Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Mary Ellen "Molly" Osborn After a long but courageous battle, Molly Osborn passed into eternity on July 20, 2021, due to complications from dermatomyositis. Her beautiful smile will be forever etched in the memories of all who knew and loved her. Born May 3, 1944, in Flint Michigan. Molly often traveled to Presque Isle to visit relatives and it was there that she met husband-to-be in 1964. A year later they were married at St. Clair de Montefalco Catholic Church in Detroit. After spending four years in Sault Ste. Marie, they moved to Rogers City, Mt. Pleasant, and Lake City before settling in Gaylord in 1974. Here she worked at Glen's Market, Georgia Pacific, and in 1996 went to work...

William John "Bill" Sides, age 79 of Elmira died peacefully on July 17, 2021. Bill was born September 19, 1941, in Gaylord to Bill and Florence (Duhoski) Sides. He met Dolores Sevenski and knew that he wanted to marry her right away. Bill and Dolores were married and celebrated 61 years together on July 2, 2021. Soon after they married, they set off on their first adventure when Bill joined the Navy and they moved to California. He served honorably for 5 years during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis Era. They eventually returned to Gaylord where he worked until his retirement in 2003, as a journeymen's welder. He was a hard worker and took special pride in providing for his family....

Stanley Koscielniak, 96, of Johannesburg passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at his home, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born in Gaylord on May 1, 1925, to Frank and Pauline (Mankowski) Koscielniak. Stanley married Mary Maxine Black on April 26, 1952. He was a World War II veteran who proudly served our country as a U.S. Army soldier. After returning from the service, he completed training and became an electrician. He was employed by Lancaster Electric and later retired from Swan Electric in 1987. After retirement, he remodeled a building and equipped it to do woodworking. It later became known as "The Shed" (his second home). For 34 years he spent time building...

Barbara Ruth Springstubbe of Waters, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Arrangements entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Gaylord.

Eleanor Louise (Kolasa) Kucharek Kuras, age 93, left to join the Heavenly Kingdom on June 29, 2021, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. Eleanor was born in Elmira on February 13, 1928, to Louis and Stella (Franckowiak) Kolasa. She helped her parents on the farm until she married Nicholas Kucharek of Elmira, November 10, 1947. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas in 1982. She later married Edward Kuras of Gaylord. They spent over 20 years together. Eleanor is survived by her children, Robert George Kucharek (Dawn) of Sanford, MI, Mark Thomas Kucharek of Houston, TX, Judith Sumner Holman (Dave) of Naples, FL, Michelle "Mitzy" Walker (Gary) of Charlevoix, MI;...

Ronald Edgar Simmons, 88, of Gaylord, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. He was born the son of James and Lavina (Butler) Simmons, on August 10, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan. He served proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean War conflict, before coming home to marry the love of his life, Gerrie, in 1955. Ronald moved to Gaylord in the 1970's. He was a 3rd and 4th degree member of Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Eagles and Elks Lodge. Before his hands gave out, he loved to do woodworking and carpentry. He loved to sing and always had a million jokes to tell. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geraldine; siblings, James (Isabell), Margaret...

Angela Lynn Schroeffel, 54, of Roseville, Michigan, unexpectedly left us, on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Angela was born at Outer Drive Hospital, on February 23, 1967, to her grateful parents, Anthony and Kay (Tyree) Schroeffel. Angie started her adventure in education at Gaylord St Mary's and graduated from Gaylord High. She earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Lake Superior State. She later earned two bachelor's degrees, one in business from Macomb College, and one in accounting from Robert Morris University. Angela was preceded in death by her sister, Kristine F. Schroeffel. She is survived by her parents, Anthony and Kay Schroffel; sisters, Denise L. Phipps, and Shamane...

Frances Victoria (Jaruzel) Strzynski of Gaylord, MI, passed away at McReynolds Hall, Monday, June 7, 2021, at the age of 102. Frances was born March 19, 1919, on the family farm in Chester Township, Otsego County, MI. She was number six of eleven children born to Ignatius "Ike" and Stella Jaruzel. Frances attended Big Lake School until the 8th grade. Her first job was working at the Gocha Motel with Sadie Borowiak. One day as Frances was walking into town, she met Edward Strzynski. He worked at the potato warehouse. They married on November 11, 1939. Soon after they were married, they moved to Saginaw where Frances helped with the war effort by working at the Saginaw Malleable Iron Plant....

Dolores (Dee) J. (Hatten) Stasevich, 86, died Saturday, May 29, 2021, surrounded by her loving son, family, and friends. She attended Fordson High School, earned her (RN) degree at Henry Ford Hospital, and a Bachelor of Science Degree at Wayne State University. Dee worked at Henry Ford Hutzel, Detroit Receiving, and Oakwood Hospitals during her career and specialized in coronary care. She was actually working in the ER during the 1967 Detroit riots and stayed at the hospital for 4 days. Dee and her husband (George), of 60 years, retired and moved to Michaywe in 1989 after living in Japan. They enjoyed golfing, skiing, and made many friends during their 30 plus years at Michaywe. Dee...

Dolores (Dee) J. (Hatten) Stasevich, 86, died Saturday, May 29, 2021, surrounded by her loving son, family, and friends. She attended Fordson High School, earned her (RN) degree at Henry Ford Hospital, and a Bachelor of Science Degree at Wayne State University. Dee worked at Henry Ford Hutzel, Detroit Receiving, and Oakwood Hospitals during her career and specialized in coronary care. She was actually working in the ER during the 1967 Detroit riots and stayed at the hospital for 4 days. Dee and her husband (George), of 60 years, retired and moved to Michaywe in 1989 after living in Japan. They enjoyed golfing, skiing, and made many friends during their 30 plus years at Michaywe. Dee...

Sadie Cecilia Ambrose, 103, passed away on May 27, 2021. She was born the daughter of John and Mary (Tobarsky) Urbanski on September 11, 1917, in Wellsburg, West Virginia. Sadie grew up in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. She moved to Detroit, Michigan, and married Stanley Ambrose on August 16, 1941. They raised two sons in the Detroit area. She worked for and retired from Chrysler after working on the assembly line. Sadie moved to Gaylord, Michigan in 2007. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Stanley, William, and Joseph; and sons, James (Christine), and David (Marlene). Sadie is survived by her granddaughter, Renee Ambrose; nephew, Joe (Patricia) Urbanski;...

Irene Madeline Bigeagle, 90, of Petoskey, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2021. She was born, the daughter of Geroge and Hattie (Mixcinni) Nanigaw, on September 29, 1930, in St. James Township, Charlevoix County, Michigan. Irene was an amazing community member of St. Kateri Center in Chicago and was loved by so many. She was part of the group of Elders, who started Anawim/St. Kateri Center and dedicated several decades of her life to being a Leadership Circle Member. Her dedication and love for St. Kateri was abundant, she attended several Tekakwitha Conferences and made the journey to Rome for the Canonization of Kateri becoming our first Indigenous American Saint. She was preceded in...

Mary Ellen Zimmerman, 84, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Mary was born September 1, 1937, to Edna and Raymond Millerschin. Mary Ellen enjoyed animals, gardening, cards, traveling, being a eucharistic minister in Lewiston, and being the President of Lady's Guild at St. Frances of Assisi. She is the beloved wife of Frank H. Zimmerman. Cherished mother to Frank M. Zimmerman, Scott D. Zimmerman, and Cheryl M. Roark. She has 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Frances of Assisi, in Lewiston, at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson...

Harry F. Stier of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the age of 85. Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49735, and a full obituary can be found at www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com

Marie Suzan Ross passed away quietly, at home, on May 13, 2021. She was born on April 6, 1959, to John and Emmogene (Kearbey) Ross. Marie graduated from Gaylord High School in 1978. She and Jim Smith were married briefly and remained lifelong friends. She had a heart of gold and a will of steel. Her humor, intelligence, and spirit were always welcomed at any gathering or event. Marie will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Jack Ross. Marie is survived by her brother, David Ross; her fianc?, Keith Dautel; numerous cousins; and many, many friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at the Gaylord Eagles...

Graveside services will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cheboygan on June 9, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Gaylord.

Jon Carl Harwood, 79, of Petoskey, MI, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021. He was born in Detroit, MI, to Ralph and Bertha (Alday) Harwood on November 2, 1941. Jon was devoted to his Baptist religion. For many years he was a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Gaylord, MI. He was also a member of Landmark Baptist Church in Petoskey, MI. Jon was an avid biker and was particularly good at construction. He fervently believed, read, and studied God's Word, the Old King James Bible. Jon was preceded in death by his wife, and the mother of his children, Cynthia Ann Harwood; and his second wife, Phyllis Harwood. Jon is survived by his children, Jon Mark (Michelle) Harwood, Pam A. (Bryan)...

Rodney James Van Horne, 70, of Gaylord, MI, passed away May 10, 2021, in Traverse City, MI, at Munson Medical Center. He was born in Cheboygan, MI, on November 27, 1950, to Joseph and Marie (Sova) Van Horne. Rodney was a graduate of Cheboygan High School, class of 1969. In his youth, he enjoyed playing fast pitch softball. He enjoyed family gatherings and computer networking with others. He also enjoyed the work he did at Fox Valley Instrument Company. Rodney was inspirational to all. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Van Horne; his sister, Joanne Quay; brother-in-law, Dale Quay; sister-in-law, Sharon Van Hoorne; and best friend, Ron Piche. He is survived by...

Rodney James Van Horne, 70, of Gaylord, MI, passed away May 10, 2021, in Traverse City, MI, at Munson Medical Center. He was born in Cheboygan, MI, on November 27, 1950, to Joseph and Marie (Sova) Van Horne. Rodney was a graduate of Cheboygan High School, class of 1969. In his youth, he enjoyed playing fast pitch softball. He enjoyed family gatherings and computer networking with others. He also enjoyed the work he did at Fox Valley Instrument Company. Rodney was inspirational to all. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Van Horne; his sister, Joanne Quay; brother-in-law, Dale Quay; sister-in-law, Sharon Van Hoorne; and best friend, Ron Piche. He is survived by...

Sylvester M. Tomaszewski, age 86, of Gaylord, Michigan, died on May 4, 2021, after a 10-year battle with multiple myeloma. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary Cathedral on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Donations in Syl's memory may be made to Hospice of Michigan, St. Mary Cathedral Schools, or the International Myeloma Foundation through the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, MI.

Sylvester M. Tomaszewski, age 86, of Gaylord, Michigan, died on May 4, 2021, after a 10-year battle with multiple myeloma, which finally overwhelmed his tired body. His family and friends will miss his infectious smile and gentle spirit. Syl was born at the family farm on the north side of Gaylord on October 18, 1934, to Stanley and Sophia (Kujawa) Tomaszewski. He had fond memories of growing up as the youngest of five children and working alongside his family on the farm. He graduated from St. Mary High School in 1952, where he played basketball. Shortly after high school, he left home and worked his way through Michigan State University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in business...