Obituaries

June Louise Manninger

A photo of June Louise Manninger

Service:

In respect of June's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
A private family and relative graveside service will be held.

With her family by her side, June Louise Manninger, a lifetime resident of Blenheim passed away after a brave, short battle with leukemia at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on February 28, 2009. Born in Chatham-Kent on June 5, 1930, daughter of the late Reginald and Alice McEachran. Beloved wife of Joseph (Joe) Manninger of 45 years. Loving and cherished mother of John Steen, Greg (Diane) Steen, Mary Louise Clark (Ric), Gail Steen and Linda (Russel) Hillman. Sadly loved and missed by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survived by brothers and sisters Fred McEachran (Mary Anne), Wayne McEachran (Marion), Vera Robertson, Lorraine Weaver (Bill), Betty Massender, Marjorie Alpaugh (Jack)and Marilyn St. Pierre (Doug). Aunt to several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Lloyd and Leonard McEachran. In respect to June’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family and relative graveside service will be held. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the 4th floor medicine unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Robert James Rumble

A photo of Robert James Rumble

Visitation:

In keeping with Robert's wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place.

Robert James Rumble of Erieau passed away at home on Thursday February 26, 2009 at the age of 71. Robert was predeceased by his parents Dorothea and Lionel “Blink” Rumble. He was a butcher by trade and worked at the Dominion Grocery Store in Chatham. Robert and his wife Sandra (Lachine) enjoyed times of travelling, hiking and during the quieter times, walks around Erieau. Robert is the proud father of Michelle Rumble & Kathy Mondo of Thamesville, Lisa & Todd Edmondson of Blenheim, Renee Rumble & Mark Massender of Blenheim and Mark Rumble of London. He loved his grandchildren Aaron Austen, Brent Austen, Shannon Rumble, Madison Rumble, Ainslie Edmondson, Amelia Edmondson, Denielle Berube, Vincent Berube, Carson Mann and Mason Berube as well as his great grandchild Preston Bellamy. He is predeceased by Amelia’s twin brother Thomas Edmondson. Robert is survived by his sister Mary Grace DeClerk of Orillia, by his mother in law Loretta Lachine and by Sandra’s family Carol & Wayne Parker of Erieau, Sandra Lachine of Blenheim, Edward & Bev Lachine of Erieau, Evelyn Nott of Ridgetown, Janet Vandehogan of Listowel, Randy Lachine of Windsor, Wendy Lachine & Linda Dunn of Cedar Springs, Daniel & Alicia Lachine of Kitchener, Lawrence Lachine of Ridgetown, Cameron & Bernadette Lachine of Westland, Michigan, Dianne Payne of Blenheim, and Bob & Jane Antaya of Victoria, B.C. as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father in law Donald Lachine and by his brothers in law John Payne, Gary Nott, Donald Lachine and Leonard Lachine. It was Robert’s wish that cremation take place. In keeping with his love of travelling, hiking and walking, it was his wish that friends wishing to make a charitable donation would consider the South Kent Trails. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Karen Louise Armstrong

A photo of Karen Louise Armstrong

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday March 2, 2009
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday March 1, 2009
2:00 - 5:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Karen Louise Armstrong of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday February 26, 2009. Karen was born 50 years ago to Mary (Kozlof) Johnston and the late Walter Kozlof. In 1977 she married her “lifetime best friend” Philip. When asked what she was most proud of in life, Karen’s reply was her children and her grandchildren. She was the proud mother of Jennifer & Paul Dowd of Blenheim, Matthew Armstrong & Emma Poirier of Windsor, James Armstrong of Windsor, Lisa Armstrong & Murray Work of B.C. and Lacey Armstrong of B.C. She was the much loved Grandma to McKenzie Dowd, Olyvia Dowd, Natasha Maurina and Victoria Armstrong. Karen will be missed by her brothers and sisters Janice & Glen Yourex of Alberta, Sharron & Brian Cooper of Chatham, Larry & Jane Kozlof of Blenheim, Paul Kozlof of Alberta, Pat & Tom Hamelin of Essex, Maggie & Rudi Engel of Ailsa Craig and David Johnston of Blenheim. She is predeceased by her father Walter Kozlof and her dad Clarence Johnston and by her brothers Alex Kozlof and Ricky Kozlof. In life there are givers and there are takers. Karen was a giver. She was passionate about helping people. She was employed as a Psychiatric Nurse, a career that she described as the “work love of her life”. She had a large garden and she canned food that she grew. She made maple syrup. She enjoyed making crafts and sewing. Most importantly she shared with those in need and she instilled values in her children that will be carried on through them. The Armstrong and Kozlof families invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday March 1, 2009 from 2 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday March 2, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook of the Blenheim United Church officiating. Cremation will take place and a private family interment will take place at a later date. In keeping with Karen’s love of children, friends wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Make A Wish Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Joanne Elizabeth (Hainge) Jubenville

A photo of Joanne Elizabeth (Hainge) Jubenville

Visitation:

In keeping with Joanne's wishes there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Joanne Elizabeth Jubenville passed away at her home on Tuesday February 24, 2009. Joanne was born to her late parents Mary (Matt) and Chris Hainge 58 years ago. She was predeceased by her husband Perry. Joanne is survived by her daughter Lisa and Todd Reaume of Chatham and by her grandson Josh whom she adored. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters Bill Hainge, John Hainge, Jimmy & Darlene Hainge, Mary Jane Letourneau, Linda Ceppi and Loraine & Clare Laliberte all of Chatham, Carol & John Veasey of B.C. and Theresa & Dave Pillon of Windsor as well as her sister in law Gail Hainge of Chatham. She was predeceased by her brother Chris Hainge. Friends will remember Joanne for her love of golfing, gardening and cooking. Joanne’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brian for the care given to Joanne during her illness. It was Joanne’s expressed wish that cremation take place. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to honour Joanne with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

Molly Hood

A photo of Molly Hood

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday February 16, 2009
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday February 15, 2009
2:00 - 5:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Molly Hood passed away peacefully at her home on Friday February 13, 2009. Molly was born 92 years ago in Dreghorn, Scotland. She and her family left their home in Scotland and came to Canada in 1956. Molly worked as a receptionist in Blenheim for Dr Graham, Dr Green and Anne Campbell. Molly is survived by her daughter in law and friend Bonnie Hood, by the granddaughters whom she adored Janet & Greg Bayly, Tina Hood & Greg DeBoer and Jennifer & Shane O’Donohue and by her great grandchildren Mac Bayly, Jenna Bayly, Connor O’Donohue and Ryan O’Donohue. She will missed by several nieces and nephews in Canada and Scotland. Molly was predeceased by her husband James in 1976, by her son Al in 1995 and by her infant daughter Janet. She was also predeceased by her sister Anne and her brothers John and Robert. Molly’s family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Sunday February 15, 2009 from 2:00 – 5:00 & 7:00 – 9:00. A Funeral Service to celebrate Molly’s life will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday February 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to honour Molly’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim United Church Memorial Fund.

John Richard Phair

A photo of John Richard Phair

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday February 14, 2009
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday February 13, 2009
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

John Richard Phair passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday February 9, 2009. John was born 78 years ago to his late parents Ruth (Cattle) and Carl Phair. John and his wife Betty (Durfy) would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April of this year. Together, John and Betty raised five children: Linda & Gilbert Deschryver of Blenheim, Deb & Jim Robertson of Blenheim, Carla and John Peters of Delaware, Brenda & David Knight of Mull and Carl & Luann Phair of Blenheim. They have also been blessed with grandchildren Alana & Richard Ainsworth, Jeff & Beth Deschryver, Ryan Johnston & Jasmine, Lacey & Mike Dotterman, Brigen Peters & Megan, Amber Knight & Nilton, Arin Knight & Chris, Breann Knight, Carley Phair, Dawn & Mario Acosta, Corey & Jocelyn Pickering, Cameron & Nichole Pickering as well as 9 great grandchildren. John is also survived by his sister Mary & Glen Cleveland of Erieau, his brother Don & Barb Phair of Ridgetown and by his brother in laws Don & Chris Durfy of Burlington and Roger & Rose Marie Durfy of Port Lambton. John was an avid golfer. He also played and coached baseball and hockey. He was a member of the Oddfellows for over 50 years and he was the co-owner of C. Phair and Sons Ltd. John’s family would like to invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday February 13, 2009 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday February 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. David Fuller and Rev. Bill Terris. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to honour John’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Association or Trinity Anglican Church.

Joseph Stefina Jr

A photo of Joseph Stefina Jr

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday February 9, 2009
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday February 9, 2009
10:00 a.m.

Joseph Stefina Jr passed away suddenly at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with his family by his side on February 6, 2009 at the age of 60. Beloved father of Jeffrey, Scott and Shannon all from London. Survived by his mother Jean Stefina and loving brother of Debbie Podolinsky, Woodstock and Diana Neumann, London. Special brother-in-law to John Podolinsky and Peter Neumann. Loving Uncle to Susan and John Podolinsky Jr of London. Joseph also had a special connection to Jeff’s girlfiriend Lauren. A loyal family member and Professor to countless family, friends, aunts and uncles. Predeceased by his father Joe Sr and many uncles and aunts. Since his retirement from the Thames Valley District School Board, Joseph moved back to the family farm helping with the care of his mother. Joe was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, even through their losing streaks and he loved tinkering outside in the back yard. Joe felt that his best achievements in life were his children. They were his pride and joy! Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday February 9, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. A Funeral Service officiated by Fr. Greg Mulligan of St. Mary’s Church will follow at 11:00. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Joseph are asked to consider the Alzheimers Society or a charity of their choice. A facebook site has been created at www.facebook.com R.I.P. Joseph Stefina Jr. for friends to post a memory.

Stan Kalinowski

A photo of Stan Kalinowski

Service:

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Thursday January 29, 2009
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday January 28, 2009
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Parish Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Stanislaw “Stan” Kalinowski of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday January 21, 2009. Stan is the beloved husband of Danuta and the loving father of Dariusz & Agnieszka Kalinowski of Blenheim, Consuela Kalinowski at home & her friend Jim Brown of Blenheim. He is the proud grandfather of Daniel Kalinowski and Julia Kalinowski. Stan was born in Poland 59 years ago. First and foremost, he was a family man. He came to Canada in 1984 to make a better life for his family. Stan was proud to have worked at Dorssers in Blenheim for the past 25 years and when he had spare time, he loved to fish. Stan is survived by his mother in Poland and by his sister in Germany. The Kalinowski family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday January 28, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Parish prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Stan will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Blenheim on Thursday January 29, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Friends wishing to honour Stan’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A. , the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity supporting wildlife.

John Bacik II

A photo of John Bacik II

Service:

St. Mary's Church
Wednesday December 31, 2008
10:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Monday December 29, 2008
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Parish Prayers at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday December 30, 2008
2:00 - 5:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

John Bacik II of Blenheim, Ontario passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on Sunday December 28, 2008. John was born 63 years ago to the late John and Mary Bacik. Predeceased by brothers Frank Zruna and Stan Zruna. Loving husband of Nancy (Mikus). Proud father of John and Christy Bacik (Windsor), Scott and Erin Bacik (Blenheim), Tim and Shannon Bacik (Tecumseh) and Anita Bacik and Adam Tyman (Delaware). Adored as “Zetko” to Blain, Brook and Bria, Emily and Avery. Missed by brother Bob Bacik and Barb Taylor.

Heartfelt appreciation to our “home care team” of Sandy Campbell, Lisa Jenner and the staff at Blenheim McIntyre IDA. Much gratitude to the fourth floor Medical Oncology Department at Windsor Regional Hospital with special thanks to Dr. Hamm, Dr. Kanjeekal and Dr. Perkin. Sincere gratitude to Community Care Access Centre, the Shriners and the Blenheim Legion.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday December 29, 2008 from 7-9pm with Prayers at 7 pm and on Tuesday December 30 from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday December 31, 2008 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blenheim with a private family graveside service to follow. Pallbearers will be Ivan Warriner, Dick Smith, Ken Green, Doug Johnston, Mick Gray, Bob Tinline, Dave Richards, Bryan Downie, David Zruna and Dan Zruna. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to “Transition to Betterness” at the Windsor Regional Hospital, Oncology Department www.t2b.ca

Leonard Bentley

A photo of Leonard Bentley

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday January 5, 2009
2:00 p.m.

Leonard Grant Bentley of Blenheim passed away on December 23, 2008 at the age of 84 years. Leonard was born to his parents Stuart and Bertie (Steel) Bentley. He was the third generation of the Bentley family to farm their parcel of land near Guilds. Leonard was an only child and leaves behind his cousins Jack & Donna Rigby, Ann Henderson, Shirley Smith, Clare & Elva Smith, Marie Steel and Rena Eastman. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Monday January 5, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Wanda Burse officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to honour Leonard’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider New Scotland United Church.