Arnold F. Escher
of Gregory, MI, age 75, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at his home. He was born November 29, 1942 in Hamtramck, Michigan, the son of Arnold E. & Alice L. Escher. Arnold graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1960. He retired from GM Powertrain in Ypsilanti, where he was a Journeyman in Instrument Repair. Arnold was an avid antique collector, especially in clocks and vintage cars. He was a watchmaker by trade, repairing clocks in his spare time. Arnold attended Ford Model T, Model A, and V-8 clubs, enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.
On July 20, 1975, he married Carol Lynn Maleski in New Boston, and she survives. Other survivors include his son, Edward Escher of Pinckney; four cousins, Gordon Escher of IL, Nancy Sanderson of CO, Dr. Ron Morris of Grosse Ile, MI, and Dr. Diane Morris of Birmingham, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents.
of Manchester, MI, formerly of Dexter, age 78, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 at her daughter’s home in Manchester. She was born Aug. 5, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Michael & Helen (Prybis) Swiecicki. Elizabeth graduated from Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor in 1957. She worked as a flight attendant for North Central Airlines where she met Forrest Paul Becker II. They were married on November 5, 1965, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, and settled in Dexter to raise their family. She was a devout Catholic, serving in many capacities and was a long-time member of Old St. Patrick Catholic Church. She loved to pray the Rosary. Elizabeth volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was very active in the Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti. She loved the outdoors, especially biking, swimming, walking the dogs, and skiing. She enjoyed traveling up north to her cottage and to Traverse City. Later in life, she took nursing classes at Washtenaw Community College. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and loved to spend time with her grandchildren, laughing, playing, and cooking.
of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home December 15, 2017 at the age of 83. Kathryn was born on June 16, 1934 (her own mom’s birthday) to Oswald and Lucile (Hamel) Jones in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She attended St. Andrew’s Elementary School and Grand Rapids Catholic Central where she graduated in 1952. She attended Mercy School of Nursing in Detroit, where she received her R.N. degree. Kathryn met the love of her life, Henry “Bud” Roggenbeck on a blind date in 1956. The two wed on January 12, 1957 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Grand Rapids. Together they raised four children. Kathryn was compassionate, loving, witty, and always put family before herself. She loved the time she spent with her grandchildren. Kathryn was the ultimate grandma, and loved playing games, doing craft projects, and attending their games and orchestra concerts. The time spent with her grandkids was very precious to her and filled her with joy.
of Pinckney, MI, originally from Ann Arbor, formerly of Las Vegas, NV and Santa Monica, CA, age 61, died Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at his home. He was born May 22, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Frederick A. & Winifred E. (Gasser) Zemke. Tom graduated from Pioneer High School in 1974, and attended Lawrence Institute of Technology and Central Michigan University, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering. He worked for Dapco Industries in Dexter, and later worked for U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. Tom lived out west for a few years to pursue his dreams, and enjoyment of singing, dancing, and music. He appeared on "America's Got Talent" twice.