The South Bend Tribune from South Bend, Indiana • E4

OBITUARIES DEATH NOTICES Thursday, March 10, 2005 E4 South Bend Tribune mirop DEATH NOTICES AND OBITUARY INDEX OBITUARIES Homer J. Baird Nov. 17, 1925 March 8, 2005 of the Mishawaka Fire Department, with over 29 years, and was scheduled to retire this year. chapter of the Knights of Columbus (Council 5570) where his devoted service will be missed. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fr.

J.A. Niewland General Assembly Fourth Degree. Surviving are daughters, Barb J. (Guy) Morrical of Granger, and Donna M. (Dave) Rowley of Carmel, and sons, William E.

(Jolene) Bilinski Jr. of South Bend and Dennis M. (Kimberly) Bilinski of Bremen, Ind. Grandchildren include Kimberly (Sean) Klimczak of Boston, Kelly Nemeth of South Bend, Sarah and Andrew Bilinski of Bremen, Jackie and Patrick Rowley of Carmel, and Nate, Jenna and Shane Bilinski of South Bend. Two sisters survive, Virginia (Joe) Mackowiak of South Bend and Mary Ann Pye of Denver, Colo.

Also surviving are brothers, Ray (Martha) Bilinski of South Bend, Bob Bilinski of South Bend and Ed (Clara) Bilinski of South Bend. Preceding Bill in death were sisters, Adele Waruszewski and Margaret Lies, and brother, Chet Bilinski. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Church, 56405 Mayflower Road, South Bend, IN 46619. Legend: Obituary in listings A. Death notice Pending CROMWELL Coffing, Walter E.

II Roatcap, Adam Keith CULVER Gunn, Stephen J. DOWAGIAC AStolley, William R. Jr. ELKHART Kehr, Gilbert J. Lanham, June Rodriquez, Oscar Shellenberger, James Wich, Richard GOSHEN Miller, Helen B.

GRANGER Carmer, Dorothy L. Swanda, Brett A. KINGSFORD HEIGHTS Hux, Billy T. KNOX Wagers, Granville MILFORD Perry, Noel J. MISHAWAKA Croom, Carla M.

Ramer, Jean M. Wise, Charles NAPPANEE Culp, Fred D. NILES Anderson, Bertha L. 2005, at 8:15 p.m. in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center.

On April 30, 1898, in Aliceville, Alabama, Sarah was born to the union of Charlie and Viola (Nickerson) Williams, who both preceded her in death. In Mississippi, Sarah married Frank Frison. They lived happily together until his passing. Coming from Sugar Lot, Mississippi, Sarah had lived in South Bend for 37 years. Sarah was a member of Old Shiloh Baptist Church in Sugar Lot, Mississippi, and was on the Mother's Board.

Upon coming to Indiana, she was a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart, and in death was a member of St. Paul Bethel Baptist Church, South Bend, under Reverend Gilbert Washington. Mrs. Sarah Frison leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Alberdia Winston; two sons, Rev. Sam F.

(Willie Mae) Frison and George (Emma) Frison, all of South Bend; 20 grandchildren, 73 greatgrandchildren, 135 great-great-grandchildren and 45 Willie Mae Brown, ex daughter-in-law; along with a host of family and friends. Mrs. Frison was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two daughters, Mary Violet Bester and Fannie J. Lewis; two sisters, Alice Nickerson and Willie V. Nevell; two brothers, Hezekiah Nickerson and Thomas Nickerson; five grandchildren, Sarah Lee Jackson, Will T.

Bester, Frank Fryson, Johnnie Lee Bester and Herbert Hardin. Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Frison will be held at 1 1 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2005, in St. Paul Bethel Baptist Church.

Friends may call one hour prior to services. Final resting place will be at Highland Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary. ARRANGEMENTS PENDING Carmer, Dorothy 80, of 30189 County Road 10, Granger, died Tuesday; Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Elkhart. Clark, James 68, of North Highway 23, Walkerton, died Wednesday; Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake.

Croom, Carla 41, of Portsmouth Circle, Mishawaka, died Sunday; Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, South Bend. Shellenberger, James, 83, of 1112 Bower Elkhart, died Wednesday; Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Elkhart. Wich, Richard, 75, of Venice, formerly of Elkhart, died Tuesday; Hartzler-Gutermuth-lnman Funeral Home, Elkhart. Obituary Department Information Phone: 574-235-6169 FAX: 574-235-6424 E-Mail: sbtobitssbtinfo.com ABaird, Homer J. Lang, Ernest U.

OSCEOLA AGrayson, Thomas V. PLYMOUTH Hundt, Robert E. SOUTH BEND Bilinski, William E. Buras, Timothy D. ACerney, Rhonda J.

Ellis, Lucille B. Frison, Sarah Grimes, Mary Heminger, Bruce Arden Jones, Margaret G. Mejer, Rita M. Mize, Juliana E. Moore, Patricia D.

Myers, Audrey M. Neenan, James L. Quinlan, Pauline R. Riggs, Tony L. Sanders, William E.

Schultheis, Thomas M. Wilson, Andrew W. TOPEKA Fahlsing, Ernest H. WALKERTON Clark, James L. WARSAW Vaccaro, Frank T.

WHITE PIGEON Abbott, Lawrence J. WINAMAC Haring, Laura in Coalbush United Methodist Church, where friends may call one hour before services. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka, is handling arrangements. Walter E. Coffing II March 21, 1962 -March 8, 2005 CROMWELL Walter E.

Coffing II, 42, of 3757 N. County Road 900 West, died at 8:42 a.m. Tuesday in Parkview Noble Hospital, Kendallville, of natural causes. Survivors include his wife, Christine (Waggoner); a daughter, Alisha Coffing of Cromwell; his mother, Verla Coffing of Warsaw; his father, Walter E. Coffing of Barnegat, N.J.; and a brother, Noble of New Paris.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Fred D. Culp Oct.

29, 1909 March 9, 2005 NAPPANEE Fred D. Culp, 95, of 702 John died Wednesday in Bremen Health Care. Survivors include three daughters, Janet Heckaman of Wakarusa, Jeanie Dudley of Nappanee and Kathy Rodgers of Phoenix; and a son, Steve of Ronan, Mont. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Nappanee First Brethren Church.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Thompson-Lengacher Yoder Funeral Home. Lucille B. Ellis Nov. March 8, 2005 SOUTH BEND Lucille Beatrice Ellis, 85, of Regency Place Nursing Home, died Tuesday in the center.

Survivors include a daughter, Glenna "Lynn" Davis of Mishawaka; a son, Jack D. Amos of California; a sister, Doris Steel of Oklahoma City; and two brothers, Donald Davis of California and King Davis of Kansas. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. There will be no visitation.

Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, is handling arrangements. Ernest H. Fahlsing May March 8, 2005 TOPEKA Ernest H. "Ernie" Fahlsing, 89, of 2440 S. County Road 600 West, died at 2 a.m.

Tuesday in his home. Survivors include his wife, Rozella E. (Yoder); a daughter, Kathleen A. Fahlsing of Ludington, a son, Roger A. of Hobart, and a sister, Edna Fahlsing of Fort Wayne.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today, and one hour before services Friday. See NOTICESPage E5 Bruce Arden Heminger May 15, 1945 March 8, 2005 Bruce Arden Heminger, 59, of Kern Road, South Bend, passed away at 5:11 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2005, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Bruce was born on May 15, 1945, in South Bend, to the late Ellis and Helen (Rerick) Heminger. He had remained a lifelong area resident. On May 19, 1972, in Mishawaka, he married the former Florence A. Bulat, who survives. Mr.

Heminger is survived by his wife of 32 years, Florence; two daughters, Jennifer Gower of South Bend, and Stephanie Heminger and her husband, David Christman of Philadelphia, PA; two grandchildren, Joseph and Anna Gower; one step-grandson, Andrew Christman; a brother, Jon Heminger of Warren, Ml; and by a very special friend, Wanda Binney of South Bend. Mr. Heminger was a lifelong area resident, and was formerly employed by Heat Treat, Inc. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus on Ironwood Road, South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m.

Friday, March 1 1 2005, in St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Road, South Bend. Rev. John Cramer will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Sumption Prairie Cemetery, South Bend.

Friends may visit with the family from p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005, in Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan South Bend, IN. Contributions in memory of Bruce Heminger may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Robert E.

Hundt July 30, 1935 March 8, 2005 PLYMOUTH Robert E. "Bob" Hundt, 69, an area resident all of his life, died at 6:10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2005, at his home, 13680 W. 5C Road, Plymouth, Ind. Bob, who had suffered from a cancer-related illness for a number of years, died under the loving care of his family and the Marshall County Hospice.

The local Hospice organization helped to care for Bob, one of their first patients, during the last 8Vz years of his life. Bob, in a newspaper interview in June 1999, attributed his extended lifetime to the care of Hospice. Bob said then: "Whatever time I have left, I know I am in the hands of the Lord." And he was. And is. He was born in Hanna, the fourth of 17 children of Arthur W.

Sr. and Helen Hazen Hundt on July 30, 1935. He attended Tyner High School. On October 30, 1955, Bob and Bonnie M. McCoige were married in Argos, Ind.

Married for 43 years, Bonnie died on July 19, 2000. Bob first worked at Studebakers, and had been a foreman at the Plymouth Foundry for 21 years before he started his own business. He became the owner-operator of Hundts Auto Parts See OBITUARIESPage E5 Michiana foMr "Simnlv the Best for Less" Homer J. "Jerry" Baird, 79, of Lake Shore Drive, Niles, Michigan, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, in Silverbrook Manor, Niles, Michigan, following an extended illness.

Mr. Baird was born November 17, 1925, in Cadillac, Michigan, to Homer V. and Julietta (Maples) Baird. He had lived in Niles since 1934, coming from Cadillac, Michigan. Mr.

Baird was the former owneroperator of Baird Motors in South Bend, Indiana. He also owned and operated Baird Realty of South Bend as a real estate broker. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Homer like to play golf and spend time on the water, especially pontoon boating.

Homer was loved by everyone who knew him, especially his family. On August 14, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana, he married Dolores M. Fritz, who survives. Also surviving are two children, a daughter, Janet S. Craig, and a son, Thomas W.

Baird, both of Niles; a grandson, Jeff (Michelle) Craig, and a great-granddaughter, Jillian Craig; a brother, Rev. John Baird of St. Joseph, Michigan; four sisters, Gloria Jackson, Leola Sheldon and Shirley Rudlaff, all of Niles, and Mary Jo Deitrich of St. Joseph, Michigan. He was preceded in death by a brother, Norman L.

Baird, who died May 14, 1973; and two sisters, Madeline Keltz, who died April 8, 2001, and Violet Cronin, who died December 11, 1988. Funeral services for Homer J. Baird will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2005, in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with Rev. Robert E.

Jackson of First Church of God officiating. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call one hour to the funeral services in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor's choice. William E.

Bilinski March 8, 2005 William E. "Bill" Bilinski, 77, of Summerberry Lane (formerly of S.R. 2) in South Bend, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, March 8, in the Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center. He leaves a legacy of great love and generous caring for family, church and community. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m.

today in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend. A combined Knights of Columbus and parish Rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Catholic Church, South Bend.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Bill was born in South Bend in 1927 to Frank and Bertha (Gruszynski) Bilinski. On May 6, 1950, the Army veteran married Dolores M. Buttens, who survives.

Before his retirement in 1989, Bill was employed as a supervisor for 22 years at the Roadway Express Trucking Co. Life was always centered on family, with his four children and nine grandchildren, who always will remember his warm heart and dollar gifts. A basketball player during Wilson High School's heyday, his talents included bowling and golf. His favorite hobby was rooting on his beloved Chicago Cubs. A former member of the Holy Family Usher's Club, American Legion Post 357 and Polish National Alliance (local PNA 83 Club), Bill's great passion in recent years was the work of the local Thomas V.

Grayson March 9, 1953 March 8, 2005 Thomas Victor Grayson, 51, of Toledo Avenue, Osceola, passed away in his residence on Tuesday, March 8, 2005. Thomas was born March 9, 1953, to Victor and Norma Ruth (Metzler) Grayson in South Bend, Indiana. His mother and son, Todd Adams, preceded him in death. On May 5, 1984, in Osceola, he married Phyllis Adams. Thomas is survived by his wife; father, Victor R.

Grayson of Mishawaka; sister, Mary Steward of Phoenix, Arizona; and nephew, David Steward of Lafayette, IN. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2005, in the Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola. Services will be conducted by Pastor Tim Green at noon, with viewing one hour prior on Friday, March 11, 2005, in Osceola First General Baptist Church, 11101 East McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Thomas was a member of Osceola First General Baptist Church where he was very active. He played guitar in the Praise Band. He was captain Rhonda J. Cerney July 15, 1969 March 8, 2005 Rhonda Jane "Rho" Cerney, 35, South Bend, passed away at 4:08 a.m.

on Tuesday, March 8th, at home surrounded by her family after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. Rhonda was born on July 15, 1969, in South Bend. Rhonda was a graduate of Penn High School and Michiana College of Commerce. Rhonda was a loving daughter, sister and friend. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and she could always make you smile.

Rhonda was a fighter and would never give up. Rhonda loved life and lived it to the fullest. Rhonda is survived by her loving family, parents, Jim and Jane (Goff) Cerney of South Bend; two brothers, Jim (Shari Cerney of Mishawaka and Jeff (Shari Cerney of Osceola; a sister, Janice (Bob) Stevens of Granger; four nieces, Tai and AH Cerney of Mishawaka, Alyssa and Jillian Stevens of Granger; two nephews, Nick and Josh Cerney of Osceola. She is also survived by her grandmother, Mary Jane Goff; and Rhonda's loving cat, along with aunts and uncles, cousins and special friends. Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Rhonda's life will be Friday at Coalbush United Methodist Church, 15977 Jackson Road, Mishawaka, IN. Visitation will be from 1 :00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Service will be at 2:00 p.m., with Assistant Pastor Jo An Schaetzle officiating. Visitation will continue after the service with the family.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in memory of Rhonda to the Cystic Fibrosis Council, P.O. Box 475, Elkhart, IN 46515. Rhonda's family would like to thank Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, all pediatric staff, respiratory therapists, CF Clinic, and all other hospital friends that have helped her during her hospital stays. Also we thank our friends and relatives for their love, care and support throughout her life. The Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W.

8th Mishawaka, is handling arrangements. Sarah Frison Ap ri I 30, 1898 March 3, 2005 Mrs. Sarah Frison, 106, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of West Indiana Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, passed from this life on Thursday, March 3, DEATH NOTICES Lawrence J. Abbott Jan. 12, 1923 -March 8, 2005 WHITE PIGEON Lawrence J.

Abbott, 82, of 206 S. Athletic died at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Heartland Health Care Center, Three Rivers. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy L. (Stivers); two daughters, Jan Hayes and Gail Barrett, both of Elkhart; and a sister, Doris Hayes of Normal, 111.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Farrand Funeral Home, where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Bertha L. Anderson Jan.

5, 1914 -March 8, 2004 NILES Bertha L. Anderson, 91, of Silverbrook Manor, died at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the nursing home. Survivors include a sister, Ruth Vassar of Niles. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

There will be no visitation. Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, is handling arrangements. Homer J. Baird Nov. 17, 1925 -March 8, 2005 NILES Homer J.

"Jerry" Baird, 79, of Lake Shore Drive, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Silverbrook Manor after an illness. Survivors include his wife, Dolores M. (Fritz); a daughter, Janet S. Craig of Niles; a son, Thomas W.

of Niles; four sisters, Gloria Jackson, Leola Sheldon and Shirley Rudlaff, all of Niles, and Mary Jo Deitrich of St. Joseph; and a brother, John of St Joseph. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Halbritter Funeral Home, where friends may call one hour before services. Timothy D.

Buras Aug. 3, 1982 -March 5, 2005 SOUTH BEND Timothy D. Buras, 22, of Eugene, formerly of South Bend, died Saturday when he fell down a chimney shaft in Portland, Ore. Survivors include his parents, Ann (Jaroszewski) and John Buras; and two brothers, Nick and Joe. Services will be at 5 p.m.

Saturday in Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, 111. Friends may call from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday in Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, Palatine, 111. Rhonda J. Cerney July 15, 1969 March 8, 2005 SOUTH BEND Rhonda J.

Cerney, 35, of Battles Road, died Tuesday in her home of natural causes. Survivors include her parents, Jane and Jim Cerney of South Bend; a sister, Janice Stevens of Granger; and two brothers, Jeff Cerney of Osceola and Jim Cerney of Mishawaka. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday BEST WINDOW DEAL IN TODAY MARKET ANY SIZE WHITE DOUBLE HUNG REPLACEMENT WINDOW FREE ESTIMATE! Mon. Fri.

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