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A forum on Native American imagery as school mascots was held at Adrian College on Tuesday, April 23, where Tecumseh local Eric Long was a member of the five-person panel for discussion.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights filed a complaint with the United States Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights asking it to prohibit the use of American Indian mascots and imagery in Michigan schools. The complaint specifically named Tecumseh and Clinton high schools for their use of discriminating mascots.

Long spoke in front of approximately 50 people and gave his opinion on why he feels continuing use of American Indian mascots is ok in certain instances like Tecumseh as long as it is done respectfully.

“I wanted to listen as much as I wanted to talk,’ said Long of why he attended. “I wanted to hear from both sides.”

He spoke about how many schools throughout the country continue to use Indian mascots, including Native Americans.

“There’s over 400 schools that use the nickname the Indians,” he said. “The majority of which are in the Dakotas. There are also more than 200 Cardinals, not the bird, the religious figure.”

He said the point he tried to make was “where do we go? Do we just eliminate all mascots?

“Every nickname is going to offend someone,” said Long. “You can’t just take care of the situation with one big brush. You need to look at them individually.”

Fritz Detwiler, Ph.D., Department of Philosophy and Religion, Director Institute for Ethics at Adrian College who organized the event said he was pleased with how well the forum went.

“Our purpose was to increase understanding among those who are involved in or affected by the issue and I think that was clearly accomplished,’ he said. “I was glad that the panelists talked with each other and not to each other.”

Long agreed and said he was not attacked for his beliefs and felt his opinions were listened too.

Ruby Marie Childers, age 91, of Adrian, died on Friday, April 26, 2013, at Tecumseh Place. She was born April 2, 1922 in Morenci, Mich., to Jack and Hazel Alberta (McCarty) Plate. She married Gary A. Childers on December 26, 1964 in Ypsilanti, Mich., and he preceded her in death on January 17, 2007. Ruby was a past member of Trenton Hills United Brethren Church and attended the now Elem3nt Church in Adrian. Ruby began working at the Ford Motor Company in 1941 and retired 54 years later at the age of 72.

Surviving are her daughter, Chari (Tim) Piercy of Onsted; three grandchildren, Nikki (D.J.) Bellfy of Onsted, Denee (Rick) Lucas of Venus, Texas, and Jason (Joleen) Piercy of Scottsdale, Ariz; six great grandchildren, Hannah Terrill, Jacey Terrill, Brady Bellfy, Ian Lucas, Reed Lucas, and Danica Lucas; and one brother, Stan (Jill) Plate of Adrian. In addition to her husband, Gary, she was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and a grandson, Jason Maloney.

Funeral Services for Ruby were held on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home with Pastor Keith Smith officiating. Burial took place in Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci. Visitation was held on Monday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions in Ruby’s memory may be made to the Trenton Hills United Brethren Church. Envelopes are available at the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home.

Harry Craig was born January 7, 1927 in Macon Township, Mich., the son of Harry and Myrtlene (Watson) Craig. He was a graduate of Britton High School and after graduation worked at Tecumseh Products, retiring in 1988. He also engaged in farming with his brother on the family farm until he retired in 2012.

He pulled ponies for many years and still enjoyed going to horse and pony pulls.
Harry is survived by his nephews and nieces, Larry (Marian) Kanitz, Leslie (Kathy) Kanitz, Lonnie (Bonnie) Kanitz, Lynn (LuAnn) Kanitz, Sherry Howard, Dick (Nikee) Kanitz and Dawn Kanitz and many great and great-great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gwendolyn Kanitz and brother, George Craig.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh with Rev. Chris Cadwallader officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgeway Cemetery, Ridgeway.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2013 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh. Memorial donations may be made to Arbor Hospice, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Thomas Fred Kampmueller, age 86 of Brooklyn, formerly of Tecumseh, died peacefully Friday, April 26, 2013 at University Hospital, Ann Arbor. He was born March 5, 1927 in Petersburg, Mich., the son of Charles Fred and Ellen B. (Gaertner) Kampmueller. On September 27, 1952, Tom married Betty Beck in Tecumseh and she survives.

Tom graduated from Petersburg High School in 1945 and joined the U.S. Army. He worked for the Tecumseh Products Company for 41 years, retiring in April 1991. Tom was a charter member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Tecumseh.

Tom enjoyed bowling and his home on Wolf Lake. “Papa” also loved to teach his grandchildren a variety of things, including fishing, gardening, wine making and general tinkering. He was a Cub Scout Master and coached Little League Baseball for many years. His great sense of humor and hearty laugh will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Thomas is survived by two sons, Steve (Trese) and Scott (Julie Aten) Kampmueller, both of Tecumseh; two granddaughters, Kathryn (Jeremy) Castorena of Tecumseh, and Sarah (Brandon) Raymond of Newport News, Va; four grandsons, Steven (Laurie Englehart) and Scott, both of Tecumseh, Joseph (Emily) of Champaign, Ill, and Thomas of Kalamazoo; five great-grandchildren, Lyla and Orin Castorena, Kaydence and Ellyse Raymond, and Cecilia Kampmueller; and a sister, Jo Ann “Susie” Hamilton of Tecumseh. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Carl Kampmueller and Dean Hamilton.

At Thomas’ request, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering was held on Wednesday, May 1, from 4-7 p.m. at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes.

A local group consisting of 43 people took part in this year’s Home Plate event, an outreach organized by Baseball Chapel Leader to the Detroit Tigers, Jeff Totten, on Saturday, April 27 at Comerica Park. Totten leads SCORE Ministries, which provides encouragement, support and accountability in the service of Jesus Christ through relationships and ministries developed since 1986.

“It was just a beautiful day and an inspirational event,” said Jim Palmer, who worked with Pastor Alan Maki at the First Baptist Church of Tecumseh to coordinate a group that included several men from the Lenawee County Mission, which his son, Pastor Steven Palmer, leads. Palmer also served many years as a youth baseball coach in the Tecumseh community and is often referred to as “The Hat.”

“We had wonderful seats with a direct view of the bullpen, scoreboard and home plate,” said Palmer. “This event has been taking place since 1987 when former Tigers’ pitcher Frank Tanana was the only speaker.” This year’s speakers included: Donnie Kelly, Tigers’ Outfielder and Infielder; Tim Hudson, Braves’ Pitcher; Matt Tuiasosopo, Tigers’ Outfielder; Ramon Santiago, Tigers’ Infielder; Darin Downs, Tigers Pitcher; Torii Hunter, Tigers’ Outfielder; and Tanana. More than 8,000 people attended.

During the event, the players talk about the role faith has played in their storied careers. “Matt Tuiasosopo talked about how he sent an Email to the Tigers’ management team requesting an opportunity to try out for the Tigers at spring training,” Palmer related. “He was a free agent, and at spring training this year, he led Tigers home runs and hits, so they had to keep him. He was pretty emotional when talking about thanking God for what he gets to do. He also played in the game Saturday against the Braves and scored a run, getting an RBI. He’s just a tremendous athlete.”

Virginia Mary Murray died April 29 in Tecumseh. Virginia was born in Maplewood, N. J. June 1, 1926 to Jane and Martin Knuth. In 1949, Virginia married Dr. Robert J. Murray, he survives.

Virginia received her RN degree from Cornell Medical Center and her Nurse Practitioner degree from Northwestern University, practicing for many years at University of Miami health center.

Virginia, a lifelong resident of the Tecumseh area, was a founding member of the Tecumseh Players, member of the Tecumseh Rotary Club and the Little Garden Club. Virginia was an active supporter of the Raisin Valley Land Trust, preserving her beloved Pinecroft Farm via the Trust. Virginia was a world traveler. Her adventures were often reported in the Tecumseh Herald.

Virginia is survived by her sons Robert (Edit) of Scottsdale, AZ, Mark (Mary) of Adrian, Paul (Lydia) of Bellaire Mich., Peter of Hot Springs, Ariz., her brother Andrew Knuth of Naperville, Ill, special friends Loydette and Rick Bayles of Adrian, and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Jane, brother Martin and her long time companion, Dr. Eugene Flipse.

At Virginia’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, 4-6:30 p.m. at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral homes. A memorial service will follow visitation at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow the service at Evans Street Station. Memorial contributions may be made to Tecumseh Place. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.