daily obituaries Erie PA

August 10 2008

Yesterday's Obituaries...

Bauman, John George

John George Bauman went to be with his Lord on August 8, 2008. He was born on September 26, 1941, in Erie, the son of the late Elmer E. and Margaret E. Schneider Bauman, Sr. He was a lifetime member of Abiding Hope Lutheran Church and an honorary member of Kearsarge Volunteer Fire Dept.; having served as Lieutenant of Rig #2. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, fishing and was an avid Nascar fan. He had been employed at American Hollow Boring, Codan, Perry Shipbuilding and Bush Industries. John is survived by his wife, Mary Jeanne Reese Bauman, one brother, Elmer E. Bauman, Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo., four children: Kirsten A. Kunselman of Erie, John E. and Priscilla Bauman of Ledyard, Conn., Carrie L. and Michael Kaziska of Jefferson, Ohio, and Kathy J. and Robert Morschhauser of Little Hope, Pa. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Andrew S. and Gillian R. Kunselman, Elizabeth A. and George F. Bauman, Mariah A. Kaziska, and Logan R. Morschhauser. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday at Abiding Hope Lutheran Church from 12:00 until time of service at 1:00 p.m.conducted by the Rev. John Coleman. Interment Erie County Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Abiding Hope Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 5312 Peach St. Erie, PA 16509 or to the VNA Hospice, 1305 Peach St. Erie, PA 16501. Send a Sympathy Note

Bayus, Helen M.

Helen M. Bayus, age 84, of Crossingville, surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully at Wesbury United Methodist Community on Friday, August 8, 2008 after a short illness. She was born March 16, 1924 in Meadville, a daughter of the late Morton and Sarah Fitch Peters. Helen enjoyed puzzle books and listening to polka music, but she loved going to the casino. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Walter Bayus, in 2005, a son, Michael Bayus, and several siblings. She is survived by three daughters, Mary Milk and her husband, James, of Waterford, Dorothy 'Dot' Paszko and her fiancée, James, of Edinboro, Linda McNutt and her husband, Jim, of Meadville, a sister, Edna Bunce of Corry, and a brother, Richard Peters of Meadville. Also surviving are several grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. No calling hours will be observed. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Venango Cemetery, Crawford County. In lieu o f flowers, memorials may be made in Helen's name to a charity of one's choice. The Steff-Mattera Funeral Home, 188 East State Street, Albion, is handling the funeral arrangements. Send a Sympathy Note

Bieganski, Steven Mark

Steven Mark Bieganski, age 41, died unexpectedly on August 6, 2008 at Junction City, Kan. Formerly of Saegertown, Pa. he was stationed at Fort Riley as a Sergeant 1/c. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs.

Chulick, Alan M.

Alan M. Chulick, age 65 of Fairview, died Friday, August 8, 2008 at the Fairview Manor. He was born in Erie on October 28, 1942 son of the late Michael and Julia Sabol Chulick. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1964 to 1970. He worked at Steris for 37 years retiring in 1999. He was a member of American Legion Post 773. He was preceded in death by a brother, David Chulick. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Alice Hughes Chulick. Two daughters, Kathleen Sullivan and her husband, David of Erie, and Michelle Nipper and her husband, Patrick of Pittsburgh. Two grandsons, Michael and Daniel Nipper. Four nieces, Lisa Burns, Lori Elliott, Erica and Julia Chulick. Friends may call at the Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc. 2502 Sassafras Street on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and and are invited to the Funeral Mass Monday and at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church.. Burial with full military honors will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Ecker Sr., Harry Perdue

Harry Perdue Ecker Sr., age 88, of Tucson, Ariz. where he spent the past nine years. Formerly of Harborcreek and North East. Died Friday August 8, 2008 at his residence. Born November 13, 1919 in Harmony, N.Y. to the late Eugene Deloss and Anna May Perdue Ecker. He was formerly employed at the Green Shingle Truck Stop as a Diesel Mechanic for several years before retiring 1983. A life member of North East VFW Post 4789 and Loyal Order of Moose 118 Westfield, N.Y. Harry was a veteran of WW II serving in the U.S. Navy. Preceded in death by his wife Winifred Esther Luce Ecker, Daughter Harriett Louise Simmer, Son Harry P. Ecker Jr., Brothers and Sisters Eudora (Dode) Lawson, George Ecker, June Phelps, Lyle Ecker, Richard Ecker, Roberta Rotunda, Gertrude Lamb and Erma Ecker. Also two Grandsons and one Great Grandson. Survived by his former wife and companion B. Theresa Bronson of Tucson, Ariz. Father of Norma Jean Triana and husband Robert of North East, Bonnie Lee Albert and husband Robert of Waterford and Kevin E,. Ecker of Baltimore, Md. Brother of Clara Blanchard of Mayville, N.Y. Sarah (Sally) Todaro of Jamestown, N.Y. and Robert C. Ecker Sr. of Youngsville, Pa. Nine Grandchildren 14 Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandson. Also Step Father to Patricia Brooks of Tucson, Richard Bronson of South Carolina, Roger Bronson and Gary Bronson both of Ky. Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home 65 South Lake St. North East on Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and are invited to attend funeral services on Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Officiating, Rev. Charles Wertz. Interment North East Cemetery with full military honors.

Haupt, Catherine

Catherine Haupt, age 96, of Greenville, Texas, formerly of Erie, died Friday August 8, 2008. She was born in Poland on November 3, 1911, daughter of the late Maximillian and Josephine Shebodia. Catherine was a homemaker and worked WPA prior to her marriage. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, canning and gardening. Survivors include her son, John Haupt and her daughter, Judith Danowski, both of Greenville, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Haupt in 1971; four sisters; one brother; and one grandson. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a Prayer Service there on Monday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. James R.C. Church at 10 a.m. Interment, Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Send a Sympathy Note

Hurta, Saundra M.

Saundra (Sandy) M. Hurta, 41, of Largo Florida and formerly of McKean, Pa., passed away peacefully Friday, July 18, 2008. She was born April 7, 1967 the daughter of Beverly Hurta Reynolds and the late Martin Hurta. Saundra loved horses and riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle. Sandy is survived by her daughters; Tiffany and Marty Jo Hurta, her sister Cheryl Hiscox and her husband Carl of Gastonia, North Carolina, her brother Scott and his wife Beverly of North East, Pa. She is further survived by her long time companion Martin Wickles and her dear friend Lydia Wickles. A memorial ride will form on Saturday August 16, 2008 at the CAB, 5442 W 26th Street, departing at 11 a.m. and ending at the Valley Inn 10107 Old Rt. 99, with a prayer service at 3 p.m. Burial will be at McLane Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Hurta Memorial Fund care of PNC Bank 901 State Street Erie, PA 16501.

Kirsch, Helen Czoma

Helen Czoma Kirsch, 74, formerly of Erie, and beloved wife of William "Bill" Kirsch, died at her home in Powhatan, Va., 8/07/08, after an illness. Helen was the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Czoma and a graduate of Academy High School. She worked at Hammermill Paper Co. before moving to Hampton, Va. in the 1950s. Helen worked in retail, enjoyed gardening, cooking, and bluegrass music. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert "Bobby" Kirsch; and brothers, Charles "Chuck" Chernicky, of Erie, and John Chernicky, of Hemet, Calif. In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by her daughter, Desiree Stowell and son-in-law, Buzzy Stowell, of Powhatan; three sisters, Mrs. Donald (Marjorie) Sutter, Mrs. Al (Mary) Tomczak, both of Erie, Pa., Eleanor Coomes, of Palmdale, Calif.; four grandsons, Matt, Chip, Allen and Christopher Stowell, of Powhatan and Chesterfield, Va, and a number of nieces and nephews. A private burial service in Hampton is planned.

Knochel, Floyd W. "Butch"

Floyd W. "Butch" Knochel, 63, of South Easton, Mass., August 2, 2008. He was raised in Pa., the beloved husband of Elaine; loving father of Cheryl Mills and Kimberly MacFaun of Sevierville, Tenn., and James Knochel of Bedford; brother of Judith, Larry, David, Bobby, Ricky, Tina, Rhonda and Ronny. See www.waittfuneralhome.com or call 508-583-7272. Cards may be sent to 113 Belmont St., South Easton, MA 02375. .

Kruse, Richard E.

Richard E. Kruse, age 77, of Millcreek died Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Saint Vincent Health Center. Born in Fairview on July 12, 1931, he was a son of the late Henry G. and Hattie Struchen Kruse. Richard was a graduate of Fairview High School, Class of 1949 and was a partner with Eriez Construction. He was a member of the Carpenter's Union #81; the Perry-Keystone Lodge 392 F&AM where he also had served as Past-Master, and the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Erie; and Westminster Presbyterian Church. He loved spending time with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to golf, hunt and fish. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Earle Kruse; and a sister, Betty Jane Cassell. He is survived by his wife, Connie Rose Kruse; a son, William Kruse and his wife Carley, of Kent, Ohio; two daughters, Linda Borch and her husband David, of Gambrills, Md. and Lisa Kruse, of Erie; two sisters, Dorothy Randal and her husband Jim, of Fairview and Esther Kuntz, of Girard; a brother, Fred Kruse, of Fairview; and four grandchildren, James Borch, William Borch, Rebecca Borch and Sophie Kruse. Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26th Street at Powell Avenue on Sunday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to services their on Monday at 11 a.m. with the Reverend John Erthein officiating. Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church 3642 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 or to World Vision Fishing Kit Fund at www.donate.wvus.org. .

McGranor, Russell E.

Russell E. McGranor, age 78, died Friday, August 8, 2008 at his home in Erie. Arrangements will be announced by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., West, 536 West 10th Street. Send a Sympathy Note

Shewan II, Richard William "Dick"

Richard "Dick" W. Shewan II died Thursday, August 7, 2008 due to complications sustained in an automobile accident. He was born on August 8, 1947 in Erie, the son of Gerald and Adeline Geiger Shewan of Erie. He was employed at Erie General Electric Co. His love of boating, which he shared with his family, enabled him to serve as a board member for the Commodore Perry Yacht Club where he brought his handyman talents to many work parties. He recently introduced the sport of jet skiing to his grandkids. His love of fishing left him empty netted many times. In the winter months he enjoyed watching the Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins. He could be found at local ice rinks and attending Erie Otters and Mercyhurst Women's ice hockey games. Dick was a member of St. Paul's R. C. Church. He is survived by his former high school sweetheart, whom he married on June 17, 1967, Patricia Ann Abbott Shewan, his children: Tammie Hartstein of Erie, Michelle Hermsdorf (Jim) of Warrenton, Va., two sisters, Gerry Woomer of Girard, Judy Vogel (Dennis) of Mont., one brother, Tom (Ivette) Shewan of Marysville, Ohio, his grandchildren, Amber and Jeff Hartstein, Paula and Allen Hermsdorf, two sisters-in-law, Dolly Abbott-Traut, and Judy Hauser (John) of Erie, and a brother-in-law, Carl Abbott (Debbie) of Erie. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Louisa Shewan, an aunt, Donna Gingerbach, and uncles: Richard William Shewan I and William Shewan. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited there on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. for a prayer service followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul's R.C. Church 1617 Walnut St. Erie, PA at 10:00 a.m. Private interment. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Send a Sympathy Note

Swaney, Patricia A.

Patricia A. Swaney, 65, of McMurray, Pa. and formerly of Erie, passed away at the Forestview Health Care Center at Spring Hill on Saturday August 9, 2008. She was born in Erie on November 11, 1942, the daughter of the late Thomas and Virginia Weber Bessetti. She had worked as a waitress at Hoss's and the Khakwa Club and also as a private duty nurse. She had made a Cursillo and enjoyed Bocce, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Church. Survivors include; three sons, James K. Swaney and Paul Swaney and his wife Mary, both of Erie and Shawn Swaney and his wife Beth of Pittsburgh, and a daughter, Sherri Bayer and her husband Derek also of Pittsburg. Six Brothers, Gordon, Gregory, Arthur, Richard, Ronny and Gary Bessitti and two sisters, Sandy Lowes and Pearl "Penny" Koshorek, In addition, she is survived by six Grandchildren, Michael, Mikayla, and Max Bayer and Jacob, Benjamin, and Crocifisso J. Swaney. Also, a "grandbaby" Kasey Swaney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Bessetti, a son, Trevor Swaney and a dear friend, Robert A. Davis. Friends are invited to call at the Brugger Home for Funerals LLP, 1595 West 38th St. on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend services there on Tuesday 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Brooks, Pastor of Our lady of Peace Officiating. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Jude Children's hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Szychowski, Rosalia Majersky "Rose"

Rosalia "Rose" Majersky Szychowski, age 90, formerly of East 36th Street passed away Saturday August 9, 2008 at Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center. She was born in Erie January 4, 1918 a daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth Karola Majersky. Rose was a reproduction clerk for the City of Erie for 20 years retiring in 1983. She was a member of St. Luke Church and Falconettes Nest 123. She enjoyed bowling and gardening. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Thaddeus "Ted" "Specks" Szychowski; and a brother, Michael Majersky. Survivors include two sons, Richard T. Szychowski wife Patty and Michael T. Szychowski, a daughter; Marlene Robertson husband Mark all of Erie; three grandchildren, Beth Pruchnicki husband Randy, Rick Szychowski wife Theresa and Ronald Slupski; four great-grandchildren; a sister Elizabeth "Betty" Lucas of Meadville. Friends may call at the A. Brugger and Sons Funeral Home, 845 East 38th Street at Pine Avenue, on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held there on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Luke Church. Burial in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Toth, Stephen

Stephen Toth, age 88, of Millcreek, died Thursday, August 7th 2008, at St. Vincent Health Center. Born February 18, 1920 in Erie, he was the son of the late Steven and Bertha Halancsak Toth. Stephen was a World War II veteran of the United States Army Air Corps having served in the Pacific Theater which included ground combat in Iwo Jima. He was the recipient of various service medals including the Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal. After returning to Erie, Stephen earned his bachelor's degree from Gannon College and went on to teach history at Strong Vincent High School for over 30 years before retiring in 1984. He was a member of the American Legion Millcreek Post 773 and a life member of the East Erie Turners. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Toth; an infant sister, Elizabeth Toth; and a son-in-law, Allan Shea. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years whom he married on June 20th, 1953, Janice J. Fryer Toth; a daughter, Nancy Shea of Erie; a son, Bob Toth, wife Nancy, of Erie; a brother, John J. Toth, wife Sigma, of Erie; five grandsons, Ryan Shea, Kevin Shea, wife Jammia, Jason Shea, Jon Shea, and Ian Farrell; two great-grandchildren; two sister-in-laws, Shirley Billingsley and Sally Fryer of Erie; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brugger Home for Funerals LLP, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Boulevard. Services will be held there on Monday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. George Church with the Very Rev. Michael Kesicki celebrating. Entombment will follow in Calvary Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507, St. George Church, 5145 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509, the Humane Society, P.O. Box 3930, Erie, PA 16508-0930, or to the charity of one's choice. -

Trojanowski, Mary Beth

Mary Beth Trojanowski Booth, age 53, of Millcreek Twp., died Friday, August 8, 2008, surrounded by her loving family and friends at her residence after an extended illness. She was born in Corry on June 4, 1955, the daughter of the late, Robert and Pat F. Bernardowicz Trojanowski. She attended Mercyhurst Prep and Clarion University. Mary Beth was employed at the VA Medical Center (LAHEC) and most recently at Glenbeigh. She was a member of St. Andrews R.C. Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and attending her son's sporting events. She is survived by her husband, Charles G. Booth, one step-daughter, Meghan Barber (Anthony) of Erie, one son, Travis Booth of Millcreek, one brother, John Trojanowski (Colette), of Erie, two nephews, Tyler and Andrew Trojanowski. One sister, Judy Trojanowski, preceded Mary Beth in death. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. , on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Private interment. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Send a Sympathy Note

Weiser Sr., James J.

James J. Weiser, Sr., age 72, of Erie, died Friday, August 8, 2008 at his residence. He was born in Erie on January 30, 1936 a son of the late Henry and Irene Spencer Weiser. He graduated from St. John's grade school and Tech Memorial High School. He was a pattern maker and a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Weiser. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jeanne Nies Weiser, four daughters, Mary Kathleen Weiser of Tiverton, R.I., Karen Burns and her husband Mike, Jeanne Bartos and her husband John and Lori Morgenstern and her husband Robert all of Erie, one son, Navy Cdr. James Weiser, Jr and his wife Connie of Woodbridge, Va. Eleven grandchildren, Adam and Samuel Burns, Jed Bartos, Kaley, Dale, Robert and Maggie Morgenstern, James III, Michael, Kathleen and Mary Kate Weiser. Four Sisters, Marie Therese Latham and her husband Mahlon of Va., Virginia Lukawski of Erie, Cecile Hortsman and her husband Fritz of Erie and Nancy Weiser of Ohio. One brother, Richard Weiser and his wife Mary of Erie, many nieces and nephews and his dog Oscar also survive. Friends may call at the Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc. 2502 Sassafras St. Erie, Pa. 16502 on Monday from 7-9 and Tuesday 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Wednesday morning at 9:15 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church at 10. Burial will be in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Emmaus Ministries, 345 E. 9th St. Erie, Pa. 16503, John Kanzius Cancer Research Fund, 915 State St., Erie, Pa. 16501 or VNA Hospice Services, 1305 Peach St. Erie, Pa. 16501.

Wieczorek, Edward Patrick

Edward Patrick Wieczorek, 83, formerly of Concord, Ohio, passed away Friday, August 8th at the Soldiers and Sailors Home whose staff showed much love and compassion and is gratefully thanked. Born in Erie September 4, 1924, he was the son of the late Stanley and Sophie Czerwinski Wieczorek. He was a Sargent with the 7th Fighting Wing of the Air Force during WWII. He became a tool and die maker and worked at V-Check Tool & Die for 17 years until 1969 and retired from the General Electric Ravenna Plant in 1984. He had been a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks, and Polish Falcons. Eddie enjoyed traveling to Florida and Europe and gardening. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Josephine Wedzikowski and Mary Ziacik, two brothers, Frank and Raymond Wieczorek, and his good friend, Harry "Dick" King. Surviving are a sister, Irene Mielnik of Erie, a brother, Robert Wieczorek, wife Esther, of Erie, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours at Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th at Greengarden Blvd., Sunday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services there Monday at 10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Resurrection at St. Joseph Bread of Life Church at 11 o'clock. Interment at Erie County Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to St. Joseph Church, 147 W. 24th St., Erie, PA 16502, or the Kansius Research Fund, 915 State Street, Erie, PA 16501

Zimmer, Donald T.

Donald T. Zimmer, age 70, passed away July 26, 2008, peacefully at home in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was born in Erie, Pa., June 10, 1938, of the late Bertha and Elmer Zimmer. He was a graduate of old Tech Memorial High School. He also served with the United States Marine Corp. He is survived by his sons Kirk, Scott and his wife Laurie and daughter Kelly Murray, grandchildren Kyle, Philip, Courtney, Alexandra and Rachel. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Trombetta and her husband Dick, twin brother David Zimmer and his wife Eleanor, ex-wife Phyllis Zimmer and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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