OBITS

OBITUARIES

Mary Seine

Avid cyclist, world traveler, and retired accountant Mary Seine’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her death. Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at the age of 94. But all of the countless people who loved her will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Mary’s love for others was palpable. She would greet every person with a beautiful, toothy grin and a “I need a hug,” which she said to everyone. A word of encouragement or expression of her genuine excitement to see you often followed as well. Mary didn’t have acquaintances, only friends. It didn’t matter if you were the sheriff, the garbage man, or her neighbor, everyone got homemade zucchini bread. Mary understood just how important connection is, especially as people age. This is why she worked so diligently to sustain an active bridge group. She wanted to create an inclusive space where all could come and enjoy a positive experience together. It really wasn’t about the bridge game, but the relationships that were fostered while there.

Adorned in a vest that said, “One less car,” Mary could often be seen riding all over Anna Maria Island. It wasn’t unusual for her to ride 100 miles a week. When she wasn’t riding her bike, she was most likely on a cruise exploring a new place. This was one of her favorite things to do with her husband, Joe Seine (Papa Joe). The two were married for 35 years and enjoyed many epic adventures.

Mayor Dan Murphy, of Anna Maria, captured the essence of Mary perfectly when he spoke at her 90th birthday party, declaring April 22 “Mary Louise Seine Day.” He said, “She is the Island’s role model.” Seine had this wonderful way of bringing out the best in people and making every person feel seen and valued.

Mary L. Clay was born in Battle Creek, Mich. She married her high school sweetheart, Charles Auren Kiger. Years after his death she moved to Anna Maria, Fla. She began working in accounts payable at Beall’s, where she worked loyally for 20 years. She volunteered as treasurer for the Woman’s Guild at Roser Church for 25 years.

Mary is survived by her children, John W. Kiger, Grand Haven, Mich., and Alicia L. Fuller (Robert), Big Rapids, Mich. She was “Grandma Mary” to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In the true spirit of Mary, who loved a good party, there will be a memorial celebrating her extraordinary, love-filled life at Roser Church in mid-July 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Roser Church in Anna Maria, Florida.

Richard Freeman

Longtime Anna Maria Island resident Richard Freeman, 73, died Feb. 3, 2022, of cardiac arrest after battling early-onset dementia. Richard was born in Evanston, Ill. At the age of 20, he moved with friends to Colorado. His love for the mountains grew over the years and he opened a successful sawmill company. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Pat, and daughter, Nikki. As a newly founded family, they moved to Anna Maria Island in 1989. Soon after, Richard obtained his real estate license and very quickly became a top producer of Island property sales for many years. Richard’s quick wit, along with a multitude of stories accompanied with friendliness and a huge desire to help others, stayed with him until the end. He was well-known and loved by many and will be greatly missed. Richard is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pat; daughter Nikki; son-in-law Bo Kohlmeyer; granddaughter Avaya; mother, Marcia Freeman, age 101; sister, Nancy Atta; and brother, William Freeman. The family will announce a celebration of life at a later date.

Bob Wiersema

It is with great sadness that we announce Robert “Bob” Wiersema, 68, of Bradenton, passed away on Feb. 21, 2022. After battling lung disease for several years, defying doctors’ expectations and living past their predictions, he qualified for and received a double lung transplant in January 2022. Unfortunately, he passed away due to complications after the surgery.

Bob was born Nov. 25, 1953, in Oak Lawn, Ill., one of six boys of Martha and Gilbert Wiersema. He moved to Anna Maria Island while he was about 4 and his love for the Island never left him. He attended Manatee High School.

His love of cooking started at an early age when he would bake and sell pies to friends and family. He went on to be an accomplished, self-taught chef of over 20 years in several local area restaurants, including the High Seas and Seafood Shack. While working at the Shack, he would meet Linda Sundstrom, who would then become his wife for more than 39 years. Bob and Linda went on to have one daughter, Jackie.

After his career as a chef, he became a rural mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service, where he retired in 2015 after more than 20 years of service. He was an active member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, serving as a delegate to many state and national conventions.

Following his father’s death, Bob lovingly cared for his mother, Martha, always making sure all her needs were met until her death in 2015.

He was a friend to all and would do anything for anyone in need. He was a firm believer in going after your dreams and was quick to support others in theirs. He loved spending time with his family, boating and fishing. He was an avid NASCAR fan, attending many races with friends. He also loved his puppies, Paisley, Remy, Gus and Izzy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Martha Wiersema; and brothers, Hank Wiersema, John Wiersema and Daniel Wiersema.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Wiersema (Sundstrom); daughter Jackie Medina (Eli) and grandchildren Cadence, Reed and Harper. He is also survived by brothers Michael (Meg) Wiersema and Carl (Delaine) Wiersema, sister-in-law Debby Sundstrom, numerous nieces and nephews as well as a whole host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Manatee County. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

COVID: Governor rejects CDC guidelines

FROM PAGE 1 make decisions for Floridians rooted in sound science, not fear, whether they are working or in school.”

Public health updates in Florida now include: updating daycare guidance to limit child isolation to 5 days • updating the school rule to limit student isolation to 5 days • reducing isolation for Floridians with COVID-19 to 5 days • advising health care practitioners and facilities to reevaluate current protocols in favor of scientifically-based treatment options

CDC GUIDELINES

The majority of Florida counties (41 of 67), including Manatee (Anna Maria Island) and Sarasota counties, currently have high levels of COVID-19 transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The CDC advises people in high transmission areas to: • Wear a mask indoors in public • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, even if you had COVID-19 • Take additional precautions if you are at high risk for severe illness • Get tested if you have symptoms

LOCAL TESTING OPTIONS

Manatee County’s available COVID-19 testing options include the walk-up testing site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto, until March 5.

The testing site in the parking lot at 1301 8th Ave. W. in Bradenton will remain open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Additional testing options in the area include: • The U.S. Postal Service program to mail at-home testing kits directly to those who request the tests. Up to four tests per household can be requested and will be mailed directly to your home at no cost. To sign up to receive the at-home kits visit https://special.usps.com/testkits. • Pharmacies, private physician offices and laboratories. Testing resources can be found at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/testing-sites.

32 THE SUN SPORTS MARCH 2, 2022

Team Nissan of Bradenton wins over HSH by three

BY MONICA SIMPSON

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

In an action-packed, high-flying game to start the big field action at The Center last Tuesday night, the Nissan of Bradenton team narrowly won over HSH 38-35 in the 11- to 13-year-old league flag football league. After the seventh week of youth flag football, played Wednesday night as the result of games being canceled due to weather, both squads go into the playoffs with a 3-3 record.

Charlie Rogers, quarterback for Nissan of Bradenton, lead the team to victory with four passing touchdowns. Rogers’ targets, Brennen Gunter and Colten Shook, each had two scoring catches.

Shook also took the football into the endzone, giving the Nissan of Bradenton squad an additional six points with a rushing TD.

On offense for HSH, Jack Mattick and Audrey Guess took to the QB helm, putting 18 points on the scoreboard. Guess threw for two TDs and Mattick threw for six points.

While behind center, Guess’ go-to receivers were Emma Raulerson and Avery Guess.

Critical extra points were made by Audrey Guess and teammate Tyler Conn, with two of his own for team HSH. The successful point-after attempts by Gunter and Shook helped make the difference in the team’s win.

Defensively, Nissan of Bradenton’s pick-six by Gunter was a game-changer. The interception for the score was one of two defensive nabs by Gunter in the game.

Audrey Guess had a takeaway for HSH, which helped keep her team in the game.

Despite the loss, team HSH fought hard and showed why the team is a contender in the playoffs.

The quarterfinal playoff action for the 11- to 13-year-old league, starts with Nissan of Bradenton playing Miz & Hiz Biz. HSH Designs has game three of the night against Investigative Lawyers Group. Looking for their first win of the season, Wash Family Construction goes into their game the underdogs against Moss Builders.

Finishing the regular season on top, team Blalock Walters received the bye for the week and will wait to find out who their opponent will be in the semifinal games on Tuesday, March 8, starting at 6:15 p.m.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN Above, Audrey Guess, for team HSH, gains huge yardage for her team after the catch. The Nissan of Bradenton defense sprints down the field attempting to prevent the touchdown. Right, Colton Shook, for team Nissan of Bradenton, takes to the air against HSH’s Emma Raulerson in last Tuesday night’s youth flag football match at The Center.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 6 EIGHT- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Moss Builders (6-0) 29 Mac Parkman Foundation (0-6) 0

Beach Bums (4-2) 26 Progressive Cabinetry (1-5) 20 11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE HSH (3-3) 34 Wash Family Construction (0-6) 28 Blalock Walters (5-0) 28 Investigative Lawyers Group (3-3) 6 Nissan of Bradenton (3-3) 12 Miz & Hiz Biz (2-4) 13 Moss Builders (4-2) Bye

Prosper Bradenton (4-2) 14 Bradenton Beach Parasailing (2-4) 12

Solid Rock Construction (5-1) 29 Shady Lady (2-4) 18

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Nissan of Bradenton (3-2) 38 HSH (2-3) 35

Moss Builders (4-2) 40 Wash Family Construction (0-5) 6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 7 Sandbar (3-4-0) 21 Prosper Bradenton (3-4-0) 35

Investigative Lawyers Group (3-2) 38 Miz & Hiz Biz (1-4) 36 WTBL (4-2-1) 34 Moss Builders (4-3-0) 33

Blalock Walters (4-0) Bye

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 7 EIGHT- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Solid Rock Construction (5-2) 20 Beach Bums (5-2) 31 Mac Parkman Foundation (1-6) 21 Shady Lady (2-5) 20

Progressive Cabinetry (2-5) 18 Prosper Bradenton (4-3) 6

Solid Rock Construction (4-3-0) 45 Cortez Deep Sea Fishing (2-5-0) 21

TBT (4-2-1) Shady Lady (3-4-0) 20 48

Mi-Box (2-2-0) 16 Gulfview Windows & Doors (1-2-1) 14