E. Uckele

E. Genevieve Uckele, 92 years of Monroe, MI passed away Sunday, August 15, 2010 in her home. Known as the “Throat Whistler” of Monroe, Genevieve was born August 1, 1918 in Toledo, OH the daughter of the late Jay and Edith (Boughton) Morden. She moved to Monroe with her family in 1922 when her father opened the Monroe Fire and Supply Business at 22 W. Front St. The family occupied the living quarters above the store. Genevieve married Orville L. Uckele on November 29, 1947 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Monroe, the Rev. Howard D.D. officiated. Genevieve attended Monroe Public Schools and was a 1937 graduate of Monroe High School. She also attended Monroe Business School. Genevieve was employed by the N.Y.A. office in Monroe during WWII and as an inspector for the Navy at Woodall Industries. She also worked for Hausmann Radio and Appliance, Monroe Auto Equipment, in the shipping and receiving office, McMillan Printing, Keidan’s Jewelers, Monroe County Weekly, Lamour Printing, and the Monroe Evening News in the display advertising department. Genevieve was a member of Ida United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, American Legion Pond Post and the Ladies Auxiliary, The Point Place VFW, Monroe and Gaylord Senior Citizens, Fraternal Order of Eagles in Gaylord. She was a life member of the Monroe county Fair Association, since 1947, AARP, Michigan Sheriff’s Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and a former member of Monroe Golden Lions Club. She was an avid Hunter. Genevieve was known for her throat whistling performing at theaters, on stage, and in churches and organizations. She whistled with the Billy Matthews Band, The Frankie Billmairs Band and Luchin Millers Dance Orchestra at the Monroe Odd Fellows Hall. Genevieve offered a medley of tunes on Radio Station WTOL in Toledo for 2 days for the luncheon program in 1938. She also made recordings with a named band in Ecorse Michigan. Genevieve is survived by several nieces and nephews of which 2 reside in Monroe; Joyce Sanders and Diana Procy. Cremation will be held. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10:00 am in the Bacarella Funeral Home. The Rev. Sang “Abraham” Chun will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Humane Society of the Ida United Methodist church.