All Obituaries

Janina M. Gehfeld Celina, Ohio Formerly of Saginaw, Michigan   Janina M. Gehfeld, age 85 of Celina, Ohio passed away June 9, 2021, at Vancrest Nursing Home in St. Marys, Ohio.  Daughter of the late Hendrick and Genonefa (Lorenc) Urbanczyck, Janina was born May 28, 1936, in Krakaw, Poland.  She was married to Ignacy Gehfeld in 1955 and he preceded her in death on July 26, 2020.  She was employed at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw for 25 years and would spend many...

Russell P. Rundell Saginaw, Michigan Russell P. Rundell, age 52 of Saginaw passed away May 30, 2021, at home with his family by his side.  Russell was born January 8, 1969, in Saginaw. He was formerly married to Becky McAuley, and she survives him.  Russell was employed as a salesman for Hanson” Roofing and Window Installation at the time of his illness. Russell’s family was everything to him. He enjoyed working on and fixing vehicles, playing guitar, fishing,...

Jack M. Suitor Saginaw, Michigan   Jack M. Suitor, age 95 of Saginaw passed away May 25, 2021 at Covenant Healthcare. Son of the late Edward and Victoria (Cornell) Suitor, Jack was born June 7, 1925 in Saginaw.  Jack was a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of World War II and held the rank of Corporal and was a tank loader and gunner in the European Theatre of Operations. Jack was married to Ann Napoltiano on June 28, 1947 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Saginaw and she...

Shonda S. Drake Saginaw, Michigan   Shonda S. Drake, age 47 of Saginaw passed away May 8, 2021 at home.  Daughter of Charles L. and Donnia (Mackey) Drake, Shonda was born December 3, 1973 in Saginaw.  She was a member of Prayer Room Ministries.  She loved her family, spending time with grandkids, Music, cooking, playing cards and Double Clutch.  She had a special quote, “UM BYE”. Surviving is her father, Charles L. Drake; 2 children, Kadeja Drake, and...

Amparo Gonzales Saginaw, Michigan Loving Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, joined her Savior on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at home at the age of 95. Daughter of the late Cruz Martinez Samaniego and Fernando Samaniego Sr., Amparo was born October 24, 1925 in Dallas, Texas.  She married Julio Gonzales Sr.  Amparo was employed at Casa del Rey Restaurant; she was in the Saginaw News for her great cooking skills.  She was an active member of Harvest...

Valerie T. Thomas Hemlock, Michigan   Valerie T. Thomas, age 89 of Hemlock passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021 at home.  Daughter of the late Bernard and Anne (Kleinfeld) Rombach, Valerie was born June 10, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio and moved to the Saginaw area as a child.  She was a 1949 graduate of SS. Peter and Paul High School in Saginaw.  She was married to Lyle Thomas and he preceded in death.  In addition to being a homemaker for her large family, she also was...

Phyllis Evonne Francis East Tawas, Michigan Formerly of Saginaw Phyllis Evonne Francis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grand-mother, and friend went to be with her Lord on March 22, 2021. Age 94 years.  The daughter of Emil and Mabel (Davidson) Knoedler was born in Farnum, Nebraska August 12, 1926 and moved to Michigan in 1936 with her family. She married “The Love of Her Life” Bruce William Francis in Owosso on February 6, 1943.  They had over 66 years...

Dennis A. Mendoza Sr. Saginaw, Michigan   Dennis A. Mendoza Sr. age 58 of Saginaw passed away May 2, 2021 at University Hospital in Ann Arbor.  Son of the late Alfred and Viola (Bogust) Mendoza, Dennis was born July 1, 1962 in Saginaw, He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and was employed by Custom Foods Co. A complete obituary with service date and time will be announced.  

Victor E. Kowalski Comins, Michigan   Victor E. Kowalski, age 78 of Comins, Michigan passed away May 1, 2021 at Covenant Healthcare Cooper after a brief illness. Son of the late Edward and Frances (Kaminski) Kowalski, Victor was born May 19, 1942 in East Detroit, Michigan, He was employed as a Machinist with Hercules Welding Co. prior to his retirement when he moved to Comins, Michigan. He is survived by 2 children, Jason Kowalski, and Mrs. Scott Schmitz of Comins.  Cremation...

Joseph R. Tolfree Saginaw, Michigan   Joseph R. Tolfree, age 66 of Saginaw passed away April 20, 2021 at Covenant Healthcare after a brief illness.  The son of the late Joseph and Bsma Tolfree, Joseph was born August 1, 1954 in Saginaw.  He married the former Patricia A. Munro on September 15, 1973 in Saginaw. Joseph was employed by Owens Contracting of Saginaw for over 20 years prior to his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, cooking, puzzles, and watching Soap Operas on...