Ted Ballone

David Barbacovi

Eugene Bongiovanni

Harlan Broemer

Bill Brown

Gretchen Bjork DeCew

James Corgiat

Larry Carr

Paul Chernak

Edith Ann Chovan Fritts

Daniel Czajkowski

Jerry Giacherio

Patricia Gheller

Carol Gustafson Eilo

James Hill

Gordon Hoffman

Lorene Johnson

Robert Juntunen

Shirley Kangas Cline

Mary Ann Kapugia Jacobson

Patrick Lauzon

Robert Manninen

Joseph Nespodzany

Michael Pogliano

James Rajk

Darrell Roberts

James Seeke

Robert Slomkowski

Dennis Sjoman

Ed Smith

Barbara Whitburn Champeau

Marjorie Wiemeri Upschulte

Ed graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1958. Upon graduation he attended Gogebic Community College, where he was an outstanding basketball player for the Samsons. He then went on to attend Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota, and received his bachelor's degree in social studies. After that, he attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, to receive his master's degree in guidance and personal services.
Ed began his teaching and coaching career in Bergland High School in Bergland, where he coached boys varsity basketball for nine years. After this he went onto Hurley High School, where he coached boys varsity basketball and baseball. Hurley back then was in a tough conference, with Hurley being the smallest of the schools. He still managed to win a Class B title and Class C title in the 1970s. He fondly remembered the Midgets had an outstanding following to the Spooner Sectional under the famed radio voice of Harry Rizzie. He greatly appreciated this tournament.
In 1982, he took a position at Wakefield High School as a teacher, guidance counselor and athletic director. In 1986, he began coaching girls varsity basketball when his daughter, Joy, was a junior. They had many successful seasons, winning numerous conference titles and one undefeated season. At WHS he sought out better coaches, organized gym time schedules for players and improved traveling to away games.
He officiated high school boys basketball and was chosen to officiate downstate in Ann Arbor for the Class C boys state semifinals. He went on to officiate at Northern Michigan University and Gogebic Community College. He was the president of three high school conferences - Porcupine Mountain Conference, M-W Conference and Great Western Conference.
Ed enjoyed playing softball for the White Birch Wildcats as well as being an outstanding baseball player and was chosen among 78 players for the Silver Sluggers award. He participated in a game with the Milwaukee Braves at Milwaukee County Stadium with his parents in attendance.
After retirement in the 1990s, he traveled the country, attending basketball tournaments with his brother, Robert. He went on numerous hunting and fishing trips with his longtime "Super Bowl" buddies and took his family camping to Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. The Smith family enjoyed picnics and were never short on competitive whiffle ball and kickball games that the whole family enjoyed. He spent numerous days and nights with his family and friends playing cards at his beloved camp on the Slate River. Ed could also be heard across the airwaves for WJMS with Gary Aho broadcasting local sports. He proudly announced his daughter's district title game in 2004 and even got to interview her afterwards.
Ed lived his life to the fullest and achieved and accomplished everything he set out to do. His family will miss him greatly and he will not be forgotten. The family would like to thank the staff at Crossroads Care Center for the exceptional care they took of dad in his final year.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Jerald Rocco of Lakeside Memorial Chapel for his compassionate care during this time. And a special thank you to Gary Silc, a longtime friend and attorney, for not only being Ed's best friend, but a loyal confidant to his daughters, he could always be counted on.
The family is planning a gathering to be held at a later date.


 

Michael 'Mike' Frederick Pogliano

TAMPA, Florida — Robert John “Bob” Juntunen, 79, of Hernando, and formerly of
Bessemer, Mich., passed away on March 25, 2019 due to complications following open heart surgery.

Robert was born on March 8, 1940 and raised in Bessemer. He was the son of Verner A. “Ven” and Fay (Peronto) Juntunen.

Robert attended Bessemer Schools and graduated with honors with the Class of 1958 from A.D. Johnston High School. He went on to Houghton Technical University, graduating in 1962. He received his Master’s Degree from Virginia Tech in 1989.

On Sept. 4, 1960, Robert married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Keenan. Together they raised three sons and one daughter.

Robert’s working career started with the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon and California. Next, he and his family moved to St. Paul, Minn. with the Corps of Engineers. His love for adventure took him and his family to Germany, Italy, and Saudi Arabia for 7 years and then to Kentucky also with the Corp. of Engineers. For a short time he owned the Bessemer laundromat, while working at Fort Knox, Ky. He then retired from the federal system and returned to Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia for 3 years before moving to Golden Gate, Fla. where he worked for Collier County for 5 years. After receiving his Masters in Virginia, Robert and Arlene moved to Tampa where he worked for 10 years before retiring from the state system and returned to the federal system. At this time Bob and his wife moved to Illinois and then back to Tallahassee, where he retired from working in 2002. Bob and Arlene then moved to Hernando, where they resided for 8 months of each year spending spring and summer in Bessemer.

Robert had a deep love of Bluegrass music and played mandolin and sang in the “Wry Whiskey Band”. He also loved to take his motor home and go to many bluegrass festivals and jam sessions to play and sing with friends and family. His next love was playing golf. He was a member of the Gogebic Country Club; and when he wasn’t enjoying the company of family and friends, sleeping, or playing bluegrass, he was on the golf course.

Robert is survived by his wife of 58 years, Arlene; three sons, Vic (Cendi) Juntunen, Kurt (Beth) Juntunen, and Craig Juntunen; his daughter, Caryn Juntunen; grandchildren: Brodie (Courtney) Jacks and Bianca, Colin, Christian and Makenzie Juntunen and Nicole Hoisington; brother, Paul Erickson, three sisters, Carmen (Donald) Mussatti, Gail Mattson, and Roseann (William) Ferrari, brother-in-law, James (Judy) Keenan and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ven and Fay Juntunen; step-father, Reino Erickson; sister, Sherry Erickson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Keenan, and brothers and sister-in-law, Roland Mattson and Betty Lou and Bill Kuta.

There will be a celebration of life this summer.

Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer is serving the family. For more information or to express online condolences, please visit rangefuneralservices.com.

Email or phone me for Arlene's address>
gjuntunen@yahoo.com  903-724-0648

RAMSAY, Mich. - Jerry James Giacherio, 79, of Ramsay, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, July 23, 2019, at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minn., taking one last trip down the eternal highway.

Jerry was born on Nov. 18, 1939, in BessemerTownship, a son of James Louis and Caroline Ann (Vikartofsky) Giacherio. He attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated in 1958, where he participated in the JROTC program. Jerry continued his education at Gogebic Community College in accounting before setting out on the big journey we call life.

In his early years, Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping. Later on in life, he took pleasure playing golf and cards with his friends.

Jerry was self-employed for his entire life. The insurance field was not just a career, it was his passion. He had been in sales since he was a young man, in one way or another. Jerry resided in and had offices at Wausau, Wis., Omaha, Neb., St. Paul, Minn., Eau Claire, Wis., and Spooner, Wis. Jerry returned to the area and in 1963, established the Northwest Independent Insurance Agency in Bessemer. He went on to own and operate one of the largest insurance agencies with his older brother, Gordon alongside him, in the country. Later in his career, Jerry was the proprietor of Ironwood Motors, Northwestern Auto and Northwest Motor Company.

On Nov. 9, 1963, Jerry married the lovely Mary Ann Justice in Land O' Lakes, Wis.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; a brother, Gordon; a sister, Bonnie Giacherio; two sons, James (Rena) and Jerry J. Jr .; a daughter, Gina (David) King; and four cherished grandchildren, Riley, Jacob and Lucas King and Jenna Giacherio.

He was predeceased by his father, James, on June 28, 1993; his mother, Caroline, on Oct. 5, 2004; and his sister-in-law, Janet Mae Lincoln Giacherio, on Aug. 2, 2015.

Honoring Jerry's life, a private funeral service was held at Cornerstone Church in Ramsay. The Rev. Todd Winkler officiated.

A committal service and interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield and the Solvay Hospice House for their kindness and care that was given to Jerry.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Jerry's memory are suggested to Solvay Hospice House, 801 Baylis St., Duluth, MN 55811.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.

 

Mr. Joswiak passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening October 18, 2008, age 68 years. He was born May 16, 1940 in Bessemer, Michigan and has resided in this area for many years. He was the founder of Town & Country Glass and Mirror, he was a member of Trout Unlimited, enjoyed trout fishing and most of all he had a deep love for his grandchildren.
He is survived by two sons; Larry Joswiak and his girl friend Cindy Hepworth of Saginaw and David and Melanie Joswiak of Hemlock, one daughter; Carol
(John) Whitney of Charlevoix, six grandchildren; Abbey, Lindsay, Lauren, Madelyn, Kyle and Emily, two brothers; James (Ruth) Joswiak of Saginaw and William (Janet) Joswiak of Marquette, four nieces, one nephew and many close friends. He was predeceased by his parents; George and Josephine (Stelmark) Joswiak and one special uncle; John Stelmark.
At the request of Mr. Joswiak cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. If you would like to offer your condolences to the family you may do so on line at www. gephartfuneralhome.com. If you are planning to give an expression of sympathy the family ask that you consider "The Wishes of the Family" to be used for a memorial in Robert's name at a later date.

MARQUETTE, Mich. -- James E. Seeke, 68, of Harvey, died Monday morning, Aug. 4, 2008, at his home with family and Lake Superior Hospice in attendance.

He was born Jan. 19, 1940, in Bessemer, Mich., a son of the late Walter and Esther (Piispanen) Seeke. Jim was a 1958 graduate of A.D. Johnston High in Bessemer and received a bachelor of science degree from Mankato State College in 1962. His areas of study were physical education, English and history.

Jim was a great athlete, coach and all around sports fan. While attending college, he pitched for a semi-professional baseball team in Minnesota. He taught and coached at the following Wisconsin schools after graduation:

Richland Center Schools, Coleman High School and Homestead High School.

In 1968, he accepted a teaching position with the Department of Defense schools overseas and taught in Germany, Morocco, Turkey and Sicily. He also served as the athletic director and coached many winning seasons for numerous sports that included football, wrestling, track and soccer. He was an avid "Packer Backer" and big fan of the University of Michigan football.

Jim was well read and a big history buff. Working overseas provided him and his family an opportunity to travel and experience many different cultures. He also enjoyed other activities like photography, music, reading, fishing and camping.

After his teaching career, he worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In retirement, he enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Lake Independence in Big Bay, and he loved his grandchildren who made him happy and proud.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine Seeke, who he married on Aug. 20, 1960, in Bessemer; three children, Timothy (Haeza) Seeke of Cedarburg, Wis., Rene (Chris) Brayton of Howell, and Tom (Sarah) Seeke of Marquette; four grandchildren, Jason and Justin Seeke and Chet and Lila Brayton; brothers, Rodney (Sally) Seeke of Menomonee Falls, Wis., and Grant (Mary Kaye) Seeke of Green River, Wyo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Milton, Patricia Yopps, Roger and infant brother.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, at 2:30 p.m. EDT in the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home with the Lake Superior Hospice chaplains officiating.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Bay Cliff Health Camp in Jim¹s memory.

Jim's obituary may also be viewed at canalefun

eral.com where relatives and friends can leave a note of remembrance.

Edith Ann "Edi" Fritts

Notice |  Condolences

Fritts, Edith Ann "Edi" FH = SCHMIDT & BARTELT, WAUWATOSA FUNERAL HOME FHID = 600516 DisplayFullObituaryText Fritts, Edith Ann "Edi" Called Home by her Lord on November 23, 2014, age 74. Loving mother of Sue (Russ) Hanson, Frederick (Genne) Fritts and Janet (Joe) Flottmeyer. Cherished "Grammy" of Caroline and Natalie Hanson, Anna, Collin and Shannon Fritts and Matthew Flottmeyer. Dearest sister of Barbara (Chuck) Stake. Also survived by other caring relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Samuel A. and Gladys Chovan. Edi was born and raised in Bessemer, Michigan. She moved to Milwaukee and lived in the area more than 50 years. In her retirement from Luther Manor, Edi spent her time traveling, volunteering at her church, crocheting, playing cards, cooking, baking, and watching her favorite sports teams. She was the happiest when she was with her family and many friends. Visitation Monday, December 1, from 10 AM until time of Funeral Service at 12 noon, at OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH, 10025 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa. Inurnment will take place privately. Memorials to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church appreciated.

Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Nov. 26, 2014

James L. Rajk Sr ., 74, of Bessemer, passed away Monday, March 16, 2015. Jim was born on Oct. 8, 1940, in Bessemer, the son of Marco and Catherine (Milakovich) Rajk. He attended Bessemer schools and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1958. Turk was recognized for his athletic talents in all sports.Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne Division and was honorably discharged. After returning to Bessemer, he and his friends moved to California. While in Los Angeles, Jim was recalled to active duty during the Cuban Crisis.Jim was a professional union bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines. In 1987, he relocated back to Bessemer. During his retirement years, he and his sister Mary Ann owned and operated the Hunter's Inn.Jim was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer.

  Jim is survived by two sons, James Jr. (Laura), Las Vegas, and Marco (significant other, Tessa), Ironwood; two grandsons, Paul Levre, Southern California, and Kyle Rajk, Las Vegas; a granddaughter, Jayme Rajk, Las Vegas; a sister, Mary Ann Rajk, Bessemer; and his loving companion, Donna Rajk, Bessemer, and her children, Roy Mussatti, Ironwood, and Deanna Mussatti, Mandan, N.D.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Rita.

Out of respect for Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Graveside services and interment with military rites will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc ., Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.