Obituaries

A Funeral Mass will be held for Cherie Ann Kasperek, at St. David Catholic Church, 3900 South University Drive, Davie, Florida at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Cooper City American Legion Post 321 from 11 a.m. to 3 pm. Affectionately known as Cher by her loved ones, she graced this world with her presence on July 19, 1954, in Buffalo, New York. Her journey came to an abrupt and unexpected close as she passed away surrounded by her loving family in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on November 13, 2024, due to

Ferolyn Lorraine Currier Menzel (Fay), 96, was called home in the early hours of January 5, 2025. Born March 16, 1928, in Fleetwood Pennsylvania, Fay was the beloved daughter of Charles Nelson Currier and Ada Blanche Currier Magnuson. Fay grew up in North Tarrytown and Ossining, NY, graduating from Ossining High School in 1945 and attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio. This is where she met her husband Rev. Donald David Menzel and embarked on the life of a pastor’s wife. Fay and Donald enjoyed 40 years of marriage. Fay returned to school after raising seven children. She earned her

Glenn R. Wheeler, departed this world on December 27, 2024. He was born on September 22, 1942, in Buffalo, New York to the late George and Kathryn (Rubritz) Wheeler Glenn was a man of many talents. As a skilled Maintenance Machinist at American Axle, he prided himself on his ability to fix anything that came his way. This skill extended far beyond his professional life and into his personal one. He was the Wheeler family’s go-to handyman, always ready to lend a hand or share his knowledge. Retired but never idle, Glenn found joy in golfing, a sport where his

Rodney J. “Hot Rod” Whiting, 72, of Lyndonville, NY, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. He was born on July 31, 1952, in Batavia, New York, the son of the late Lauren and Shirley (Blackstone) Whiting. On May 29, 1976, Hot Rod married the former LuAnne Bow, and together, they raised two children. He was employed as a maintenance Foreman at Whiting Door Manufacturing in Akron, NY until his retirement. Hot Rod enjoyed being outdoors, especially while hunting, riding his Harley, and driving his 1952 Chevy

Wilfred Ground, Jr. affectionately known as Duner or Willie, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024. Born on August 9, 1953, in Batavia, NY, to the late Wilfred and Rubena (Logan) Ground. A devoted husband, he was widowed from his wife Beatrice Ground, who preceded him in death, and was a cherished father and grandfather. Willie was a proud and dedicated mechanic at NFTA in Buffalo, New York, before his retirement. He had an unwavering love for sports, with a particular fondness for basketball and lacrosse. He took great pleasure in playing horse shoes and honing his woodworking skills. He

Tom Gesel, born April 13, 1957, peacefully passed away at his home in Akron, New York, on October 2024. A dedicated resident of the Akron area for 27 years, he was the son of Mary Rae and Joseph Gesel from Williamsville. In his youth, Tom enjoyed helping his father at the family car lot and was active in the family business, Gesel’s Furniture, which he later took over as The Assortment. He was also passionate about racing, becoming one-third of the Gesel Brothers Racing alongside his father and brother Peter. A highlight of his racing career was winning the First

John Laude, 32, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly October 27, 2024. He is survived by his mother, Ruth (Scott Fehr) Perry; father, Lawrence (Wanda) Laude; siblings, Tiffany (Dan) Wetzler, Lawrence Laude, stepbrother, Alan Mileham, and his 5 nieces. Also, survived by his grandfather, Roy Perry, as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins. John was a hard worker who worked many laborious jobs and enjoyed his time working as a bartender. He will be remembered for his mischievous smile, love of adventure, and desire to make others laugh.  Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday,

Flora Leamer, a tireless volunteer in the Clarence and Akron communities, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ last Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Lenard Chester Babel, mentor to many, loved by all, 78, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Washington, UT. He was born December 23, 1945, in Buffalo, NY to Chester L Babel and Betty June Martin. He passed quietly in his home on August 10, 2024, surrounded by family.