Battle Creek Enquirer from Battle Creek, Michigan • Page 4

4A Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 Battle Creek Enquirer Feb. 20, 1925, in Marshall. She died in OBITUARIES DEATH NOTICES OUR COMMUNITIES RICHLAND Man faces charges in phone box fires A 17-year-old Richland man faces two charges of arson after he turned himself in to Kalamazoo County Sheriff's deputies Wednesday. Christopher Bierlein is accused of setting on fire two Ameritech telephone control boxes in late December.

Three control boxes were set on fire in Richland Township in three separate incidents on Dec. 28, 29 and 30. Damage from the fires, estimated at $65,000 to $70,000, disrupted telephone service to about 1,000 telephone customers during the three-day period. Sheriffs deputies said their investigation continues. BATTLE CREEK Grain Millers to meet on supplemental pact The union representing cereal workers at Kellogg local plant will meet Saturday to consider whether to extend its supplemental contract with the cerealmaker.

The special meeting will be at 2 p.m. at American Federation of Grain Millers Local 3, 1006 N. Raymond Road. By a majority vote, the membership can opt to extend for a year the contract that otherwise would expire April 6. Last year, the union and the company did agree to extend it to 1998, said Rocky Marsh, the union's business manager.

Separately, Kellogg also could opt to reopen negotiations for a new supplemental contract. The supplemental contract deals with layoff and recall policies and job bidding proce-. dures, among other local issues. It does not set wages or benefits. Those issues are handled in a master contract for all Kellogg plants.

It expires Oct 3, 1999. AFGM Local 3 represents more than 1,000 Kellogg production workers. Schools OK contract with bargaining unit The Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education has approved a contract for the bargaining unit representing the district's maintenance and operations employees. Among highlights, the agreement gives employees a 1.5 percent salary increase in the first year. The new contract is for three years.

Kidney Foundation to honor Schwarz State Sen. John J.H. Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, will be presented the 1998 National Kidney Foundation of Michigan's Distinguished Service Award during an awards celebration and lunch Friday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in The foundation said it is giving the award to Schwarz, who is a medical doctor, in recognition of his efforts on behalf of kidney disease patients in Michigan. Schwarz introduced Senate Bill 458, which requires space be designated on Michigan drivers licenses for people want to be an organ donors death or for those wishing to make monetary donations for promotion of organ transplant donations. Services: 1 p.m.

Saturday at the New Covenant Christian Church, 441 5 W. St. Joseph, with the Rev. Fred B. McGlone III officiating.

Memorials: In the name of Jeff Ostrander or to Ingham Visiting Nurse Hospice. Alice L. Paulsen Albion Alice Paulsen, 67, of Albion, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1998, at home. She was born Sept 13, 1930, in Grand Rapids to Edward and Violet (Scolfield) VanPortfleet She graduated from Union High School in Grand Rapids and moved to Albion in 1954.

She was formerly a physical education teacher at St John's Catholic School in Albion. She married Clarence E. Paulsen on June 23, 1948, in Grand Rapids. He survives. Also surviving are a son, David R.

Paulsen of Atlanta; a daughter, Sherry Miller of Tacoma, five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Donna Peterson of Grand Rapids. Community involvementhobbies: She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, the Duck Lake Country Club and its Ladies Association, and the Hospital Service League. Visitation: None is scheduled. Services: To be held at later date.

Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice. Arrangements by: Tidd-Williams Funeral Home, Albion Chapel. Esther V. Shedd Battle Creek Esther V. Shedd, 78, of Batde Creek, died Wednesday, Jan.

28, 1998, at home. She was born March 16, 1919, in Cadillac to William and Myrde (Wright) Thomason. She moved to Batde Creek in 1935. She resided with and worked for the Henry Anderson family as a nanny and also was employed by the former Akins Appliance and Furniture in Urbandale. She was employed by the Kellogg Co.

in packing from 1951 until 1963. She married Perry Lloyd Shedd on July 9, 1937. He survives. Also surviving are a son, Dennis Shedd of Battle Creek; a daughter, Carol Nelson of Batde Creek; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenneth and Tom Thomason, both of Cadillac; and sisters, Maxine French, Mary LaBarge and Dorothy Hughes, all of Batde Creek, and Lucy Jones. of Walnut Creek, Calif.

Preceding her in death were brothers, Louie, Arthur, Gerald, Harold and Floyd Thomason. Community involvementhobbies: She was a volunteer with the Red Cross during World War II, and also volunteered for the Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls and PTA. Was an artist who enjoyed drawing and painting. Loved the outdoors, flowers, and gardening. Visitation: Noon Saturday at the Meauwataka Free Methodist Church, Cadillac.

Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial: Meauwataka Cemetery, Cadillac Memorials: Charity of one's choice. John K. Symonds Nashville John K.

Symonds, 58, of Nashville, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1998, in Texas. He was born Sept 9, 1939, in Charlotte to Malcolm and Lillian (Russell) Symonds. He graduated from W.K. Kellogg High School in Nashville in 1958.

He owned and operated Portland Systems Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa. His marriages to Jeanette Wiser in 1959 and Ann Gautney in 1975 ended in divorce. Surviving are sons, Michael, William and Brian Symonds, all of Nashville; a stepson, Michael Sparks of Nashville; a daughter, Sharon Craven of Nashville; a stepdaughter, Tammy Yates of Morristown, eight grandchildren; his father, Malcolm Symonds of Nashville; brothers, Russell Symonds of Marion, Donald Symonds of Nashville, and David Symonds of North Star, sisters, Mary Lou Bitgood of Nashville, Phyllis Russell of Hickory Corners, Rozella Herman of Hastings and Marilyn Shupp of Lansing. Preceding him in death were a step- son, Marlin Sparks; his mother, Lillian Symonds; and brothers, Duane and Pete Symonds.

Community involvementhobbies: He enjoyed cosinos, dog and horse radng and the outdoors. Visitation: 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Maple Valley Chapel of Genther Funeral Home, Nashville. Services: 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev.

Al Mettler officiating. Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Nashville. Memorials: Charity of one's choice. Raymond A. VanVIeet Battle Creek Raymond A VanVIeet 76, of Batde Creek, died Tuesday, Jan.

27, 1998, at his daughter's home. He was born Oct 16, 1921, in Kalamo Township, Eaton County, to Henry and Etta (Lewis) VanVIeet He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was discharged in Raymond VanVIeet 1946 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. He was formerly employed by the Citgo Station on Columbia Avenue and by Eaton Manufacturing. Co.

He was employed as station manager by the Te-Khi Truck Auto Plaza for 12 years, retiring in 1986. His marriage to Althea I. VanVIeet ended in divorce. Surviving are sons, Raymond A Jr. and Rodney B.

VanVIeet both of Battle Creek; daughters, Iris I. Longanecker, Kathy A Church, Lorie R. Slagle and Amber VanVIeet all of Batde Creek; 14 grandchildren; two stepgranddaughters; four greatgrandchildren; two stepgreat-grand-children; and a sister, Opal Olson of Batde Creek. Preceding him in death were brothers, Edward and Emmett VanVIeet; and half-brothers, Lawrence Wise and Carl Whitman. Community involvementhobbies: His hobbies were buying and selling cars.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his grandchildren. Visitation: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Farley-Estes Dowdle Funeral Home where family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Services: 1 p.m.

Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Kyra Jackson officiating. Burial: Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens with military honors by the United War Veterans Council. Memorials: American Heart Association. DEATHS AND FUNERALS For paid obituary notices, coll 966-0674.

Hickman, Mrs. Cleveland (Linda Graveside memorial services will be Friday at 10:30 AM at Ft Custer National Cemetery with The Reverend Joy E. Rogers of St Thomas Episcopal Church officiating. There is no visitation scheduled at the funeral home. Internment at the Ft Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial tributes may be made to the family of Linda Hickman. Arrangements by the BACHMAN HEBBLE FUNERAL SERVICE. Rautmann, Mrs. Mary C. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Friday at St Jerome Catholic Church.

The Rosary will be recited 7:00 pm Thursday at the Farley-Estes Dowdle Funeral Home. For additional information please call the funeral home at 962-5527. Sanford, Mrs. Iva Louise: Friends are being received at the BACHMAN HEBBLE FUNERAL SERVICE, 223 N. Bedford Rd, after 12 noon Thursday.

The family will be present from 4-7 PM Thursday. Funeral services will be Friday 1:00 pm in the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Pastor Brian E. Spencer of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Interment at the Sherwood Cemetery in Sherwood Michigan. Memorial tributes may be made to Concern for Critters.

One Student To Succeed) for third-through fifth-graders. The program brings community mentors into the schools to tutor students in reading. Sen. John J.H. Schwarz, R-Batde Creek, also supports Engler's focus on reading.

"If you cannot read, write and speak the English language, you are really going to be lost in this world." Your OTfclefloia' Rorist Free Delivery to Battle Creek Funeral Homes Genlial Florist Inc y36Vi W. Michigan Downtown 9643764 You can now fax your orders! i 1 infers? August 1975. Surviving are a daughter, Marilyn M. Owen of Battle Creek; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Also preceding him in death was a aaugnter, Larolyn Ankney in 1991.

Community involvementhobbies: He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a former member of the Elks Lodge. Visitation: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Services: 3 p.m.

Saturday in Oakridge Cemetery. i Memorials: Calhoun County Area Humane Society or American Lung Association. Linda E. Hickman Battle Creek Linda Elaine Hickman, 42, of Battle Creek, died Monday, Jan. 26, 1998, in Battle Creek Health System, where she had been hospitalized for two weeks.

She was born Dec. 8, 1955, in Battle Creek to Patricia fTuttle) Perkins and was a lifelong area resident She was adopted by Linda Hickman Stuart and Elaine Kent She attended Lakeview High School and graduated from Inter-lochen Arts Academy in 1974, where she studied voice, ballet and water ballet She also received a degree in Nursing from Kellogg Community College. She was employed for 16 years as an in-home registered nurse at UpjohnOlsten Health Care, retiring in 1994 to be a homemaker. She married Cleveland Hickman Jr. on May 23, 1986 in Battle Creek.

He survives. Also surviving are her birth mother, Patricia Perkins of Lake Odessa; her adopted parents, Stuart and Elaine Kent of Fairfield Glade, a daughter, Melissa D. Kent of Battle Creek; sons, Cleveland C. Hickman III and Kevelin D. Hickman, both of Batde Creek; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Sheila Perkins of Ionia; Roxanne Perkins of Lake Odessa and Cheri Williams of Battle Creek; and brothers, Jim Kent Brad Perkins, Chad Perkins and Mike Perkins, all of Lake Odessa.

Community involvement, hobbies: Member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, enjoyed swimming at Riverside Swim Club, cooking, attending ballets at Interlochen, reading, gardening and shopping. Visitation: None is scheduled. Services: Memorial graveside services 10:30 a.m. Friday at Fort Custer National Cemetery, with the Rev.

Joy E. Rogers of St. Thomas Episcopal Church officiating. Burial: Fort Custer National Cemetery Memorials: To the Linda Hickman family. William Joba Battle Creek William Joba, 81, of Battle Creek, died Tuesday, Jan.

27, 1998, in. Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, after being admitted to -Battle Creek Health System earlier in the day. He was born Sept 8, 1916, in Battle Creek to Louis and Mary fTenenski) Dzioba. He grad uated from Battle William Joba Creek Central High School in 1937 and attended Battle Creek College for one year. He served in the U.S.

Army as a staff sergeant during World War II from 1942 to 1945, with duty in the Asia-Pacific Theater. During his service he earned two Bronze Batde Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Batde Star. He owned and operated Battle Creek Window Cleaning Co. for 25 years until selling the business in 1967. He previously had worked in the engineering department at Consumers Power Co.

for 14 years. her sons, who attend Marshall Schools. Both have problems socializing, she said of Timothy, in third grade at Shearman Elementary, and Nicholas, in eighth grade at Marshall Middle School. "When you hold (students) back after third grade, it destroys their confidence," Collins said. "I see that in my older son, he has problems with his confidence.

You can only hold them back for so long." She does think every student should be reading at grade level and appreciates Engler's initiative to make that happen, but she doesn't think holding students back a grade will help. She said programs offered at Shearman such as tutoring and making special-education teachers available are helping Timothy gradually advance toward his reading level. Shearman Principal Linda Bennink said other programs, such as the 'ir' 1. 'J Roy Daniels Sr. Battle Creek Roy Daniels 91, of Battle Creek, died Tuesday, Jan.

27, 1998, in Battie Creek Health System, where he was a patient He was born May 31, 1906, in Goylisville, to Archie and Mary Daniels. He graduated from Laurnburg Institute in North Carolina and later earned a Roy Daniels Sr. bachelor's de-' gree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee Institute. He owned and operated his own plumbing business for more than 50 years. He married Bertha McNeil on July 14, 1945, in Brooklyn, N.Y.

They later moved to Detroit and to Battle Creek in 1977. She survives. Also surviving are a son, Roy Daniels Jr. of Battle Creek; daughters, Patricia Quinn, Monica Terrell and Veronica Terrell, all of Lansing; three grandchildren; a brother, Arthur Daniels of Chicago; and a sister, Julie Mae Evans of Kingston, Ga. Community involvement, hobbies: Former member of Ebenezer AME Church, Detroit, where he served on the Steward Board.

Became a member of Mount Zion AME Church in 1989. Enjoyed sports, raising dogs and his vegetable garden. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. today at Perry Mortuary, where the family will be present from 6 to 7 p.m. Services: Noon Friday at Mount Zion AME Church, with the Rev.

Amos T. Chester officiating. Interment: Fort Custer National Cemetery. Cecil E. DeWert Albion Cecil E.

DeWert, 95, of Albion, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1998, in Marshall Manor. He was born Oct 31, 1902, in Monroeville, to William Demit and Minnie Alberta (Mundorff) DeWert He was employed by International Harvester in Monroeville, and moved to Michigan in 1949. He was employed by Harvey Shilling and Rex Blashfield in the machine shop, Brooks Foundry in Albion, and by Knickerbocker in Jackson, retiring in 1963. He married Carol Leona Dager on Nov.

11, 1925. She died in 1989. Surviving are sons, William DeWert of Tallahassee, and Allen Wayne DeWert of Rincon, daughters, Helen Williams of Columbia City, Roberta Gerardot of Monroeville, Gloria Davis of Fort Wayne, Mary Royston of Albion, Anita Eldred of Homer, Joyce Jones of San Francisco, and Karen Sue Lees of Oldsmar, and 31 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren. Also preceding him in death was a son, Edward Dean DeWert Community involvementhobbies: He was a member of the Albion Moose Lodge for 40 years, the Albion Eagles Lodge and a life member of the Albion Masonic Lodge. Services: Private services will be held at a later date.

Burial: Cremation has occurred. Arrangements by: Tidd-Williams Funeral Home. Freeland L. Hamilton Battle Creek Freeland Hamilton, 92, of Battle Creek, died Monday, Jan. 26, 1998, in Evergreen Manor, Batde Creek.

He was a lifelong Battle Creek resident He was employed for more than 40 years as a lineman by Consumers Power retiring in 1970. He married Mae Dowding on Freeland Hamilton CONCERNS ABOUT RETAINING KIDS At Fern Persons Elementary School in Olivet Principal Mary Gehrig supports the governor's initiative, but is concerned with student retention. Engler's goal is attainable for a large population of the students, but there will always be some students who, despite intervention programs, will lag behind, she said. "How many times do you allow children to repeat the third grade?" she asked. Bob Spencer, superintendent at Lakeview School District noted that research shows holding children back a grade at the elementary level can have negative effects.

Ifs better to allow the children to learn with their peers while addressing their educational problems, he said. Terri Collins knows first hand what type of effects retention has on children. She has had to hold back both Betty A. Hess Marshall Betty A Hess, 73, of Marshall, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1998, at home after a long illness.

Arrangements are pending at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall William J. Inwood Battle Creek William J. Inwood, 83, of Battle Creek, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998, in Batde Creek Health System.

Arrangements are pending at Farley-Estes Dow-dle Funeral Home. Allen J. Mathews Grand Rapids Allen J. Mathews, 75, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Batde Creek, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1998, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

Arrangements are pending at Farley-Estes Dow-dle Funeral Home. Florence Poindexter Battle Creek Florence B. Poindexter, 91, of Batde Creek, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998, in Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. Arrangements are pending at Shaw Funeral Home.

He married Eva J. (Cook) Joba on Aug. 16, 1947. She survives. Also surviving are a son, Mark Louis Joba of Edgeville, daughters, Sharon Martens Galley Sherrow of Clarkston and Sandra K.

Nelson of Batde Creek; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Daniel Joba of Battle Creek and Edwin Joba of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; and a sister, Julia Dzioba of Batde Creek. Community involvement, hobbies: Attended First Congregational Church. Charter member of Goguac Yacht Club. Attended his Army reunions. Avid sailor and fisherman.

Enjoyed oil painting and taking painting lessons. Visitation: After 4 p.m. today at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, where the family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. Services: 1:30 p.m.

Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. David D. Young officiating. Entombment: Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials: First Congregational Church or Charitable Union.

Carl J. Ostrander II Lansing Carl Jackson Ostrander II of Lansing and formerly of Batde Creek, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 1998. He was born May 13, 1948, in Batde Creek to Barbara and Robert Ostrander. He attended 17 schools, as his father was in the military, including St Joseph Catholic School in Battle Creek and Chelsea High School.

He also attended Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. He was honorably discharged after being wounded. He was employed as a carpenter for a construction company building houses until he became ill six months ago.

He married Laura Balch in August 1981. She survives. Also surviving are sons, Mike and Jeff Ostrander of Lansing; his mother, Barbara Ostrander of Battle Creek; his father, Robert Ostrander of Traverse City, and a brother, Rob C. Ostrander of Batde Creek. Community involvementhobbies: He had attended the New Covenant Christian Church for many years with his family and was a good Christian family man.

With son, Jeff, attended the Promise Keepers in Washington D.C Loved working with his hands, especially carpentry work, which he learned from his grandfather. Enjoyed photography. Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W.

Saginaw, Lansing. Cadet Teaching program, in which high school students work with elementary students, also helps those who are lagging behind. She thinks Engler's goal of having all children reading at their level is attainable, but that parents also need to be supportive and work together with the school to help their children succeed. "Everyone has to work toward it Parents will have to do their part It has to be a team effort" Bennink and other educators also are concerned with funding. She wonders if there would be money set aside for schools to operate summer reading programs.

Others wonder if such programs would cut into their regular budgets. EARLY INTERVENTION Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Batde Creek, said the Legislature will be careful not to mandate programs without provid Area residents have mixed reactions to governor's reading proposal READ, from 1A )Engler wants his proposed reading-Teadiness initiative to have third 'graders reading at grade level by the ttime they enter fourth grade. His plan is to send any third-grader who falls behind in reading through an intensive Isummer program to boost his or her abilities. After going through the program, those who don't meet the grade would have to repeat third grade.

Engler has targeted the third grade because research shows students usu-lally have learned to read by then, and 3rom fourth grade on they use their reading abilities to learn other things. Many local educators, parents and 'policymakers said Wednesday they -support Engler's concentration on such an important issue. I But.some wonder how such a pro-gram would be paid for, and how who are held back a grade 'would be affected. ing funding. He supports Engler's reading initiative but thinks other concepts such as smaller classrooms and early intervention starting in kindergarten also help students learn, and would reduce the number not reading at grade level "We need to make sure we're not waiting until the third grade," Schauer said.

Crowell Elementary Principal Nancy Roush also supports early intervention, saying it helps gets students with learning problems back on the road to recovery early on. "If you catch them early, they won't ever need a remediation program," she said. Roush said Albion's Reading Recovery program for first graders, through one-on-one teaching, gets students up to par with their peers. The school also offers HOSTS (Help I 964-1032.