OBITUARIES
Linda Linn
Linda Rae Linn, age 68, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 15.
Born in Toledo on May 31, 1943, to Allan and Lucille (Morrison) Linn, she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth and was expected to live only three years. She graduated in 1961 from Anthony Wayne High School, where she was a member of the marching band, and was employed at the Miami Children’s Home for 27 years, retiring in 1990. Ms. Linn was also a member of Waterville United Methodist Church and sang in the sanctuary choir.
She is survived by her mother, Ardis Linn Cullen, who raised her from birth; brothers, David and Jeff Cressy; sisters, Barbara (Jim) Page and Karen (Fred) Huston; aunt, Jeanne Parker; uncle, James (Laurie) Linn; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Berenice Linn; and stepfather, Thomas Cullen.
A celebration of life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4 at Waterville United Methodist Church, 102 N. Fifth Street in Waterville.
Michael Wielinski
Michael D. “Border” Wielinski, age 46, of Holland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 21, in the arms of his wife at his home.
A graduate of Whitmer High School, Mr. Wielinski worked at MTS Burgess of Michigan. He enjoyed cooking, riding his Harley and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Darla; stepsons, Steven, Dylan and Kalib; parents, Paul and Judith Wielinski; brothers, Paul (Amy), Tim (Shawna), Bobby, Duey and Brock; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Friends were received on January 26 at the Coyle Funeral Home, where funeral services took place on January 27, followed by internment in Roth Cemetery in Monclova.
Marilyn Haggard
Marilyn J. Haggard, age 74, of Maumee and Dunedin, Fla., passed away on Sunday, January 22, in Florida, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
Born on October 21, 1937, she married Gerald “Bill” Haggard in November 1956, and they were able to celebrate 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2007. Mrs. Haggard worked briefly during her married years, but eventually chose to stay at home and take care of her two children. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2562 of Maumee, and served on the board of directors at Cedar Creek Court in Dunedin for the past four years. She enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Las Vegas with friends, and celebrated her 70th birthday there with her three granddaughters and daughter.
Mrs. Haggard is survived by her daughter, Stacy (Kevin) Tighe, of Greenville, N.C.; son, Todd (Sandy) Haggard, of Maumee; grandchildren, Todd (Haley) Haggard, Cristi (Tom) Burmeister, Courtney (John) Beickert and Meghan (Jim Fink) Tighe; great-grandchildren, Elias and Isla Haggard and Layne Burmeister; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Bob) Jones and Judy (Skip) Surerus; two nieces and their families; and several cousins. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clarice and Bob Hoppe.
After cremation in Florida, Mrs. Haggard’s ashes will be buried. At her request, there will be no memorial service. Donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. Clearwater, FL, 33760; or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551.
Kenneth Ashe
Kenneth Ashe, age 53, of Maumee, passed away on Monday, January 23.
Born on February 25, 1958, to Charles and Eileen (Zawierucha) Ashe, Mr. Ashe was employed as a chauffer for the Ramada Inn. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed bird watching and was a dog lover. He also was a college and professional sports fan.
Surviving are his father; sisters, Sue (Lee) Edson and Charlene (Mike) Haas, of Maumee; brothers, Charles (Roberta) and Joseph Ashe; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother.
Family and friends were received on January 26 at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee. The funeral mass was celebrated on January 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee, followed by interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, 3100 W. Central Ave., Suite 250, Toledo, OH 43606.
Cheryl Chesney-Walker
Cheryl Lynn Chesney-Walker, age 52, passed away quietly and peacefully on Monday, January 23, in Powhatan, Va.
Born in Perrysburg on January 15, 1960, she graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1978 and went on to pursue a teaching degree from Bowling Green State University in 1982. She earned a master’s degree in education in 1994 from The University of Toledo. Mrs. Chesney-Walker worked for several years for Springfield Local Schools in the special education department and then went on to work for The University of Toledo Medical College, Washtenaw Community College and Terra State Community College until 2004, when she left Ohio for Virginia to take a position at the Virginia Commonwealth University as executive director of student services and students with special needs.
Mrs. Chesney-Walker has undoubtedly touched many lives and helped numerous students in the education world. She also loved fishing and karaoke with her husband, making candles and many, many trips to the beach. More than anything, she loved volunteering her time tutoring and teaching children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Carol Chesney; and grandparents, James and Marjorie Chesney and William and Cledys Gerwin. She is survived by her husband, Shawn Walker; son, Nicholas (Kasey Abrams) Karafa; daughter, Morgan (William) Jones; sisters, Cynthia (Fred) Hille and Michele (Walt) VanDromme; brother, David (Julie) Chesney; aunt, Jane Parson; uncle, Gary (Paula Anne) Gerwin; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service took place on January 29 at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers and gifts, Mrs. Chesney-Walker requested donations be made to the Hospital Hospitality House, 612 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23219; or The Massey Cancer Center at the Virginia Medical Center, P.O. Box 843042 Richmond, VA 23284.
Forrest Booth
Forrest B. “Ben” Booth, age 77, of Maumee, passed away on Tuesday, January 24.
Born in Toledo on October 24, 1934, to Clarence and Alice (Anderson) Booth, he was employed at Value City Furniture, Montgomery Ward, Sears and L.O.F. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed painting and spending time with his family.
Mr. Booth is survived by his daughters, Robin Booth, Debbie (Gary) Hansen and Vicki (Jerry) Adamski; sisters, Susan Booth and Mary Snider; grandchildren, Brooke, Ryan, Lyndsey, Leslie and Angie; six great-grandchildren; and faithful canine companion and best friend, Cody. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy Booth; and brothers, Bill and Russell.
Friends and family were received on January 27 at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee, where funeral services took place on January 28, followed by interment in Riverside Cemetery in Maumee. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Toledo Humane Society, 1920 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH 43537.
James Schiavone
James Schiavone, age 77, of Maumee, passed away on Tuesday, January 24.
Born in Swanton on May 22, 1934, to Joseph and Josephine (Amato) Schiavone, he married Gloria DeCesare in Toledo on May 22, 1954. Mr. Schiavone was employed at L.O.F. for many years and was a cement finisher for Milo and Son Concrete. He was a member and usher at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee and could be seen frequently enjoying and making breakfast at the Maumee Senior Center or a spaghetti dinner at the Knights of Columbus. He coached Little League baseball and football in Toledo and was a member of the Maumee Eagles. He also enjoyed bowling and traveling with his family.
Mr. Schiavone is survived by his wife, Gloria; sister, Rosemary (Robert) Gunner; son, Jim (Ellen) Schiavone, Jr.; daughters, Sally (Andy) Mulinix and Sue (Dave) Nietrzeba; grandchildren, James (Stacy) Schiavone, Andy (Cassie) Mulinix, Jr., Michael (Heather) Mulinix, Christopher Mulinix, April (Michael) Shaneck, Nathan Nietrzeba, Matt (Amie) Hommel, Jessica (Bob) TenEyck and Tara (Tim) Russwinkle; and great-grandchildren, Devin, Dillion, Drake, Noah, Lucas, Remi, Jersie, Bri, Carly, Allie, Ty, Nick, Dominic and Leah. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Lee; sisters, Carmella Schiavone, Mary Schiavone and Frances Mathews; brothers, Al and Joseph Schiavone; and great-grandson, Daniel.
Family and friends were received on January 27 at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee. The funeral mass was celebrated on January 28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee, followed by interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund.
Sam Mason
Sam Joseph Mason, age 69, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, January 27, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Toledo on September 18, 1942, to Leonard and Emily (Lehman) Mason, he was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Reserves and served as a Toledo Police Officer for more than 25 years, retiring in 1990. Mr. Mason began his career by walking the beat in downtown Toledo. He later worked with adolescents and finished his career in arson investigation, during which time he worked very closely with the ATF. In retirement, he enjoyed working as a driver for the Flower Hospital Oncology Department, where he was able to touch many lives and bring joy to people who were going through rough times. He had a special way of helping other people.
Family was first in life for Mr. Mason, who was a loving husband and wonderful father as well as a source of tremendous strength for his family. He also loved golf, especially at the former Hickory Hills course, of which he was a past president. An avid fisherman, he and his wife greatly enjoyed travel and the ocean. Destin and Cocoa Beach, Fla., Lake Lure, N.C., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., were favorite destinations.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Connie; sons, Steve (Lisa), Todd (Jennifer) and Shawn (Julie) Mason; grandchildren, Haley, Chelsey, Jake, Jamie and Jerod Mason; brothers, Leonard, Jr. (Ruth), John (Pat), Ken (Judy) and Bob (Phyliss) Mason; and sisters, Ruthanne Bennett and Judy Reidlinger. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Mason; and sister-in-law, Judy Mason.
Friends were received on January 31 at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee. A memorial mass was celebrated on February 1 at St. Patrick’s Providence Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, to which memorial donations may be made.
Inez Robertson
Inez Robertson, age 89, of Maumee, passed away on Saturday, January 28, surrounded by her loving family.
Born to Robert and Callie (Wells) Black in Etowah, Tenn., on March 31, 1922, she was family oriented and always put her family’s needs before her own. Her family will remember the great southern cooking that she often shared with them. Mrs. Robertson retired from Rowe Industries in 1987 after 26 years of service and was always proud of her work ethic. Years later, she retired again from Service Master in Toledo. A member of Monclova Road Baptist Church, her faith was very important to her.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Phyllis (Tom) Koralewski and Carolyn (Jon) Strole; grandchildren, Bradley (Sabrina) Koralewski, Dustin Koralewski, Michael (Shana) Strole, Stacie Strole and Trevor Koralewski; great-granddaughter, Sofia Koralewski; sisters, Edna (Hewey) Heady, Dorothy (Lee) Bolin, Ethel Harvey and Opal Fortner; and special friend, Deloris Koralewski. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Huseton Robertson; and brothers, James, Glen, Homer and Joe Black.
The family received guests on January 30 at Newcomer Funeral Home, where funeral services took place on January 31, followed by interment in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Ohio or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Theodore Mathiesen, Jr.
Theodore S. “Ted” Mathiesen, Jr., age 89, of Maumee, passed away on Saturday, January 29.
Born in Chicago on January 28, 1923, to Theodore and Ethel Mathiesen, Sr., he married Glenna Burnside on August 29, 1946, and was a loving husband and father. A 1940 graduate of Palatine Township High School, Mr. Mathiesen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater on the USS Drew (APA-162). He enjoyed listening to the big bands and dancing the jitterbug. For many years, he was the bowling league instructor at the Timbers Bowling Alley, and he also was active with Boy Scout Troop 32 in Maumee.
Surviving are his wife, Glenna; sons, Theodore (Laura) III, Douglas (Connie) and Glenn Mathiesen; daughters, Joy (Brad) McDaniel and Laura (Rick) Hamman; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Friends and family were received on February 1 at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee, where funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, with interment to follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Nicholaus Smith, Jr.
Nicholaus C. Smith, Jr., age 64, of Perrysburg, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side on Sunday, January 29.
Born in Toledo on November 26, 1947, to Nicholaus and Maeola (Oates) Smith, Sr., he was a 1965 graduate of Rossford High School. During his high school years, he began his career in the lawn and garden retail business with McBride Equipment, which he later co-owned with his father. He studied computer programming at Penta Tech and Owens Community College. During the mid-1980s, McBride Equipment was named the largest Simplicity dealer in the United States and was also a successful dealer for Arctic Cat snowmobiles and Stihl Equipment. In 2001, Mr. Smith decided to close McBride Equipment due to his ongoing struggle with multiple sclerosis. A member of Saddles & Surreys 4H Club and the Maumee Valley Thunderbird Club, he was an avid Ohio State and Rossford Bulldogs fan. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors spending time with his “furry friends,” gardening and snowmobiling, but most of all he cherished his time with his grandchildren.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Sharon (Henry) Smith, whom he married on November 6, 1970; daughters, Heather (Mark) Nissen and Holly (Chris) Kiefer; grandchildren, Lauren and Austen Nissen and Claire and Cole Kiefer; mother, Maeola Smith; mother-in-law, Betty Henry; sisters-in-law, Cindy (Dave) Kistner and Lisa (John) Evans; and several dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Nicholaus Smith, Sr.
Friends were received on January 31 in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home in Perrysburg and on February 1 at Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, where funeral services took place. Burial was private. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 401 Tomahawk Dr., Maumee, Ohio 43537; or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.