Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • 23

to or FREE PRESS WWW.FREEP.COM LOCAL NEWS SUNDAY, SEPT. 16, 2007 7B 10 Death Notices MIDDLETON CHARLES "CHUCK" September 2007. Age 69. Beloved husband of Carol. Dear father of Ken (Marcia), Lisa, step-daughters Lisa and Jill Bankey.

Grandfather of Conor, Keira, Madeline and Sophie. Brother of Irene Flynn. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service Tuesday 11 a.m. at the Rose Chapel of Roseland Park Cemetery (Woodward at 12 Mile).

Family will receive friends Monday 3- 8 p.m. at A.J. Desmond Sons (Vasu, Rodgers Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn. 13-14 Mile). View obituary and share memories at www.desmondfuneralhome.com ne.com MOORE-MILLER CAROL JOAN Age 65.

September 7, 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska. Fiance of John Lipke. Loving mother of Carol Whitney, Deborah (Andrew) Leedom and Kenneth (Melissa) Miller. Proud grandmother of Christine, Lora, Amanda, Brendan, and Ryan. Visitation at the A.H.

Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr at Masonic (13 Mile Warren Monday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Tuesday at Sts. Cyril Methodist Catholic Church, 41233 Ryan Rd.

(N. of 18 Mile In state 11:00 a.m. until time of Mass 12 Noon. Private Interment Wednesday Highland Cemetery Gladwin, Michigan. Memorial Contributions to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or a Hospice of choice appreciated.

MORAN JILL DEFOE Beloved wife of the late John D. Jr. Dearest mother of James H. Dingeman, Ill (Gay), Michael D. Dingeman, Darby E.

Moran (Fiance Cameron D. Piggott) and John D. Moran, Ill. Grandmother of Miles and Lily Dingeman. Dear sister of Thomas E.

Defoe (Ginny) and Kathy Pilditch. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Memorial Service Wednesday gathering 11:00 a.m. until time of Mass 12:00 p.m. at St.

Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Grosse Pointe Farms. Memorial contributions to Tau Beta Association for the Children's Center or Child Help U.S.A. Call Center. Light a candle and share a memory at www.verheyden.org. NEAL MAXINE J.

Age 79. Formerly Lincoln Park. Died September 12 in Kalamazoo. Beloved wife of the late Henry Neal; mother and mother-in-law of Charlie and Chris Neal; grandmother of Allison and Katy Neal; sister-in-law of Wilburn Allen. Visitation Sunday 2-5 p.m.

and Monday 10-11 a.m., Funeral Monday 11:00 a.m. at Langeland Comstock Chapel, Kalamazoo (269-343- 1508; www.langelands.com) Burial Cadillac Memorial Gardens. Memorials Hospice of your choice. NISHANIAN JACK Age 76. Beloved husband of Zarmouhi Sue Nishanian.

Loving -father of Silva (Jack) Demirjian and Ara (Linda)' Nishanian. Dear brother of Taniel Nishanian, Nick Nishanian, Hovsep Nishanian, Verkin Goldoian and Vartouhi Nercessian. Loving grandfather of Shant, Christina, Lara, Lena and Jack. Visitation today 6-9 p.m. with 7:30 p.m.

prayers at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, 19300 Ford Dearborn. In state Monday 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. funeral at St.

Sarkis Armenian Church. Interment Glen Eden. Family requests in lieu of flowers memorial donations to Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) or any Armenian charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Edward Korkoian Funeral Home (248)541-8325. OADES PAUL September 13, 2007, age 87, Beloved husband of Hazel for 43 years.

Brother of the late Walter Henry "Babe" Oades. Brother-in-law of Helen Szymanski (John), Ann Vignali, Armeda Dee (the late John) and Rosie Oades. Loving and gentle uncle of Denise, Jeanne, John, Bill, Patty, Hank, Donna, Debbie and Cindy. Family will receive friends at A. J.

Desmond Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road (between Maple and Big Beaver) Sunday 2-8 p.m., with Scripture Service at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass Monday 10 a.m. at Thomas More Church, 4580 N. Adams Road, Troy (N. of Wattles).

Prayers at the funeral home Monday 9:15 a.m. followed by procession to church. Memorials American Heart Association or American Kidney Fund. View obituary and share memories at www.DesmondFuneralHome.com PAJACZKOWSKI MARY E. Age 86.

Dear wife of the late Alexander Mother of the late George. Mother-in-law of Sonia Cleal. Aunt to Jim, Frank, and Toni Lynch, Bernie Clark, Laurita Krasky, and family friend Clifford Schnell, A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday 10 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church, 25320 Van Dyke Mile).

Arrangements by Rudy Funeral Home, PARKINSON WAYNE F. Age 69, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, formerly of Livonia, died on September 13, 2007. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Judith and the late Nancy. Loving father of Laura (Dave) Kopke of Sterling Heights, Jane Wilson of Sterling Heights, Daniel (Donna) of Franklin, Tennessee and eight grandchildren. Retired from Ford Motor Co.

Funeral Mass Saturday, September 22nd, 11 a.m. at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 E. Fifteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.

PARKS MARY "JUANITA" September 14, 2007 of Redford. Loving wife of Wayne for 63 years. Dear mother of Patricia (Ronald) Kolar, Mary Ann Krafchak, and William (Shirley). Grandmother of Elaine (Don), Alicia (Andrew), Charlie (Sarah), and Jason. Great-grandmother of George, Harrison, Aranel, and Noah.

Sister of Pearl Frye and the late Elmo Ellis. Sister-in-law of Margaret. Step-sister of the late Carol Weber. Visitation Sunday 2-9 p.m. at the Harry J.

Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Livonia. in state Monday 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. the time of Funeral Service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 10000 Beech Daly, Redford. in lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Angela Hospice or Parkinsons Foundation.

PIJANOWSKI STANLEY R. September 14, 2007. Dear husband of the late Florence. Dear father of Diane M. Troychak and Darlene (Soule') Gibson, and the late Stanley R.

Ill. Dear grandfather of Holly and Beau Troychak. Owner of the Fair Haven Food Market, which opened in 1952. Visitation 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Gendernalik Funeral Home, 35259 23 Mile New Baltimore.

in state Thursday 10:30 a.m. until time of Liturgy at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 7051 Church Ira, MI. Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund. PIPIA ANTHONY Age 82.

September 13, 2007. Beloved husband of Julia (nes Michael). Loving father of Christine Pipia, Judy (Jim) Rohde, and Anthony M. (Regina). Dear brother of Dominic (Dolly) and the late Grace Gatto, Bennie, and Joe.

Brother-in-law of Abe (Marge) Michael. Also many nieces and nephews. 1987 retiree from UNISYS and WWII Army. Veteran. Visitation at Bagnasco Calcaterra Funeal Home, 13650 E.

15 Mile Rd. (at Schoenherr), Saturday 3-9 p.m, and Sunday 1-9 p.m. with Prayers 7 p.m. Funeral Monday 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Donations to Karmanos Cancer Institute. Memories to be shared at www.bofh.com. PLAWECKI ADELE (ADELINE) Age 82, September 5, 2007. Beloved wite of pre-deceased hus bands Robert Burton and Edward Plawecki, Loving mother of son, Robert C. Burton and wife Carol.

Dear sister of Albert Ciciora, preceded in death by three siblings. Loving grandmother of Dwayne Harvey (Debra), Deborah Power (Robert), Roberta Turk (Jeffrey) and proud greatgrandmother of 11. Final resting place Westbranch Cemetery, Lake City, Mi. 10 Death Notices 10 Death Notices PLAWINSKI MARTHA Age 93, September 14, 2007. Loving wife of the late Theodore "Ted" Plawinski.

Beloved mother of Frances Plawinski and Jimmy Poe. Dear sister of Anna Tomaszewski. Predeceased by six brothers, Alex, Henry, John, Walter, Ray and Eugene Jaskowski and two sisters, Agnes Zarnowski and Grace Heilig. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday 4-9 p.m.

and Tuesday 1-9 p.m. with a Scripture Service Tuesday 7 p.m. at the Wasik Funeral Home, 11470 Thirteen Mile Road (west of Hoover), Warren. In state Wednesday 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m.

at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, 8175 E. Lantz (Detroit), Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.wasikfuneralhome.com POLOVICH LEONARD "LENNY" Age 54. Died in Mooresboro, North Carolina on September 7, 2007. Survived by loving companion and caretaker Martha Kelly, one aunt, cousins and many friends.

Cremation has taken place in N.C. We'll miss you Boopy. RASKIN MARVIN Age 94. Of Southfield, died September 11, 2007. Beloved husband of Shirley Raskin.

Dear brother of Danny (Frieda) Raskin, the late Belle Weingarden and the late Lillian Rosen.Also survived by other loving relatives and friends. SERVICES 11:30 A.M. SUNDAY MORNING AT THE IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL, 248-569-0020. INTERMENT ADAT SHALOM MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY. www.irakaufman.com RICE VERONDA LEE Beloved mother of Robert (Julie) Weaver, Imogene (Michael) Rhyndress, Willie Weaver, and the late Richard Weaver, Dear sister of Pat Hughes, Oscar Virta, and the late Richard Patterson.

Also loved by her nine grandchildren, 15 nieces and nephews, and her special nephew Sam. Visitation today 1-8 p.m. at Edward Korkoian Funeral Home SpillerSpitler Chapel, 836 N. Main Royal Oak, 248-541-8325. Visitation Monday 10 a.m.

until time of Service 11 a.m. at the funeral home. SALAZER ROSEMARIE (NEE LUCHI) Age 76. Loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in her home Thursday, September 14, 2007. Rosemarie was born January 28, 1931 in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Beloved wife of Frank.

Dearest mother of James Salazer and Sharon (Michael) Maceroni. Loving grandmother of Michael, Nicole, David, and Donielle. Dear sister of Robert (the late Ursula) Luchi, Joan (the late Frank) Weger and the late Louis (Edith) Luchi. Memorials to Salvation Army appreciated. Arrangements by Wujek-Calcaterra Sons, 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guest Book" at WujekCalcaterra.com SCHAFNITZ SCHAFNITZ YONDA J.

September 12, 2007. Loving wife of the late John for 54 years. Morn to Jan Hogg (Rick), Marla Wolf (Jim). Grandma to Amber (Darren Sherman), Joel (Candice) Wolf, and Todd Wolf. Three great-grandchildren.

Private family service to be held. Her favorite charity was the Alzheimer's Association. SCHLENKERT SCHLENKERT LAVINA RUTH "LEE" (BROWN) Age 67, September 13, 2007, of Troy for 32 years. Beloved wife of David Schlenkert whom she was happily married to for 47 years. Loving mother of Michael Schlenkert (Eva), James Schlenkert, and Daniel Schlenkert (Jennifer), Dear grandmother of six.

Lavina was a Registered Nurse and retired from William Beaumont Hospital. She will be deeply missed by many. Gathering of family and friends Monday September 17, 2007 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Memorial service at White Chapel Memorial CemeteryChapel of Psalms, 621 West Long Lake Rd.

(between Livernois and Crooks Roads), Troy, Arrangements by Price Funeral Home, Troy, 248-689-0700. Memorials can be made to Parkinson's Foundation. Share memories with the online register book at www.pricefuneralhome.net SCHMIDT ROGER C. Age 84, of Rochester Hills. Formerly of Livonia and Toledo, Ohio.

September 12, 2007. Loving husband of Florence for 50 years. Dear brother of Gerald (Terry) Schmidt. Survived by his nephew-son Jack (Dee), nephew Gary and niece Sheila and great-nephew-grandson Andrew and great-nephew Greg. Roger was a pioneer and specialist in the reinforced plastics industry.

Along with his brother Gerald, they founded Advance Products in Toledo, Ohio. He continued to work with several automotive companies developing plastic applications until his retirement from the Budd Co. Roger enjoyed flying and playing golf. Funeral Mass Monday, September 17, 2007, 11 a.m. with an in state of 10:30 a.m.

at St. Columban Catholic Church, 1775 E. Melton, Birmingham, Ml. The family will receive friends 3-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m.

Scripture Service at the Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, 339 Walnut Rochester, MI. inurnment Calvary Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio. Suggested memorials to the Disabled American Veterans, Utica. Online guestbook www.modetzfuneralhomes.com SCHMIDT THELMA L. Beloved wife of the late Elmer "Barney" W.

Schmidt, Loving mother of Gary C. Schmidt. Visitation Monday 12-8 p.m. at the Buehler Funeral Home, 26429 Gratiot (South of 696) Roseville, Memorial Service Monday 7 p.m. Arrangements by Sommers Funeral Services, 313-521-1230.

SHARON NATHAN Beloved husband of the late Etta Sharon and the late Golda Sharon. Dear father of Dr. Stuart (Elayne) Sharon and Marvin (Marge) Sharon. Devoted grandfather of Danielle, Zachary, Elizabeth and Alexis Sharon. Loving brother of Sylvia Bruch.

Proud uncle of Diane and Marlene Bruch. Also survived by his loving companion, Bea Michaels. GRAVESIDE SERVICES MONDAY AT OAKVIEW CEMETERY. FOR TIME OF SERVICE, CALL THE IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL (248) 569-0020. www.irakaufman.com SHEMM CATHERINE September 13, 2007, age 94.

Beloved wife of the late Milton J. Dear mother of the Rev. Milton R. Shemm (Leslie), Catherine MacDonald (R. Murray) and Elizabeth Scheifele.

Also survived by seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral Service Monday 10 a.m. at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave. at Vernier Grosse Pointe Woods.

Visittation Sunday 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Long-time member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Detroit. SHERMAN MICHAEL W. Suddenly, September 12, 2007, age 51, Beloved son of Warren and Shirley.

Visitation Sunday 2-8 p.m. and Monday 11 a.m. until time of Service 12 Noon at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Farmington Hills. Interment Oakland Hills.

Memorial contributions may be made the charity of your choice. www.mccabefuneralhome.com STRONG GORDON EUGENE Age 71 of Detroit died September 12, 2007. Beloved brother of Janice (Moses) Conerly and Werner (Gloria) Strong. Visitation Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Swanson Funeral Home, 14751 West McNichols 13:00 7:00 p.m. Family hour Monday, September 17, 2007 10:30 a.m.

at Peoples Community Church, 8601 Woodward Avenue, followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. TENNEY JAMES M. Age 89. Died September 7th in Knoxville, Tennessee. Former General Sales Manager of Kelvinator division of American Motors Corporation.

Graduate of Wayne State University, Former President of Detroit Sales Marketing Executives Club. Member of Detroit Country Day School Board of Trustees. Moved in 1967 to Knoxville as President of Sterchi Brothers, Inc. Survived by wife Barbara Kirk Tenney of Knoxville; son James Tenney of Atlanta, Georgia (formerly of Detroit); daughter Linda DiBacco of Warren, Ohio; sister, Verma Campbell of Buckhannon, West Virginia; seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Husband of the late Patricia Fleming Tenney and father of the late Burtt Barton Tenney, both of Detroit.

Funeral Services were held in Knoxville, Tennessee with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit. THOMAS JACK TREVOR Age 84, of Oakland Township. September 14, 2007. Loving husband of June for 51 years. Dear father of Dwight (Carol), Bill (Pat), and John (Mimi) Thomas.

Grandfather of Casey (Jenny), Jodey (Amy), Ashley, Blair, and Kyle. Jack was the former owner of Hall's Nursery in St. Clair Shores and was a WWII Veteran. Funeral Service Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 10:30 a.m. at Meadowbrook Christian Church, 2741 Walton Rochester Hills.

The family will receive friends Monday 4-9 p.m. and Tuesday 1-9 p.m. at the Modetz Funeral Home, 100 E. Silverbell, Orion. Interment Richmond Cemetery.

Suggested memorials to the Hospice of S.E. Michigan or to the church. Online guestbook www.modetzfuneralhomes.com TOSE ARTHUR Age 85. Born in Manchester, England on February 5, 1922. Passed away September 11, 2007.

Beloved husband of the late Catherine Tose. Loving father of Donna (Golder) Wilson and the late Arthur Tose. Dear grandfather of Sarah, Shamus, lan and Melissa. Greatgrandfather of Hunter. Proud World War I Veteran who served in the Royal Air Force.

Private Services will be held in Dallas, Texas. Please sign the online guestbook at VARDAS ROSE Age 87. September 14, 2007. Widow of George Gus. Devoted mother of Constantina, James, and Irene.

Loving grandmother of Kim, Nikos, Sophia, Sean, Rose, and Evan. Great-grandmother of Ashley. Visitation Monday 3-7 p.m. Service to follow at Fisher Funeral Home, 24501 5 Mile (between Beech Daly and Telegraph, 313-535-3030). Donations may be made to Metro Detroit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Metro Detroit March of Dimes.

VIBBERT ROBERT A. Age 86, of Sun City Center, Florida for 24 years, passed away September 3, 2007. He was a graduate of of a B-29 Flight Engineer in WWII, a captain in the USAFR, and his life career was a food broker. He enjoyed golf, tap dancing, volunteering and his "Laugh a Lot" club. Robert is survived by his wife, Margaret, two sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren (one deceased).

Donations to Life Path Hospice, Sun City Community, Resource Center, Purple Team, 3725 Upper Creek Ruskin, FL, 33573. WAJDA GREGORY WALTER Age 54, of Taylor. September 15, 2007. Beloved husband of Lynn. Dearest father of Ann.

Dear grandfather of Grace. Loving son of Walter. Loving brother of Dennis (Annette), Tom, Susan (Kevin) Kissman. Loving brother-in-law, cousin, nephew, and uncle to many. Visitation Monday 2-9 p.m.

and Tuesday 1-9 p.m. at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 9800 S. Telegraph Rd. (Taylor), WARTEL JEANNETTE (JOHNNY) age 84, of Southfield died Friday, September 7 14th. Wife of Ruben for 59 years.

Loving mother of David (Doris) and Danny (Karyn) Sister of Sarah Peters (Jerome) of Columbia, Missouri and Theresa (Matthew) Garfinkel of Orlando, Florida. Devoted grandmother of Shelly Hirshberg (Jeremy), Max Wartel, Elyse Wartel and Laura Wartel. Also survived by loving niece Debble Zemke (John) and nephew Mike Peters (Sydney)and their children. She was devoted to her family and proud of her accounting career to the end. She was adored by everyone she touched.

Funeral service will be Sunday at Hebrew Memorial Chapel, 26640 Greenfield, Oak Park, MI 48237. Call for time at 248-543-1622. WILLIAMS SUZANNE September 15, 2007, age 87, of Bloomfield Hills. Loving wife of 60 years to Robert. Dear mother of William (Lynn).

and Elizabeth. Grandmother of John Andrew, Jennifer, Laura, Christi, and Steve. Greatgrandmother of one. Suzanne was orie of six children. She was a longtime member of St.

Hugo of the Hills Church, a Beaumont Nurse, and a Veteran. Family will receive friends Thursday 2-8 p.m. at A.J. Desmond Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple and Big Beaver), with Prayer Service at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass Friday 11 a.m. at St. Hugo of the Hills Church, 2215 Opdyke Bloomfield Hills. Visitation at church begins Friday at 10:30 a.m. in lieu of flowers memorial tributes to the Beaumont Stop Smoking Fund.

View obituary and share memories at www.DesmondFuneralHome.com WOUTASZEK MARIA (NEE MAGIEROWSKI) ber 13, 2007. Beloved wife of the late Jozef, Loving mother of Cassie Gale, Bozena (Dan) Banks, Rose (Michael) Becknauld, Barbara (Timothy) Francis and Henry (Kris). Dear grandmother of Trevor, Bailey, Mickey, Joseph and Jillian. In lieu of flowers donations preferred to Henry Ford Hospice or American Heart Association. Visitation Monday 2- 9 p.m.

at Wujek-Calcaterra Sons, 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rosary Monday 7 p.m. Funeral Tuesday in state 9 a.m. af St. Blase, 12151 15 Mile Rd.

(between Schoenherr and Van Dyke) until time of Mass at 9:30 a.m. Interment Sacred Heart of St. Mary Cemetery, Detroit. Share memories with the family at their Line Guest Book" at WujekCalcaterra.com FIGHT I Detroit schools official could be arrested From Page 1B that was not mentioned in the memo. Thursday night's meeting at "I really lost it 'cause he Renaissance High School.

Both shoved me," she said. "When he Thornton and Lester each shoved me, I had to defend myclaimed to have been shoved by self. He approached me in an inthe other after exchanging in- timidating manner. I shoved sults. him back when he shoved me." The next day, Thornton, 56, Lester said Saturday that he wrote a memo to fellow board sustained a scratch on his chin.

members stating that Lester "She had no right to put her had been insulting the board for hands on me," he said. "I am go20 months, including during ing to prosecute her to the fulland after meetings. est extent of the law. She should "I found myself in a threat- go to jail and lose her seat" on ening environment whereby I the board. had to defend myself verbally Thornton said that if an arand physically against the Rev.

rest warrant is issued, and Loyce Lester's onslaught of she's properly notified, she'll continued insults," the memo turn herself in. says. On Saturday, she told the Board President Jimmy WoFree Press that she reacted to mack said Thornton, who startLester shoving her, something ed on the board in January The Rev. Loyce Lester says Detroit school board member Marie Thornton assaulted him; Thornton says she was just defending herself. 2006, could face sanctions or removal.

He said it will be up to the board to decide whether she violated ethics and decorum policies. Board members could "remove her from her Womack said, "or she could gracefully resign, as she has requested from other board members in the past for far less egregious Contact CHASTITY PRATT DAWSEY at 313-223-4537 or Staff writer Ben Schmitt contributed to this report. HEATHER Free Press Andy Jimenez, right, shows family photos to Georgie Hicks and Julie Williams at Kalloway's Restaurant and Pub in Oxford on Saturday. His son, Spc. Alex Jimenez, 25, was like a big brother in the Army to Pvt.

Byron Fouty, 19, of Oakland County. "They'll come back. They'll come back," Andy Jiminez says. DADS I Missing soldiers' parents share to the Palace of Auburn Hills for a ceremony, prayer vigil, and motorcycle ride in honor of the missing soldiers. Dibler and Jimenez, in conjunction with Jim Sereigo-Wareing, founder of New England Caring for Our Military organized the event to remember their sons and two other soldiers missing in Iraq- Spc.

Ahmed Altaie of Ann Arbor and Staff Sgt. Keith Maupin of Batavia, Ohio. Dibler of Oxford and Jimenez first met over the summer when Dibler flew to Massachusetts to help mail care packages to the search team looking for the soldiers, who belonged to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Fouty grew up in Oakland County and attended Walled Lake Central High School before getting his GED and join- From Page 1B ing the Army. Over coffee and bagels Saturday, Dibler and Jimenez flipped through photo albums, patted each other's back and tried to stay upbeat all the while thinking of their missing sons.

Both said it's difficult to focus on daily life. Jimenez talked of how he accidentally tried storing a phone number in a calculator recently instead of his cell phone. Dibler said he's locked his keys in his truck three times over the past few weeks. "Focus is gone," Dibler, 49, said. "As soon as I start enjoying something, I feel bad.

I immediately go to Byron and Alex and their pain, whatever they're going through. "How can we know? How can we know?" Each man wore a picture of the soldiers together, with the words: "Together they serve our nation. Together they will come The picture makes Dibler think of Alex Jimenez as a big brother to his stepson. Jimenez was in his second tour of duty; Fouty had only been in Iraq for four months. Andy Jimenez prays at church frequently.

"They'll come back. They'll come back," he said. Sometimes the encouraging letters slow down and loneliness sets in. "When I talk to you, it gives me a lot of strength," Jimenez told Dibler. "I don't feel alone." Jimenez waits for the day that he can embrace his son and look into Fouty's eyes.

"I want to tell Byron, 'You're my new he said. He turned to Dibler. "And you can say that to Dibler nodded: "Oh, absolutely." Contact BEN SCHMITT at 313- 223-4296 or "When I talk to you, it gives me a lot of strength." ANDY JIMENEZ, 53, of Lawrence, speaking to Gordon Dibler Jr. of Oxford. The men are dad and stepdad to two soldiers missing in Iraq.

ELECTION I Political signs being plucked out of yards From Page 1B up for candidates. "I don't ap- money to replace signs that disappeared, and several have filed police reports. A defamation lawsuit has been filed in Macomb County Circuit Court, and a countersuit could be next. "Usually, it was just the main street signs that were taken," said Wiecek, a city councilman and political veteran. "Now, it's lawn signs on residential yards they're taking.

It's too repetitive not to be organized." Wiecek figures he has lost about 100 signs. He just bought 250 more for about $800. He is the defendant in a lawsuit filed by Warren's publie service director, Bob Slavko, who said Wiecek falsely accused him of stealing his signs. "I've had mine taken down, and I know what it feels like," Slavko said of signs he has put Candidates filed police reports, and some residents have resorted to taking signs in at night. preciate somebody saying that I took down their signs.

1 deny that charge from anybody." Mayoral candidate Jim Fouts said he has lost more than 100 signs. Warren City Council candidate Toni Moceri lost close to a dozen in the days leading up to the August primary. Frank Rocca, a council candidate who didn't advance past the primary, also had signs stolen. "It's kind of a hassle," Rocca said. "You have to put them back up and ask for permission again.

It is really kind of childish." Residents with yard signs are discussing their options. Some are thinking about taking down their signs and not putting them back up until the election is closer. Others, including Wally Kardosh, are trying better security measures. Kardosh had a Fouts sign stolen from his yard before the primary. A couple of empty beer bottles were left in its place.

He doesn't want his to new sign disappear. "They would have to work at it a little bit," said Kardosh, 58, who said he found a stronger way to affix the sign to the ground. "There are some people who are passionate a about their politics in this city." Moceri, who is a first-time candidate for the City Council, said candidates should not have to worry about whether their signs are poached. "People should be out educating voters," she said. "Signs should be the least of the issues." Contact DAN CORTEZ at 586- 469-1827.