Richard Martin Palmer
Formerly of Dexter
Richard Martin Palmer of Williamsburg and formerly of Dexter passed away Sunday, July 6, 2008, at his home with his family by his side. He was 77.
Mr. Palmer was born on Jan. 18, 1931 in Ann Arbor to the late Harold and Helen (Conney) Palmer. On Jan. 12, 1950 he entered into marriage with the former Donna Wiseley in Angola, Ind. The couple made their home in Dexter, where Dick worked as a mechanic for Huron Farm Supply. While in Dexter Dick and Donna began their family with the addition of two girls and two boys. Even with a young family Dick worked hard and was active as a member of Kiwanis, the Knights of Columbus and volunteered as a scout leader for the Sea Scouts. Dick and Donna eventually made their way north settling in Williamsburg where Dick was able to open and operate Palmer Service in Elk Rapids. Dick was a loving father who adored being around children and would help to pass on any knowledge he had to many younger people. He kept the dreams of many children alive acting as Santa Claus on several occasions. Dick was always willing to lend a hand to anyone and never lost his passion to work with his hands or tinker. Dick enjoyed time on the water, boating, took in a round of golf when he could and often listened to classic or Celtic music. Dick was a proud husband, father and grandfather that relished in the time he had with his family, from over thirty years of annual corn roast during Labor day to expressing his passion as a mechanic and woodworker with his grandchildren. Dick was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church where he served for over eight years helping to maintain the Church an itís grounds.
Mr. Palmer is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna Palmer, two daughters, Vickie (Harry) Atkins of Boyne City, Alleen (Ronald) Popp of Williamsburg, two sons, Martin (Lynn) Palmer of Williamsburg, Jeffery (Sharon) Palmer of Traverse City, nine grandchildren
eight great-grandchildren, two brothers, Mike and Ned Palmer, two sisters, Mary Degener and Patty Chambers, several nieces, nephews, family members and loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Louis and Tom Palmer.
Visitation for family and friends took place at Christ the King Catholic Church Wednesday, July 9.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday July 10, also at the church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Gerald Micketti will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
Gabriel A. "Gabe" Manny
Lima Twp.
Gabriel A. "Gabe" Manny of Lima Twp. passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Ann Arbor. He was 30.
He was born Nov. 16, 1977 in Ann Arbor, the son of Bruce A. (Jodi) and Carol R. (Ernst) Manny (Dave Farrell) and they survive. In addition to his parents, other survivors include his two sisters, Shawn (Robert) Wade and Amber Manny, his grandparents, Mildred Manny and Clayton and Ruth Ernst.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Ernst Manny and his grandfather, Robert L. Manny.
Visitation was on July 7, 2008 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. Burial followed at Clements Cemetery in Lima Twp.
Arrangements entrusted to the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home, Saline.
Audrey Merkel Dukes
Okeechobee
Audrey Merkel Dukes of Okeechobee, Fla., died June 26, 2008 at Raulerson Hospital. She was 92.
She was born April 30, 1916 in Washtenaw County to Leo and Alma Merkel. In 1946, she moved to Lantana, Fla. with her husband, Tony Savickas where they started BamTan Products which manufactured rattan furniture. After she sold BamTan she started Furniture Etc. an interior decorating business in Lantana and continued commuting there daily until well into her 80s after moving to Okeechobee, Fla. in the 1970s.
Mrs. Dukes was active in the Lake Worth Soroptimist Club, a member of the Boynton Beach Book Club since 1946, a member of the Manalapan Club, and a Past President of the Lantana Chamber of Commerce. In 1972 she married Richard Dukes and shortly thereafter moved to Okeechobee.
Mrs. Dukes was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Dukes and first husband Tony Savickas. She is survived by her son, Carl Savickas of Sarasota; daughter, Debra (Don) Born of Lake Forest Park, Wash.; two grandchildren, Stewart Battle and Louis Born of Seattle; sister Margaret "Peggy" Douglas of Bellingham, Wash.; stepdaughters, Diana Gustafson of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Debbie Collins of Alameda, Calif. and Donna Mead of Lake Worth; step grandchildren, Britt Stearns of Sunrise and Rick Stearns of Lantana.
Services were held in Okeechobee.
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