Merkle Funeral Service Life Stories

December 28, 1972 – June 29, 2009

Katina Lee Fehse was born on December 28, 1972 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Katina was one of five daughters born from the union of Rick Fehse and Deb (Edwards) Fehse. Tina attended Monroe Public Schools.

Tina married David Biggins on September 4, 1999 in Luna Pier, Michigan. Tina and David formed an unbreakable bond and Tina was a devoted wife and mother. Their marriage blended four children into their family, and she valued the time she spent with her three sons: David John Fehse, Justin Michael Fehse, and Dillon James Fehse all of Dundee; and a daughter: Mercedes Mae Biggins of Monroe.

Tina was also a loving daughter and sister. Tina cherished the time she was able to spend with her parents: Rick and Deb Fehse of Monroe, her maternal grandmother: Ilene Edwards; and four beloved sisters: Tammy (Darrel) Stieben of Ida, Kelly (Albert) Barton of Alabama, Terri (Scott) Nunn of Monroe, and Melanie (Jerry) Chastain of Petersburg, Michigan; and many very special nieces and nephews.

One of Tina’s favorite pastimes was garage saleing, and she knew a good buy when saw one. Tina also enjoyed collecting dolphins and candles. Tina had a great sense of humor and she attempted to fill her life with laughter. David stated that Tina was sensible the one that kept him in line.

Katina Lee “Tina” Fehse age 36 of Dundee passed away unexpectedly at 8:11am Monday morning, June 29, 2009 at her home.

Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 6:30pm on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 6:30pm Thursday also at Merkle Funeral Service. The Rev. John Bullard a neighbor and close family friend will officiate. Cremation will follow through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan.

For those desiring to send memorials; in lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Biggins’ family.

March 27, 1962 – June 30, 2009

Scott Eric Tebbe was born March 27, 1962 in Toledo, Ohio. Scott was one of five children born from the union of the late Arthur Tebbe and the late Donna (Prottengier) Tebbe.

Scott attended Toledo Public Schools. He was an avid outdoorsman.

Scott was blessed with the birth of a daughter: Amanda Tebbe of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also shared memories with his two brothers: David (Mary) Tebbe of Tontogany, Ohio and Steve (Beth) Tebbe of Toledo, Ohio; and two sisters: Marie Kilgo of Gadsen, Alabama and Barb Blackman of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Scott Eric Tebbe age 47 of Toledo passed away at 5:12am, Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio Perrysburg residence. Scott’s passing in addition to his father: Arthur Tebbe and his mother: Donna Wilson was preceded by a niece: Jennifer Bertch.

Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to gather for a Graveside Celebration of His Life at 11:00am, Friday, July 3, 2009 at Toledo Memorial Park. Merkle Cremation Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-1038 was entrusted with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation are suggested to The Tebbe Family at any Fifth-Third Bank branch.

July 7, 1932 – June 26, 2009

Nancy Ann Belcoure was born July 7, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. She was one of three children born from the union of the late Orval “Shorty” Belcoure and the late Margaret Grace (Sullivan) Belcoure. Nancy has a brother: James (Anna) Belcoure who resides in Port St. Luci, Florida and a brother: the late Joseph Richard “Dick” Belcoure.

Nancy married the love of her life William McDonald on December 14, 1979. Nancy and Bill blended together a family consisting of daughter: Diana (Richard) Moore of Monroe, Kelly (Ronald) Rosen of Wyandotte, Kari (Paul) Blanchette of Monroe, and Kristen (Clyde) Glenn of Georgia. These daughters provided Nancy and Bill with the awesome blessing of thirteen grandchildren: Stacy (Joseph) Adkins, Jennifer Moore, Jason (Sarah) Moore, Jason Herndon, Danielle Rosen, Aaron Rosen, Kayla Glenn, Carra Glenn, Carson Glenn, Jacob Blanchette, Joseph Blanchette, Josh Blanchette, Rachael (Shawn) Cook, and nine beloved great grandchildren.

Nancy was a member of St. Charles Parish in Newport. She was also a member of the Women’s Auxillary and Veterans of Foreign Wars Rockwood Post 4230.

Nancy had a love for the water. Their Newport home had a beautiful view of Lake Erie, and a wonderful sandy beach to wade through the waves. Many hours were spent on their boat; cruising and fishing. Nancy and Bill enjoyed traveling and especially visiting their Florida home.

Nancy had spent several years employed by Ford Motor Company at their Monroe and Rawsonville Plants. She had also been employed by Lake Stamping and Scott Paper prior to her meeting Bill.

Nancy Ann McDonald age 76 of Newport passed away at 11:05am, Friday, June 26, 2009 at her Stony Point Peninsula home.

Friends may gather from 1:00-8:00pm, Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Scripture service will be held at 7:00pm on Sunday. Nancy will lie in state from 9:30am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30am, Monday, June 29, 2009 at St. Charles Parish, 8109 Swan Creek Road, Newport. Father Fred Misiolek pastor of the church will officiate and cremation will follow.

Memorial gifts; for those who desire can be made in Nancy’s name to the wishes of the family or to Heartland Hospice and Homecare.

October 13, 1921 – June 18, 2009

Martin Braun was born in Yugoslavia on October 13, 1921. Martin was one five children born from the union of the late Anthony and Julia Braun.

Martin met and soon after married the love of his life Rosie Facel on July 3, 1947 also in Yugoslavia.

Martin was blessed with the birth of a son: Karl ( Patricia) Braun of Lambertville; two granddaughters: Christina (Thomas) Beck and Kimberly Mehki; and four great grandchildren: Sydney, Tyler, and Ethan Beck, and Bailey Mehki.

Martin moved to Monroe in 1956 from Yugoslavia. When he first arrived he worked for the catholic sisters. Martin worked construction for most of his life. He was employed by Labors Local 465. While Martin was employed by Labors Local he performed work for local companies such as: Joe Pope Construction, Bechtel Construction, and Detroit Edison.

Even in his free time Martin enjoyed building things. One of his favorite pastimes was carpentry. He built furniture, baskets, and plant stands to name a few. Martin also enjoyed keeping a garden. He also enjoyed fishing and playing euchre.

Martin enjoyed baseball and he was an avid Detroit Tiger fan. Martin was a member of St. Mary Parish in Monroe.

Martin Braun age 87 passed away at 6:30am, Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Sylvania Rehabilitation Center. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife: Rosie his passing was preceded by two brothers: Alex and Chris and two sisters: Katie and Julia.

Private family services were held. Father Marc Gawronski pastor of St. Mary Parish in Monroe officiated, and burial took place at St. Joseph Cemetery. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested in Martin’s name to Odyssey Vistacare Hospice Foundation, 717 North Harwood Street Suite 1500; Dallas, Texas 75201.

Charles Wayne Thomas, 54, of Monroe, and formerly of Sidney, Ohio, passed
away Sunday evening, June 21, 2009, at his residence after battling cancer
for 5 years.

He was born on July 21, 1954, in Sidney, the son of the late Charles P.
Thomas and Leona (Compton) Davis, who resides in Sidney.

On May 6, 1978, he married Robin Bauer, who survives along with four sons,
Ronald Thomas of Troy, OH, Michael Thomas and his wife Holly of Anna, OH,
Karl Thomas of Monroe, MI and Timothy Thomas of Nashville, TN. Two
grandchildren, Alex and Katie Thomas, both of Anna, OH.

Other survivors include his step-father, Robert Davis of Sidney, and
Step-mother, Gereva Thomas of Monroe, MI. Four sisters, Mrs. Jeff (Donna)
Kimbler of Pt. Jefferson, OH., Mrs. Mike (Brenda) Hines of Stearns, KY.,
Mrs. Aaron (Sheila) Kimbler of Sidney and Mrs. Jim (Retha) Unum of Anna,
OH. and two step-brothers, Michael Davis of Richwood, OH. and Hurstle
Davis and his wife Brenda of Sidney, OH. Also surviving him are many
Aunts, Uncle’s and cousins. He was loved by many and will be missed by
all.

Charles was preceded in death by his step-father, Norval Carr.
Mr. Thomas graduated from Sidney High School with the class of 1972 and
earned an associate degree from Monroe Community College.
Charles was a US Navy veteran serving 6 years for his country.
He retired due to health reasons from Detroit Edison in Monroe, MI, after
working with them for 24 years.

Mr. Thomas attended Northtowne Church of God in Sidney, where he visited
his family and attended Bethany Baptist Church in Newport, MI, where he
was baptized.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 26, 2009, at 10 A.M. from the
Cromes Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Bartee officiating.

Burial will be at Glen Cemetery in Port Jefferson, OH with full military
honors presented by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad. Friends may call on
Thursday from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Cromes Funeral Home, 302 S. Main Ave.,
Sidney.

Condolences may be expressed to the Thomas family at our website,
www.cromesfh.com

March 7, 1945 – June 20, 2009

Francis Edward Amiot age 64, of Monroe, MI, formerly of Rock Island, IL, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2009 at home. Francis was born on March 7, 1945 in Rock Island, Illinois. He was the son of the late Lawrence and Geneva (Keller) Amiot. Francis attended Rock Island Public Schools and was a 1963 graduate of Rock Island High School.

Francis married the love of his life, the former Joyce Van Vooren on November 14, 1973 in Moline, Illinois. Francis has three children, Tina (James) Wolff of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Paul (Stacey) Amiot of Columbus, Indiana; and Julie Amiot of Monroe; two grandchildren, Adam and Ryan Wolff; a nephew that resided with him, Michael Torrence; and two nieces that survive him.

Francis spent many years employed as a switchman for the Rock Island Railroad. Following his railroad years, he was employed as a safety specialist for the United States Department of Transportation and several private firms. Francis was also a proud United States Navy veteran, serving his country honorably from September 14, 1965 until his discharge on October 10, 1969. He was assigned to the USS Eldorado and spent considerable time in Pearl Harbor.

Francis was an avid Cubs baseball fan. He enjoyed collecting model trains, model airplanes, and he could often be found holding a camera taking photos of anything and everything. In addition to his hobbies, Francis had a love of and for children. He also enjoyed the company of his dogs and parrot. Friends remember him as someone always willing to lend a hand.

In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a brother, Michael. Private family services have been held. In accordance with his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Michigan Medical School Anatomical Donations Program. His arrangements were entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers are suggested in Francis’ name to the Humane Society or to the Make A Wish Foundation.

June 5, 1918 – June 20, 2009

Stella Marie Smith was born on June 5, 1918 in Monroe, Michigan. She was the daughter and one of twelve children to the late William “Willie” Carroll and the late Mary Jane (Kivette) Carroll.

Stella was a lifelong Monroe resident. She attended the Clark Street Baptist Church for many years. After the close of the Clark Street Church she continued her Christian obligation of tithing to the Bible Fellowship Church.

Stella was a homemaker. She spent her entire life in service to others. She served as a caretaker for ill family and friends. Stella also looked after the children of working parents. She gave the children a strong foundation and the parents the confidence that their children were in able hands. Stella enjoyed spending time with her family including a sister: Lillian Banks and her husband John of Monroe, and many nieces and nephews.

Stella Marie Smith age 91 of Monroe was called Home at 8:45am, Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the Lutheran Home in Monroe. She had been under the care or Heartland Hospice and Home Care for the past few weeks. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by six sisters and four brothers.

Friends may gather at 11:00am on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Woodland Cemetery for a graveside Celebration of Her Life. The Rev. Von Loop will officiate. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with her arrangements.

The Smith family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in her honor to the Bible Fellowship Church.

May 15, 1907 ~ June 19, 2009

Velma Whitt was born one of ten children to Reuben and Annie (Shook) Whitt, in the Big Laurel section of Madison County, N.C. Velma has two brothers living: Carroll Whitt of Garden City, Michigan, and Richard Whitt of Mars Hill, N.C.

Velma met and married the love of her life Henry Pack in 1925. They first moved to Ohio where Henry was employed by Newton Steel Co. and then transferred to Monroe where they made their home. Velma and Henry had 4 children: Josie Jean (deceased), Doran Pack (Joyce) of Pascagoula Miss.; Reah Barron-Kohler, and Brenda Kiser both of Monroe. Henry entered eternal life in 1979 after 54 years of marriage.

Over the years Velma has sewn many beautiful things for her daughters and granddaughters. She has made many treasured quilts for her family and friends. Velma was a riveter at Willow Run Bomber Plant during World War II. After the war, she worked as a seamstress at La-Z-Boy, Monroe. She retired from work after doing alterations at Holiday Cleaners for many years.

Velma has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroe for over 50 years. She is a life member of the American Legion, also the American Legion 8 and 40. Velma has 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 21 great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends.

Velma W. Pack age 102 was called Home at 12:15 am Friday June 19, 2009. She had been a resident of the Lutheran Home for some time.

Friends may gather from 11:00am until a Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm, Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Scott Street, Monroe. The Rev. Stanley Aubuchon, Administrative Pastor will officiate. Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery in Monroe for burial. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Memorial donations are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church.

September 29, 1927 – June 16, 2009

Fred Elmer Voss was born September 27, 1927 at the Petersburg family farm. He was the son of the late George and Pearl (Deitner) Voss.

Fred was never afraid of hard work. At the age of 14, following George’s death, Fred quit school and began a career in farming. He married Frances Lee on June 4, 1947 at the Free Methodist Parsonage in Petersburg.

Fred and Frances raised a large family including their children: Judy (Paul) Shelton of West Terra Haute, Indiana; Joyce Downing of Cincinnati, Ohio; Marilyn (Larry) Merkle of Monroe, David (Sally) Voss of Petersburg, Kathy (Dale) Stringham of Monroe, Richard Patterson of Vero Beach, Florida, Joyce Ann Smith of Monroe, Jon (Cathy) Voss of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, Don (Darlene) Voss of South Carolina, and numerous foster children. These children provided Fred and Frances the joy of seventeen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Fred also shared memories with a sister: Alice Bolster of Florida, brother-in-law: Alvin McDonnell of Petersburg, and brothers: George (Lois) of Temperance, and Albert (Lois) of Petersburg.

In 1990 Fred suffered a stroke and was forced too give up farming. The Voss’ moved to Mable Kehres in 1993, and Fred found employment for several years at the Frenchtown Square Mall performing maintenance. He also found a hobby and made many new friends around the lobby pool table.

Fred was a devoted member of the Petersburg Lower Light Mission, and could often be found at worship services. He was a fighter a man that led by example.

Fred E. Voss, age 82 of Monroe was called Home at 8:48am, Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at Mercy Nursing Center. In addition to his parents; his passing was preceded by sisters: Lulu Jenne and Lucille McDonnell; and a brother-in-law: Emerson Bolster.

Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Praise Service will be held at 6:30pm under the direction of his son the Rev. David Voss. He will lie in state from 11:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 12:00pm, Friday, June 19 at the Petersburg Lower Light Church on Elm Street at the corner of Forest. The Rev. Paul Shelton his son-in-law will officiate. Procession will follow to Pleasant View Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund at Petersburg Lower Light Mission.

April 21, 1925 – June 10, 2009

Raymond H. Oley was born on April 21, 1925 in Lorain, Ohio the son of Joseph D. Oley and Jennie (Jesenski) Oley. Raymond served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1944 until 1947 during World War II.

Raymond was married to Donna McDonald on August 17, 1958 in Monroe, he always told his family of his love for Donna and their special bond.

Raymond worked as a foreman for more than forty years for the Ford Motor Company. He retired in 1993.
Raymond was the proud father of: Linda Gale (George) Fountain of Monroe, Kathleen “Susie” (Steve) Sizemore of Sahuarita, AZ, Wayne Bradley Oley of Princeton, North Carolina; Raymond Paul Oley of Monroe; and stepfather of: Charles (Suzanne) Wain of Castle Rock, Colorado; the brother of: Ben Oley of Monroe, Joseph (Yvonne) Oley of Monroe, brother-in-law of: Ethel Oley of Kentucky, Rose Benschoter of Ypsilanti. Raymond loved spending time with his family and his fourteen grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.

He was an avid deer, pheasant, and rabbit hunter, and an avid fisherman. Ray delivered produce to friends and neighbors.

He enjoyed carpentry. He loved country music and especially: Carrie Underwood who he said was the new Tammy Wynette. Raymond enjoyed long drives, with his red Ford Lighting truck.

Raymond Harold Oley, age 85, of Monroe passed away at 8:00pm, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by an infant son: Raymond Harold Oley Jr.; his death was preceded by siblings: David, Richard, and James Oley, Theresa Benore, Viola Balog, and Margaret Hedy.

Friends may gather from 4:00-8:00pm, Saturday, June 13, 2009 and from 12:00-8:00pm, Sunday, June 14, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 12:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 1:00pm, Monday, June 15 at the North Monroe Street Church of God, 2393 North Monroe Street. The Rev. Rick Massingill will officiate. Procession will follow to Monroe Missionary Baptist Church where his casket bearers will transfer him to a horse drawn carriage for the final pilgrimage to Roselawn Memorial Park. Graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138.

For those desiring memorial donations are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospital 3 South or to the Food Closet at the North Monroe Street Church.