Welcome West Branch High School Alumni Association West Branch, Michigan

CLASS OF 1947

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2012 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED-PAGE 1
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Reservations for Alumni Banquet 2021

Burt Morris

***

A.F.Lucas, Supt.
Mildred Blumenthal, Principal
Joe Weiler, Class President
Nelle Fletcher, Class Sponsor
* * * * * *

Claude J. Anderson Jr.
George W.J. Bailey
Irene Joyce Best Cummings
Donald L. Blanchard
Retta A. Boddy Weck
Jack A. Bray
Jean Audrey Brown Lentz
Margaret I. Byce
Mary Anne Byron Gentsler
Grover Candy
Emily E. Cottle
Carolyn L. Coulter Dutton
Jane Ellis Tolfree
Lorraine Firkser Weismann
Mary Jane Fitzgerald Bailey
Leo R. Gehl
Marion J. Grenier Hammond
Dorothy L. Haggadone Shortt
Ruby May Hamilton Hertzberg
Gloria M. Huml Oswald
Jeanne Ellen Kelly Harris
Betty A. Kenyon Kemp
Elizabeth Ann Kinyon Furhmann
Dorothy V. Killinger Bigelow
Alice Virginia Klann
William Lally
Lucille L. Lucas Shellenbarger
Nathalie Jane McCall Awrey
Amber M. McPherson Hudak
Margaret A. Mattson
DeLorain Caroline Miller
Marjorie Molesworth Skinner
Burt C. Morris
Betty June Copeland Norris Chandler
William John Painter
Fannie Pappas Nickolas
Jennie Louise Pickett Conway
Walter A. Resteiner
Mary Elaine Sappington Kicks Partlo
Leona J. Sheltrown Hayes
Robert E. Smith
Norma L. Stark Beach
Luella Viola Stotler Andrews
Gladys Esther Thompson Peterson
Richard W. Tinker
Irene Lucille Trout Zettle
Shirley J. Van Conett Streeter
Albert Harley Wedge
Patsy Jean Vittitow Murphy
Joseph Weiler Jr.
Marjorie Amy Wilkenson Skinner
Dorothy Jean Winslow Griffin
Leon A. Gehl
Walt Resteiner
Frank X. Tetu-St Joseph High School
***********************************************************

Jack R. Bray
East Lansing...
Jack R. Bray, age 91,of East Lansing, Michigan passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Jack was born on November 20, 1928 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Howard and Irene (Steinbrecker) Bray. Jack graduated from West branch High School in the class of 1947, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. He retired from Spence Brothers Construction as a Superintendent at the age of 55. Jack enjoyed his passions of hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan. Jack is survived by his wife, Phyllis Bray; sons; Jack (Teri) Bray of South Carolina, Jerry Bray of Texas; Stepson David (Maryann) Rasmussen of Illinois; brother, George (Ann) Bray; grandchildren; Nick, Chris, Joshua, Marina, Emmaline, Stephanie; great grandchildren; Archer, Elliot, Miller, Charlotte; Extended family in North Carolina and Florida seldom seen but never forgotten. Jack is proceeded in death by his parents and two sisters; Delores and Patricia "Pat". The Bray family would like to acknowledge Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice for their outstanding care.

Obituary for Amber Hudak

Amber M. McPherson Hudak,class of 1947 West Branch High School, 89 of Midland, died Saturday afternoon, July 28, 2018 at Barton Woods Assisted Living in Freeland. She was born March 2, 1929 in Hazel Park, daughter of the late James and Lillie (Yax) McPherson. On June 26, 1948 she married Joseph Hudak in West Branch. Prior to moving to Midland to raise her family, Amber had been a graduate of West Branch High School and was a resident of Horseshoe Lake where her family enjoyed hosting hunters during hunting season. Amber and Joseph were avid dancers and were members of the American Legion Berryhill Post #165. She had a smile that lit up the room and a great sense of humor. She spent countless hours sewing and knitting for her family, was an excellent cook, and above all cherished time with her loved ones. Not only was Amber a caring mother and grandmother, but she let it be known that we always had a best friend in her.
She is survived by her daughters: Renée (Dale) Scoles of Beaverton, Dr. Claudia Clark of Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle (Dr. Daryl) Steward and Paulette (Mark) Wisniewski all of Freeland; grandchildren, Lynette (Charles Vorce) Scoles of Chester, NY, Heather (James) Savas of Midland; Dr. Nicole (Jay Smith) Sanderlin of Blacksburg, VA, Gavin (Meredith Atthowe) Sanderlin of Pamplin, VA; Nick (Dr. Jennifer) Steward of Edmond, OK, Adam Steward of Oklahoma City, OK, and Katie Wisniewski of Freeland; great grandchildren, Zackary Savas, Evan Smith, Everett Steward and Lincoln Steward.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, Elmer and Arvid McPherson, and a sister Arwilda Elliott.

A memorial service will take place 3 p.m. Monday, August 13, 2018 from the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 West Wheeler Street. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1 p.m. until time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Compassus Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.

Unknown Addresses
Retta Boddy Weck
Shirley VanConett Streeter
Rosemary Priest Draves
 
***

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Margaret A. Mattson, age 87, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at The Brook in West Branch, MI. She was born on October 26, 1929 in Clement Twp., MI to Axel and Gladys (Hamilton) Mattson. Margaret was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in West Branch. She worked for the Ogemaw County Equalization for 13 years and had retired in 2007. Margaret also worked for Farm Bureau and McCauley Appliance.

Margaret is survived by her nieces and nephews, Karen Simmons, Peter (Jan) Smith,
Victor (Alice) Smith, Monica (Bob) Taylor, Carol Smith, Diane (Ken) Martin and Greg Smith; many great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Helen Smith.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be Monday, March 20, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Howard Travis will officiate. Burial will follow at Edwards Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Salvation Army and Hospice of Helping Hands.

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Elizabeth R. “Betty” Kemp, 86 of Cedar Springs, formerly of Kent City passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Wellspring Lutheran Services, Fairview. Betty was born August 19, 1930 in West Branch, MI the eldest of four children born to Harry and Enid (Merritt) Kenyon. Betty married Arthur “Dick” Kemp on October 21, 1950 who survives. Their marriage was blessed with six children, David (Martha) Kemp of Fenton, Tom (Denise) Kemp of Luzerne, Bob (Kristine) Kemp of Phoenix, AZ, Jerry’s widow, Christine Kemp of Grant, Barbara Reed of Bristol, WI, Donna (Gary) Kagel of Greenville, SC; 29 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren with two more on the way; brothers, H. Richard (Geri) Kenyon, Charlie (Ann) Kenyon; sister, Sally (Tom) Horton. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Jerry; son-in-law, John Reed; grandson, Vaughn; and great grandson, Derek. Cremation has taken place. The family will greet friends Saturday from 2:00 pm until time of memorial service at 3:00 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor David Kemp officiating. Interment in the spring at Idlewild Cemetery. Memorials to Victory World Missions International Ministries.  http://www.victoryworldmissions.info/home/give/
****


Luella V. Stotler Andrews, 86, passed away Nov. 2, 2015, at West Branch Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Ohio on July 31, 1929. After graduating from West Branch High School with the class of 1947, she attended nursing school and became an LPN. After working many years at the Hasty Clinic in West Branch she went to Lapeer and worked for an orthopedic surgeon until her retirement.

She enjoyed spending her time at her cabin in the UP and being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Luella was preceded in death by her husband, Maxson Andrews; son, Donald Andrews; niece, Alisa Schwind; and great-nephew, Jeffery Hawley.

Survivors include her children, Dana Andrews and Dirk (Norma) Andrews of West Branch; grandchildren, Andrew (Jennifer) Andrews of Gladwin, Adam (Penny) Andrews of Rose City and Ashley Andrews of Kalamazoo; great-grandchildren, Ariaunna and Carter Andrews of Gladwin, Peyton Andrews of Santa Clara, Calif., and Meckenzie Joy Andrews of Rose City; one sister, Lois (Mervin) Rohl of Lupton; and many nieces and nephews.

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Marie Rau Clemens

Marie E. Clemens, 84, went to be with our Lord on July 22, 2015.  Born on October 4, 1930 to William and Esther Rau.  She married Junior G. Clemens on April 26, 1952.  Marie taught country school for two years then spent the rest of her life raising her family and helping others. She was active in St. Joseph Parish, Boy Scouts, and 4-H.

She is survived by her husband; five sons: Neil (Michele), Ivan (Gina), Olen (Bonnie), Arlo (Sue), and Eric (Shelly); two daughters: Luana (Elton) Lawe and Veda (Peter) Keefe; adopted son, Edgar (Flava) Londono from Colombia, South America; twenty one grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, one brother, two sisters, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and good friends as far away as Africa and South America.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, July 26, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  A Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Scripture Service at 6:45 p.m.  On Monday, July 27, 2015 Marie will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Sylvestre Obwaka and Father Robert Bissot will officiate.  Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Scholarship Fund, Hospice of Helping Hands, or Ogemaw Commission on Aging.

 

Walter E. Resteiner, 86

Posted: Friday, Jan 23rd, 2015




Walter E. Resteiner, formerly of Alamosa, Colorado, passed away on January 7, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. Walter was born on June 18, 1928, in Twining, Michigan, to Herbert and Agnes Resteiner. He graduated from high school in West Branch, Michigan. After serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, he returned to West Branch and married Jeannine Nienaber on December 27, 1952.

Walter owned and operated a fuel oil business with his brother John in West Branch until moving to Golden, Colorado, in 1964. In 1967, Walter, his wife and four children moved to Alamosa where he owned the Dunes Motel and the Dairy Queen, later known as the College Drive Inn. After a few years in Lamar as the owner of the El Mar Motel, he returned to Alamosa and purchased the Lamplighter Motel. He was responsible for the addition of the Lamplighter Annex and indoor pool. He also built and owned Skipper’s Carwash in Monte Vista.

His other interests included skiing, golf, sailing, exploring the mountains for rocks and arrowheads, woodworking, stained glass art, spending time at their cabin in South Fork, and traveling with Jeannine in their RV.

Walter was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Harold Resteiner. He is survived by his wife, Jeannine, his children Craig (Bonnie) Resteiner, Lisa (Tom) Taylor, Ann Schwartz, and Jeannie (Paul) Citoli, his grandchildren, Nicolas and Emily Resteiner, Jayme Catalano (John Rose), Mandy (Jon) Edeen, and Sarah Schwartz. He is also survived by his brother John Resteiner.

Graveside services were held on January 16 in Cottonwood, Arizona, and a celebration of his life was held on January 17 at La Siena Senior Living in Phoenix where he and Jeannine have resided for the last few years.


 
Leo Gehl
(November 18, 1928 - December 22, 2013)
Leo Gehl

Leo Gehl of West Branch, age 85, went home to be with his lord on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at McLaren Hospital of Flint. Leo was born in West Branch on November 18, 1928, the son of John E and Grace M Gehl where he lived most of his life. He moved to Flint, MI in 1953 till the day he retired and returned back to West Branch. He married Geraldine (Geri) Sherman on July, 15, 1950. Leo was a member of UAW 659, Burton Eagles, West Branch Eagles & Moose Lodge, and was a GM retiree.

Surviving are his children; Dan & Pam of Paw Paw, John of Lupton, Chris and Dave of Burton, Mike and Lynn of Memphis, TN, and Rick & Mary Jo of Portage, his grandchildren; Rob & Jesse, Steve, Danielle & Jeremy, Laura & Jason, Jason & Alyssa, Ben, Jennifer, Sean & Amy, his great grandchildren; Alexis, Cassandra, Madison, Trevor, Theodore, Christopher, Justin, Amanda, Tyler, Miyah, Cameron, Victor and Roland. Also surviving is his brother in law, Dale, sisters in law, Ima and Neva, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, mother and father in law, brothers; John E Jr (Bud), Richard E (Gene), Leon A and Thomas W., his sisters in law; Catherine, Maxine, and Trina. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff of Hospice Advantage and Bortz.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013. On Saturday, Leo will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 a.m. Father Patrick Maher will be officiating. Burial will be at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association or Hospice Advantage.

*****

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IRENE TROUT ZETTLE

Irene L. Zettle, 83, of West Branch, passed away Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at her home, with her family by her side.

Irene had lived in West Branch for her entire life. She graduated with the class of 1947 from West Branch High School. Irene was born May 3, 1929, to Henry and Lucinda Trout. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, flower gardens and upholstering. She loved being with her family and grandchildren, and traveling with her husband of 55 years, Dick.

Irene is survived by her children, David Zettle, Greg Zettle and Susan Zettle Martinez; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Gen Siefert; and her brother, George Trout.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents, Henry and Lucinda Trout; her sister, Dorothy Paris; and her brother, Russ Trout

*********

Joan A. Green
(March 30, 1929 - January 11, 2013) 

Joan A. Green

Joan A. Green, age 83 of West Branch, passed away Friday, January 11, 2013 at her home. Joan had lived in West Branch for all of her life. She graduated from St.Joe high school with the class of 1947. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the C.C.W., a past chairperson of the Ladies Farm Bureau of Ogemaw County and was a 4-H leader for over 20 years. She volunteered with Hospice of Helping Hands of West Branch and was a member of the VFW Auxillary #3775 and the Tolfree Memorial Hospital Auxillary.

Joan is survived by her children, Bridget (Rodney) Wilkinson of South Lyon, Betty (Joseph) Green-Heffern of Sunnyvale, CA, David (Julie) Green of West Branch, Mary Jo (Carl) Scime of Milford, Patrick (Katherine) Green of West Branch and Michael (Pam) Green of Mason; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother Richard Morgan of Wheatridge CO. and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, a son Thomas, two sister’s Betty Morgan and Donna Mae Morgan and her brother Russell Morgan.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 5-9 p.m. and Monday from 2-9 p.m. with a ladies rosary at 3:00 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. On Tuesday, Joan will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.

********

 



DECEASED CLASSMATES

ROBERT E. SMITH
(MAY 22, 2016)
 
Marjorie Wilkinson Skinner
(2013)
 
Irene Trout Zettle
(January 13, 2013)
 
Carolyn Coulter Dutton
(1/25/09)
 
Patsy Jean Vittitow Murphy
 
Jennie Louise Pickett Conway
 
Mary Jane Fitzgerald Bailey
(January 1, 2008)
 
Frank X. Tetu-St. Joseph H.S. 
(Deceased April 6, 2007)
 
Irene Joyce Cummings

Donald Blanchard

Mary Ann Byron Gentzler
(1997)

Grover Candy
(May 30,2001)

Emily Cottle

Lorraine Firkser Weismann
(1978)

Leon A. Gehl

Dorothy Haggadone Shortt
(1989)

Gloria Huml Oswald
(March 31,2005)

Alice Virginia Klann Ohl
(1998)

William Lally

Tom Murphy
(May 9, 2003)

Bill Painter

Norma Stark Beach
(March 6, 2006)

Richard Tinker
(2000)

Joseph Weiler Jr.
 (1992)

Dorothy Winslow Meiser
 (January 26, 2006)

Keith Rau-St Joe

Mary Lou Connors Smith
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St.Joseph High School

Mary Jane Fitzgerald Bailey
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