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of Flint

Formerly of Chesaning

Age 64, died Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Heartland Home and Health Care Center in Flushing. Gary was born on May 18, 1943 in Flint, the son of Dale and Marie (Britton) Cooper. He had resided in the Chesaning area most of his life. He was employed with General Motors for 30 years, retiring in 1998. Gary enjoyed hunting and Mustang cars.

He is survived by three sons, Dale Cooper, of Flint, Jim (Cindy) Cooper, of Pinckney, and Ron (Dorothy) Cooper, of Flint; mother, Marie Gauthier, of Montrose; step-father, Ken Lane, of Tennessee; step-grandchildren, Jenny Severns, Jamie Severns and Amber Mayernik; brothers, Ron Cooper, of Montrose, and Ken Lane of Manchester; sister, Susan Hatfield, of Montrose; step-brother, Gerald (Terri) Gauthier, of Davison; step-sisters, Candice (Larry) Cardo, of Ohio, and Heidi (Larry) Lawrence, of Burton; and several niece and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Dale Cooper, and daughter-in-law, Susan Cooper.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at the O'Guinn Family Funeral Home, Montrose Chapel. Rev. Richard Phillips officiated. Cremation followed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Home and Health Care Center. Please sign the guestbook or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com.

GLENN BLOOM

of St. Charles

Age 78, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Covenant Medical Center - Harrison in Saginaw after a long illness. Glenn was born on June 11, 1929 in Ypsilanti, the son of Harry and Eva (Louck) Bloom. He married Gloria Mendicki on March 1, 1973, and she survives him. Glenn served his country in the U.S. Army after World War II from 1948 to 1951. He retired as a supervisor from the State Hospital in Ypsilanti.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gloria; a son, Robert and special friend Susan; three step-children, Gloria Wolford, Gina Masterka and Mark Masterka; 11 grandchildren, Kevin, Kelli, Shane, Rebekah, Joshua, Jonathon, Trey, Nina, Megan, Chad and special grandson, Christian; two brothers, Donald and Wayne; two sisters, Alice and Rosie; many nieces and nephews, and two special great-grandnieces, Kassi and Ella. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Becky; four brothers, Robert, Earl, Wiliam and Richard; and three sisters, Mary, Tressie and Pearl.

In accordance with Glenn's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at the Kendall Funeral Home in St. Charles. Memorials may be made to the City Rescue Mission or the Saginaw County Humane Society.

DENNIS D. "BEAR" GIESKEN

of Chesaning

Age 61, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at St. Mary's of Michigan Hospital. Dennis Dale Giesken was born on May 7, 1946 in Owosso, the son of the late L. Hugo and Muriel (Seaman) Giesken. Dennis graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School in 1964. He worked as a steel worker. "Bear" was an avid card player and was very active with the Knights of Columbus.

Dennis is survived by two brothers, Louis and Juditih Giesken and Robert and Laurie Giesken, all of Chesaning; six special nieces and nephews, Michelle (Christopher) Coyne, Douglas (Cherrie), Michael (Tracy), Lindsay, Melissa and Chelsay Giesken; and three aunts, Rita Tithof, Helen Falls and Jinny McGrain.

In accordance with Dennis' wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Chesaning. Rev. Fr. Richard Bokinskie will officiate. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Knights of Columbus Council #2943, the Chesaning Nursing Care Center, or the Saginaw Visiting Nurses Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Walker-Martin Funeral Home of Chesaning. www.WMartinFuneralHome.com.

ERMA M. HOLLENBACK

of Chesaning

Age 86, passed away Saturday evening, March 29, 2008 at the Lutheran Home in Frankenmuth. Erma M. Bitterman was born on December 19, 1921 in Maple Grove Township, the daughter of Fred and Edna (Dingler) Bitterman. She married Linus Hollenback on May 18, 1946. He preceded her in death on January 20, 1982. Erma was a long-time resident of Maple Grove Township and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. She enjoyed sewing and was an excellent seamstress, of which she was very proud. Erma enjoyed volunteering her time at the Chesaning Senior Center.

She is survived by her two sons, Ronald Hollenback, of Chesaning, and Richard (Dionne) Hollenback, of Frankenmuth; grandchildren, Pamela (Ryan), Nicole, Eric, Jacob, Brittany and Brandy; and two sisters-in-law, June Bitterman and Patricia Bitterman. She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister, Catherine Birchmeier, and brothers, Leonard, Bernard and Fritz.

Funeral liturgy was held on Tuesady, April 1, 2008 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, Maple Grove. Rev. Fr. Randy Kelly officiated, with burial in St. Michael Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Walker-Martin Funeral Home in Chesaning. www.WMartinFuneralHome.com.

SANDRA R. ZUCKSCHWERDT

formerly of Brady Township

Age 64, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2008 at Tendercare Saginaw. Sandra R. Zuckschwerdt was born in Saginaw on July 2, 1943, the daughter of Howard and Catherine (Howell) Zuckschwerdt.

She is survived by one brother, Jerry and Rose Zuckschwerdt, of Saginaw; two sisters, Rosalie and Dennis Wolfe, of Oakley, and Shirley Waters, of Saginaw; a sister-in-law, Molly Zuckschwerdt, of Oakley; and several nieces and nephews. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ray; and a brother-in-law, Gilbert Waters.

Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the Brant Cemetery. Rev. David Kimball officiated. Arrangements were entrusted to Walker-Martin Funeral Home, Chesaning. www.WMartinFuneralHome.com.

EDWARD A. BYRNE

of Maple Grove Township

Age 90, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at St. Mary's of Michigan Hospital, Saginaw. Edward Aloysius Byrne was born in Maple Grove Township on May 26, 1917, the son of the late Edward James and Elizabeth (Yaklin) Byrne. He married Louise Keeler on May 13, 1944 at St. Michael Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on May 17, 1997. Ed was a life-long dairy farmer and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus #2943, the Saginaw County Agricultural Society, the National and State Brown Swiss Associations, and the Chesaning and Juddville Historical Societies. Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, discussing family and local history as well as attending dairy cattle shows and auction sales.

Edward is survived by one daughter, Letitia (Tish) Byrne, of Saginaw; four sons, David and Patricia Byrne, of San Antonio, Texas, Fr. Robert Byrne, of Mt. Pleasant, Dennis and April Byrne, of Grass Lake, and Michael Byrne, of Maple Grove Township; four grandchildren, Virginia, Alexander, Sarah and Benjamin; two sisters, Margaret Hitts and Rita Cassidy; one brother, Cornelius Leary; and a sister-in-law, Helen Byrne. In addition to his parents and his wife of 53 years, Edward was predeceased by a brother, Arthur Byrne; one sister, Rose Marie Yaklin; three brothers-in-law, Edward Cassidy, Dale Hitts and Earl Yaklin; and a sister-in-law, Theresa Leary.

Ed's funeral liturgy was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Maple Grove. His son, Fr. Robert Byrne, officiated, with burial in St. Michael Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Michael Catholic Church or the Chesaning Historical Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Walker-Martin Funeral Home, Chesaning. www.WMartinFuneralHome.com.

JOHNNIE J. ADAMS, JR.

of Oakley

Age 18, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2008 in Roscommon County as the result of an automobile accident. Johnnie Joe Adams, Jr., was born on July 25, 1989 in Leesburg, Fla. He loved hanging out with his friends, biking and working on cars, and was especially interested in graphic design on cars. Johnnie would have graduated this year. He shared a special relationship with his grandfather, Dale Willson.

He is survived by his parents, Kelly and Pete Henderson, of Oakley; two sisters, Cortney (Quentin) Gilmore, of Chesaning, and Chelsie Henderson, of Oakley; two nephews, Halaway and Rowan Gilmore; grandparents, Judy Willson, of Chesaning, Dale Willson, of Prudenville, and Joyce Henderson, of Chesaning; great-grandmother, Margaret Henderson, of New Jersey; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Kenneth M. Henderson, Jr., and his grandmother, Sandra Sells.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at noon on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at Walker-Martin Funeral Home, Chesaning. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. www.WMartinFuneralHome.com.

Thomas H. Foster Jr.

New Haven Township

"A candidate for public office is only as good as that asked of him by the voter." That saying was a favorite of New Haven Township Supervisor, Thomas H. Foster, Jr.

Serving the public's interests, and actively taking a part in the community, was a passion for Tom, age 77, who sadly left this Earth to be with his Lord on Thursday evening, April 3, 2008.

Tom was born on February 22, 1931 in Detroit, the son of Thomas H. and Grace (Callahan) Foster, Sr. As a child, he and his family moved to Saginaw, where he graduated from St. Mary's High School.

Tom's commitment to his years of service as a township supervisor since 1987, lead to additional responsibilities in the realm of local government. He served as President of the Michigan Township Association for three years and continued to be active in the association after his term. He also accepted without hesitation over the years, serving on the Shiawassee County Library Funding Committee, Emergency Notification (9-1-1) Committee, County Zoning and Farming Preservation Committee, County Internal Services Ad Hoc-County Coordinator Committee, various Revenue Taskforce committees, and Economic Development. Tom was a familiar face around the Shiawassee County Road Commission and County Courthouse, carrying out his township official duties when called on. He was always available to his constituents and fellow county township government officials when they sought his advice on issues no matter the time of day or night. Tom's latest accomplishment and longtime goal as supervisor, was seeing through the construction of a new Township Hall, located next to the former hall on Easton Road. Tom was in the midst of preparing for the hall's open house in May at the time of his death.

Tom's road to public service and his love of country, began when he enlisted as a private in the United States Army at the age of 20 in 1951. After receiving his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, Tom was sent to Warrenton, Virginia, where he trained in security. He then left for Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he received radio communications training. After his training, he was asked by the Army to apply for officer training school at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the summer of 1952. He graduated in October of that year, and became a lieutenant.

Shortly before his graduation from officer training, he was contacted by the Army Security Agency to see if he would be interested in attending the Army language school in Monterey, California. It was there that he learned to speak fluent Russian, a language he could still speak with great eloquence when asked to. Tom graduated in October of 1953 as a second lieutenant. His extensive training soon lead to a three-year tour of duty in Germany, beginning in December, 1953. Tom returned to the United States to marry his wife, the former Doris Schnick, after a courtship of letter writing.

Tom then completed intelligence training at Fort Devon, Massachusetts, where he became an instructor. Within two and a half years, he had become Captain Foster and head of the department while training both enlisted and officer personnel. In 1959, Tom the father of two children then, was assigned to the desolate area of Shemye, Alaska, an island in the Aleutian Islands. That tour of duty ended in December, 1960.

Tom was then assigned to the ASA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and the family lived in Falls Church, Virginia for the next three years. At that time, he worked in extensive liaison with the Pentagon. One of his greatest challenges he once recalled, was working there when the Cuban Missile Crisis unfolded. A third child soon arrived.

In 1964, Tom received orders to return for another tour of Germany, which lasted for three years. The whole family was allowed to accompany him on this assignment. A fourth child was born, and Tom was now a major and company commander of the 700 man 507th USASA Operations Company. After relocating twice during the three years, Tom left Germany as the executive officer of the 7,000 member 502nd USASA communications group.

Tom and his family returned to the United States in 1967, when he was assigned to the National Security Agency Headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland. This was Tom's final assignment in his twenty-one-year extraordinary career in the Army, where he retired in 1971 with the distinction of Lieutenant Colonel.

"The work I did at that time, was extremely interesting," he once recalled. "Since I retired, I am still under oath not to divulge my activities." Tom pursued college studies while serving in the armed services, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in government and a minor in U.S. History from the University of Maryland in anticipation of becoming a teacher.

He moved his family to Michigan in 1971 after retiring from the service to pursue this new career goal. However, in the 1970s when there was an over supply of educators, Tom decided to continue in government service as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Owosso where he worked from 1974 to his retirement in 1987. Tom was well respected by his colleagues and clients during his SSA service, and was instrumental in opening the Owosso office branch. He also taught adult education for the Chesaning Union Schools for several years.

Tom was affectionately known as "Hog Man" by his family, as head of the family's swine operations which began in the late 1970s and continues today. He worked hard to make it a success, which also benefited those in the community. Tom would often donate pork to the Shiawassee Council on Aging and to those in need. The family swine business, known as Foster's Genetic Triad, helped launch another family endeavor called Dottie's Deli in Chesaning. Tom and his wife operated this end of the business from 1985 up until their retirement in 2003. Tom could always be seen attending the brat stand during Chesaning festivals. He was an active member of the Chesaning Kiwanis Club from 1988 until 2007. Tom would volunteer for the good of the club's community efforts, and was a longtime driver for Meals on Wheels.

What Tom loved most was his family, who will miss him dearly. He leaves behind his wife, Doris, of fifty-one years; three sons, Thomas Foster Jr., Tracy (Barbara) Foster, and Troy (Linda) Foster; daughter, Tammy (Daniel) Dasen. He took great pride in his three grandchildren, Andrew Foster, Hillary Foster, and Trent Dasen. He also leaves his sister, Katherine (Foster) Nault; brother, Robert (Sue) Foster; brothers and sisters-in-law, Elwyn (Barbara) Schnick, Carl (Mary Ann) Schnick, and James Stewart; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death, as did a sister, Mary Lou (Foster) Stewart.

Tom is now at peace, after having fought a year-long battle with cancer. He was on a journey to a full recovery when the Lord called His soldier home.

Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Nelson-House Funeral Home, with Pastor Jerry Walden officiating. Burial will follow at West Haven Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, April 6, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Monday, April 7, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, the family, or the charity of thedonor's choice. Anyone wishing to send on-line condolences may do so at www.nelson-house.com.

Janet K. (Perkins) Monroe

of Burt

Age 63 years, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend went to be with her Lord on Thursday, April 3, 2008 in the presence of her family. Janet Kay Perkins was born November 14, 1944 to the late Bert and Ruby (Davis) Perkins.

Janet leaves to cherish her memory her soul mate, Paul Cicalo; her children, Wendy and Joe Eschenweck, Christine and Ron Pentecost, Charles and Angie Monroe, Jennifer Anderson, Troy and Mindy Monroe, Joe and Andrea Monroe; 17 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; her siblings Robert and Phyllis Perkins, Mark and Gail Perkins, JoAnn and Roy Rogers, Keith and Paula Perkins, Joyce and Roger Harris and Ron Perkins. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Charlene Barror and two brothers, Dale and Edwin Perkins.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2008 at Walker-Martin Funeral Home, Chesaning. Rev. Jeffrey Williams will officiate, with burial in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, April 6, 2008 from 2 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those planning an expression of sympathy to consider memorials to the Monroe family. www.WMartinFuneralHome.com