Berta Jean Parrish Viecelli

Williamston, Michigan

Berta Jean Viecelli died on Friday, December 28, 2012 in Lansing Mi at the age of 86. Jean was born in McDougal, AR in 1926 and moved with her family to Detroit, MI in 1937. She attended high school in Plymouth, MI and worked at Burroughs Corporation as a typist before marriage. Jean married Julian Viecelli in 1947 and lived in Garden City, MI. They moved to the family farm in Webberville, MI in 1956 where Jean stayed home to raise their seven children. She loved to read and write long letters to her family and friends. She was devoted to her sister, Doris, and cared for her throughout her illness until her death in 2000. Jean loved her children, was a great cook and believed in education and maintaining strong family relationships. She can trace her family tree back to the early 1600’s in Virginia and The Carolinas.

Julian Viecelli died on Friday December 21, 2012 in Lansing, MI at the age of 90. Julian was born in Claridge, PA in 1922 and moved to Detroit with his large Italian family in 1929. He was drafted November 28, 1942 into the Army during WWII and served in the 1ST and 5TH Army, Battery “D” 216TH, Anti-Air Craft Artillery Battalion (AAA) as a PFC. He fought in Africa under General Patton’s 1ST Army. Then the AAA was transferred to the 5TH Army where he fought campaigns in Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. His unit won several service medals with 6 Bronze Stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead in combat over three years. Julian received a Good Conduct Medal, Expert Sharpshooter Medal and an Honorable Discharge for faithful service to his country. He was never wounded in battle and returned home in October, 1945. Julian worked for Ford Motor Company in Detroit before the war and worked for Burroughs Corporation after the war until he retired in 1982. Julian moved to the farm in Webberville, MI in 1956 where he worked and raised his family with Jean until his death. Julian was a devout Catholic and observed services at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamston, MI. He dearly loved his wife, Jean, their seven children and his extended family who hold family reunions every year in Detroit. Jean and Julian are much loved and will be missed greatly by their family and friends.

The family is planning a Memorial Celebration in the spring for Jean and Julian, husband and wife of 65 ½ years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI. 48917, for their compassionate care and nursing services.