Falish, Mr. Gerald "Jerry" G.
Print this page E-mail this article Mr. Gerald "Jerry" G. Falish, 55, Dyckesville died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009, at his home as a result of Lou Gehrig's disease. He was born March 15, 1953, in Kewaunee County, to the late Clarence and Lucille E. (Nellis) Falish. On July 29, 1972, Jerry married Paula M. Gronnert at St. Louis Church, Dyckesville. He was a loyal employee at Vans Lumber, Dyckesville for 36 years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. His ice shanty was his second home. He was the best EVER jerky maker and venison connoisseur. He loved going up north with friends, golfing at Green Acres and in Suring, trout fishing and campfires with family and friends. He was also quick to offer a cocktail to any visitor.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Paula; and their three children, Traci (Scott) Haen, Freedom; Kari (Craig) Barrett, Luxemburg; Jeff (Kortney) Falish, Dyckesville; five grandchildren, Hailey and Hunter Haen, Megan and Devin Barrett and Colton Falish; three brothers, Clarence Jr. (Gen) Falish, Green Bay; Fran (Rita) Falish, Jim (Sue) Falish, all of Dyckesville; four sisters, Darlene (Norbert) Rabas, Dyckesville; Mary (Rich) Thompson, Kewaunee; Pearl (Dan) Vandenack, Green Bay; Lisa (Ken) Socha, Dyckesville; his mother-in-law, Bernice Gronnert, Green Bay; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wane (Lou) Gronnert, Bellevue; Jake (special friend, Faye), Suring; Joan Gronnert (special friend, Max), Illinois; Mary (Hank) Gronnert-Kollross, Bellevue; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Lylas and Frito (two of the three Amigo's) ... and Lee!

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Clarence Falish; three sisters, Jean, Caroline and Joanne Falish; his paternal grandparents, Minnie and John Falish; his maternal grandparents, Elsie and John Nellis; his father-in-law, Roderick (Jeff) Gronnert; two brothers-in-law, Jerry "Weasel" Gronnert and Raymond DeGrave.

Friends may call at the McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG, 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, for a Memorial Service. Closing family memories at 6 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The Falish Family would like to extend a note of thanks to Doctors Kroll and Santillion, MacDonald and James, the Bellin Medical Unit 4th floor, The Luxemburg Rescue Squad, Van's Lumber/employees, and Sue and Jim Falish for care and concern offered to us.

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Ronald Lee Sertich
Print this page E-mail this article Ronald Lee Sertich, age 76, passed away Saturday morning, December 27, 2008 at the Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City after his fight with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Ronnie was born on July 2, 1932 in Sheboygan, Wis. to John and Lorena Sertich, along with four brothers and two sisters.

He graduated in 1951 from Sheboygan Central High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1953 to 1955.

Ronnie was married to his best friend, Carol Baehr, Jan. 12, 1957 and raised three sons, Rick, Tom and Todd.

They lived in Sheboygan and Howards Grove, Wis. near his parents and siblings Ruth (Bill) Zschetzsche, Bob (Linda) Sertich and Mike (Donna) Sertich until 1971 when they followed his brothers John (Shirley) and **** (Norma) to Tucson, Ariz.

For 25 years, he and Carol worked, raised their boys and made numerous friends in Tucson, and he helped to reopen the Rillito Racetrack in 1988.

Retirement brought a move for the couple to Bullhead City in 1996. Road trips to "see the kids", volunteering for 9 years at St. Vincent de Paul in Bullhead City, projects in his shop or to help others, and trips across the river kept the couple busy.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife Carol, three sons, Richard (Robin), Thomas (Laurie) and Todd (Sydni); four grandkids, Carrie (James) Douglas, Allison, James and Moose Racing #92 sprint car; and great-grandkids, Christopher and Faith; plus numerous family and friends whose lives he touched and changed.

We'll miss you, Papa Moose.

A private military service will be held at Evergreen in Tucson, Ariz.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ron's name to St. Vincent de Paul Society 781 Marina Blvd. Bullhead City, AZ 86442 would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements by Desert Lawn Funeral Home.

The Sheboygan Press

January 4, 2009

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Mr. Gerald "Jerry" G. Falish, 55, Dyckesville died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009, at his home as a result of Lou Gehrig's disease. He was born March 15, 1953, in Kewaunee County, to the late Clarence and Lucille E. (Nellis) Falish. On July 29, 1972, Jerry married Paula M. Gronnert at St. Louis Church, Dyckesville. He was a loyal employee at Vans Lumber, Dyckesville for 36 years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. His ice shanty was his second home. He was the best EVER jerky maker and venison connoisseur. He loved going up north with friends, golfing at Green Acres and in Suring, trout fishing and campfires with family and friends. He was also quick to offer a cocktail to any visitor.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Paula; and their three children, Traci (Scott) Haen, Freedom; Kari (Craig) Barrett, Luxemburg; Jeff (Kortney) Falish, Dyckesville; five grandchildren, Hailey and Hunter Haen, Megan and Devin Barrett and Colton Falish; three brothers, Clarence Jr. (Gen) Falish, Green Bay; Fran (Rita) Falish, Jim (Sue) Falish, all of Dyckesville; four sisters, Darlene (Norbert) Rabas, Dyckesville; Mary (Rich) Thompson, Kewaunee; Pearl (Dan) Vandenack, Green Bay; Lisa (Ken) Socha, Dyckesville; his mother-in-law, Bernice Gronnert, Green Bay; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wane (Lou) Gronnert, Bellevue; Jake (special friend, Faye), Suring; Joan Gronnert (special friend, Max), Illinois; Mary (Hank) Gronnert-Kollross, Bellevue; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Lylas and Frito (two of the three Amigo's) ... and Lee!

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Clarence Falish; three sisters, Jean, Caroline and Joanne Falish; his paternal grandparents, Minnie and John Falish; his maternal grandparents, Elsie and John Nellis; his father-in-law, Roderick (Jeff) Gronnert; two brothers-in-law, Jerry "Weasel" Gronnert and Raymond DeGrave.

Friends may call at the McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG, 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, for a Memorial Service. Closing family memories at 6 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The Falish Family would like to extend a note of thanks to Doctors Kroll and Santillion, MacDonald and James, the Bellin Medical Unit 4th floor, The Luxemburg Rescue Squad, Van's Lumber/employees, and Sue and Jim Falish for care and concern offered to us.[/QUOTE]

Robert A. Martin
January 6, 2009


Age 72, of Brighton, Michigan and formerly of Northville, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Bob was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) in January 2008. During his retirement, Bob spent most of his time with his wife, family and friends, doing what he liked best — cycling, golfing, playing tennis, and traveling. Their condo on Hilton Head Island was a frequent destination - which fit well with those interests. He was born December 7, 1936 in Ecorse, Michigan to Joe and Mary Martin. He grew up in Wyandotte and Southgate graduating from Our Lady of Mount Carmel (1954) and the University of Detroit. Bob resided for 32 years in Northville, Michigan. A mechanical engineer, he retired in 1996 after working for more than 30 years with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn. He enjoyed traveling, tennis, golf and biking with his loving wife of 46 years, Dorothy Tarnowski. Bob had been a member of The Knights of Columbus and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). He attended Our Lady of Victory Church in Northville prior to moving to Brighton. He and his wife most recently attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brighton. Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy, his daughter Cindy and son-in-law Dave Dean, his three sons, son David and daughter-in-law Liz, son Rob and daughter-in-law Laura, and son Doug Martin. Bob and Dorothy have three grandchildren, Branden and Trevor Dean and Ian Martin. He is also survived by his brother Alfred of Saline and his sister Marian of Flat Rock. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Herrmann Funeral Home located at 600 E. Main Street in Brighton, Michigan. Phone: (810) 229-2905. A funeral mass and lunch will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church located at 711 Rickett Road in Brighton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS Foundation (www.alsa.org) or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org).

Boots made customers feel at home
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
By STEVE DOYLE
Times Staff Writer steve.doyle@htimes.com
Ex-Tide player ran popular restaurant in city for 34 years

At about age 3, Alvie Ewen Ellett got a new pair of boots for Christmas.

The shoes made such an impression that the Owens Cross Roads boy refused to take them off. Not for baths. Not at bedtime.

Naturally, Ellett's parents nicknamed him Boots.

The single-syllable moniker served him well through his football-playing days at the University of Alabama and, later, as owner of one of Huntsville's finest dining spots, Boots' Restaurant on South Memorial Parkway. Specializing in prime rib and cheeseburgers, the eatery was a Rocket City fixture from 1961 until 1995.

"It was like Cheers," former Times food editor Mickey Ellis said Tuesday. "Everybody knew your name, and everybody knew Boots. It was just the place to go."

Ellett died Dec. 30, just two months after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 74.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, Boots Ellett Jr.; daughter, Lynne Ellett; sisters, June Montgomery and Carline Kessel; and three grandchildren.

The oldest of three children born to Carl and Pauline Drake Ellett, Boots grew big - really big - working at his family's country store in Owens Cross Roads. By his senior year at Huntsville High, Ellett was an imposing 6-foot-2. He starred on the Panthers' offensive line and caught the eye of then-Alabama football coach Harold "Red" Drew.

Ellett arrived in Tuscaloosa in 1952, the same year as Bart Starr, and spent four years keeping the future NFL Hall of Famer safe from would-be tacklers.

In 1956, Ellett was drafted twice - by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Army. The Army won out, but he later resurrected his football career with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.

Ambitious and hardworking, Ellett returned to Huntsville around 1960 with plans to open a clothing store. A local shop owner who didn't want the added competition convinced him to start a restaurant instead.

So began a Huntsville institution. Boots' Restaurant had a little of everything: tender prime rib and white tablecloths, but also three-napkin cheeseburgers and a lively bar.

Ellett, always dapper in a dark suit, greeted every customer personally. He committed people's names, favorite entrees and favorite drinks to memory.

"Dad was a workaholic," Ellett's son said Tuesday. "His dream was to be a successful businessman, and the only way he knew how to do anything was to pour his heart and soul into it. He used to always say that restaurants go in cycles, but business will come back around if you're consistent and predictable and don't try anything gimmick-wise."

He was right: Boots' restaurant survived 34 years and in the process became a beloved Huntsville gathering spot, the place to go before proms, after high school football games, for first dates and anniversary dinners.

"There weren't many chain restaurants in Huntsville then, so that's where you went for a spiffy meal," said Ellis, the food writer. "When I think of being young and having fun, I think of Boots'."

Ellett wasn't the type to boast about his Crimson Tide past, but customers knew. Auburn fans teased the gentle giant relentlessly after Iron Bowl victories, his daughter said, then celebrated with a nice meal.

"Dad used to say, 'I always want Alabama to win, but I make a lot of money when Auburn wins,'" she said.

In 1995, Ellett decided to call it a career. He went out in style, his son said, by inviting his most loyal customers for an open-bar bash.

"They had one hell of a party," said Ellett Jr., 37. "They opened up the bar and the cooler and said, 'It's all paid for, have at it.'"

A Hertz rental car office now occupies the former restaurant.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said he and Ellett were "kindred spirits" in the restaurant industry. From 1980-89, Battle ran Britlings Buffet at the corner of Memorial Parkway and Governors Drive, a short walk from Boots'.

"Many nights we'd close up and run over to Boots'," he said Tuesday. "Boots always had a kind word and was someone you felt like you could talk to. I think the whole essence of the place was Boots.

"He was just such a big, likable guy."

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletim...050.xml&coll=1

Darla Dean Endsley
January 8, 2009
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OSTRANDER - Darla Dean Endsley, age 62 of Ostrander died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at Grady Memorial Hospital, Delaware after a 9-year battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease.

She was born November 13, 1946 on Fort George E. Meade Base in Baltimore, MD to the late Elmer Hershel and Peggy Glendora (Brooks) King.
She was a Food Coordinator for the State of Ohio Scioto River View Complex for 20 years. She was a member of the Raymond Church of Christ and she enjoyed crocheting and dancing.

She is survived by her husband, John Thomas of Ostrander.

She is also survived by a daughter, Angela (Larry) Betts, Ostrander; a son, John Thomas III, Ostrander; four grandchildren, Brienna Thomas, Matthew Dean Hedrick, Benjamin Obenour, Dennis Davenport III; a brother, Chuck (Barb) Foor, North Lewisburg; and a special friend, Amy "Elmer" McClary, Gahanna.

Private family services will be held at a later date. The family is being assisted by the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood.

Memorial gifts may be made to ALS Association, 1170 Old Henderson Road Suite 221, Columbus, OH 43220

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballingerfuneralhome.com.

A Charter School Leader Passes On




A sad bit of education news: Brian Bennett, a longtime San Diegan and a luminary in the charter school movement, passed on over the winter holidays. The Union Tribune wrote this feature on his work and impact a while ago:



In Bennett's four decades in San Diego, he has touched countless lives as principal of Blessed Sacrament School, as chairman of the city's Human Relations Commission, and as a force behind the birth of more than a dozen public charter schools in the United States.

Bennett once led the Office of School Choice at San Diego Unified under former Superintendent Alan Bersin, and left shortly after Carl Cohn took over the school district. He was diagnosed more than two years ago with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. I never got to know him -- he had already left San Diego Unified when I started working here -- but I frequently heard him invoked as an expert on charter schools and someone I should be talking to. I wish I had talked to him more.



-- EMILY ALPERT
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/artic...nett010709.txt

Stocktaking pioneer David Venner dies
By Ewan Turney
09/01/2009 11:40

David Venner, one of the early pioneers of computerised stocktaking within the company that still bears his name, has passed away aged 76.


David joined Venners after completing his National Service in the RAF and was promoted to the board of directors in 1955.

In 1961, along with his brother Michael, he assumed a joint managing directors position, which he held until his early retirement from the business in 1985.

David helped to create modern stocktaking methods and was amongst the first to spot that stocktaking was a trade that lent itself to modern computerisation.

He also played an active role in negotiations when the business was sold to Christie + Co in 1984.

In recent years ill health had forced David to move closer to his family in Devon where he succumbed to Motor Neuron Disease on 6 January.

Trevor Heyburn, Venners current managing director, said: “All of us at Venners are deeply saddened by David’s death, although he had not been actively involved for many years we still felt his overriding presence and still, to this day, try to do things in a way of which he would have approved.”

From the publisher: Fences don't always make good neighbors


By Sandy Sanders


Poet Robert Frost wrote that fences make for good neighbors. He felt that fences kept us in good order. True.

My backdoor neighbor died last week. He was one of the best. His name was Wesley Johnson.

I had known him for nearly 40 years but only as a neighbor since 2002. For at least 10 of those years, he was my pharmacist.

When my wife and I were looking at the home we live in now, I commented to her the man going into the house behind us looked like Wesley. I looked his phone number up and called him. “Where do you live?”

When he explained where his street was, I knew it was him.

“We might be your new backdoor neighbor,” I said.

“Great, we will be glad to have you,” he answered.

From the day we moved in to almost the last day, he was able to work in his yard, or he and my wife, or he and I, talked over the fence. He even shared a peach tree with me. As it turned out neither of us were very good at growing peach trees. We both had a laugh over that.

The first time I saw Wesley as a pharmacist, it was over the counter of the drug store which in a way is like a fence. When you walked up to the counter, he always gave you a big smile. At his funeral, the minister mentioned often his smile. It was for everyone. He did not hold it for a select few. At the drug store every customer was welcomed with the same greeting. The customer who he knew might not be able to pay the bill or the ones who paid with cash were never treated differently.

Wesley found out in May that he had Lou Gehrig’s disease. I think he realized he had the disease long before the diagnosis. By October, he began to feel the full brunt of the dreaded illness. By December, the disease had begun to take away his beautiful smile as his muscles began to fail him. He died Dec. 31. He was 69.

With or without a fence, Wesley would have been no less the good neighbor with no less of a smile.



http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/op...010230500.html

Barbara E. Hartman
Lebanon Daily News


Barbara E. Hartman, 69, of 2028 Carlton Dr., Lebanon died Friday, January 9, 2009 in the M.S. Hershey Medical Center after waging a courageous 18 year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was the wife of Kenneth G. Hartman. Barbara was born in Lebanon, PA on September 10, 1939 daughter of the late Margaret Gerhart Baum. She was a 1957 graduate of Lebanon High School and retired from the Hershey Pasta Co. She enjoyed reading and loved to travel. In addition to her husband she is survived by her son: Brian L. Hartman and his wife Luanne, Lebanon; Daughters: Lori Powell and Wendy Hartman both of Lebanon; granddaughters: Taylor and Tara Powell, Lebanon; sisters: Doris Reich, Karen Mitchell; brother: Edmund Baum all of Lebanon; grand-dog: Cooper and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Peggy Strohm and brother Jimmy Baum. Memorial services will be held Friday at 2:00 PM in the Rohland Funeral Home, 508 Cumberland St., Lebanon where a visitation will begin at 1:00 PM. Interment will be made in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to A.L.S.A., 321 Norristown Rd., Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002-2755.