In Remembrance
Member Name: Clifford Smith
Passed away: 02/02/2023
Funeral Details:
A memorial service will be held in northern Michigan this coming summer. The family requests a donation to the American Lung Association in lieu of flowers. A.J. Desmond & Sons, (248) 689-0700.
Remarks:
Member Name: Robert McClain
Passed away: 06/12/2022
Funeral Details:
We will update if funeral arrangements are made.
Remarks:
Brother McClain was initiated into Local 98 on February 14, 1963 and retired on January 1, 2002. Brother McClain became a life member on February 14, 2013 and was a 59 year member.
Member Name: Jack T. Duncan II
Passed away: 05/29/2022
Funeral Details:
Visitation is on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 3-6pm at Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2125 Twelve Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072. Funeral Service is immediately following at 6 pm.
Remarks:
Brother Duncan was initiated into Local 98 on January 1, 1968 and retired on April 1, 2009. Brother Duncan was a 54 year member and the father of Brother Frank Duncan
Member Name: David E. Turner
Passed away: 05/11/2022
Funeral Details:
The family is still making arrangements at this time.
Remarks:
Brother Turner was initiated into Local 98 on February 28, 1974 and retired on May 1, 2010. Brother Turner was a 48 year member.
Member Name: Edward O. Gay
Passed away: 04/17/2022
Funeral Details:
At this time no arrangements are planned for.
Remarks:
Brother Gay was initiated into Local 98 on September 28, 1967 and retired on March 1, 2002. Brother Gay became a life member on September 28, 2017 and was a 54 year member.
Member Name: Bruce D. Wichlacz
Passed away: 04/12/2022
Funeral Details:
Visitation Thursday, April 21 from 2-9pm with a 7pm Sharing of Memories at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights, MI. Instate 9am until the time of 9:30am Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Rd, Sterling Heights, MI.
Remarks:
Brother Wichlacz was initiated into Local 98 on February 22, 1990 and was a 32 year member.
Member Name: Richard McKenney
Passed away: 04/11/2022
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother McKenney was initiated into Local 98 on November 12, 1964 and retired on October 1, 2009. Brother McKenney became a life member on November 12, 2014 and was a 57 year member.
Member Name: Andrew E. Weinrauch
Passed away: 04/06/2022
Funeral Details:
Visitation Friday, April 8, 2022 from 2-7 pm and Funeral Service Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11 am at the
Charles R. Step Funeral Home located at 18425 Beech Daly, Redford, MI 48240.
Remarks:
Brother Weinrauch was initiated into Local 98 on August 5, 1948 and retired on June 1, 1992. Brother Weinrauch became a life member on August 5, 1998 and was a 73 year member. Brother Weinrauch proudly served his country during the Korean War.
Member Name: Joseph Pitts
Passed away: 03/02/2022
Funeral Details:
Burial for Joseph will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442.
Remarks:
Brother Pitts was initiated into Local 98 on September 21, 1950 and retired on January 1, 2022. Brother Pitts was a 72 year member and a served in the US Army. Brother Pitts was the brother of Brother William E. Pitts.
Member Name: Terry W. Harmer
Passed away: 03/01/2022
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Harmer was initiated into Local 777on November 24,1965 and merged with Local 98 on December 1, 1972. Brother Harmer retired on June 1, 2002 and became a life member on November 24, 2015. Brother Harmer was a 57 year member and is the brother of Brother Robert Harmer.
Member Name: Cliford F. Board
Passed away: 02/25/2022
Funeral Details:
Visitation Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 1:00- 8:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Chapel of Voran Funeral Home, 5900 Allen Rd. (313) 928-2300. Funeral service Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery.
Remarks:
Brother Board was initiated into Local 98 on October 23, 1969 and retired on February 1, 2010. Brother Board became a life member on October 23, 2019 and was a 52 year member.
Member Name: Robert E. Zube
Passed away: 02/25/2022
Funeral Details:
Memorial Visitation Wednesday, March 9, 200 at 2:00 pm until the 7 pm Memorial Service located at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Rd., Garden City, MI 48135.
Remarks:
Brother Zube was initiated into Local 98 on January 12, 1995 and was a 27 year member. Brother Zube was the son of Brother Robert D. Zube, and the brother to Brother Craig Zube.
Member Name: Edwin “Chief” Tostige
Passed away: 02/15/2022
Funeral Details:
A Memorial Service will be at 12:00 pm on February 28, 2022, at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FL.
Remarks:
Brother Tostige was initiated into Local 98 on September 21, 1950 and retired on September 21, 1975. Brother Tostige became a life member on September 21, 2000 and was a 71 year member. Brother Tostige was a proud Marine Corps Sergeant who served in WWII and was the father of Brother Thomas Tostige.
Member Name: John L. Wathen
Passed away: 02/15/2022
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Wathen was initiated into Local 98 on September 23, 1965 and retired on October 1st, 1997. Brother Wathen became a life member on September 23, 2015 and was a 56 year member.
Member Name: Eugene Bear
Passed away: 02/03/2022
Funeral Details:
Visitation for Gene will be at 2:00 pm and a Memorial Service will be at 2:30 pm on March 5, 2022, at Meadowbrook Commons located at 25075 Meadowbrook Rd. Novi, MI 48375.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s name to one of his favorite charities (Disabled American Veterans, Forgotten Harvest, Paws for Life Rescue) or any charity of donor’s choosing.
Please click here for obituary.
Remarks:
Brother Bear was initiated into Local 98 on January 12, 1967 and retired on January 1st, 2009. Brother Bear was a 55 year member and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Brother Bear is the father of Brother Donald Bear.
Member Name: Richard D. Smith
Passed away: 02/01/2022
Funeral Details:
obituary: Richard David Smith, 83, of Lexington, Michigan passed away Tuesday morning the 1st of February 2022 in his home after a battle against lung cancer. Richard was born January 28, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan. Richard leaves behind his beloved wife Gwendolyn (Pitre) of 61 years. Together they had four children Kelly (Vella) and husband Joe, Shawn and wife Cindy, Tracey (Schmidt) and husband Mike, and Adam and wife Trish. Richard had nine grandchildren Kyle, Nikki, Arcadia, Shelby, Jesse, Makena, Chase, Gabriel and Gwendolyn, and two great grandchildren Levi and Payton that he loved so much. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry, sister Babs and son, Shawn Patrick Smith. He served his country in the US Navy and spent the majority of his life working as a licensed journeyman plumber with Local 98. During his retirement, Rich loved to golf with his buddies, fish, hunt, and travel with his wife. He was a dedicated, hard-working family man who served as a glowing example of a father and husband.
Remarks:
Brother Smith was initiated into Local 98 on July 13, 1978 and retired on May 1st, 2000. Brother Smith was a 43 year member and is the father of Brother Adam Smith. Brother Smith proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.
Member Name: John S. Udvare
Passed away: 12/30/2021
Funeral Details:
A Memorial Mass for John will be held Saturday, February 5th at 12:30pm at St. Faustina Catholic Church,14025 Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48088.
Please click here for obituary.
Remarks:
Brother Udvare was initiated into Local 98 on January 14, 1954 and retired on January 14, 2024. Brother Udvare became a life member on January 14, 2004 and was a 67 year member.
Member Name: David A Burton
Passed away: 12/28/2021
Funeral Details:
David has been cremated; his wishes were to have no funeral. Due to Covid, the memorial will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to Linda Burton.
Remarks:
Brother Burton was initiated into Local 98 on March 27, 1969 and retired on June 1st, 2006. Brother Burton became a life member on March 27th, 2019 and was a 52 year member. Brother Burton proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
Member Name: Robert A Whyte
Passed away: 12/24/2021
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Whyte was initiated into Local 98 on August 28th, 1952 and retired on June 1st, 1992. Brother Whyte became a life member on August 28th, 2002 and was a 69 year member. Brother Whyte proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict and was the father to Brother Doug Whyte.
Member Name: Mark T. Finlayson
Passed away: 12/08/2021
Funeral Details:
At Mark’s request, a cremation has taken place and a visitation will be held on December 16th from 1pm – 3pm with a small memorial service at 3pm at PHILLIPS FUNERAL HOME, 122 West Lake Street, South Lyon.
Remarks:
Brother Finlayson was initiated into Local 98 on April 25th, 2002 and retired on April 1st, 2018. Brother Finlayson was a 19 year member.
Member Name: Robert W. Schroeder
Passed away: 11/27/2021
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Schroeder was initiated into Local 98 on March 23rd, 2006 and was a 15 year member.
Member Name: Robert Anding
Passed away: 11/25/2021
Funeral Details:
Family and Friends Gathering will be on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 1:30 pm till 3:00 PM at Stinson Funeral Home located at 16540 Meyers Road, Detroit, MI 48235.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to:
aHUS Foundation
PO Box 93189
Rochester, NY 14692
Remarks:
Brother Anding was initiated into Local 98 on April 8th, 1971 and retired on April 1st, 2010. Brother Anding was a 50 year member.
Member Name: Richard B. Moss
Passed away: 11/17/2021
Funeral Details:
A shiva was held on Thursday, November 18th 2021 at the Moss Residence (7248 Huntcliff, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322). A graveside service was held on Friday, November 19th 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Oakview Cemetery (1032 N Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067). A burial was held on Friday, November 19th 2021 at 5:00 PM.
Suggested donations: American Cancer Society 20450 Civic Center Dr Southfield, MI 48076 248-557-5353 http://www.cancer.org.
Remarks:
Brother Moss was initiated into Local 98 on January 26th, 1956 and retired on December 1st, 1992. Brother Moss became a life member on January 26th, 2006 and was a 65 year member.
Member Name: Bruce P. Bennett
Passed away: 11/12/2021
Funeral Details:
VISITATIONS:
Tuesday, November 16, 2021 – 6:00 ~ 8:00 PM
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – 12:00 ~ 8:00 PM
Rosary ~ Wednesday, November 17, 2021 ~ 7:00 PM
Michigan Memorial Funeral Home
SERVICES:
Thursday, November 18, 2021
10:00 AM
Michigan Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment in Michigan Memorial Park
Remarks:
Brother Bennett was initiated into Local 98 on January 1st, 1999 and was a 22 year member.
Member Name: Philip A. Thomas
Passed away: 10/20/2021
Funeral Details:
Funeral Services 2PM Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc. Visitation 11AM until the time of Service at 2PM.
Remarks:
Brother Thomas was initiated into Local 98 on May 11, 2000 and retired on April 1st, 2014. Brother Thomas was a 21 year member.
Member Name: Felix Charlier
Passed away: 10/17/2021
Funeral Details:
Felix A. Charlier
May 2, 1936 – October 17, 2021
Felix Arthur Charlier, (85) passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 17, 2021, at his home in Avon Park, Florida. He was the widower of Madonna Jeanne Charlier. They shared 52 years of marriage together.
Born in Pontiac, Michigan, he was the son of Felix and Georgina Charlier. He attended Shrine High School and University of Detroit. Felix was a Master Plumber and Pipefitter / Welder with Detroit Plumbers Local Union # 98 where he recently received his 65-year pin. He also worked as the Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector of the City of Birmingham until his retirement.
Felix enjoyed golf, boating, and reading and will be remembered for his charm, strength of character and sense of humor.
He is survived by his four daughters: Michele (Mark) Pageau, Lauri (Steve Cooper) Despard, Monique (Art) Zentgraf, and Nanette (Kevin) Casida; grandchildren Brian (Anne) Pageau, Kate (Tim) Boonstra, Shane (Natalie) Pageau, Jamie (Paige) Despard, Daniel Despard, Thomas Despard, Mandy Charlier, Benjamin Melema, Joshua Zentgraf, Ryan (Stephanie) Casida, Madison (Colin) Gerish, Lauren (Jason) King, Savanna Casida, Jackson Casida; and nine great grandchildren.
Per his wishes, there will be no visitation nor funeral, however there will be a memorial service to celebrate his life. This will be held on Saturday, November 20 at 1:00 PM at the Coventry Clubhouse, 1990 Torquay Ave., Royal Oak, Michigan, 48073.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Mountain Children’s Ministry (MCM) supporting vulnerable children in Uganda.
Address: MCM – 1609 Jerome St, Holland, MI 49423.
Remarks:
Brother Charlier was initiated into Local 98 on June 9th, 1955 and retired on August 1st, 1988. Brother Charlier became a life member on June 9th, 2005 and was a 66 year member.
Member Name: Frank “Jeff” McMahon
Passed away: 10/13/2021
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother McMahon was initiated into Local 98 on August 13th, 1987 and retired on February 1st, 2000. Brother McMahon was a 34 year member.
Member Name: Patrick Worden
Passed away: 09/29/2021
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Worden was initiated into Local 98 on December 8th, 1966 and retired on February 1st, 1995. Brother Worden became a life member on December 8th, 2016 and was a 55 year member.
Member Name: Scott E. Monroe
Passed away: 09/18/2021
Funeral Details:
Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, September 21, 2021 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Uht Funeral Home located at 35400 Glenwood Road, Westland, MI 48186 and on Friday, September 22, 2021 from 10:00am until 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Canton located at 44500 Cherry Hill, Canton, MI 48187.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to:
Timber Bay/youth investment foundation. You can find the link at the bottom of the obituary page under Memorial Contributions. Please include Scott Monroe memorial in the comment section.
Remarks:
Brother Monroe was initiated into Local 98 on September 24, 1981 and was a 40 year member. Brother Monroe is the son of Local 98 member James Monroe, owner of Robertson Plumbing & Heating, and the brother of Local 98 member Mike Monroe.
Member Name: John Smithson Jr.
Passed away: 08/26/2021
Funeral Details:
Visitation will be held at the James H. Cole Home for Funerals – Northwest Chapel, located at 16100 Schaefer Hwy., Detroit, MI 48235 on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 4 – 9 PM. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 3:30 PM, also at the James H. Cole Home for Funerals – Northwest Chapel.
Remarks:
Brother Smithson was initiated into Local 98 on February 25th, 1988 and retired on April 1st, 2015. Brother Smithson was a 33 year member.
Member Name: Bonnie “Sue” Hill
Passed away: 08/22/2021
Funeral Details:
Per her wishes there will be no funeral but a Celebration of Life will be held September 11th, 2021 at LaSalle Township Community Hall at 4111 LaPlaisance Rd., LaSalle MI at 2 pm.
Remarks:
Sister Hill was initiated into Local 98 on September 12, 1996 and retired on August 1, 2015. Sister Hill was a 24 year member and the sister of Brother Marv Standridge.
Member Name: Donald R Trombley
Passed away: 12/21/2020
Funeral Details:
Brother Trombley’s Obituary can be viewed here.
Remarks:
Brother Trombley was initiated into Local 98 on March 26th, 1970 and retired on June 1st, 2005. Brother Trombley became a life member on March 26th, 2020 and was a 50 year member.
Member Name: Steven “Bones” Schroeder
Passed away: 12/17/2020
Funeral Details:
The family is still looking into options at this time.
Remarks:
Brother Schroeder was initiated into Local 98 on April 12th, 1973 and retired on November 1st, 2007. Brother Schroeder was a 47 year member. Brother Schroeder is the brother of Local 98 members Carl and Bill Schroeder and the uncle of Bob Schroeder and Barry “Scott” Stoddard. Many of you may remember Brother Schroeder as “Bones” or “Keith Richards of Local 98.”
Member Name: Robert Hugh McMahon
Passed away: 12/01/2020
Funeral Details:
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Click here for Brother McMahon’s obituary.
Remarks:
Brother McMahon was initiated into Local 98 on May 11th, 2000 and retired on June 1st, 2019. Brother McMahon was a 20 year member.
Member Name: Hubert “Art” Robillard
Passed away: 11/13/2020
Funeral Details:
Memorial contributions are appreciated to the American Red Cross. Click here for Brother Robillard’s obituary.
Remarks:
Brother Robillard was initiated into Local 552 on September 18th, 1957, transferred to Local 98 on September 1, 1965, and retired on November 1st, 2000. Brother Robillard became a life member on September 18th, 2007 and was a 63 year member.
Member Name: Lenoard Bex
Passed away: 11/13/2020
Funeral Details:
Brother Bex will lie in state on Wednesday, November 18th from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren. Officiating the funeral liturgy will be Rev. Fr. Nick Zukowski.
Memorial donations are welcomed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. (www.stjude.org)
Click here for Brother Bex’s obituary.
Remarks:
Brother Bex was initiated into Local 98 on December 10th, 1959 and retired on June 1st, 1996. Brother Bex became a life member on December 10th, 2009 and was a 60 year member.
Member Name: Marvin Young
Passed away: 11/13/2020
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Young was initiated into Local 98 on August 24th, 1967 and retired on August 1st, 1991. Brother Young became a life member on August 24th, 2017 and was a 53 year member.
Member Name: Thomas O’Neil
Passed away: 11/09/2020
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother O’Neil was initiated into Local 98 on August 14th, 1958 and retired on June 1st, 1988. Brother O’Neil became a life member on August 14th, 2008 and was a 62 year member.
Member Name: Victor Micallef
Passed away: 11/05/2020
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Micallef was initiated into Local 98 on February 14th, 1963 and retired on April 1st, 2003. Brother Micallef became a life member on February 14th, 2013 and was a 57 year member.
Member Name: Romeo J. Gadwa
Passed away: 10/29/2020
Funeral Details:
The family will receive friends Monday, November 2, 2020 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. Scripture Service at the Modetz Funeral Home, 100 E. Silverbell Rd., Orion.
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 11 a.m. with an instate time of 10:30 a.m. at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, 771 Old Perch, Rochester Hills. Military honors will be immediately following the mass. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Please click here for his obituary.
Remarks:
Brother Gadwa was initiated into Local 98 on December 18th, 1947 and retired on January 1st, 1990. Brother Gadwa became a life member on December 18th, 1997 and was a 72 year member. Brother Gadwa joined the military in 1952 and served our county in the Korean War.
Member Name: Gerald R. Schilke
Passed away: 10/10/2020
Funeral Details:
Due to the existing COVID-19 restrictions, the family is holding a grave-side service at Christian Memorial Gardens West on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
American Legion
Stanley J Fons Post 374
2079 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Berkley, MI 48072
Click here for his online obituary.
Remarks:
In 1952 Brother Schilke enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. After returning from his enlistment he began his career as a plumber, pipefitter and welder. Brother Schilke was initiated into Local 98 on October 25th, 1962. Brother Schilke was a 58 year member.
Member Name: John E. Wuerth Jr.
Passed away: 10/09/2020
Funeral Details:
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements made by Gendernalik Funeral Home, New Baltimore.
Remarks:
Brother Wuerth was initiated into Local 98 on September 26th, 1968 and retired on April 1st, 1996. Brother Wuerth became a life member on September 26, 2018 and was a 52 year member. Brother Wuerth is the father of Local 98 member Tim Wuerth.
Member Name: Jonas J. Zgorski
Passed away: 09/19/2020
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Zgorski was initiated into Local 98 on September 14th, 1987 and retired on December 1st, 2003. Brother Zgorski was a 33 year member.
Member Name: Robert W. Downey Jr.
Passed away: 09/13/2020
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Downey was initiated into Local 98 on April 18th, 1961 and retired on March 1st, 2002. Brother Downey became a life member on August 22nd, 2018 and was a 52 year member.
Member Name: Joseph L. Sposita
Passed away: 08/12/2020
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Brother Sposita was initiated into Local 98 on January 10th, 1952 and retired on March 1st, 1995. Brother Sposita became a life member on January 10th, 2002 and was a 68 year member. Brother Sposita served long terms as Business Manager of Local 98 and United Association International Representative for Minnosta, Wisconsin and eventually Michigan. Brother Phillips is the father of Local 98 member Tony Sposita.
Member Name: James C. Phillips
Passed away: 06/22/2020
Funeral Details:
Private services will be held at a later date, with burial at Great Lakes National Cemetery.
Family suggests memorials to Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
Remarks:
Brother Phillips was initiated into Local 98 on May 28, 1959 and retired on September 1st, 1994. Brother Phillips became a life member on May 28th, 2009 and was a 61 year member. Brother Phillips proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Brother Phillips is the father of Brother Steve Phillips.
Member Name: Alfred “Al” K. Storey
Passed away: 12/30/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Thomas Wyer
Passed away: 11/28/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Joseph Hofmann Sr
Passed away: 11/08/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Matthew Gilboe
Passed away: 10/23/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Brian McShane
Passed away: 08/28/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Larry Bowker
Passed away: 08/23/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Richard Schoenherr
Passed away: 08/16/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Frank Glascott
Passed away: 07/26/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Raymond Palmer Jr
Passed away: 07/24/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: John Gorski
Passed away: 07/18/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Edward Stephens
Passed away: 07/10/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Cecil Payne
Passed away: 06/26/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Charles Walker
Passed away: 06/22/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Shawn Smith
Passed away: 06/20/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
Member Name: Harvey Curd
Passed away: 06/13/2019
Funeral Details:
Remarks:
