The Times Herald from Port Huron, Michigan • Page 3

JANUARY 12, 2007 OBITUARIES. Comet's brightness wows stargazers MARY PEMBERTON The Associated Press ANCHORAGE, Alaska Nothing can keep dedicated stargazers from trying to get a glimpse of the brightest comet seen in decades not even temperatures as low as 40 below zero. There hadn't been a lot of buzz about Comet McNaught, discovered just last year. But as the comet got closer to the sun, it brightened and the word spread the comet was special. Martin Gutoski drove to a lookout about five miles north of Fairbanks on Tuesday evening, when skies were especially cold and clear good comet- viewing weather, even if it was frigid.

The amateur astronomer waited for sunset and watched as the sky turned salmon red and dark- OBITUARIES Special tributes purchased by family and friends To place an obituary: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 985-7171 Saturday and Sunday, 5 to 7 p.m. Call 989-6225 Agnes S. Jankowski him sometime this summer.

Details will be announced. Eldora J. Gragowski ALGONAC Agnes S. Jankowski, age 86, of Algonac, died Wednesday, January 10, 2007 in Tomlinson Adult Care, Jeddo. She was born July 11, 1920 in Detroit.

She married Joseph Jankowski on April 26, 1941 in Hamtramck. He preceded her in death April 16, 1997. Mrs. Jankowski was a talented artist that went by the pen name She is survived by her niece, Diane Koper-Jean; nephew, Frank (Marie) Koper; and numerous great -nieces nephews. She was preceded in death by her children, Dennis, Cheryl and Joyce.

Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2007 in St. Catherines Catholic Church, Algonac. Fr. Timothy Birney will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Catherines Cemetery, Algonac. Visiting hours are 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. today in Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to St. Johns Hospice.

To send condolences, visit www.gilbertfuneralhome inc. com Dr. Charles 0. Townley M.D. PORT HURON Children of Charles O.

Townley M.D. are planning a memorial service for PORT HURON Eldora J. Gragowski, 72, passed away surrounded by her family and friends on Wednesday, January 10, 2007. She was born January 24, 1934 in Kinde, Michigan and was a lifelong area resident. She married John M.

Gragowski in June of 1975. He died August 11, 1990. Eldora retired in 1982 from Farmer Jack's after 16 years of service. She was a member of Chas. A.

Hammond, Post American Legion Auxiliary and Women of the Moose Chapter 99. She was a life member of the League of Catholic Women and a member of St. Stephens Church and St. Anne's Altar Society. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She was loved she by her brothers and sisters and will be immensely missed. She is survived by her children, Frederick (Mi. Kyong) Allen, Francis Allen, Nancy Stokely, Carol (Dave) Wimert and Judy Allen (Linda); step-daughters, Peggy (Richard) VanLuven, Marge Perry, Marilyn (Guy) Flom and Melanie Steele; 22 grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren; sisters, Gladys Catanzaro, Grace (Weston) Weaver, Betty (Richard) Gutierrez, Anna Bauer, Carole (Herb) Isaac, Linda Smith and Sharon (Dennis) Custard; brothers, Richard (Shirley), John, Jerry (Wendy), Michael (JoAnn), Fred (Val), David and Dan (Kathy) O'Connor. ened. He turned his attention toward the spot on the horizon where the sun set.

"It is a very large spike, almost a vertical spike at sunset. I was more than impressed with it," he said. Comet McNaught, discovered last year by Australian astronomer R.H. McNaught, is expected to remain visible throughout the Northern Hemisphere through today, when it will come to within 16 million miles of the sun and be obscured by the sun's glare. After that, it will eventually emerge for people in the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy.

Unfortunately, clouds and rain are predicted for the Blue Water Area today, so people who have not seen the comet may not get a chance. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Bertha O'Connor; and her sister Catherine. Funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Stephens Catholic Church.

The Rev. Brian K. Cokonougher, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Visiting hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

For guest book and information, please, visit www.karrersimpsonfuneral home.com Madonna M. Letson MARINE CITY Madonna M. Letson, age 80, of Marine City, died Wednesday, January 10, 2007. She was born August 31, 1926 in Marine City. On December 1, 1945, Madonna Hampe married Letson in Marine City.

He preceded her in death in 1999. She is survived by her children, Terry Letson (Karen Gramer), Alice (Jerry) Carmack, Mark (Sharon) Letson and Penny VanDerworp; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken en place, no services are scheduled. Memorials may be made to the Marine City Old Newsboys. Arrangements are by Young Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, China Twp.

Estelle B. Stanley GOODELLS Estelle B. Stanley, 100, of Goodells, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. She was born on February 13, 1906 in Shelbyville, TN, daughter of the late Chester and Katherine Estelle Heathingtonventh of eleven children and the last of the children to depart. Estelle married William M.

Stanley 1935. He preceded her in death in December of 1980. She received Christ at an early age in Paint Rock, AL and has been a faithful and devoted Christian. She was a member of Kimball Calvary Gospel Church and a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star Ruth One of Estelle's most joyous moments was her 100th birthday in February 2006. Estelle is survived by two special nieces, Yvonne Wallace and Ineatha Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and her sister-in-law and longtime friend, Velma Garel.

Visiting hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer at 17th Street. Inurnment will be in United Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Kenneth C.

Curson BROWN CITY Kenneth C. Curson, age 90 of Brown City, died Thursday, January 11, 2007 in Yale. He was born September 10, 1916 in New Dundee, Ontario, Canada to Edmond and Olive (Krampien) Curson. He graduated from Brown City High School in 1935. He married Jean Kennedy on April 10, 1948.

Ken was a salesman for National Wholesale Drug for 21 years, but was well known for his 20 years at Burkholder Drugstore working the soda counter. Ken bowled for 30 years earning several trophies and Team Five hundred miles north of Fairbanks in Barrow, at the top of North America, Glenn Sheehan said he hadn't heard anything about a comet until a colleague spread the word that something was different overhead. In Barrow's long, dark winter, something new in the sky is always welcome, Sheehan said. The sun set there on Nov. 18, not to rise again until Jan.

23. "The only other outdoor distraction today was a polar bear and two cubs going through here," he said Wednesday. Sheehan, executive director of the Barrow Arctic Science Consortium, went out to take a look Monday afternoon. He said he wasn't sure what the object was, briefly entertaining the thought Championships. He liked gardening and yard work and had been a good roller skater.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Curson; a son, Charles W. (Linda) Curson of Marion, Iowa; a grandson, Benjamin (Kim) Curson; two Audrey and Wesley; and two brothers, Lester and Wilmer. He was preceded in death by a brother, Delford. Visitation will be today from 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Carman Funeral Home in Brown City, MI.

The funeral will be Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 11 a.m. also at Carman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Brown City Missionary Church, Building Fund. Larry D.

Evans PORT HURON Larry D. Evans, 63, of Port Huron, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 in Port Huron Hospital after a short illness. He was born on July 27, 1943 in Port Huron, son of the late Donald and Pearl Evans. He was a lifelong area resident. Larry married Christine Neaton.

He was a member of the Eagles and the Quarter Mile Cruisers Club. Larry enjoyed being with his grandchildren. Larry is survived by his wife, Christine; daughter, Barbi Neaton; son and daughter-in-law, Donnie Crystal Neaton; step- daughter, Janet Skladanowski; daughter, Jackie (Mark) Bettinger; daughter, Kim (Richard) Papineau; son, Larry (Suzy) Kelly; and a son, Scott Lambert; several grandchildren; two brothers; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer Ave at 17th St.

Pastor Don Sperling will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visiting hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Donnie Neaton, Cody Kramp, Ken Evans, Mike Rylander, Ron Evans and Bob Evans.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Bettinger, Scott Lambert, Jeff Mugridge and David Drouillard. Memorial tributes may be made to the wishes of the family. St. Clair County Allied Veterans will conduct Military Hon- ors. Terry W.

Sheldon FRONT ROYAL, VA Terry Wayne Sheldon, 49, of Front Royal, VA, died quietly in his home on Wednesday, January 10, 2007. The family will receive friends at their home, 230 Woodpecker Way, Front Royal, VA on Saturday, January 13, 2007 from 4 to 7 p.m. Terry was born on January 6, 1958 in Port Huron, son of Roger and Rose Schott Sheldon of Port Huron. He was a welder and boiler repairman. Surviving with his parents are his wife of 20 years, Linda Sue Sheldon; a daughter, Michelle Lynn Sheldon of Front Royal, VA; three sisters, Cindy LaTurno of Port Huron, Sandra Anderson of Fort Gratiot and Carolyn Sheldon of Port Huron; and a brother, Larry Sheldon of Whitelake MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, that it was a plane. "That didn't make sense, and I gave up and started calling people to find out," he said. Comets are collections of ice, gas and dust that orbit the sun and usually have two tails, one made of dust and the other of ionizing gases. NASA astronomer Phillips said Comet McNaught is the brightest comet visible from Earth in 30 years. It is six times brighter than Hale-Bopp in 1997, and 100 times brighter than Halley's Comet when it appeared in 1986, Phillips said Thursday.

"It will remain a spectacular comet for weeks, perhaps months, in the Southern Hemisphere," Phillips said. "It could emerge as the brightest comet in recorded history." Chapter 7507, Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855-2731. Roy James Jr. PORT HURON Mr. Roy James 76, of Port Huron died Thursday, January 11, 2007 in Port Huron Hospital.

He was born April 19, 1930 to the late Roy and Mildred James. He married Geraldine Barnes on August 20, 1954 in Port Huron. Roy served his country in the U.S. Army and Air Force for 17 years. He was employed with Port Huron Paper for 35 years until his retirement in 1986.

He was a member of the American Legion Charles Hammond Post and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; two sons, Marvin (Ingrid) James of Shelby Township and Rick (Thersa) James of Carsonville; four grandchildren, Matthew, Jason, Rachelle and Jennifer James; three brothers; four sisters; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and a brother. A Memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2006 in Pollock- Randall Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of service. The Reverend Donald R. Doerzbacher will officiate. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of St.

Clair County Allied Veterans. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Parkinson's Foundation. To send condolences and messages of sympathy, visit pollockrandallfuneralhome. com.

Sharon M. Hill PORT HURON Sharon Marie Hill, 55, of Port Huron, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2007 in her residence after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 30, 1951. Sharon was a career bus driver for Port Huron Area School District. She loved her job and the children.

She was a member of the Eagles, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 8, VFW Auxiliary, and the Hen Club. Sharon is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dan S. (Christine) Hill; grandson, Hunter Daniel Hill; mother, Dorothy Polcyn; fiance', Paul Whitsitt; brother and sister-in-law, David and Cheryl Polcyn; sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Jim Pfahlert; sister and brother-in-law, Patty and John Stanek; best friend, Carol Kartanys; three step-children; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dog, Schultz. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Polcyn; and brothers, James and Daniel Polcyn.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer Ave. at 17th St. Larry Fair and Rev. By CINDY SHULTS, The Associated Press LOOK, UP IN THE SKY! The Comet McNaught is highly visible in the sky Monday in Barrow, Alaska.

The comet, discovered just last year, will be easily visible with the naked today. NASA experts said the comet Max Amstutz will officiate. Visiting hours will be 12 to 2 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the wishes of the family.

Linda Lou Brooks HILLMAN Linda Lou Brooks, 66, of Hillman passed away suddenly Monday at her residence. Linda was born July 2, 1940 in St Clair County, Michigan the daughter of Milton and Grace (Kronnich) Smith. She lived in Hillman the last past 16 years, where she was a member of the Hillman United Methodist Church and sang in the choir there. She loved music, played the accordian, enjoyed arts and crafts and gardening. Linda was employed as an associate at Wal- Mart in Alpena for DEATH NOTICES Stephan J.

Biondi, 60 CHESTERFIELD Stephan J. Biondi, 60, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007. Survived by wife, Diana Biondi. Services: 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, St. John's Lutheran Church, New Baltimore. Visitation: 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Gendernalik Funeral Home and 1 to 1:30 p.m.

Sunday at the church. Noel H. Breiholz, RICHMOND Noel H. Brei- holz, 48, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007.

Survived by sisters, Carrie Dwyer and Pattie Montgomery. Memorial services: 3 p.m. Saturday, Richmond Moose Lodge Cremation arrangements: Rewalt Funeral Home. Linda L. Brooks, 66 HILLMAN Linda L.

Brooks, 66, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007. Survived by children, Larry Bernie and Mark Posey, Mindy Rochon, Sara Baumann, Leora Miller. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Marine City United Methodist Church.

Arrangements: Green Funeral Home, Hillman. Kenneth C. Curson, 90 BROWN CITY Kenneth C. Curson, 90, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007.

Survived by wife, 1 Jean. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Carman Funeral Home, Brown City. Visitation: 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.

Larry D. Evans, 63 PORT HURON Larry D. Evans, 63, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007. Survived wife, Chris Neaton.

Services: 12:30 p.m. Monday, Jowett Funeral Home. Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Frank R.

Gerbig 84 PORT HURON Frank R. Gerbig 84, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007. Survived by wife, Patricia. Services: 11 a.m.

Saturday, St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation: 3 to 8 p.m. today, Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home and 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Virginia Gordier, 85 FORT GRATIOT Virginia Gordier, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. Survived by grandchildren and friends. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Covell-Smith Funeral Home, Kingsley.

Visitation: 4 to 9 p.m. today. Irwin R. Gornowicha, 82 HARBOR BEACH Irwin R. Gornowicha, 82, died Tuesday, Jan.

9, 2007. Survived by daughters, Sharon Matherson and Cynthia Nelson. Services: 2 p.m. Saturday, Ramsey Funeral home. Visitation: 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m. Saturday. Sharon M. Hill, 55 PORT HURON Sharon M. Hill, 55, died Sunday, Jan.

7, 2007. Survived by son, Dan. Memorial services: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jowett Funeral Home. Visitation: 12 to 2 p.m.

Sunday. Agnes S. Jankowski, 86 ALGONAC Agnes S. Jankowski, 86, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007.

Survived by niece, Diane Koper-Jean and nephew, Frank Koper. Services: 12 p.m. Saturday, St. Catherines Catholic Church, Algonac. Visitation: 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m.

today, Gilbert Funeral Home eye in the Northern Hemisphere until is the brightest one in 30 years. the past 10 yrs. Linda is survived by her sons, Larry (Rachael) Posey of New Haven, MI, Bernie (Amy) Posey of Chesapeake, VA and Mark (Janice) Posey of Marine City, MI; daughters, Mindy (Joe) Rochon of Marine City, Sara Baumann of Colorado Springs, CO and Leora (Eric) Miller of Anchorville, MI; ten grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; and sisters, Susan (Richard) Rickert and Donna (Dale) Bickley of Columbus, MI. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Marine City United Methodist Church, Pastor Patty Hoppenworth officiating.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Green Funeral Home Hillman. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Janice Krakowski, 53 DRYDEN Janice Krakowski, 53, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007.

Survived by husband, Raymond. Services: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Imlay City. Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. today and 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday. Madonna M. Letson, 80 MARINE CITY Madonna M. Letson, 80, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007.

Survived by children, Terry Letson, Alice Carmack, Mark Letson and Penny VanDerworp. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements: Young Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Kenneth J. Maze, 64 WARREN Kenneth J.

Maze, 64, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007. Survived by mother, Rose Maze. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Our of Mt.

Carmel Catholic Church, Emmett. Visitation: 2 to 8. p.m. today, Kaatz Funeral Directors, Richmond and 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Paul "Frank" Newingham, 68 PORT HURON Paul "Frank" Newingham, 68, Monday, Jan. 8, 2007. Survived by wife, Christine. Memorial services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Pollock- Randall Funeral Home.

Visitation: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Shirley E. Paling SMITHS CREEK Shirley E.

Paling died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006. Survived by husband, Lawrence. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Marysville.

Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Arrangements: Marysville Funeral Home. Frederick D. Rich, 52 DECKERVILLE Frederick D.

Rich, 52, died Thursday, Jan. 1 11, 2007. Survived by brother, Roy Rich and sisters, Sandra Carlson and Helen Wolvin. Services: 3 p.m. Saturday, Apsey Funeral Home.

Visitation: 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Terry W. Sheldon, 49 FRONT ROYAL, VA Terry W. Sheldon, 49, died Wednesday, Jan.

10, 2007. Survived by wife, Linda and daughter, Michelle. Arrangements: I Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal, VA. Estelle B. Stanley, 100 GOODELLS Estelle B.

Stanley, 100, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. Survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Jowett Funeral Home. Private services will take place. Joseph E. White, 62 FORT GRATIOT Joseph E. White, 62, died Monday, Jan.

8, 2007. Survived by wife, Linda. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Smith Family Funeral Home-North. Visitation: 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

today. Alberta M. Wukie, 90 BROWN CITY Alberta M. Wukie, 90, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007.

Survived by daughter, Marilyn Clapsaddle. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Marsh Funeral Chapel, Marlette. Visitation: 3 to 9 p.m. today.

Death notices are published free of charge..