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Edward L. Kruse Jr. of Grand Island, who was a foreign language teacher at Kenmore West High School, died Saturday (Dec. 30, 2000) in Buffalo General Hospital. He was 71. He graduated from Tonawanda High School, and went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Canisius College and a master's degree in education from the University at Buffalo. Besides his work at Kenmore West, Kruse taught several courses at Canisius College and Niagara University. Kruse served in the Army during the Korean War. Survivors include his mother, Anna M. of Grand Island, and a sister, Mary Ann Arsenault of Tucson, Ariz. Private services will be scheduled, with interment in Whitehaven Cemetery, Grand Island.

Robert McMoil Sr. passed away in Florida on December 25th.

Olivette C. Lay, December 26, 2000 of Kenmore, NY, beloved wife of the late Charles Lay; sister of the late Clement Martene; sister-in-law of Lois Martene and Clayton Hiltz; aunt of Carolyn Leggio; also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service in Kenmore Baptist Church, Saturday, January 6, at 2 PM. Memorials can be made to Kenmore Baptist Church, 10 Wardman Rd., Kenmore, NY 14217.

Josephine M. Mitchell, a retired mathematics professor at the University at Buffalo, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, after a yearlong illness. The Grand Island resident was 88. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, she was a 1934 graduate of the University of Alberta and earned a master's degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1941 and her Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr in 1942. Her specialty was mathematical analysis, and she taught at various colleges and worked as an engineer and research mathematician. From 1958 to 1968, she was an associate professor and later professor at Pennsylvania State University. She came to UB in 1968 and taught there until she retired in 1982. She published 39 papers and had seven Ph.D. students. Mrs. Mitchell received several research grants from the National Science Foundation and a three-year grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. She enjoyed traveling, hiking and canoeing and was a wildflower photographer. She is survived by her husband, Lowell Schoenfeld of Grand Island, and two sisters, Peggy Brennagh of Ottawa and Alta Bento of Hawaii. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Charles J. Lindquist, December 29, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Redondo Beach, CA, husband of Karen A. Bates-Lindquist; father of Carl J., Alex J., and Kyle J. Lindquist; son of Donald R. and Ruth Lindquist; brother of David (Donna) Lindquist and Ruth (Gary) Linton. Friends may call Tuesday only 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

Betty (O'Brien) Wunsch, December 17, 2000, of North Port, FL. formerly Grand Island, NY. Wife of Robert Wunsch of Fort Lauderdale, FL, mother of Peter C.(Diane) of Long Island; David B.(Cheryl) of Grand Island; Tim J.(Patty) of Fort Collins,CO; Mary Lee(Richard) Widdecomb of Coral Springs, FL; nine grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; sister Anita Holehouse; sister Mary Keefe and many nieces and nephews. She worked for many years on the Island Dispatch and at Grand Island Town Hall. A Memorial Service was held at San Pedro Catholic Church, North Port, FL. on December 20, 2000.

Allan R. Jones, Age 59, of Sweet Home Rd., Town of Niagara, NY, December 23, 2000, husband of Marilyn (Bowen) Jones; father of Michael (Barbara) Jones of Concord, NC, Kevin Jones of Beverly Hills, CA; stepfather of Peter D. Gilmer (Tina) of Niagara Falls, NY, Walter 'Tracy' Gilmer of Spartanburg, SC, Christopher G. (Nancy) Gilmer of Niagara Falls, Bess A. (Steve) Irvin of Dothan, AL and Lynn M. McGilveary of Niagara Falls; brother of William Jones of West Seneca, NY and Janet Markwardt of Lakeland, FL; also survived by 12 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Visitation is Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME LaSALLE PARK CHAPEL, 2215 Military Rd., Niagara Falls where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM. Memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226. Mr. Jones was retired from Tonawanda Forge and Delphi Harrison.

NIAGARA FALLS - Allan Richard Jones of Sweet Home Road, Town of Niagara, died Saturday (Dec. 23, 2000) in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after suffering a heart attack while driving his car. He was 59. Born in Buffalo, he attended schools in Buffalo and Grand Island and lived most of his life on Grand Island before moving to Niagara Falls in 1994. Jones worked for 29 years as a forklift operator for the Tonawanda Forge Division of General Motors Corp. He worked for a year in Lockport at Delphi Harrison Automotive Systems before retiring in 1997. He was a member of the United Autoworkers and enjoyed fishing, refinishing furniture and cooking. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; two sons, Michael of Concord, N.C., and Kevin of Beverly Hills, Calif.; three stepsons, Peter D. Gilmer of Niagara Falls, Walter "Tracy" Gilmer of Spartanburg, S.C., and Christopher G. Gilmer of Niagara Falls; two stepdaughters, Bess A. Irvin of Dothan, Ala., and Lynn M. McGilveary of Niagara Falls; a brother, William of West Seneca; a sister, Janet Markwardt of Lakeland, Fla.; and 12 grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Otto Redanz Funeral Home LaSalle Park Chapel, 2214 Military Road. Burial will be private.

Lawrence R. Miller, December 23, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, beloved father of Crystal L. Miller; former husband of Katherine Ranson; son of Mary Ellen and Donald Hamman; brother of Robert W. Miller, Jr., Wayne J. Miller, Marilyn Herrman, Patricia Miller, Ronald J. Miller, Donna Mix and the late Roger Hamman; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined.

Abram A. Milner, December 21, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, husband of the late Edna (Burden) Milner, Katherine (Fiegl) Milner and Viola (Dysinger) Milner; father of Maryellen M. (Francis E.) Pfohl; grandfather of Francis E. (Katherine) Pfohl, Jr., Katherine A. (Edward) Ellisor and Michael M. (Lora) Pfohl; great-grandfather of Mollie and Bailey Ellisor, Caroline and Margaret Pfohl. Friends may call Wednesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. or St. Stephen's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM.

Abram A. Milner, 94, a retired typesetter at Moore Business Forms in Niagara Falls and a former Grand Island resident, died Thursday (Dec. 21, 2000) in Springdale Health Care Center, Camden, S.C. Born in Henderson, Ky., he was raised in New Orleans and later moved to Chicago to work for an uncle. From there, he moved to Niagara Falls and went to work at Moore, from which he retired in 1966. He served with the U.S. Army's 3093rd Quartermaster Supply Detachment in London during World War II. He was a life member of Grand Island Fire Company, an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of Grand Island Chapter, American Legion. He was the widower of three wives: Edna Burden Milner, Katherine Fiegl Milner and Viola Dysinger Milner. Survivors include a daughter, Maryellen M. Pfohl of Camden; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Grand Island.

Lawrence R. Miller, December 23, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, beloved father of Crystal L. Miller; former husband of Katherine Ranson; son of Mary Ellen and Donald Hamman; brother of Robert W. Miller, Jr., Wayne J. Miller, Marilyn Herrman, Patricia Miller, Ronald J. Miller, Donna Mix and the late Roger Hamman; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday only 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined.

Ruth B. (Thompson) Johnson, December 23, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo, wife of the late James F. Johnson; mother of Amelia Carter, Karen (Jeffrey) Johnson, Joan (Gordon) Gillies and Celia (Terry) Jones; also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister of Clifford (Arlene) and Robert (Mary) Thompson. Friends may call Tuesday only 3-7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Memorials to St. Martin-In-The-Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 AM.

Dominic S. Marino, December 15, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo, husband of the late Mildred L. (Russo) Marino; father of Joseph (Diane) of Grand Island, Donald (Lorraine) of Yuka Valley, CA and the late John Marino; devoted grandfather of Joseph (Jeanie), Melina, Stephen, Michael (Bonnie) and Joey Marino; loving great-grandfather of Marisa, Zachary, Taylor, Ayla and Nathan Dominic Marino; brother of the late Frank and Michael Marino, Antoinette Rampino and Mildred LoPresto; also survived by many nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 AM at St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift near and dear to grandpa are Summit Educational Resources, 300 Fries Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150 or Rosie's Love at AMC-Children's Cancer, c/o Zitto, 114 Mallory Rd., Ghent, NY 12075.

Richard T. Johnson passed away on December 14, 2000. Memorials in his name may be made to the Gymnasium Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

Keith R. Hopkins, 81, died on December 5, 2000 in Beaufort, S.C. Though not a Grand Island resident, he was well known here for his work as Beaver Island State Park supervisor in the late 40s and 50s and participation as an amateur actor in the Grand Island Playhouse productions.

Don R. Colan, December 18, 2000, of Grand Island, NY, husband of Sheila (Miller) Colan; father of Stephen B. (Heidi) Colan; grandfather of Christopher and Andrea Colan; brother of Edmund (Sylvia) Colan; uncle of Cindy, Edmund and Vincent Colan, Robert Phillips and Linda Wilkinson; also survived by several cousins. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island.

Patricia M. McTigue, 84, of Grand Island, a former parochial school teacher who later operated the switchboard at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for many years, died Wednesday (Dec. 13, 2000) in St. Francis Home in Williamsville. She was 84. The former Patricia Pierce was born in Buffalo. She graduated from Mount Mercy High School and received a bachelor's degree in education from Canisius College. During World War II, she worked at the Curtiss-Wright aircraft plant on Genesee Street. She married Norman J. McTigue in 1942 and the couple moved to Grand Island. After the war, Mrs. McTigue taught elementary grades at St. Bartholomew Parochial School and then Holy Spirit Parochial School, both in Buffalo. After retiring from teaching, she was a switchboard operator at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for many years. Mrs. McTigue was a reader and card player. She and her husband made several trips to Ireland to work on the family's genealogy. They also traveled throughout the United States, especially to the West Coast, Las Vegas and New Orleans. In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons, the Rev. Norman P. of the Town of Tonawanda, James F. of Buffalo, John P. of Tulsa, Okla., and Robert F. of the Town of Tonawanda; a daughter, Mary Patricia Garrett of North Tonawanda; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by her son in St. Amelia's Catholic Church in the Town of Tonawanda at 9 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.

Richard T. Johnson, December 14, 2000 of Grand Island, NY; husband of Elaine R. Johnson; father of Valerie (George) Fuhrmann, Paul (Suzy), Timothy (Barbara), Karen (Martin) Smith and Stephen (Cheryl) Johnson; also survived by thirteen grandchildren; brother of William O. (Mary) Johnson. Friends may call Sunday only 2-4 and 7-9pm at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials to the Gymnasium Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where memorial services will be held Tuesday at 11am.

Charlotte E. 'Lottie' Shear, of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Lake Rd., Youngstown, December 5, 2000, age 92; wife of the late Richard I. Shear; mother of Richard Shear, James Shear and Betty Lou Camardella; sister of Louise Ray, Donald Rosinski, Helen Magdziak and the late Mary Reese, Jane Kluga and Jean Oleksiak; also survived by ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, INC., N. Fourth and Ridge Sts., Lewiston, Friday 2-4 and 7-9pm. Services Saturday at 9:15 at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10am from St. Bernard's R.C. Church, Second & Hinman Sts., Youngstown, NY. Memorials to the American Diabetes Association or to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. Ambulance Fund.

William F. Zaepfel, December 5, 2000, husband of the late Eileen J. (nee Kane); father of R. Scott (Vivian), Susan (Paul Houser) and Christine M. (Peter Seidman) Zaepfel; also survived by four grandchildren; brother of Jean Schmidlin and Marie Crane. The family will be present at JOHN E. ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME (East Chapel), 1361 Hertel Ave. (near Colvin) Friday only 2-7 PM. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephens Church, Grand Island, Saturday at 10 AM. Please assemble at church. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

Grover T. Bennett, Age 85, of the City of Tonawanda and formerly of Grand Island, December 3, 2000, husband of the late Oleta E. (nee Smith) Bennett; father of Kenneth F. Bennett, Barbara I. (Clarence) Hinchy, Marilyn M. Herec and Grover A. (Donna) Bennett; brother of Isabelle Reed, Dorothy (Donald) Akins, Richard (Virginia) Bennett and Lyle (Marlene) Bennett; also survived by 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME INC., 25 Williamn St. (between Morgan & Broad Sts.), City of Tonawanda, where services will be held Thursday (December 7) at 11 AM. Friends invited.

Marian A. Yensan, age 74, of North Tonawanda, November 30, 2000, born on Grand Island, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin F. and Ida (nee Killian) Yensan; sister of Doris Musgrave and Viola Feldt and the late Franklin and Lester Yensan and Arlene Ackerman; sister-in-law of Eunice and Katherine Yensan; also survived by several nieces and nephews. There will be no prior visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Elmlawn Cemetery, corner of Delaware Avenue and Brighton Road, Town of Tonawanda, Wednesday, December 6, at 1 o'clock PM. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by JOHN O. ROTH FUNERAL HOME INC., Tonawanda, NY.

Gladys E. Harnett, 84, a former real estate agent and campground owner on Grand Island, died Friday Nov. 24, 2000 in Highlands Regional Medical Center, Sebring, Fla., after a brief illness. Born Gladys O'Donnell in Toronto, where she attended school, she moved to Niagara Falls in the mid-1930s. She later moved to Grand Island, where she lived until moving to Sebring in the mid-1980s. Mrs. Harnett was a real estate agent for Koch Realty Co. of Grand Island and Buffalo in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She and her husband also owned the Navajo Campground on Grand Island for about 15 years in the 1970s and 1980s. She was a member of the Zonta Club. Survivors include her husband, Harold J. of Sebring; a son, Frank V. Roma of Niagara Falls; two brothers, Pat O'Donnell and Fred O'Donnell, both of Toronto; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, after prayers at 9:30 in M.J. Colucci & Son Funeral Chapel, 468 19th St., Niagara Falls. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Grand Island.

Arlene Becker, November 23, 2000, of Grand Island, formerly of Buffalo. Wife of the late Norman Becker; mother of Judith A. (Robert) Hinchee of Seattle and Donald (Kathy) Becker of Grand Island; grandmother of Mandy Becker; sister of Howard (Helen) Keefe of New Orleans; dear friend of the late Harold Haak. Friends may call Saturday only, 6-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 8 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the SPCA, 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda, 14150.

Charles A. Heltz, formerly of Hamburg, NY, November 19, 2000, beloved husband of Denise (Campbell) Heltz; loving father of Michael and the late Theresa Heltz; stepfather of Gaetano Bonafede and Brandy Gore; dearest son of Melvin and Betty Heltz; also survived by seven brothers, five sisters, two grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS INC. 'Floyd Hess Chapel', 207 Main St., Hamburg where funeral will be held Wednesday 11 AM. Mr. Heltz was employed at Ford Motor Co. Flowers gratefully declined.

Lawrence J. Brennan died on November 9, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, father of Kelly (Anthony) Sasso, Sherri (Craig) Roath, Patrick Brennan, Tracy (Scott) Hoffman and Kathleen (Kevin) Murphy; also survived by nine grandchildren; brother of William, Karen, Richard, Joel, Russell, Gerald, Donald Brennan and the late Patricia Forbes; son of the late William and Marian Brennan. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday at 7 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island.

Dennis E. Ahern died on November 11, 2000, of Grand Island, husband of Dorothy (Anetsberger) Ahern; also survived by nieces and nephews; brother of the late Maurice Ahern, Margaret Dell, John Buckley, Eugene Buckley and Ann Ahern. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 18 at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church, Grand Island. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Alhambra Cordova Caravan #26, PO Box 353, Buffalo 14226, the Grand Island Fire Co. or Hospice Buffalo.

Dennis E. Ahern, a retired truck driver and longtime Grand Island firefighter, died Saturday (Nov. 11, 2000) in his Grand Island home after a lengthy illness. He was 80. A Buffalo native, he graduated from Riverside High School in 1938 and attended Hadley School of Engineering. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served on a submarine that was based at Pearl Harbor. He also served during the Korean War. In 1946, Ahern began driving trucks as a member of Teamsters Local 449. He retired in 1978. He and Dorothy Anetsberger were married in 1943 and moved to Grand Island in 1950. He joined Grand Island Fire Company as a volunteer in 1954. He remained active with the company until his death. He had served as company captain, treasurer, vice president, president and chairman of the board of directors. He also served several terms as president and board member of the Town of Tonawanda Volunteer Fireman's Association. He was a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization, Erie County Volunteer Fireman's Association. He was a life member of Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Post 205, American Legion; and Knights of Columbus Mary Star of the Sea Council 4752, Fourth-Degree Trinity Council. He also served as Grand Commander of Alhambra Cordova Caravan 26. He was a former member of the Buffalo Launch Club and George Washington Hunting & Fishing Club for more than 25 years. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and gardening. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

Ralph C. Amann, November 9, 2000, of Grand Island. Husband of Laura T. (Wichlacz) Amann; brother-in-law of Angela (Daniel) Gramza; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday only 2-4 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 AM, at St. Stephen's Church.

Harry R. Cunningham, November 7, 2000, of Grand Island; husband of Ruth (Zahn) Cunningham; father of Patricia Ann (Doug) Sweet, Jennifer Susan (Kevin) Knoll, Peggy Marie Popp, William Robert (Susan), Robert Michael, Alice Evelyn, Catherine Helen and Joseph Dennis (Susan) Cunningham; also survived by 12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson and many nieces and nephews; brother of Mary K. Cunningham; son of the late Harry V. and Catherine Cunningham. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Clayton G. Ames, 84, of Punta Gorda, FL., died Thursday, November 2, 2000, at Life Care Center of Punta Gorda. Born December 4, 1915 in Chautauqua County, N.Y., he moved from his native Western New York, where he worked as a building and grounds superintendent for different school districts, until retiring, to Florida, moving to Punta Gorda 15 years ago from Bradenton, FL. He was a member of Paradise Park Community Church, Punta Gorda, FL. and was a veteran of WW II, United States Army. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Lucille M. (Phillips) Ames; sons, David C. (Nancy) Ames of Mayfield, N.Y. and James C. (Peggy) Ames of Clarence, N.Y.; daughter, Kay A. (Robert) Brooks of Middletown, DE.; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held this Tuesday, 11:00 AM, November 7, 2000 at the Paradise Park Gazebo. Committal services will be held in New York at a later date, to be announced. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Paradise Park Community Church memorial Fund, 46900 Bermont Rd., Punta Gorda, FL., 33982. Arrangements by the ROBERSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Punta Gorda Chapel in Florida.

Diane Morton-Baetzhold - Services for Diane Morton-Baetzhold of Grand Island, a retired City of Tonawanda teacher, were held Sunday in Amigone Funeral Home, 1132 Delaware Ave. Mrs. Morton-Baetzhold died last Monday (Oct. 30, 2000) in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, after a lengthy illness. She was 53. Born Diane Morton in Buffalo, Mrs. Morton-Baetzhold grew up on Grand Island. She graduated from Kenmore West High School in 1964. She received a master's degree in education from Buffalo State College in 1969. She taught first grade and kindergarten in the Tonawanda City School District for 32 years, retiring in 1998. She lived in Buffalo from 1968 to 1988, before moving back to Grand Island. Mrs. Morton-Baetzhold was a past president and an active member of the Variety Club Tent 7. In 1999, she received the organization's Woman of the Year Award. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Patricia Cope; her mother, Betty Rogers; her father, Howard of Cleveland; a sister, Karen Beck; and two grandchildren. Diane Morton-Baetzhold October 30, 2000, beloved daughter of Howard Morton and Betty Rogers-Beck; dear sister of Karen Beck; stepmother of Patricia (Ronald) Cope; grandmother of Stephanie and Justin Cope. Family will be present to receive friends Sunday 10-11 AM at the (Delaware Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 1132 Delaware Ave., (near West Ferry St.), where a Memorial Service will follow at 11 AM.

Ernest J. Spinley of Grand Island, Friday, October 27, 2000, husband of Betty (Shankland) Spinley; father of Mrs. Michael (Karen) Harmon of Grand Island. There is no visitation. Memorial donations may be made to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 621 10th St., Niagara Falls 14301, the Hart Program, 505 Cayuga St., Lewiston 14092 or to the Grand Island Volunteer Fire Dept., 2275 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 14072. Arrangements by the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

SPINLEY - Ernest J., Civil Defense official Ernest J. Spinley, 75, a former real estate broker, Civil Defense official and Niagara County Republican Party chairman, died Friday (Oct. 27, 2000) in his Grand Island home after a long illness. Spinley was born in Niagara Falls and attended Niagara Falls High School. In 1943, during his senior year, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces and served as an armorer with the 90th Bomb Group in the Pacific Theater. He was discharged as a staff sergeant in 1946. Upon his return to Niagara Falls, he worked in construction and set up Spinley Real Estate Co., which he operated until 1960. In that year, the state Civil Defense Commission appointed Spinley coordinator for the eight Western New York counties. In 1971, Spinley was chosen administrative officer of the Niagara Falls Office of Natural Disaster and Civil Defense. When that office was merged into the Niagara County Office of Emergency Management, he became its deputy director until his retirement in 1990. He was long active in Republican politics and served as Niagara County GOP chairman for four years during the 1950s. Spinley was a member of the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Niagara Falls Area Board of Realtors, where he was chairman of the Grievance Council. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, the former Betty Shankland, and a daughter, Karen L. Harmon of Grand Island.

George J. Bower Of Grand Island, NY, October 27, 2000. Born August 3, 1922 in Buffalo, the son of the late Stephen and Elizabeth. As a member of the US 66th Infantry Division during WWII, he was a survivor of the December 24, 1944 sinking of the USS Leopoldville and was awarded a Purple Heart. A former New York State Trooper, retired as a Warrant and Transfer Officer for the NYS Division of Parole. He was a charter member and past commander of VFW Post 9249, Grand Island. He is survived by two daughters, Judith A. Hrncir (David) of San Antonio, TX and Sheryl L. (Robert Hobler) of Islamorada, FL, two sons George S. of Amherst and Michael D. (Jill) of Grand Island. There are also three surviving sisters, Helen Grawe, Elizabeth Young and Mary Hall and three grandchildren. There will be a private family service. Jack Fassbaugh October 29th. Friends may call today (Thurs.) only from 7-9 at Kaiser Funeral Home.

Janice A. (Heimback) Heldwein October 22, 2000, age 54 of the City of Tonawanda, formerly of Grand Island, NY. Unexpectedly at her home. Wife of Warren M. Heldwein; mother of Michael (Christina) and Thomas (Barbara) Heldwein, Donna Jo (Randy) York and the late Paula Marie Heldwein; daughter of Viola Heimback and the late Thomas P. Heimback; sister of Ronald (Shirley), Dennis (Rosemary), Brent (Eleanor) and John (Mary Ann) Heimback; also survived by seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday from 7-9 PM and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME INC., Adam & Seymour Sts., Tonawanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 AM Thursday at St. Francis Chapel on Adam St. in Tonawanda. Friends invited. Mrs. Heldwein volunteered her time and services at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. If desired, memorials to St. Francis C.C.D. are preferred by the family. Virginia M. (Gossett) Drake October 20, 2000, of Grand Island, beloved wife of Wolcott E. Drake; mother of Tonya Robins of San Diego, CA and Thomas (Judith) Drake of Clarence, NY; sister of Louise Hoover of Kansas City, MO; also surviving are three grandchildren and one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held Monday at 11 AM at Clarence Church of Christ, 5375 Old Goodrich Rd., Clarence, NY. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. If desired, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Research. Mrs. Drake was a WWII veteran, a retired registered nurse for Kenmore Mercy Hospital and a member of the Eastern Star. Arrangements by KAISER FUNERAL HOME.

Nicholas Yakowenko A Mass of Christian Burial for Nicholas Yakowenko, a U.S. Army veteran and former Niagara Falls businessman, was offered Friday in Our Lady of Las Vegas Church. A Las Vegas, Nev., resident since 1992, Yakowenko died at home Oct. 12, 2000, after a heart attack. He was 72. A native of Fell Township, Pa., he lived in Buffalo from 1950 to 1987. He worked in the chemical reclamation industry and ran his own business, O.R.M., from 1967 until his retirement in 1980. He was a former member of the Grand Island Lions Club and Bible Presbyterian Church on Grand Island. He is survived by his wife, Myrna; a daughter, Anna M.; two sons, Robert F. of Cheektowaga and William J. of Cary, N.C.; and four brothers, Peter of Brooklyn, George of Waipahu, Hawaii, Michael Young of Sun City Center, Fla., and Joseph Young of Manheim, Pa.

Laura (Minnig) Cassoni, former resident, October 14th. Memorial Mass celebrated Wednesday, October 18, 2000 St. Stephen's Church.

Roy S. Gehring October 17, 2000, of Tonawanda, NY, Friends may call Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at HARRY A. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME INC., 280 Grover Cleveland Hwy. at N. Bailey, where services will be held Friday at 10 AM. Friends invited. Mr. Gehring was a member of VFW Post #9249 of Grand Island, NY. If desired, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Neva L. (Dahl) Franklin Age 84, of Grand Island, NY, passed away October 12, 2000. Mrs. Franklin was born April 17, 1916, in Neilsville, WI, daughter of the late Herman and Ida Lynch Dahl; wife of the late Harold L. Franklin; mother of Leroy (Bernadette) Franklin of Grand Island, Nancy (David) Duysters of Naples, FL, and Richard (Susan) Franklin of Forestville, NY; grandmother of nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Franklin was retired from the Grand Island Central School District as a bus driver. She will be dearly missed and forever loved. There will be no services held according to her wishes, as Mrs. Franklin's body was donated to the University of Buffalo Medical School. Donations in her memory may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of WNY, 462 Evans St., Williamsville, NY 14221.

Robert F. Nardini Sr., died October 10, 2000; of Grand Island; husband of the late Marie J. Nardini; father of Robert F. Jr. (Gloria) of Chichester, NH, Miriam (Bruce) Thering of Dunkirk and Stephen (Jennifer) Nardini of North Wilkesboro, NC; grandfather of Nicholas, Steven and John Thomas Nardini, Margaret and Donald Robert Thering, Christopher and Angela Nardini; brother of Barbara Reynolds. Friends may call Thursday only 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 AM at St. Stephen's Church. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc. of WNY

Arthur Mueller October 9, 2000, husband of Lorraine A. Mueller and the late Martha A. Mueller; father of Ruth (Manfred) Wittberg of Germany; grandfather of Volker and Heike Wittberg; step-father of Lorraine H. Michaels and Harold R. (Beverly) Mueller. Friends may call Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the KAISER FUNERAL HOME, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island where funeral services will be held Thursday at 10am.

Janet Haen, formerly of Whitehaven Road, Thursday, October 5, 2000 in Clearwater, Florida. Predeceased by her husband Bill Haen, on March 12, 2000. Cards of condolence may be sent to Janet's daughter, Susan Willard, 1761 Martha Lane, Clearwater, FL 33756

Elizabeth A. (nee Smudski) Jordan, 44, of North Tonawanda, Thursday October 5, 2000, in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a lengthy illness. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Marta Vogel, October 2, 2000, born in Lautern, Germany, came to Grand Island in 1956 with her husband, Anton Vogel and two small children. Survived by husband Anton Vogel and children Roland (Delane) Vogel, Horst (Debbie) Vogel, Peter Vogel, Ingrid (Keith) Kinney and Karen (Richard) Benninger.

Marie Bennion, 62, September 5, 2000 - teacher in Grand Island school district

Marta Vogel October 2, 2000. Memorial services will be held at the New Apostolic Church, 314 Pine Ridge Rd, Cheektowaga at a date to be announced. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Charles E. Gorcheck October 2, 2000

Jonathan David Ratajczak, 6 mo. September 27, 2000. Memorials may be made to Childrens Hospital ICU, 219 Bryant St., Buffalo 14222.

Edna A. Wolanske September 22, 2000

Allan A. 'Wish' Wischman September 22, 2000. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Carl Waterstruss Of Buffalo, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, September 20, 2000

Evelyn R. Liesenfeld September 22, 2000. Memorials may be made to Grace Manor Nursing Home, 10 Symphony Circle, Buffalo 14201.

BALLANTYNE - Adrianna Kherara Ballantyne September 21, 2000, beloved infant daughter of Amber E. Ballantyne and Kheshawn Cowart

Richard C. Kaska September 3, 2000 in a Florida hospital after a lengthy illness. A memorial service was held at 1437 Ferry Rd. on September 23 at 7:00 PM. Pastor Paul Koehn will preside.

Eleanor Webb Dinsmore August 25, 2000 at Lebanon Valley Nursing Home in Annville, PA.

Charles M. Austin August 30th. Memorials in his name may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Erie, PA.

Edwina H. Meredith, 75, a longtime teacher in the Grand Island School District, Sept. 5, 2000. Contributions may be made to the Grand Island Teachers Assn. Scholarship Fund.

Mary "Lee" "Lenore" Leach September 7, 2000

Carole A. Brundage, 54, Sept. 5, 2000

Theodora M. (Gund)Edington August 26, 2000; mother of Gladys (Charles) Benzing

Patricia M. Wolfe, 74, Aug. 25, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation W.N.Y. Chapter.

John Lawrence Boyd Jr., 71, of East River Road Aug. 25, 2000

Barbara Taylor Brick, 68, Largo, Fla., a former resident of Grand Island Aug. 21, 2000

Helen Juanita Miller August 23, 2000. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Grand Island Golden Age Center.

Walter John Dutka August 19, 2000. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226.

Elizabeth 'Betty' Ryan August 19, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Niagara Lutheran Home, 64 Hager St., Buffalo, NY 14208.

Robert W. Currie August 17th.

Norman C. Kenny, 63, Aug. 15, 2000

Peter M. Olrogge August 17, 2000. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

John J. Quackenbush Sr. August 13, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Hospice Foundation 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227-1480.

FRAMPTON - Thomas L. Frampton Sr. August 12, 2000

SUCHOCKI - John L. Suchocki Sr. August 12, 2000. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Robert A. Vogel, 71, Aug. 5, 2000

Mark E. Rafe, 40, Aug. 7, 2000

Martin Livingston August 4, 2000

Pauline B. (Wheeldon) Weber August 4, 2000

Arline B. Doherty died on August 3, 2000.

Howard Ross Mabey, DeSoto, TX July 27, 2000. Memorials in his name may be made to Vitas Hospice, 5001 LBJ Fwy., Suite 1050, Dallas, TX75244

Auleen E. Brown, 81, July 20, 2000

Corinne K. Koester, 85, of Kenmore, July 28, 2000. Born Corinne Kaiser on Grand Island

Andrew F. Proto July 30, 2000 of North Tonawanda, formerly of Grand Islanad. Memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Rotary Club of the Tonawandas.

Brian J. Barbera, 36, chef at the River Oaks Golf Club for 11 years, died July 26th from injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Eleanor Jones, 77, July 25, 2000

JoAnn (nee Bowden) Graham July 26, 2000

Fannie C. Jeffery, 90, July 19, 2000, lived on Grand Island for 15 years before moving to Wynwood Commons, Kenmore.

Louis Villano, 88 July 17, 2000

Carol B.Farley July 10, 2000. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or St. Martin-In-The-Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island.

Dorcas Dial-Nelson, 78, a former Grand Island resident, living in Conroe, Texas since 1974, July 7, 2000

Richard C. Deuell, 67, of Fayetteville, a former Kenmore resident, died unexpectedly July 4, 2000 He moved from Grand Island to Guilderland in 1968 and had lived in Fayetteville since 1972.

Anna K. Franke July 4, 2000, of Lockport, NY, formerly of Grand Island. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Barbara Ann Aquilino July 4, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation, PO Box 155, Grand Island 14072.

William F. Burns Jr. , 76, June 24, 2000

William G. Hennigar Sr. , 80, June 26, 2000

Eileen J. (nee Kane) Zaepfel June 27, 2000

Mabel L. (Wineford) Leibinger, 96, June 24, 2000

Eleanor Trautman June 22, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, in Zepher Hills, FL.

Roland L. Reid June 20, 2000

Grace (Sardina) Baldi June 18, 2000. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Maria R. (Barth) O'Connor Age 24, suddenly, June 17, 2000, formerly of Grand Island. Memorials may be made to Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

John R. Hutt Sr., June 15, 2000 Memorials may be made to the John R. Hutt scholarship fund 2645 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda NY, 14150.

James M. Waldron June 5, 2000. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice or Exley United Methodist Church

Rose M. (nee Biamonte) Rinaldo, 91, in Amherst, NY, under care of Hospice Buffalo, June 11, 2000, formerly of Grand Island, NY

MODELSKI - Veronica 'Vera' (Walasek) Modelski June 12, 2000

McDONOUGH Lori B. McDonough of Derby, NY; June 10, 2000; beloved daughter of John E. McDonough and the late Sharon Rezabek.

Karen S. (nee Robinson) Goode June 9, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072.

James B. Brown June 8, 2000 . Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Anthony M. Petrosino June 4, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society of America.

Donald J. Magro June 3, 2000. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Assn. of WNY.

Beatrice Cady, 94, June 2, 2000

Eugenia J. Plewinski June 2, 2000. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Catholic Charities. Arrangements by DENGLER FUNERAL HOME.

Edward C. Redinger Sr. May 30, 2000. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co.

Lester, Ivan M. May 28, 2000

Michael E. Adams, May 14, 2000 (son of Sandra and Raymond Adams)

Terry M. Kortum Suddenly May 16, 2000, age 57

Agnes E. (nee Ehrmann) Brobeil, April 9, 2000, beloved wife of the late Francis G. Brobeil; dear mother of Francis G. (Ann) Brobeil Jr., Kathleen A. (Ronald) Cichocki and Karl R. (Lou Ann) Brobeil; sister of the late Anna Huber, Robert and Leo Ehrmann; grandmother of five grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the C. MERTZ & SON FUNERAL HOME INC., 911 Englewood Ave., Wednesday from 7-9 PM and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, where funeral services will be held Friday at 8:15 AM and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Amelia's Church at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society. (Fran and Agnes lived on Grand Island from 1953 until 1978.)

Edward G. Lindsey April 30, 2000, of Grand Island, NY and Punta Gorda, FL. Memorials may be made to Hospice of South West Florida, 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Mary Moscati, 91, May 2, 2000 in Riverwood Nursing Home, Grand Island

Ida L. (Hoth) Kemsley May 2, 2000. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association.

Bonnie (Piotrowski) Bishop April 25, 2000

Margaret I. Kavanaugh Of Elderberry Place, Niagara Falls, formerly of Grand Island, April 27, 2000. Memorials may be made to People Inc., Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island NY 14072 or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094

Salvatore J. Anzalaco, suddenly April 23, 2000

Eleanor L. ( Liebermann) Burg April 22, 2000

Janice A. (Heimback) Heldwein, 54, former resident, October 22, 2000, age 54 unexpectedly in her of the City of Tonawanda home.

Virginia M. (Gossett) Drake October 20, 2000.

Nicholas Yakowenko, 72, Oct. 12, 2000.

Laura (Minnig) Cassoni, former resident, October 14, 2000.

Neva L. (Dahl) Franklin, 84, October 12, 2000.

Robert F. Nardini Sr., October 10, 2000.

Arthur Mueller, October 9, 2000.

Janet Haen, former resident, October 5, 2000 in Clearwater, Florida.

Elizabeth A. (nee Smudski) Jordan, 44, of North Tonawanda, former resident, October 5, 2000.

Marta Vogel, October 2, 2000.

Marie Bennion, 62, September 5, 2000 - teacher in Grand Island school district

Marta Vogel, October 2, 2000.

Charles E. Gorcheck, October 2, 2000.

Jonathan David Ratajczak, 6 mo., September 27, 2000.

Edna A. Wolanske, September 22, 2000.

Allan A. 'Wish' Wischman September 22, 2000.

Carl Waterstruss, Buffalo, NY, formerly of Grand Island, NY, September 20, 2000.

Evelyn R. Liesenfeld, September 22, 2000.

Adrianna Kherara Ballantyne, September 21, 2000.

Richard C. Kaska September 3, 2000 in a Florida hospital after a lengthy illness. A memorial service was held at 1437 Ferry Rd. on September 23 at 7:00 PM. Pastor Paul Koehn will preside.

Eleanor Webb Dinsmore, August 25, 2000 in Annville, PA.

Charles M. Austin, August 30, 2000.

Edwina H. Meredith, 75, longtime teacher in the Grand Island School District, Sept. 5, 2000.

Mary "Lee" "Lenore" Leach, September 7, 2000.

Carole A. Brundage, 54, Sept. 5, 2000.

Theodora M. (Gund) Edington, August 26, 2000

Patricia M. Wolfe, 74, Aug. 25, 2000.

John Lawrence Boyd Jr., 71, Aug. 25, 2000.
Barbara Taylor Brick, 68, Largo, Fla., a former resident, Aug. 21, 2000.

Helen Juanita Miller, August 23, 2000.

Walter John Dutka, August 19, 2000.

Elizabeth 'Betty' Ryan, August 19, 2000.

Robert W. Currie, August 17th.

Norman C. Kenny, 63, Aug. 15, 2000.

Peter M. Olrogge, August 17, 2000.

John J. Quackenbush Sr., August 13, 2000.

Thomas L. Frampton Sr., August 12, 2000.

John L. Suchocki Sr., August 12, 2000.

Robert A. Vogel, 71, Aug. 5, 2000.

Mark E. Rafe, 40, Aug. 7, 2000.

Martin Livingston, August 4, 2000.

Pauline B. (Wheeldon) Weber, August 4, 2000.

Arline B. Doherty died on August 3, 2000.

Dorothy Loder, February 16, 1999 in Bradenton, Florida after a 16-month illness.


Deaths 2002

Deaths 2001

Email submissions for this column to Teddy Linenfelser, or drop off information at 1871 Whitehaven Rd. Include your email address and phone number.


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