, Genevieve, Dakota and Raven; sisters; and brother.

Besides her husband, J. F. she was preceded in death by her parents and several brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 9, 2010, at the Cement City Baptist Church (16788 Cement City Road, Cement City) with  Pastor Drew Woods officiating.  Burial will follow in Jefferson Cemetery, Brooklyn.  Visitation will be at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service at the church.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cement City Baptist Church.  Arrangements are by J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

To the Editor,

Thank you to the many volunteers who worked so quickly and tirelessly to take Neighbors Helping Neighbors from idea to reality.  On Friday, June 25, the TCA hosted this fundraiser for the residents of Dundee after only eight days in the making.  While I initiated this event, it took numerous people joining in the work to pull this off in such a short time.
For encouragement and refining the scope of the project, Susan Whitney Johnson was extremely helpful.

Committee members Jimmie Rice, Larry Harper, Johanna Walker and Rebecca Peach were the core of the effort, coordinating the team. 

The concert featured Tim Ries (a local talent, who has been touring with The Rolling Stones) who flew in from New York to help our neighbors. Tim was backed up by Ellen Rowe, jazz pianist and Chair of the Department of Jazz at the University of Michigan.  The evening also included guest performances by Measured Chaos, Tom Rowe Band (Tornado Recover Band for this event) Pat Dunn, Matt Felkey and Danny Hare.  All of these talented artists donated their time.

Many volunteers made this event go smoothly.  Thanks must go to: Kathy Field and Chelsea Shartle for publicity help, Ross Travis, Greg Wilson and Adam Snider for their technical expertise, Eric Travis for front of house and concessions management, and Mayor Harvey Schmidt for MCing the event.

Last but not least, the media support was overwhelming:  WLEN did a live remote on site.   Tecumseh Herald and the Daily Telegram were instrumental in getting the word out.  Channels 11, 13 and 24 from Toledo all covered the event!

All in all over $7,500 was raised to help our neighbors in Dundee.

Thanks to all who contributed so generously to this effort.  It was a fantastic success and

Tecumseh should be very proud.