Obituaries

LeLand John Ruzicka

Obituaries | Thursday, June 23, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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LeLand John Ruzicka, 82, passed away at his home in Lansing surrounded by family on June 19, 2011.

Born in Ithaca, NY, on August 31, 1928, Lee was a son of the late Bernard and Goldie (Davis) Ruzicka. A lifelong Lansing resident, he graduated from Ithaca High School, attended drafting school in Albany, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. In 1951 he was married to Eleanor Ludlow and they enjoyed 60 years together at their lake home on Milliken Station Road Ext. Lee worked at Cayuga Rock Salt in Lansing for many years before getting seriously hurt on the job.

Harry E. Reinhart

Obituaries | Thursday, June 23, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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Harry E. Reinhart, 85, of Lansing, passed away June 16, 2011 at Hospicare of Ithaca.

Born in Johnsonburg, PA on March 11, 1926, he was the son of the late Frank and Ada (Wachob) Reinhart. He graduated from Albion, PA High School in 1944 and served in the US Army in Korea. Following his service, Harry graduated from Slippery Rock State Teachers College and earned his Master's Degree at The University of Pittsburgh. In 1952 he married Constance Neale in Beaver Falls, PA. Harry taught in several Pennsylvania school districts and was principal of the Conneaut Valley School District. He moved to New York upon being appointed principal of Lansing High School and served in that role from 1966 - 1971. Harry then became the Director of Education at George Junior Republic. After retiring from education, he worked at Therm, Inc., Ithaca, NY.

Jason D. Herren

Obituaries | Monday, June 13, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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Jason D. Herren passed away unexpectedly at home on June 7, 2011, at the age of 36.

Born December 23, 1974, in Phoenix, AZ, he was the son of Katrina Neff and Billy Herren. Jason was employed as a welder at Pall Trinity Micro Corporation in Cortland.

In addition to his mother Katrina (Pat) Neff of Lansing, and his father, Billy Herren of IL, Jason is survived by his brothers, Jeremy Herren and James Neff of Lansing; a sister, Jessica Herren of IL; maternal grandparents, Mary Sue Taylor of AZ, Fred Cooper of AZ. and paternal grandmother, Billie R. Herren.

Thomas Andrew Skibitsky

Obituaries | Monday, June 13, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

Thomas Andrew Skibitsky of Lansing, New York peacefully passed away on June 05, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born to Andrew and the late Aldona Skibitsky on August 25, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY and was raised in Montgomery, NY. He met his beloved wife Lynda (Lehmann) in 1964 and married in 1966.

After serving in the US Air Force, he continued his education and then traveled the country as a Sonar Engineer with General Electric. His travels brought him "home" to Ithaca in 1972 where he changed careers and was a Production Supervisor for NCR and Paxar until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of All Saints Parish, the Alfa Romeo Club and the Elks Club. Tom was passionate about living life to the fullest. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, boating, and spending time with friends and family.

Calvin D. Volbrecht

Obituaries | Monday, June 06, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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Calvin D. Volbrecht, age 86, of Lansing, NY, passed away June 5, 2011.

Born March 5, 1925, he was a son of the late Arthur and Eva (Keener) Volbrecht, Sr. After graduation from High School, Cal proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. Upon returning to Lansing, he was married to his loving wife of 63 years, Edith Davis Volbrecht. Cal worked for several years with his brothers in the Volbrecht Lumber Co., was a self employed carpenter and worked for a time in the maintenance department of the Ithaca City School District. He began his own scrap metal yard with the intent of working on his own vehicles, but it quickly expanded, and he was proud of having spent over 50 years as a "scrapper".

Roseanne "Ro" Burin

Obituaries | Thursday, April 28, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

Roseanne "Ro" Burin, 49, passed away April 25, 2011, at Cayuga Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends.

Born November 3, 1961, in Ithaca, Ro was a lifelong resident of the Lansing community.

Preceded in death by her father, Paul Burin, she is survived by her Mom and Stepdad, Carolyn and Louie "JR" Mikula; her second Mom, Agnes Burin; daughter, Shauna; three granddaughters, who were the "loves of her life", Ashlie, Alexis and Allana Hamilton; her beloved dog, "Chow";

Barbara K. White

Obituaries | Tuesday, April 05, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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Barbara K. White, of Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY, passed away Monday, April 4, 2011, at the age of 57.

Born July 28, 1953, in Ithaca, she was the daughter of the late F. Wilbur and Hilda (Phippen) Wilson. After graduating from Lansing High School, Barb went on to earn an Associates degree from Paul Smith's College. She was employed for many years as a secretary with the Lansing Public School System. Active in her community, she was a member of the Lansing United Methodist Church, where she participated in the church choir as well as the Bells Angels Bell Choir. She was also a member of the Lansing Lions Club, the Lansing Theatre and Performing Arts, and was one of the founding members of the reorganized Lansing Community Council where she was instrumental in the creation of the Harbor Festival.

Joyce Henniger

Obituaries | Monday, March 07, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

Joyce Henniger of Woodsedge Dr., Lansing, NY, passed away March 3, 2011, at the age of 78.

Born February 3, 1933 in Spangler, PA, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Bertha (Lewis) Douglas. A Lansing area resident for nearly 50 years, she had retired from Woodsedge Senior Housing as an office administrator. Joyce had a strong dedication to her community and over the years served in various capacities in many local organizations. A member of Lansing United Methodist Church for over 30 years, she was also a former member of the Lansing Lions Club, Lansing Historical Society, served two terms on the Lansing School Board, was on the board of Tompkins County Office for the Aging, and was a member of the Woodsedge Resident's Association. An avid gardener, Joyce spent many hours tending her perennials and in later years became very accomplished at tole painting. She enjoyed her seasonal outings with friends to the Hangar Theatre. Her passion for travel took her around the globe to such places as Alaska, Ireland, Russia, Tibet, China, Peru, Costa Rica and Belize.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, William Henniger; a son, Greg Henniger; and her brothers, Kenny and Barry Douglas.

She is survived by her daughter, Liz (Steve) Davis of PA; four grandchildren, Abby (Michael) Brennan of NJ, Tyler (Gretchen) Davis of AZ, Matthew Henniger of TX, and Ashley Henniger of FL; a great grandchild, Eric Davis of AZ. Joyce also leaves a large, loving circle of friends in the Lansing community.

For those who wish, please consider a contribution in Joyce's memory to Haiti School Project c/o Lansing Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY 14882 or Food Net, 2422 Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Jane Sautter, will begin at 11am, Saturday, March 19th, at Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY.

Lansing Funeral Home is assisting the family.

William Arthur Schempp

Obituaries | Monday, February 14, 2011 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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William Arthur Schempp of Emmons Rd., Lansing, NY, passed away February 11, 2011, at the age of 62.

Born June 11, 1948, in Ithaca, Will was the son of George Christian Schempp and the late Mary Elizabeth Finch Schempp.

Will took great pride in having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the tender age of 14. An avid drummer and guitar player he was a member of numerous bands in his early years. Will enjoyed his work as a master carpenter for over 20 years with Perfect Painters/Heritage Builders, and jokingly said "work was a way to fund a good time". A former member of the Wine Country Antique Boat Club, Will earned numerous trophies over the years for his beautiful restoration of antique boats.

James Alden Brown

Obituaries | Tuesday, January 18, 2011 | By Herson Funeral Home

James Alden Brown, age 86 of Ithaca, entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 17, 2011 at Cayuga Medical Center. Jim was born in Mincar, West Virginia, the son of the late Lola Marie and Russell Brown. He retired from Borg Warner after 35 years of service. While living in West Virginia, he worked as a coal miner. He was a lifetime member of Forest City Lodge #180, a member of Henry Highland Garnet Masonic Lodge #40 and a lifetime member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Clarice Baker Hoag

Obituaries | Monday, December 13, 2010 | By Lansing Funeral Home

Clarice Baker Hoag, age 87, passed away on December 11, 2010, at her home on Auburn Rd. in Lansing, NY.

Born May 31, 1923, in Weedsport, NY, she was a daughter of the late Roscoe and Ada (Rodgers) Baker and was a 1943 graduate of Weedsport Central School. On July 3, 1944, Clarice was married to Kirk "John" Hoag, whom she met on a date arranged by their siblings. Shortly after marriage, they moved to Lansing where they settled in and raised their family. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Clarice's family was her passion and priority in life. She was a wonderful homemaker, a longtime member of Lansing United Methodist Church, a 4-H leader and she babysat for many children in Lansing. She also worked as a Teacher's Aide and at Rothchild's Department Store during Christmas season. Clarice struggled with Parkinson's Disease for 25 years, but was fortunate to remain at home with the love and care of her husband and family.

Julie Ann Eade

Obituaries | Thursday, December 09, 2010 | By Burbage Funeral Home

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Ocean City, MD -- Julie Ann Eade, age 59, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. Born in New York, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Gilbert and Loreda Kniskern Gilbert. She was preceded in death by her husband LaVerne "Sonny" A. Eade, Jr.

Mrs. Eade had worked for many years at OC Hair and Nails in the Gold Coast Mall where she was a manager. She was a New York Giants fan and loved gathering with friends to watch football games. She enjoyed boating, fishing and lounging by the water, her favorite destinations included the Bahamas and the Cayuga Lake in upstate New York.

Beatrice D. Oplinger Lower

Obituaries | Saturday, December 04, 2010 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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Beatrice D. Oplinger Lower "Aunt Beattie", age 82, of Freeville, passed away at home on December 1, 2010.

Born May 11, 1928, in Ithaca, she was the daughter of the late Harold B. and Florence (Bowers) Ellis. A lifelong resident of the Lansing/Dryden area, Beatrice grew up and attended school in Ludlowville. In 1945 she was married to the late Floyd W. Oplinger, who passed away in 1981. After raising two children and retiring from Cornell University, she and Floyd traveled throughout the U.S. with their fifth wheel RV, visiting many interesting areas and making friends along the way.

William F. Kelly

Obituaries | Tuesday, November 30, 2010 | By Herson Funeral Home

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William Francis Kelly, age 80 of Ithaca and a former Lansing resident, died Monday afternoon, November 29, 2010 at Hospicare, in Ithaca. Born on December 19, 1929 he was the son of the late William M. and Frances Kelly. Prior to his retirement, he and his wife, Helen, owned and operated B. Kelly and Sons Carpet Cleaning Interiors in Lansing. Mr. Kelly was the past president and actively involved in the Ithaca Kiwanis Club. He was a lifetime Soldier in the Salvation Army and was a member of the brass band and the songsters. He will always be remembered for his jovial sense of humor and his outgoing personality.

Robert E. "Bob" Dake

Obituaries | Tuesday, November 16, 2010 | By The Dake Family

Robert E. "Bob" Dake passed away at his home on Monday, November 15, 2010 after a lengthy illness.

He will be missed by his wife of 50 years, Andrea (Davis), son Douglas (Jodi Provost) of Lansing, NY, daughters Kristie (Rick) Harrold of Lorain, OH and Carla (Jeff) Overstrom also of Lansing; his grandchildren Kyle, Corey and Kristin Dake, Alyssia Harrold, his sister-in-law Ann Dake of Indiana as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Nancy Jane Bachelor

Obituaries | Sunday, November 07, 2010 | By Lansing Funeral Home

Nancy Jane Bachelor, age 79, of 47 Ridge Rd., Lansing, NY, passed away on November 5, 2010, with the love and blessings of all her family.

Born August 14, 1931 in Kellogsville, NY, she was the daughter of the late Jake and Margery (Cutler) Leiber. She retired in 1995 from Cornell University with over 35 years of dedicated service. Nancy will be remembered for her love of the New York Yankees and her kind, giving spirit to all who knew her. Her family will miss her humor and the never ending love she had for each of them.

Susan J. Rosenkoetter

Obituaries | Tuesday, October 05, 2010 | By -Staff

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Susan Rosenkoetter of Ithaca, NY passed away in Hospicare on September 12, 2010 at the age of 71. She was the daughter of the late Elmer and Dorothy (Davis) Rosenkoetter. She is survived by her cousins Jerry (Ron) Burke, Andy (Bob) Dake, John Davis, all of Lansing, Noni (Keith) Chatterton of Sandy Creek, Donna Folk of Florida, several cousins from Illinois and a close friend, Joan Sears and family from Syracuse. Susan was predeceased by a brother Carl W. and a cousin Bill Davis.

Affectionately known as "the book lady" to hundreds of students educated in Lansing, Susan grew up in Myers, attended Lansing Schools and Ithaca College, then pursued a fulfilling career as Young Adult Librarian in the Rochester Library System.

Rodney J. Burke

Obituaries | Tuesday, September 21, 2010 | By Lansing Funeral Home

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Rodney J. Burke, of 791 VanOstrand Rd., Lansing, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the age of 46, at Hospicare, after a courageous battle with renal cell cancer.

Rod's joy was spending time on his boat, "The Dreamer," cooking perch for friends and family at Hibiscus Harbor. He enjoyed fishing and boating on Cayuga Lake right up until his last outing on Sept. 11th.

Born June 2, 1964 in Ithaca, he was a son of Stanley A. and Mary T. (Macera) Burke, who survive him. A 1983 graduate of Lansing High School, Rod was most recently employed with the Millwright's Union #740. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed bow hunting and fishing.

Geraldine Helen Hatfield

Obituaries | Thursday, September 09, 2010 | By Lansing Funeral Home

Geraldine Helen Hatfield, age 77, passed away in the presence of family on Sunday, September 5, 2010, at her home on Moore Rd. in Lansing.

Born November 28, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Roy P. and Margaret A. (Stillman) Moore. A lifelong Lansing resident, Gerry helped her beloved husband of 57 years, Rod, work the family farm. Family was Gerry's first priority in life; she loved having everyone at the farm. Her passion for family, cooking and vegetable gardening produced wonderful meals and gatherings that will be cherished forever by family and friends. Gerry was a member of The Lady Gideons and was an election worker at North Lansing Fire Hall for many years. She and Rod's travels spanned three continents, and they spent the last fifteen winters in Florida.

George A. Baker

Obituaries | Monday, August 09, 2010 | By Lansing Funeral Home

George A. Baker, age 77, of 158 Asbury Rd., Lansing, passed away at home on Sunday, August 8, 2010.

Born January 13, 1933 in Ayer, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Arthur H. and Loretta (Ricard) Baker. After high school George proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954. Upon his honorable discharge, George was married to Tsuyuko "Terri" Kuroki. He and Terri enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage before she passed away in 1999. They settled in Orange County, NY, where he and Terri raised four daughters. He was employed for many years with the Yellow Freight Company in Maybrook, NY, retiring in 1996.

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