Ralph William Hower, 83, Riverside CA, died June 27, 2010, in Riverside.

He was born in Iron Mountain, to William Henry and Louella Marie (Shallow) Hower July 5, 1926.

He graduated from Stephenson High School in 1943. He worked in his fa ther's blacksmith shop, then went to Milwaukee. He worked for W.T. Grant Department stores. He opened new stores in several cities including Toledo, OH, and Peoria, IL.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46, then came back to Milwaukee.

He married Marilyn Gloria Weed in 1951, in Milwaukee. They moved to California later, and Ralph worked at Paine Webber, a financial services firm.

They adopted two sons, Mark Gordon and Gregg Vernon. He was a member of the Catholic church in Riverside. He was also a member of the Riverside School Board from 1975-79. He belonged to the Riverside Rotary from 1955-2002. He received the Paul Harris fellow award.

He traveled to Ireland and Japan and came back to Michigan to visit many times.

He is survived by his wife, two sons; a sister, Jeanne Corrigan; and brother, Wayne Hower, Powers, and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Merle; sister, Alice Romanowski; and two infant brothers.

Burial was July 5, in Riverside National Cemetery.

Rochelle (Shelly) Marie Paoletti, died June 21, 2010, after a short battle with cancer.

She was born July 14, 1944, and was a lifelong resident of Kingsford. She was the youngest child of Millard and Alice (Glaser) White.

She attended American Martyrs Catholic grade school through eighth grade and graduated from Kingsford High School, Class of 1962. She married Michael (Mickey) Curran in 1966, together they had three children. He preceded her in death in 1977.

She worked for many years as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell then enjoyed her time as a stay-at-home mom. She rejoined the work force again retiring from Shopko in 2006 after 25 years. In 1991, she married Nick Paoletti III.

Shelly enjoyed flower gardening, shopping and 4-wheeling with her husband. She was a painter and artist. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events. She was a member of American Martyrs Church.

She is survived be her husband, Nick; children, Kevan (Jessica) Curran, Dayton, OH, Keith (Sarah) Curran, Appleton, Kandace Curran, Stephenson, 9 grandchildren; brother, Ron (Ruby) White, Milwaukee; sisters-in-law, Ann Paoletti and Chris (Hanson) Paoletti, Green Bay, and Linda (Bob) Vincent, Iron Mountain, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joan Kujala; father-in-law, Nick Paoletti II; and brother-in-law, Michael Paoletti.

Shelly's grandchildren served as her pallbearers.

Funeral services were held at the Erickson-Rochon Nash Funeral Home, Iron Mountain.

Burial was in Breitung Township Cemetery, Quinnesec.

A memorial fund has been established.

Leonard (Lenny) J. Peaine, 68, Marinette, died July 2, 2010, at Bay Area Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 22, 1941, to the late Edmond and Irene (Moses) Peaine in Nahma, MI. He at tended school in Baraga and worked for many years in the Chicago area as a painter. Lenny was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. On April 18, 2000, he mar ried Mary Harteau.

He is survived by his wife, his children, Theresa (Dean) Sherwood, Munising, MI, Linda Fullerton, New Berlin, Debbie (Ken Steidl) Van, Menasha, David (Pat) Polzin and Scott (Sheri) Polzin, both of Menominee, 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; a brother Jimmy Peaine, Chicago; two sisters, Nancy Keller, Newberry, and Amelia Del Kiti, Anchorage, AK sisters and brothers-in-law, Millie (Ray) Ermis, Dorothy (Clarence) Benser, and Darlene (Wilmer Smitty) Ermis, and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Ralph; a sister, Angie; and three brothers, Daniel, Issac and Norman.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Selma Victoria Strauss, 87, Stephenson, died June 30, 2010, at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility, Powers.

Selma Christenson was born July 26, 1922, in Marinette, to the late Charles and Ella (Mattson) Christenson. On Nov. 19, 1939, she married William Strauss in Powers. He preceded her in death Aug. 14, 1994.

She was an avid homemaker and also worked with her husband in the woods. She enjoyed going to the casino and spending time with her family. She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where she was active in Ladies Aide.

She is survived by nieces, nephews; and one sister-in-law, Beth Strauss, Hermansville.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, and three sisters.

Family and friends called at the Anderson Diehm Funeral Home, Stephenson, where funeral services were held July 5. Pastor Craig Weber officiated.

Burial was in Stephenson Township Cemetery.

Edward J. (Sonny) Whitmarsh, 83, Milwaukee, died June 8, 2010.

He was the son of Marian (Beaudoin) Whitmarsh, Stephenson, and a graduate of Stephenson High School.

He served in the US Navy during WWII. He retired from Holt Electric Motor.

He is survived by his daughter Eileen Whitmarsh, one grandchild, Alexandria, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helene; and son, Alan (Nanette) Whitmarsh.

Funeral Mass was held June 12 at St. Roman Catholic Church.

Entombment was in St. Adalbert Cemetery.