Merkle Funeral Service Life Stories

May 9, 1950 – February 6, 2010

Melvin Eugene Bohmer was born on May 9, 1950 in Monroe, Michigan. He was the son of Roger Eugene Bohmer and Lucille Mary (Burkett). He graduated from Ida High School with the class of 1968. He was drafted by the United States Army in 1969 and served his country honorably during the Vietnam Conflict while stationed in Korea. He received and honorable discharge in 1972.

Melvin or as his friends called him “CHOO CHOO” was married to the former Irene Balog on April 1, 2004. They referred to each other as soulmates and had been together for more than twenty-five years.

CHOO CHOO was employed by the Ford Motor Company for more than thirty-two and half years. He worked on the assembly line for many years and he retired in 2006.

CHOO CHOO was a lifelong Monroe resident. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4093. He was also a classic car buff, but more than anything he was a Harley Davidson enthusiast. He and Irene looked forward each year for their cross country jaunt to the Myrtle Beach Bike Week.

Melvin Eugene Bohmer age 59 of Monroe passed away at his home at 3:00pm, Saturday, February 6, 2010. He had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. His passing was preceded by a stepson: Jeremy Francis Tomkinson, his grandparents, and a brother-in-law: Sgt. Louis Robert Balog.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Irene of Monroe; his parents: Roger and Lucille Bohmer of Monroe; a stepdaughter: Angela Marie (Algernon) Jordan of Monroe; a stepson: Danny (Danielle) Riffle of Monroe; grandchildren: D’ondra Jade Todd, De`ja` Marie Todd, Demetrius Giovanni Tomkinson, Jay Donovan Jordan, Skyler and Gavin Riffle; and a brother: Ronald Edward (Marcy) Bohmer.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday; February 9, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 2:00pm on Wednesday also at Merkle’s. The Rev. Clarence VanConant of the United Methodist Church and a lifelong friend Rev. Gary Southerland will officiate. Melvin will be whisked in procession to Woodland Cemetery in a custom Harley Motorcycle Hearse where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138.

Memorial donations are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice.

February 20, 1926 – February 4, 2010

Robert William Ray was born on February 20, 1926 in Lorain, Ohio. He was the only child born from the union of the late William Ray and the late Carrie (Aselstyne) Ray. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on April 29, 1944 in Detroit. He obtained the rank of Corporal and served as a Scout Sniper. He received an honorable discharge on August 8, 1946.

Robert married the love of his life the former Betty Schmidt on April 8, 1950 at Trinity Lutheran Church. She passed away on February 9, 1999.

Robert learned his trade of tool and die, hands on, while employed by Monroe Tool. He worked for several other machine shops before going on his own opening Ray Tool Manufacturing Corporation. Robert loved every aspect of the tool and die industry including detail work, building of special machines, and tools for various customers including those in the glass and automobile industries. He operated Ray Tool for more than twenty-eight years before retiring.

Robert was very proud of his service in the Marine Corp and was very active in local veteran’s organizations. He was a member of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. He was a lifetime member of Marine Corps Association, and the Second Marine Division Association. Robert was also an avid outdoorsman enjoying boating and especially fishing. He was a former member of the Detroit Beach Boat Club and the Monroe Boat Club.

Robert William Ray age 83 of Monroe passed away at Tendercare of Monroe on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6:00am. He had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. In addition to his parents and his wife, Robert’s passing was preceded by a daughter: Patricia Ray.

He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter: Barbara (Dale) Stemen of New Boston, and a step grandson: Dale Stemen Jr. of Auburn Hills.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday, February 8, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Tuesday. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. Graveside services will be under the Auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138.

Memorial donations for those who desire may be made to Mercy Memorial Hospice or to Monroe County Humane Society.

April 3, 1942 – February 4, 2010

Charles Christopher Whitwam was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on April 3, 1942. He was one of three sons born to the union of the late William Whitwam and the late Marguerite (O’Donnell) Whitwam. He was a 1960 graduate of Trenton High School. In May of 1967, Chuck’s life became washed anew when he was saved by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

With a new lease on life Chuck met the love of his life Jane (Grohoske) Hindall in the spring of 1975. They were married the following year on February 21 in Gaylord, Michigan.

Chuck is best known as an encourager, a soul winner, a man who loved the Lord and was in love with his family. He received his spiritual nourishment by daily studies of the Bible and committing scripture to memory. He worshipped at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Being an avid outdoorsman and enjoying bow hunting, for many years Chuck organized bow shoots to bring others to Christ. Chuck took his role as teacher very seriously studying his lesson the entire week between classes before home Bible studies, Sunday School Class, and Men’s Ministry. He had a nickname for everyone and gave all he met their own scripture. The church will forever miss his “AAAAAMEN”.

Chuck was employed by the Gibraltar School District for more than 43 years retiring in 2003.

Charles “Chuck” Whitwam age 67 of Newport passed at his home from this life into eternal glory on Thursday, February 4, 2010. He was under the care and watchful eyes of his loving Heavenly Father and his beloved family.

To cherish his memory he leaves a wife: Jane of Newport; six children: Sherry (Terry) Bue of Keller, Texas, Brad (Diana) Hindall of Naples, Florida, Paul (Barb) Whitwam of Oviedo, Florida, Scott Hindall of Monroe, Michigan, Jennifer Whitwam of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Charles (Jilliane) Whitwam of San Francisco, California; two brothers: W. Richard (Pat) Whitwam of Brownstown Township, Michigan and J. David (Florencia) Whitwam of Monroe; ten grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Friends may gather from 12:00-8:00pm, Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 4:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 6:00pm, Monday, February 8, at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, 14260 South Dixie Highway. The Rev. Roy Southerland will lead a service of faith and inspiration.

Memorial donations may be made to the MMBC Expansion Fund.

September 25, 1938 – January 31, 2010

Wetona Whiting was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 25, 1938. Wetona was the only child born from the union of the late Richard Whiting and the late Josephine (Gabrels) Whiting. She attended Harry Grady High School and graduated with the Class of 1956. Wetona attended Emery University in Atlanta, Georgia.

She would marry Lynn “Sonny” Jones Jr.

Wetona achieved her certificates and worked in the medical field for many years. She worked in Radiology for the Georgia Baptist Hospital. She later worked for Kerman Radiology in Daytona Beach, Florida, and then Sun Coast Hospital as a Medical Transcriptionist in Largo, Florida. She enjoyed her work but had to take a medical retirement in 2008.

Wetona loved the sun. She enjoyed spending her free time on the beach and feeling the breeze in her face. Wetona was an avid NASCAR fan. Growing up her parents owned a hotel next to the Daytona Speedway. Later in life she would make regular jaunts to Michigan in August to visit the big race with her son: Richard at the Michigan International Speedway. She also enjoyed watching football.

In September of 2009 Wetona moved to Monroe to stay with her son.

Wetona Jones age 71 of Monroe formerly of Georgia and Florida passed away at 5:57pm, Sunday, January 31, 2010 at her son’s home. The family had been under the care of Heartland Hospice and Homecare. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband: Sonny and a granddaughter: Stephanie Jordan.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son: Richard (Georgia) Warren of Monroe, Michigan; a daughter: Leslie Stegall of Largo, Florida; two grandchildren: Chelsea Naperschat of Anderson, Indiana and Samantha Warren of Monroe, Michigan; and three step-grandchildren: Billie Cosby, Connie Cosby, and Adam Cosby all of Monroe.

No public services are planned. The family will have a private memorial at a later date. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with her local arrangements.

Memorial donations in her honor may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

March 29, 1943 – January 31, 2010

Richard Donald Gardner was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 29, 1943. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Donald Gardner and the late Margaret (Fair) Gardner. He grew up in the Toledo area, and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1961. Later he attended the University of Toledo.

Richard worked along side the former Sharon Milliman at Reckett-Benckiser in Rockwood, Michigan as a machine operator for more than twenty-four years. She would be the love of his life and they were married on February 15, 1986 in the Trinity Lutheran Church Chapel. Richard retired when the plant closed in 2001.

Richard was an old story teller, and he enjoyed sharing his tales with others. He was an avid sports fan especially loving hockey, college football, and baseball. He was a member and past board member of the Canvasback Gun Club. At the club he enjoyed trap shooting and playing cards. He had a passion pheasant hunting, and ice fishing. He was a member of the local Order of the Moose 884. Richard above all else was a great father and an excellent husband.

Richard Donald Gardner Sr. age 66 of Monroe passed away at 9:30am, Sunday, January 31, 2010 at his home. His family had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. In addition to his father in 1995 and his mother in 2000 his passing was also preceded by a brother: John Gardner in 1997.

His memory will forever be cherished by his wife Sharon of Monroe; four children: Richard (Debbie) Gardner Jr. of Rockford, Illinois, Mark (Kimberly) Gardner of Monroe, John (Renae) Brooks of Monroe, and Stephanie Brooks of Shanawo, Wisconsin; a sister: Susan (Dave) Billups of Pemberville, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Jordan, Tiffany, MaKaya, Chelsea, Mariah, Lauren, and Lillian.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where members of the Moose will perform services at 7:00pm. A Celebration of His Life will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2010 also at Merkle’s with the Rev. Roy Southerland pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Pak for burial.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Gardner family.

July 27, 1922 – January 24, 2010

Harry Theodore Bialy was born in Lambertville, Michigan on July 27, 1922. Harry was one of eleven children born form the union of the late John Bialy and the late Bertha (Wegryzn) Bialy. He attended Woodward High School and graduated in 1940. Harry enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably from December 31, 1940 through November 5, 1945.

He married the former Florence Leger in Lake Charles, Louisiana on January 6, 1943. The young couple returned to the Monroe area following their nuptials. They became members of St. Michael Church. Harry was employed as a journeyman millwright for the Consolidated Paper Company from 1940 until 1975. He then took employment with the Ford Motor Company until his retirement in 1981.

Harry enjoyed bowling. He was a member of Nortel Men’s League and The Independent League from 1950-1998 at the Nortel Lanes. He was also an avid card player enjoying the likes of euchre and pinochle. Harry enjoyed playing pool and had participated in several leagues over the years. He was a huge Detroit Tiger fan. But more than anything else Harry loved his grandchildren and the time he was able to spend with them.

Harry Bialy, 87, of Monroe passed away at 8:00am, Sunday, January 24, 2010 at his home. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by two grandsons: Brian L. Vroman and Michael J. Bialy and five siblings: Sophie, Edwin, Frank, Donald, and Robert Bialy.

He leaves to cherish his memory a wife: Florence of Monroe; two sons: Harry Jr. “Ted” Bialy of Monroe and Eugene (Patti) Bialy of LaSalle; two daughters: Donna Vroman and Paula (Nathan) Whipple both of Monroe; three sisters: Laura Zmudzinski of Toledo, Helen Noll of Toledo, and Dolores “Susie” Flint of California; two brothers: Edward (Donna) Bialy of Sylvania and Ronald Bialy of Toledo; thirteen grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Rosary service will take place at 7:00pm. He will lie in state from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am, Thursday, January 28, 2010 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 502 West Front Street. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138.

Memorial donations are suggested to the VFW Post 1138.

February 10, 1950 – January 21, 2010

Carl Robert Watson was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 10, 1950. Carl was an only child born from the union of the late Robert Watson and the late Zita (Hartings) Watson.

He was employed by the Ford motor Company for thirty years. He worked as a member of the assembly line and also as a welder. Carl retired in 2003.

He married the love of his life Mary Ingram on May 7, 1971. The family has made their home in the Carleton area the past fourteen years moving on their 26th wedding anniversary.
He enjoyed fishing, classic cars, and Piston Basketball. Carl was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church in Flat Rock.

Carl Robert Watson age 59 of Carleton passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 10:44pm, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. His passing was preceded by his parents.

Carl’s memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife of thirty-eight years: Mary of Carleton; a son: Phillip Watson of Carelton; a son: Thomas (Nicole) Watson of Dundee; and two granddogs: Lucy and Trixie.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where a scripture service will take place at 4:00pm. He will lie in state from 9:30am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at St. Roch Catholic Church, 25022 Gibraltar Road in Flat Rock. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe for the final committal services.

November 25, 1941 – January 20, 2010

Charles Stanley Poppenhager was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 25, 1941. Charles was one of two children born from the union of the late Lyle Poppenhager and Marie (Gorij) Poppenhager. Chuck was a graduate of Cooley High School.

He married Galamarie McCracken on May 17, 1969. From this union came the birth of three children. They had attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maybee.

Chuck worked for the General Motors Company in Toledo for more than thirty years. He retired in 2004. He also worked for the Plastech Company in Romulus. He served as a Hi-Lo Driver for both companies.

Chuck had attended Monroe County Community College for a period of time. He enjoyed playing the lottery and visiting Casinos. Chuck was passionate about bargain shopping, and he appreciated a great deal. He enjoyed spending time on his computer, and was an automobile enthusiast always tinkering on a car. Chuck enjoyed conversation, and was considerate of others; always worrying about everyone else’s needs. He also frequented the auction, and had recently found a new love in taking tours with the Frenchtown Charters. He loved his family including his children and grandchildren who he loved to spoil.

Charles Poppenhager age 68 of Monroe passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to his father in September of 1973.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Tina (John) Patrick, Shean (Amber) Poppenhager, and Terri (Mike Borrmann) Grob all of Monroe; his mother and stepfather: Marie and Myron Cook and a brother: Allen (Sandy) Poppenhager both of Jacksonville; ten grandchildren: Derek Stoll, Nathan Stoll, Sierra Poppenhager, Andrew Poppenhager, Summer Poppenhager, Raeann Patrick, Ryan Patrick, Kayla Grob, Jacob Bacon, and Kyleigh Bacon; and two great grandchildren: Leah Henegar and Emma Henegar.

Friends may gather from 12:00pm-8:00pm, Monday, January 25, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday also at Merkle’s with the Rev. David Jones pastor of Northbrook Church in Carleton officiating. Cremation and Inurnment will follow.

For those who desire to make a gift in his honor the American Heart Association or a Charity of the Donors Choice are suggested.

October 26, 1936 – January 19, 2010

Shirley A. Hall, 73, of Toledo passed away, Tuesday, January 19, 2010 in the Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Shirley was born to Francis and Evelyn Denner on October 26, 1936. in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After moving to Toledo she met and married Dale Hall on February 7, 1959.

Shirley is survived by her husband Dale, sons: David and Douglas; daughter: Jodie (Joe) Connelly; grandchildren: Kendra (Elliot) Nickeson, Megan and Abigail Hall, Alexander and Katie Connelly; sister: Carolyn (Lou) Zink; brother: David (Patricia) Denner; as well as many nieces and nephews; and special longtime friends: Tom and Gerry Williams, Bill and Becky Downing.

In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio or the Hospice of NWO.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the CICU unit of Toledo Hospital, Dr. Kenneth Lempert along with the staff at Innovations Dialysis Center, and the Perrysburg Hospice of Northwest Ohio for all of the loving and special care given to Shirley.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 12:00pm until 1:00pm. A memorial service to follow at 1:00pm, at the Chapel of Peace, Toledo Memorial Park, 6382 Monroe Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560.

January 15, 1985 – January 18, 2010

Dylan Ray Panza was born in Monroe, Michigan on January 15, 1985. Dylan was the youngest of three children born from the union of Chester Panza Jr. and Nancy (Herring) Panza.

Dylan grew up in Monroe and attended Jefferson Schools. He showed a love of football picking up the sport in the 6th grade. He also wrestled and ran track in high school lettering in all three sports. As a member of the school’s football team he played both ways and made the All Huron League Offensive and Defensive Team, and was inducted into the leagues’ Hall of Fame. He was a member of DECA and graduated with honors as a member of the Class of 2003.

Following graduation Dylan attended the University of Toledo for a period of time. He had hoped to major in business. Dylan had a great sense of humor, and was a lot of fun. He was the type of person that other’s enjoyed being around. He enjoyed video games and computers and had developed a talent for both. Dylan had attended the First Baptist Church.

Dylan Ray Panza age 25 of Monroe passed away at 3:07pm, Monday, January 18, 2010 at his home. His passing was preceded by a paternal grandmother Doris Panza in 2007, a cousin James Robert Paz, and an infant cousin Sadie Guiterez.

His memory will forever be cherished by his parents: Chester and Patty Panza Jr. of Monroe and Nancy and Ron Schumacher of Toledo; his siblings: Rhiannon (Pete) Simons of Monroe and Jason (Buffy) Panza of Woodhaven; grandparents: Ray and Pauline Herring of Plymouth and Chester S. Panza Sr. of Monroe; five nieces and nephews: Cory Books, Jordyn Panza, Connor Simons, Dominic Simons, Shyann Simons.

Friends may gather from 3:30pm until 8:00pm, Friday, January 22, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 7:00pm with the Dr. Rev. Kenneth Dunn pastor of First Baptist Church in Monroe officiating. Musical selections will also be performed by the Vass Majority. Friends may meet at the Chapel Mausoleum of Roselawn Memorial Park, 13200 South Dixie Highway at 10:00am on Saturday, January 23, 2010 for a committal ser vice.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Panza family.