Alphonse Szuma

Alphonse Szuma, 88, of Tecumseh, Mich., passed away Thursday, May 21, 2015, in Adrian. Born in Detroit, Mich., to Michal and Anna Szuma. He lived most of his life in Belleville, Mich.Alphonse was the strong silent type of man who was a jack of all trades. He would always lend a hand to others who needed help. He had a strong sense of family and heritage. He was a veteran of WWII and a proud member of the VA, PNA, and PLAV. Alphonse was a loving husband to Marguerite and father of nine who was proud of his children: Alfonse, Michele Richardson (Steve) Mark, Marianne, Andrew (Kim), Christopher (Bonnie) Theresa Books (Michael) Catherine deMooij (Theo) and Frances. Also 12 loving grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Alice, and brother, Frank.The family received friends on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 210 Pottawatamie, Tecumseh, Mich., 49286. A Mass of the Christian burial, officiated by Rev. Fr. Daniel Wheeler, was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, with viewing starting at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 506 N. Union St. Tecumseh, Mich., 49286. A reception immediately followed. Alphonse will later be entombed at Michigan Memorial Cemetery, Flat Rock, Mich. Memorial donations may be made in Alphonse’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.Condolences to the family may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.