Gabriel “Bud” Porenta, 84, of the Ruby Creek area of Mason County and formerly of Niles, passed away Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 at home.

He was born in Ferry Township, Oceana County, March 24, 1925 to John and Mary Porenta and was the youngest of 10 siblings.

Gabriel served as a staff sergeant during the Korean War.  He was employed at Tyler Refrigeration in Niles for 30 years, retiring in 1984.  He married Martha Hickerson in December1950 and they lived in Niles until her death.

He married Dorothy Bush from Mason County in 1978.  They moved to Ruby Creek where he lived until his death.  Gabriel was also preceded in death by his brothers, Stanley, Roy, John, Joe and Frank Porenta; and sisters, Molly Brandel, Ann Lipps, Mary Knudsen and Irma Stellini.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot;” children, Clare (Patricia) Spurgis, Monte (Lisa) Porenta, Roxanna (John) Stewart, Morgan Reed and Rose (Joel) Lee; grandchildren, Michael (Stephanie) Porenta, Emiko (Evan) Irish, Barry Teshima, Alexandra Porenta, Tashia Kurdi, Philip (Mistey) Gable, Tony (Pamela) Maples, Michael (Shell) Lee and Melissa (Larry) Reynolds; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

The memorial service for Gabriel will be held Monday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby, Mich.

You may get directions or leave a message of condolence for the family at www.harrisfhome.com.

Memorials to Hospice of Mich., The American Cancer Society or the Carr Settlement Fire Department are appreciated.