Obituary of Walter Frederick "Freddie" Brown Jr.

 

My cousin, known to me as Freddie, passed away on October 25, 2020. He was the son of my mother's sister, Lola Fredricks Brown. I had seen Freddie just a few months earlier at another cousin's funeral. The older generation is almost gone and now my generation is passing. I remember Freddie as a very intelligent man. I believe he lived a good life.   

Obituary-Walter Frederick “Freddie” Brown Jr., of Onekama, passed away at home on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at the age of 71.  He was born in Manistee on August 6, 1949, to the late Walter F. and Lola M. (Fredricks) Brown Sr.

He was a graduate of Manistee High School, class of 1967.  He was a US Naval Reserve veteran, a graduate of Great Lakes Naval Academy.  He worked several years at Jebavy-Sorenson Orchards, Shell Oil, and retired from Mark West Oil.  As a no fuss, no muss guy, he was an avid reader and loved to watch classic TV and Westerns.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Janet; step-children, Heidi (Mark) Ingalls, Shanda Sedelmaier, and Sean (Tricia) Springborn; step-grandson, Michael (Megan) Socher; step-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Austin Teter; sisters, Bertha Asiala of Brethren and Faith Brown of Manistee; brother, John (Sue Flater) Brown Sr. of Manistee; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and an uncle.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Walter and Lola Brown; his paternal grandparents, Edward and Bertha (Tritten) Brown; his maternal grandparents, Otto and Daisy (Graf) Fredricks; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his brother-in-law, Philip Asiala.

Per Walter’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no funeral services will be held.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements. 

Source: "Obituaries," online obituary, , Terwilliger Funeral Home (http://www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com/ : accessed 20 February 2025), citing the death of Walter Frederick "Freddie" Brown, Jr.

Photograph source from the personal collection of Brenda Leyndyke.

Postmaster Charles Waldo Glover Served the Community

Ex-Bear Lake Postmaster Dies

Charles W. Glover Passes Away In Cadillac of Ulcers of Stomach

Charles W. Glover, former Bear Lake postmaster and for many years a resident of that village, died at Mercy hospital, Cadillac, early today after a two weeks illness with ulcers of the stomach.  Mr. Glover left Bear Lake about three years ago to accept a position in the state highway department's branch office at Cadillac.  At the time of his death he was employed by the Wexford county road Commission.

A cripple since childhood, and seriously handcapped(sic) by that misfortune.  Glover won many friends through his cheerful demeanor and his willingness to serve wherever and whenever he was needed in public or in private life.  Beside having held the office of postmaster at Bear Lake for many years he had also served in several township and village offices.  He was a member of Bear Lake Lodge No. 416 F. & A. M., and of Mayflower Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mattie Glover.  There are no other immediate relatives.  Funeral services have not yet been arranged but will probably be held at Bear Lake and under Masonic auspices.  ( Manistee News Advocate, 13 Oct 1927) 

Charles Waldo. Glover, my great grand uncle, was the son of Samuel Stillman Glover, Jr. and Adeline L. Glover, nee Dyer. I was curious about his role as a postmaster and knew that it was a federal position so I put my genealogy sleuthing skills to work.

Source: U.S. Congress. Congressional Record. 60th Cong., 2nd sess., December 14, 1908. Vol. 43, pt. 1: 206.

Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1908.

The Congressional Record is available through several sources. I accessed it through the Government Publishing Office (GPO), which serves as the official repository. The GPO provides PDFs and a full-text search for Congressional Records from 1873 to the present.

Other sources include:

• Library of Congress (LOC)(Congress.gov): Provides access to the Congressional Record from 1873 to the present.
• HathiTrust Digital Library (https://www.hathitrust.org/): Offers digitized versions of historical Congressional Records, particularly pre-1923 volumes that are in the public domain.
• Internet Archive (https://archive.org/): Contains scanned volumes of historical Congressional Records, often sourced from library collections.
• HeinOnline (https://heinonline.org/): A legal research subscription database with comprehensive congressional records. It may be accessible through some libraries.

These records are useful for more than just government research. Genealogists can use them to find information about ancestors who served in Congress, were mentioned in legislative discussions, or were appointed to government positions, including postmasters. Postmaster appointments, in particular, can help place an ancestor in a specific location and time. These resources make it easier to uncover family connections to historical events and government service.

 

The Death of John Tritten

John Tritten

High School Graduation

Brethren, Michigan

Conducting family history research leads one to happy and sad records. The obituary records that hit my generation are sad ones. For a long time I was saving obituaries of the generation of my aunts and uncles. Now, I am printing those of my generation. We are too young to die.

John Tritten, my first cousin, was a wonderful man. I have fond memories of John from when my family would visit and stay at Aunt Kate's home. John was the son of Carl Tritten and Kathryn Fredricks Tritten. We were traveling when John died and I wasn't able to go to his funeral. I was thankful that I had seen John the previous year. I will remember him as being a kind, devoted, Christian son, husband, and father and that he shared a birthday with my son.

John C. Tritten, 73, of Manistee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday Sept. 29, 2016 with his loving wife at his side.

He was born on Jan. 6, 1943 in Manistee, the son of the late Carl and Kathryn (Fredricks) Tritten. He was united in marriage to Susanne Winkler on Dec. 27, 1969 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Onekama.

John served in the U.S. Navy and was a former Township Supervisor in Dickson Township. John was retired, having worked for Martin Marietta for 36 years.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Manistee, where he was a past Elder, served on the Fellowship Board, and a member of the Dart Ball team. He was also a member of the American Legion Manistee Post No. 10 and the NRA. What he enjoyed the most was fishing, camping and spending time with his grandkids.

John is survived by his wife Susie, by his children, Eric (Chris) Tritten, of Stow, Ohio; Heather (Jason) Youngstrom, of Denver, Colo.; Brian (Kimber) Tritten, of Paneswick, England, and Timothy Tritten, of Manistee; by nine grandchildren, Ricky, Katie, Libby, Ada, Josiah, Lucy, Ellen, Joseph and Isabella, and by his sister, Kathryn Welch of Barnsville, Ohio. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for John will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 4 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Manistee with Rev. Dr. Eric Tritten and Rev. Dennis D. Rahn officiating. Burial will follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Manistee United Veterans Council Ritual Team. 

Source: https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/obituaries/name/john-tritten-obituary?pid=181694352&v=batesville&view=guestbook

Pictures of John Tritten from Audrey Glover's (my mother) photo album.

That's Aunt Jeannie to Me-Norma Jean Kaskinen

Norma Jean Fredricks 1934-2023

Otto August Fredricks and Daisy Ellen (Graf) Fredricks had eleven children together. The last two were twins. Norman Eugene and Norma Jean. Norma Jean went by Jeannie, and she was Aunt Jeannie to me. She was my mother's youngest sister.

The Wedding Party of Leslie Kaskinen and Norma Jean Fredricks

Jeannie and Les Kaskinen

Norma Jean Fredricks Kaskinen died on 3 March 2023 at the age of eighty-eight. Coincidently, her death date was her marriage date. She married Leslie J. Kaskinen on 3 March 1956.

Her obituary follows:

Norma Jean Kaskinen, 88, of Bellaire, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2023, at home. She was born on December 18, 1934, the daughter of Otto and Daisy (Graf) Fredricks.

Norma was a loving wife and mother. She was known for her baking skills and enjoyed sharing her delicious pastries with family and friends. In her early years, she enjoyed being on the golf course, bowling, and traveling to new places. Norma was also a member of the Bellaire Lioness Club.

Norma is survived in death by two children, Rhonda (Lloyd) Williams of TX, Brent Kaskinen of Bellaire; two grandchildren, Justin (Sandy) Williams and Alex Williams; great grandson, Lonnie Williams; sister, Audrey Glover, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Leslie, son, Mark Kaskinen, six brothers, and four sisters.

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church in Bellaire with Pastor Wade Seaver officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday, as well as Monday, March 13, from 5-7 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Interment will take place in the spring at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kaleva.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hope Lutheran Church, PO BOX 160, Bellaire, MI, 49615.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com

Sunday's Obituary: Robert 'Bobby' Louis Fredricks

Siblings: Back Row L-R: Julie Kolk, Robert L. Fredricks

Front Row L-R: Steven, Lori, JoEllen Fredricks

It is hard enough when a family member dies, but when it is one in your own generation, it is harder. Over the past few years, I have lost a number of first cousins. 

One first cousin, Robert "Hook" "Bobby" Fredricks, son of Otto Robert Fredricks and Faye Nelson Fredricks died on May 7, 2019 at the age of 73. 

As you can read, Bobby made the most of the time between the dash.

You can find his obituary and a video remembrance at Terwilliger Funeral Home's  website.  

http://www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com/obituary/robert-hook-fredricks

Robert Louis Fredricks

April 22, 1946-May 7, 2019

Robert “Hook” Louis Fredricks, 73, of Manistee, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 7, 2019, with his family by his side, at The Villas in Traverse City, after a 10-year battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).  He was born April 22, 1946, in Manistee, the son of Otto Robert Fredricks and Faye (Nelson) Fredricks.

Bob attended Brethren High School and graduated in 1964 as Class President.  After graduation, he served in the United States Army.  He completed a tour of duty of Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star, the military’s third highest decoration for valor in combat. 

Following his honorable discharge, Bob transitioned to civilian life and returned to Manistee County where he found work at Drop Forge in Manistee.  During his tenure, an incident involving a hydraulic press removed four of his fingers on his left hand, giving him the nickname “Hook.”  Forging ahead, Bob recovered and took on a Supervisor position at Mak-Kraft, in Kaleva, remaining there until the plant closed in the late 1970s.

Bob was an entrepreneur.  In Kaleva, he ventured into the petroleum business, operating a Phillips 66 full-service gas station that later evolved into a gas station and restaurant. For over 25 years, Bob owned and operated Third Coast Screen Print Company on River Street in Manistee.  This longtime Manistee business catered to fulfilling local screen printing apparel needs; it also served as a collectibles store, specializing in baseball cards.  A sports aficionado, Bob took joy in keeping area kids (And adults!) busy and entertained, cultivating many lasting relationships centered around buying, selling, and even bartering for rare and desirable baseball, football, and basketball cards.  While his own card collection was something to behold, what brought him the greatest joy was watching his regulars complete their full sets or secure their favorite player’s card. 

Bob was passionate about drag racing, a pass-time he participated in as a driver and spectator.  He raced a variety of cars at local dragstrips in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.  In 1967, while serving in the Army, Bob set an AHRA (American Hot Rod Association) National Record for D/SA at Drag City Dragway, in Springfield, Illinois, during the Midwestern Divisional Championships.  In the early 1980s, Bob drove a front engine dragster at local dragstrips.  Of all the cars he ever sat behind the wheel of, his favorite remained his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, appropriately named, “Wild Child.”    In recent years, Bob occasionally drove or had other local racers drive his latest project.  At the twilight of his career, he showcased a Chevrolet Malibu wagon that he occasionally transported on a vintage-style GMC “ramp truck.”  A fixture at his home track, Northern Michigan Dragway in Kaleva, the unique car was campaigned to pay tribute to those who had passed that influenced and helped Bob during his early years of racing.

While drag racing fulfilled Bob’s need for speed, it didn’t quite quench his thirst for competition, which is where the sport of softball came in to play.  As with drag racing, he wore many hats, taking on various roles as player, manager, and sponsor well into his mid-50s.  He enjoyed many successes over his decades-long career:  In 1979, he helped Blarney Castle of Bear Lake clinch the 1979 ASA Men’s State Championship as well as Co-ed State Championship.  1986 saw the Vegas Ranch Team winning USSSA State and National Championships.  Over the years, his business’ teams—Third Coast and Farm Club Teams—would win many local league championships and softball tournaments throughout the state of Michigan.

Aside from competing in softball, Bob was recognized by the Michigan High School Athletic Association for over 28 years of service umpiring boy’s and girl’s baseball and softball, as well as officiating basketball throughout Northern Michigan.

Bob’s faith in God carried him through the dark times in his life.  A lifelong Lutheran, he was a member of Norwalk Lutheran Church.  Bob also had a fondness for farming and bailing hay.  He was an animal lover who raised cows, horses, and chickens, and he had a soft spot for the many golden retrievers that kept him company over the years.

Bob is survived by: his children, Robert “Beaner” (Kelli DeRoche) Fredricks of Humble, Texas, Michelle “Missy” (Kevin) Miller of Onekama, and Daisy (Darien Ripple) Fredricks of Rockford; his grandchildren, Madison Miller, Hogan Miller, Augustus L. Ripple, Leif Ripple, Alyssa Neil, and Charlotte Neil; his brother, Steve (Shirley) Fredricks of Manistee; his sisters, Julie Maddox of Manistee, Lori (Kevin) Kimble of Holland, and JoEllen (Robert) Alexander of Leavenworth, Indiana; his stepmother, Margaret Hilliard Fredricks; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many drag racing buddies, softball teammates, and loyal friends who served as an extended family to Bob throughout the years.

Bob was preceded in death by: his brother Michael “Mike” Fredricks in 1963; his mother, Faye Fredricks in 1982; his father, Otto Fredricks in 1997; his brother-in-law, Dave Maddox in 2011; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Monday, May 13, 2019, at the Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, with Pastor Michael Belinsky Sr. officiating.  Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Army and the Bear Creek VFW Post #6333.  Interment will follow in the Brethren Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Sunday, May 12, 2019, from 4-6 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bear Creek VFW Post #6333 in Kaleva. 

Sunday's Obituary: Charles Zobel

Charles Zobel was the son of my great grand aunt Henriette Fredrich Zobel. I have transcribed his obituary from Manistee News Advocate, (Manistee, Michigan), 26 June 1947, Front Page; Column 6, microfilm owned by; Library of Michigan, Lansing, Michigan.

DEATH CLAIMS CHARLES ZOBEL

Charles A. Zobel, long time resident of Manistee who was well known as a clothing and shoe merchant and more recently as an insurance agent died yesterday morning at the home of his son, Edgar, in Traverse City.  He had been living with his son during the past two months.

Eighty-two years old at the time of his death, Mr. Zobel was born in Germany and came to Manistee at the age of seven.  After being in the clothing and shoe business for many years he entered the insurance business in which he served during the past 25 years.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran church and also the Lutheran Aid society.

Mr. Zobel is survived by his wife, the former Miss Emma Tracy whom he married in 1888; two sons, Charles of Highland Park and Edgar of Traverse City; two daughters, Mrs. Harmon Jacks of Walled Lake and Mrs. Henrietta Thompson of Grand Rapids:  one sister, Miss Ottilie Zobel of Manistee; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

The body will be at the Bradford funeral home until 10 a.m. Saturday, when it will be taken to Trinity Lutheran church to lie in state until the time of the service 2:30 p.m.  The Rev. Theodore Zeile will officiate and burial will be in Trinity cemetery.

Obituary of Albert Guhse

FORMER LOCAL MAN IS DEAD

Albert Guhse, former Manistee resident, died Friday evening at the American Legion hospital in Battle Creek.  He was 52 years old.

Mr. Guhse was born in Manistee on May 26, 1892.  When he was about 25 he left to make his home in Ludington.  Later returning to Manistee to work as a plumber for the firm of Lloyd & Smith before moving to Bay City.  He had been confined in the hospital for the last year.  

Surviving are two children, Irene and Gilbert.

The body was brought here this noon and funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Bradford funeral home.  Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery.

Source: Manistee News Advocate, (Manistee, Michigan), 1 May 1944, page 3; column 7 & 8, microfilm owned by; Library of Michigan, Lansing, Michigan.

My notes about the obituary. The obituary was published in the Manistee News Advocate, Manistee, Michigan. Albert Guhse died in Battle Creek, Michigan. Prior to his illness he lived in Bay City, Michigan.

He died at the American Legion Hospital of tuberculosis. The American Legion Hospital was originally the Roosevelt Community Center. It was built during World War I at Camp Custer, now Fort Custer. In 1921, it became the American Legion Hospital serving mostly tuberculosis patients. It has since been torn down. An article about the hospital can be found here.

The body was brought to Manistee and burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Manistee, Michigan.

Leslie Kaskinen Obituary

Leslie J. Kaskinen,  86, of Bellaire, passed away on February 19, 2021 at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, TX.

He was born on May 19, 1934, in Manistee, MI, the son of John and Saimi (Hagelberg) Kaskinen.

Les was raised in Kaleva, MI and went on to serve in the Army National Guard in the late 50’s.   

His life revolved around his family and work.   He owned and operated Leslie Leasing in Bellaire for many years as well as multiple other companies from Bellaire to Kaleva and in between. He held memberships at  Bethany Lutheran Church in Kaleva, Hope Lutheran Church in Bellaire, Lions Club in both Kaleva and Bellaire as well as the Chevrolet Dealer Counsel.    He and Jean loved to travel and covered most of the world in their 64 years of marriage.

On March 3, 1956, in Onekama, MI, he married Norma “Jean” Fredericks who survives.

Also surviving are 2 children, Rhonda (Lloyd) Williams of Hemphill, TX, Brent Kaskinen of Bellaire, a brother Arlie (Doris) Kaskinen of Bear Lake, MI, 2 step-grandchildren, Justin (Sandy) Williams of AL, Alex Williams of AL, and a step-great-great grandson Lonnie Williams.

He was preceded in death by a son Mark Leslie Kaskinen, a sister Ila Wuorinen, Brother Norman Kaskinen and his parents.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Funeral services will be private at the Hope Lutheran Church in Bellaire with Pastor Wade Seaver officiating.

Burial will take place later in the spring when weather permits at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kaleva.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Hope Lutheran Church, PO BOX 160, Bellaire, MI,  49615.

Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

The above obituary is for my Uncle Les. He was married to the youngest sister, Norma "Jeannie" of my mother. He split his time between Central Lake, Michigan and Texas, where his daughter, Rhonda, lived. He became ill in the Winter of 2021 and never recovered. Rest in Peace, Uncle Les.

Obituary of Ronald Graf, Bear Lake, MIchigan

It is hard enough when one of the older generations in a family dies, but when it is someone in your own generation, it is tough. My first cousin, Ronald Ray Graf died at the age of 62, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was one year older than I.

Ron's obituary was found at the Terwilliger Funeral Home website: http://www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com/obituary/ronald-ron-graf

Ronald “Ron” Ray Graf, 62, of Bear Lake, died peacefully Monday, May 6, 2019, at home with his loving family by his side.  He was born August 1, 1956, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Leona (Fredricks) Graf.

Ron worked for Martin Marietta Materials, in Manistee, retiring as Packhouse Production Supervisor after more than 40 years of employment.    

The most important things in Ron’s life were his faith and his family, both of which saw him through his long and valiant battle with cancer.  He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Onekama, and he cherished time spend with his family and friends.  He was an avid Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and University of Michigan Fan, and he loved old cars and his dogs.  He will be remembered for his warm personality, genuine smile, and his caring heart.  He will be missed.

On May 14, 1993, Ron married Lynn Bromley who survives him.  He is also survived by: his son, Cody Graf of Onekama; his daughter Marla (Derek Kolk) Picardat of Manistee; his grandson, Andrew Picardat of Manistee; his sisters, Nancy Miller of Kalona, Iowa, and Rose Marie (Ken) Slagle of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his in-laws, Bob and Marge Bromley of Manistee; his uncle, Carl Mikolajczak and family; his goddaughters, Daisy (Darien Ripple) Fredricks of Rockford and Amy Jo Weber of Mt. Pleasant; special friends, Paul Walerych, Tony and Kathie Vartyak, Jim Hilliard, and the Keillor Family; his work family at Martin Marietta; his church family at Trinity Lutheran Church of Onekama; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.      

Ron was preceded in death by: his father, Raymond Graf; his mother, Leona Fredricks Graf Wagoner; his stepfather, Robert “Bob” Wagoner; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Onekama, with Pastor Jacob Sherry officiating.  Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Friday, May 10, 2019, at the Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Munson Hospice.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements. www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com

Leona Fredricks Graf, Raymond Graf, 

Ronald Graf

Ronald Graf High School Graduation Class of 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Graf

Lynn and Ron

Burton L. Watt, Marquette, Michigan Obituary

My dad's maternal uncle, Burton Watt, or as we called him Uncle Burt was a wonderful man. Burt would visit us when we lived in Deckerville, Michigan. His daughter, Jean, lived in Flint and the whole family, Uncle Burt, Aunt Fran, Jean, her husband, Ed Schuler and their daughter, Kathy, would drive over to see my dad. This is such a short obituary for the 101 years that he lived. I will have to honor him in another blog post. Burton L. Watt's obituary transcription from the Marquette Mining Journal, 11 March 1994, page 5A, column 6:

Burton Watt

Traverse City-Burton L. Watt, 101, of Traverse City, died Sunday, March 6, 1994 in Traverse City.

Surviving are one granddaughter, Kathryn Philibeck of Marquette; one great-grandson, Thomas Philibeck of Marquette and one great-granddaughter, Stefanie Philibeck of Marquette.

Mr. Watt was preceded in death by his wife, Dora (Frances) Nelson Watt in 1992; a daughter Dorothy Jean Schuler in 1975; one brother and five sisters.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service for Burton and Frances will take place at 11 a.m.  April 27 at the Skandia United Methodist Church.  A lunch will follow at the church.

Obituary of John Zobel

I have John Zobel to thank for helping me discover more about my Fredrich family. It was the 1862 marriage of Johan Zobel and Henriette Fredrich, that I found on Poznan Project, that provided me with the name of her father, Christoph Fredrich. Henriette Fredrich is the sister of my great grandfather, Johan August Fredrick (h).

Johan John Zobel was born 23 November 1834 and died 31 October 1921. His obituary was found on the front page of the Manistee Daily Advocate.

Transcription: JOHN ZOBEL, 87, HERE 51 YEARS, TAKEN BY DEATH

PASSES AWAY AT 8:30 THIS MORNING AT HOME, 182 LINCOLN STREET

OPENED CLOTHING BUSINESS IN 1889

WORKED IN WOODS WHEN HE FIRST CAME TO MANISTEE-RETIRED 13 YEARS AGO-WAS MARRIED 60 YEARS

In the death at 8:30 this morning of John Zobel, 182 Lincoln St., Manistee lost another pioneer. He had lived in Manistee 51 years and was 87 years old.

Death was due to general debility. About a year ago Mr. Zobel fell critically ill with pneumonia, but recovered. Later he began ailing and for the last five weeks had been in bed. He was able, however to be up for a short time Saturday.

In business 20 years 

Mr. Zobel 32 years ago opened the clothing and shoe store which is now operated by Charles Zobel & Sons. He retired from business 13 years ago.

Mr. Zobel was born in Guhringen, West Prussia, Nov. 23, 1834. He came to the United States in August, 1870, and a month later moved to Manistee. For a year he worked in the lumber woods, when he suffered an accident.

He was in the woods during the big Manistee fire. His trunk and belongings were buried in a pit by his boarding house landlord, at the mouth of the river. When he came down from the woods he found the trunk but the contents were gone. The trunk was still in his possession.

                                            Joined by family 

A year and a half after he came to Manistee his family which had been left at New York, joined him. He went into the clothing business in 1889, with his son Charles, in a building at Poplar and River streets, on the site now occupied by the Manistee County Savings Bank building.

Later the business was removed into the place which is now the Woman's Shop, which building he owned until his death. In 1894 the business was moved into the Cameron block. Although he retired from the business, he retained an interest in the building.

Mr. Zobel was married 60 years ago last May. Besides his widow he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. William Walter and Miss Ottilie Zobel, and three sons, Charles, Henry and Julius Zobel. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive him.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

 

Source: Manistee News Advocate-Manistee Daily Advocate, 31 October 1921, Front page, column one, newspaper owned by Manistee County Historical Museum, Manistee, MI. 

Obituary of John Leonard Fredricks

John Leonard Fredricks

John Leonard Fredricks, age 90, husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend, of Blanchard, Michigan passed away on October 13, 2019 at McLaren Central Michigan, Mount Pleasant. A funeral service will be held Friday, October 18 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Remus, Michigan at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jonathan Voss officiating. Burial will follow at Decker Cemetery, Blanchard. Visitation will be held at the church Thursday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Friday from 1:00 pm to time of service.

John was born January 10, 1929 the son of Otto and Daisy (Graf) Fredricks. John was the eighth of twelve children and was raised on a farm in Brethren, Michigan. A member of Heavy Mortar Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. John served as a Sergeant in the Korean War from 1949 to 1952, where he earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Louise Guenthardt on April 7, 1956 at The Trinity Luther Church of Onekama, and the two grew their family to include six children.

John began his career as a hardworking electrical journeyman lineman around the state and eventually landed in Blanchard working for TriCounty Electric Company as a strong leader for 34 years.

John was a faithful fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and University of Michigan Wolverines, where he was honored as Veteran of the Game in 2017.

John enjoyed spending time outdoors and was a passionate hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed many hours in the blind, boat, or on the ice with his brothers, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. John's other pastimes included gardening, particularly picking that first ripe tomato, tractor pulling, and bowling until the age of 88. John enjoyed life and was always ready for the next adventure.

As an active member of the American Legion Guy Stanton Post 240 in Blanchard, John marched in the Memorial Day parade through the age of 89. John was honored by his community as a member of the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2017. His patriotism has been a consistent model for his six children and their families. He was dearly loved by his community.

John's faith played a significant role in his life. He was an active member of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Remus where he served over the years in many roles.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Louise; children, Cheryl (Steve) Gaudard, Brian, Jeff (Jacki), Dan (Mickie) Mary (Bruce) Eldred; special nephew, Mike (Des) Wood and sons Austin, Andrew, and Carson; grandchildren Amy (Chris) Weber, Matt (Taylor) Gaudard, Carrie (Derek) Castellon, Darcy Doerr, Beth (Chad) Fletcher, John (Sara) Fredricks, Tyler (Shelby) Fredricks, Sarah Fredricks (Preston Taylor), BJ (Amanda) Simon, Andy Fredricks (Josie Licari), Cody (Kayla) Woolworth, Connor Woolworth, Danielle (Trent) Karcher, Emily Eldred, Breanna Eldred; great grandchildren, Ethan, Carter, Brock, Saylor, Meadow, Aiden, Callie, Chloe, Paityn, Presley, Dylan, Wyatt, Colton, Baby Gaudard; brother, Richard (Mickie) Fredricks; sisters, Audrey Glover, Jeannie (Les) Kaskinen; sister-in-laws Alyce Fredricks, Nancy McIntyre; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his son Greg; siblings, Harold, Kathryn Pihl, Marie Kurth, Lola Brown, Robert, Leona Wagoner, Ray, Norman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 240 or St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.

https://www.janowiczfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-Fredricks-37532/ (Accessed 20 Jan 2022)

Sunday's Obituary: Lola Mae Fredricks Brown

The cost of printing an obituary is getting more than the average person can afford. My dad had two obituaries. One, a short version, cost $170 to run in the local paper, in 2018. The second, a long version, was posted at the funeral home website for free. 

I look to funeral home obituaries more these days. Most funeral homes have an online presence. Funeral home obituaries may contain a colored picture of the person and the obituary. Additionally, many have areas to leave comments which can be viewed by the public.

Terwilliger Funeral Home, Kaleva, Michigan is the funeral home that has arranged a lot of my mother's family funerals. One of those funerals was for my Aunt Lola. Lola Mae Fredricks Brown was the second daughter of Otto August Fredricks and Daisy Ellen Graf.

Lola Mae Brown

(February 07, 1920-April 26, 2018)

Lola Mae (Fredricks) Brown, 98, of Brethren, died peacefully Thursday, April 26, 2018, at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility, in Manistee, with her family by her side.  She was born February 7, 1920, in Brethren, the daughter of Otto and Daisy (Fredricks) Graf.  (Note-it should be (Graf) Fredricks.)

Lola was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Onekama, where she taught Sunday School and was active in Vacation Bible School. In her spare time, she loved to read, do puzzles, and crochet. Lola was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she will be remembered for her kind heart and sense of humor.

Lola is survived by her children, Bertha Asiala of Brethren, Faith Brown of Brethren, Walter (Janet) Brown Jr. of Onekama, and John (Sue Flater) Brown, Sr. of Manistee; ;her grandchildren, Mihael (Irene) Asiala of Pascagoula, Mississippi, Scott Asiala of Cadillac, Jennifer (Patrick) Bentley of Bear Lake, Renee Asiala of Brethren, John (Sarah) Brown Jr. of Bear Lake; great grandchildren, Madeline Asiala of Evart, Skylar Asiala of Cadillac, Hunter Bentley of Bear Lake, Sydney Bentley of Bear Lake, Colin Brown of Bear Lake, Nathan Brown of Bear Lake; several step-grandchildren and step-great-great- grandchildren; her siblings, Richard (Marilyn) Fredericks of Brethren, John (Louise) Fredricks of Blanchard, Audrey (Bruce) Glover of Portage, and Norma Jean (Leslie) Kaskinen of Central Lake; her sister-in-law, Alyce Fredricks; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On June 10, 1945 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Onekama, Lola married Walter F. Brown Sr. who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by: her siblings, Harold (Margaret) Fredricks, Daisy Marie (Walter) Kurth, Leona (Robert) Wagoner, Ray Fredricks, Norman Fredricks, Otto Robert (Faye) Fredricks, and Kathryn (Weiko) Tritten Pihl; and her son-in-law, Philip Asiala.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 PM, Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Onekama, with the Reverend Timothy Selim officiating. Interment will follow in the Onekama Village Cemetery in Onekama. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the American Heart Association.

The Terwilliger funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements.

Finding Clues in Obituaries

Source: The Mining Journal, (Marquette, Marquette, Michigan, USA), , p 2; Column 4; J.M. Longyear Research Library, Marquette, Marquette, Michigan, USA

Heart Attack Was Fatal To Workman
Frank H. Glover, Carpenter, Dropped Dead Yesterday Morning at Powder Mill

Seized with a heart attack, Frank H. Glover, 113 East Ohio Street, dropped dead early yesterday morning after he had gone to the Powder Mill location to begin his work as a carpenter.  He was employed by the city to work on the new oil storage tank at the auxillary power station and yesterday would have been his first day on the job.

Mr. Glover was about 60 years old and had been a resident of Marquette many years.  The remains were taken to Tonella's chapel and Coroner Argall was called, but he decided that no inquest was necessary.

Mr. Glover leaves his wife, Hattie, one daughter, Mrs. Victor Tyson, of this city; and three sons, Harry, of Detroit;  Claude, of Munising, and Merle, of San Francisco.  He also leaves a sister, Miss Sadie Glover, of Milwaukee, and three brothers, Charles, of Cadillac; Louis of Grand Rapids, and William, of Oshkosh, Wis.

He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and of the Carpenter's Union of Marquette.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon in the family home.  The Rev H. J. Bryce, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, will officiate and interment will take place in Park Cemetery.

Obituaries can tell one much more than the death details and survivors. Do you read obituaries thoroughly? If not, you are missing important clues for further research.

The above obituary for my paternal great grandfather, Frank H. Glover, has a lot of clues. These clues include:

1.    Occupation: Carpenter at Powder Mill, although he died on the first day of a new job.

2.    Residence: Address and that he was a resident for many years. This would lead me to census, tax, city directory and other local records. 

3.    Funeral Home: Tonella's chapel. The Canale Tonella Funeral Home is in Marquette today. I can inquire about records here.

4.    Coroner: Coroner Argall, but I don't need to seek those records because it states that no inquest was necessary.

5.    Membership: Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and of the Carpenter's Union of Marquette. Looking for membership records could give me a sense of his work history.

6.    Religion: Presbyterian at First Presbyterian Church. Looking for church records may provide birth, christening, marriage, and more records.

Don't be too quick to discard obituaries for clues to a person's life. I find that transcribing my obituaries gives me time to add items to my to-do list and find clues that leads to more records.

In Memory of Robert and Leona (Fredricks) Wagoner

Onekama Village Cemetery

Erdman Road

Onekama, Manistee, Michigan

WAGONER

LEONA I            ROBERT D

1926-1996            1922-1996

Photographed by Brenda Leyndyke

Leona Wagoner

1926-1996

Leona Inez Wagoner, 69, of Bear Lake, died Sunday, April 21, 1996 at West Shore Hospital, Manistee.

She was born 5 Dec 1926 in Brethren, the daughter of Otto and Daisy (Graf) Fredricks.  She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid, Onekama; the DAV Auxiliary, Manistee; and graduated as a LPN from Northwestern Michigan college of Nursing in 1966.  She worked for many years for Dr. Arnold Graham in his Bear Lake office.

Surviviors include her husband, Robert Wagoner; her son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Lynn; her grandson, Cody Graf; her sisters, Kathryn Pihl, Kaleva, Lola Brown, Brethren, Marie (Walter) Kurth, Smith River, Calif., Audrey (Bruce) Glover, Portage, Jean (Leslie) Kaskinen, Bellaire; her brothers, Otto (Margaret) Fredricks, Kaleva, Richard (Marilyn) Fredericks, Brethren, John (Louise) Fredricks, Blanchard and Ray (Alyce) Fredricks, Caledonia, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond Graf in 1971, brothers, Harold and Norman Fredricks; and nephews Mark Kaskinen, Michael Fredricks, and Richard Fredericks.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Onekama, with the Rev. Paul Pollatz officiating.  Burial will be in the Onekama Village Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 Tuesday at the Terwilliger Funeral Home, P.C., Kaleva.

Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.  Envelopes are available at the Terwilliger Funeral Home, Kaleva.

(Manistee News Advocate, 22 April 1996)

ROBERT D WAGONER

T SGT   US ARMY

WORLD WAR II

JUN 16 1922   SEP 27 1996

SILVER STAR

PURPLE HEART

R.I.P. Faith Brown (1956-2021)

Walter and Lola (Fredricks) Brown Family

L-R Back Row Fred, Walter, Lola

L-R Front Row John, Faith, Bertha

No matter when one experiences a death in the family it is hard, but the death of my cousin Faith shocked me. She was too young to die. She was only one year older than I.

I didn't grow up around my cousins and would only see them about once a year. I do remember spending the night at Faith's home as a child. She lived in the middle of an orchard on Jebavy Road in Manistee, Michigan. It was beautiful. It seemed like we would visit when the apples were starting to grow and the cherries were plentiful. Faith's dad, Walter Brown, was the manager of the orchard. Her mom was my beloved Aunt Lola.

We lost touch with each other as we became teenagers and made our way through high school and young adulthood. It wasn't until years later that I started going to the family reunions and was able to reconnect with Faith. We talked about our lives and food. We both were foodies. My Aunt Lola was an excellent cook as all the Fredricks' girls seemed to be and Aunt Lola would bring a big roaster full of spaghetti to the family reunion. It was Faith who made it as her mom got older. I begged for the recipe one year. I was told there wasn't really a recipe, as most good cooks will tell you. Faith told me how it is made. I could never figure out how the spaghetti didn't get all stuck together and dry.

Here is the recipe:

Fry one pound hamburger.  Season with Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder.
Add onion and celery.  Amount at your preference.
Add 1 can small tomato paste and 1 large can tomato sauce.
Simmer about 1 hour.  Put in roaster, bake at 325 for 1-2 hours.  Add tomato juice to keep it moist.

Faith Brown was born 31 May 1956 to Walter and Lola (Fredricks) Brown. She graduated from Manistee High School in 1974. Her death on 17 November 2021 occurred suddenly at home. Faith was cremated and a private graveside service will be held later.

I will remember Faith fondly and keep her and her family in my prayers. Rest in Peace, Faith.

A copy of Faith's obituary can be found at Terwilliger Funeral Home's website.

Rest in Peace, Betty

I hit the jackpot when I married Kirk. I got a loving, mother-in-law too. I am not just saying that because this is a memorial to her, I truly did get a wonderful one.

Chase, Kirsten, Betty, Alayna, 

Travis, Jim

Elizabeth "Betty" Lorraine Corcoran Leyndyke died at the age of 93. She lived every one of those days with strength and grace. Betty's death will be felt by the family for a very long time. 

This part is hard to write, but I feel it is important to understand why her death certificate's cause of death was accidental. Betty had a number of ailments which any one of them could have been the cause of death. She suffered from crohn's disease, heart disease, severe arthritis, and more.

Betty had been suffering with a sore toe for a few months when she went to see a podiatrist. She had a follow up appointment with the podiatrist and an infection was discovered. She went to the hospital on September 2nd, and ended up needing a toe amputation, the infection had spread. The family had hoped that she would go home upon healing. She went into the hospital feeling pretty good except for the toe. The toe next to the big toe was amputated and for some reason she never rebounded. She had the surgery under local anesthesia.

Kirk and I went to see her the next week. We were told she was delirious, uncommunicative, and not eating. We walked in the room and were greated with a huge smile. Betty wasn't 100% but she knew who we were. She was having trouble swallowing and was on some type of a liquid diet. She did get a few things mixed up, but so do I. We visited for a couple of hours. We left and Kirk talked to her aide. We were told she would be ready to go to a rehab facility once a bed could be found for her. Sometime between Wednesday when we visited and Sunday when she was moved, something happened because she was moved to an inpatient hospice care facility.

Unfortunately, Kirk wasn't notified of this until he called the hospital and they told him where she was placed. Family communication is not their strong suit. I'm not going into any more of the family dynamics but it was a stressful week to say the least.

Betty was placed in Faith Hospice in Byron Center, MI on a Sunday night. Wednesday during the day she fell. No x-rays were taken until Friday. She had broken her hip and shoulder. It is from this point on, in my opinion, that Betty was kept so sedated she couldn't wake up. My daughter, Kirsten, Kirk, and I visited Betty on a Sunday and she never woke up, and we tried talking to her. It was so sad to see her like this. 

The family had had a care meeting on a Friday, which Kirk attended, imminent death was not mentioned. The doctor felt she had months to live. She died four days later.

The day she died, September 28th, we got a call from Joanne, Kirk's sister, that Betty's breathing had changed. We decided to go and be there with Betty. We missed saying good bye to her by minutes. 

I know that people don't live forever, but to think that a loved one is placed in the care of hospice, she falls, and dies from complications of that fall. I have so many questions for Faith Hospice, but I am sure we will never get any anwsers.

Betty was born 20 July 1928 to Bertrand and Leona (Dollaway) Corcoran. She married James Marvin Leyndyke on 24 June 1950. They were married for 71 years. She died 28 September 2021 in Byron Township, Kent, Michigan. 

Betty you will always be remembered by me and my family. This was a hard loss to accept. Betty's obituary can be found here: