2015 Homer Index Obituaries

January 7, 2015

Shane Anthony Connin
Shane Anthony Connin, 39, of Quincy, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2014, in Butler Township.
A memorial service was held Monday, January 5, at 11 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating. The family received friends Sunday, January 4, from 4-7 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home.
Shane was born December 21, 1975, in Albion, to Keith and Elaumae (Nichols) Connin, Sr. He graduated from Homer High School in 1995 and married Amy Galinis June 7, 1996, in Coldwater.
Mr. Connin worked for Wildwood Farms in Quincy for many years, then went to work for Tenneco in Litchfield where he has worked for the past 14 years.  He belonged to the Delta Water Fowl and the NRA.  
Shane was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and cutting wood. He liked to keep busy and was a devoted family man, especially to his wife, children and grandchildren.
Shane is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Kyle (Tara) Connin of Tekonsha, and Tyler Connin and Jordan Connin, both of Quincy; his father, Keith Connin, Sr. of Union City; his mother, Mae Connin of Burr Oak; his brothers and sisters, Theresa (Jim) Sheely of Camden, Keith (Tammy) Connin, Jr. of Allen and Melanie (Tim) Arnett of Bronson; his grandchildren, Zayne, Anabelle and Tessa Connin; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
www.dutcherfh.com. (w/photo)

January 14, 2015

Ruth Ann Taylor
Ruth Ann (Nietzke) Taylor, 75, of Homer, died Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at her residence.
Mrs. Taylor was born April 20, 1939, in Marengo, to Herbert and Kathy (Semon) Nietzke. She graduated from Homer High School in 1957. Ruth married Bob Taylor February 14, 1959, in Homer.
Over the years, Mrs. Taylor worked at the Homer grocery store and the Homer School library, but mainly she was a homemaker and took pride in helping her husband, Bob, run the family farming operation. Ruth enjoyed crafting, sewing, working on the farm, spending time with her family, taking care of her dogs and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. It was said that she never missed a game.
Mrs. Taylor is survived by her husband; two sons, Robert (Annette) Taylor of Homer, and Jeff Taylor of Homer; four grandchildren, Heather Taylor, Ashley Taylor, Tanner Taylor and Tyler Taylor; great-grandchild, Taylor Marie Dixon; sister, Mary Brown of Springport; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Nietzke.
Visitation was held at the Craig Kempf Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel Friday, January 9, from 4-8 p.m. with family present to greet friends at that time. A memorial service took place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, at the Craig Kempf Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel with the Rev. Timothy Marvil officiating. Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.  
Memorial contributions are requested to the Homer First Presbyterian Church or the Homer Community Foundation. 
Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

Pauline E. Glance
Pauline E. Glance, our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2014, in Monroe, at the age of 85.  
Pauline was born November 24, 1929, in Homer, to Marian and Earl Miller, the first of four children. 
Pauline graduated from Homer High School. She married John Carbaugh and together they had four children, Michael, Mary, Julia and Martha. The family moved to Brigham City, Utah, in 1962.  
Later divorced, Pauline returned to school and obtained her associate’s degree in child development while working for the Home Start Program. Pauline served many years as a caring and dedicated Home Start teacher throughout Box Elder and Cache counties. It was during these years she met and married George R. Glance. They married in 1975 and had many wonderful years together sharing their love, faith, music and blended family.
Pauline was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved her family unconditionally and selflessly. She always spoke kind words and gave strong witness of her faith in God. Pauline spent many hours in service of her church, the Community Presbyterian Church. She loved music and was a gifted singer. She shared her beautiful voice in church and the community, often while George played the organ at her side.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, George; parents; and a sister, Kay Vanderford. 
She is survived by her two  brothers, Wayne (Nancy) Chapman and David Chapman; her children, Michael (Robin) Carbaugh, Mary Carbaugh, Julia (Nicholas) D’Alesandro and Martha (Greg) Nocella; and nine grandchildren and 10 great-grand children. (w/photo)

Charles E. Gordon
Charles E. Gordon, 77, of Homer Township, went to be with his Savior Friday, January 9, 2015, after an extended illness.  
Born October 21, 1937, in Jackson County, he was the son of Kenneth E. and Louise M. (Wildt) Gordon. He was a 1955 graduate of Litchfield High School and a 1971 graduate of Grand Rapids Baptist College & Seminary, where he earned a BA degree.  
He worked at Keeler Brass in Grand Rapids for 22 years and then became an owner/operator and drove semi trucks for 23 years.  Charles also was a member of the Homer Police Department Reserves.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Helen (Johnson) Gordon, whom he married October 31, 1955; six children, Kenneth (Sue) Gordon of Litchfield, Jeffery Gordon of Middleville, Mark Gordon of Zeeland, Teres (Jeff) Ripley of Zeeland, Nancy (Craig) VanSingel of Wyoming and Tim (Tracy) Gordon of Sparta; a brother, Phillip (Doris) Gordon of Mosherville; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.  
He was preceded in death by his parents. 
Visitation is scheduled for today (Wednesday) from 5-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Pierpont officiating.  
Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Litchfield.  
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

Anita Louise Eldred
Anita Louise (DeWert) Eldred, of Homer, passed away Saturday January 10, 2015, in the comfort of her home with her beloved family with her, providing her care filled with love.
Anita was born May 26, 1937, in Monroeville, Indiana, to Cecil and Carol (Dager) DeWert. She moved to Homer as a child with her family and attended Homer schools.
She met Gary Eldred in high school (whom she initially wasn’t too impressed with, noting that she thought his arms were too long for his body!). She got over those arms, they dated and fell in love. They were married September 6, 1955. The couple have enjoyed a mutually loving, fruitful and respectful relationship these many years. They raised their family in Homer.
Family always came first with Anita (and Gary). When Gary worked in Algonquin, Illinois, for a time, Anita would pack the children up and travel there where they would camp along the Fox River for the summer together. Gary would often return to their campsite after work and find a string of catfish, reflecting Anita’s enjoyment of fishing. The catfish became the family’s dinner that night (after Gary cleaned them of course!)  She and Gary deer hunted together. They have enjoyed the time they have had with their growing family, of course especially with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 
Anita worked for Folk Oil beginning in the early 1980s. She managed their P/S Food Marts in Tekonsha, Homer, Albion and Concord until she was forced to retire due to ill health in 1998. Prior to that, she managed and bartended at Fred’s, Bernie’s and the Homer Grist Mill. 
She enjoyed crocheting, doing jigsaw puzzles, trap shooting and bowling. She loved to watch the birds in the wintertime at their bird feeders in their yard. She loved her dogs, her four-legged friends! She used to breed boxers. Her family remembers one particularly colorful phrase used in regard to her dogs over the years at special times! 
Surviving are her beloved husband, Gary; their children and spouses, Gary and Debra Eldred Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona, Sheri and Keith Zienert of Marshall, and Michael and Marsha Eldred of Homer; their grandchildren, Stacy (Erik) Lawson, Joshua (Tracy) McCullough, Matthew (Jenah Vanderpool) McCullough, Alyssa and Ryan Eldred, Aaron (Amanda) Zienert, and Addie (Dean) Mabus; great-grandchildren Preston and Keagan Lawson, Isaiah Sullivan, Jeffery “Deuce” and Cooper McCullough, Kaden Zienert, Hunter Mabus, Ayla and Andon Zienert; three sisters, Roberta Gerardot of Indiana, Mary (Don) Royston of Florida and Karen Sue (Albert) Lees of Florida; her brothers, Wayne DeWert of Georgia and William DeWert of Florida; and nieces and nephews. 
Anita was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Paul Eldred; sisters Helen, Gloria and Joyce; and a brother, Edward.
Visitation was held at the Craig K. Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel Monday, and services celebrating her life were held Tuesday, January 13, at 1:30 p.m., with Pastor Bill Cole officiating. Interment was at West Clarendon Cemetery.  A fellowship was held at the Kempf Funeral Home Reception Hall. 
The family requests memorial contributions to Oaklawn Hospice or Maple Grove Bible Church. Assistance with memorials available at the funeral home.
To leave a message for the family please visit Kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

Helen M. Gauger
Helen M. Gauger, 90, of Reading, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015, at the Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater.  
Born April 26, 1924, in Litchfield, she was the daughter of Charles and Elsie (Faulk) Kaetzel, and was a graduate of Litchfield High School. She was a member of the Montgomery United Methodist Church and enjoyed cooking, reading and crossword puzzles.
She married Donald G. Gauger October 9, 1948, and he survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Dana (Robert) Snyder of Coldwater; a son, Dennis (Robin) Gauger of Butler, Indiana; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Edward and Ernest Kaetzel. 
Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at the Montgomery United Meth-odist Church, with Pastor Don Lee and the Rev. Alan Fenstermaker officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Litchfield. 
Visitation was scheduled for Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Reading. 
Memorials are suggested to the Montgomery United Methodist Church or the family.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com. (w/photo)

Arthur Zimmerman
Arthur Zimmerman, 87, of Homer, went to be with the Lord Thursday, January 8, 2015, at Allegiance Health in Jackson. 
He was born January 12, 1927, to Carl and Ruth (Morey) Zimmerman in Detroit. His family came back to Albion when he was a young boy. 
After finishing high school, he enlisted into the U. S. Navy, serving during WWII, where he left with an honorable discharge. Arthur then started working for Union Steel Products Plant in Albion, for more than 40 years as the manufacturing supervisor manger.
Arthur was a lifetime member of the Albion Elk’s Lodge #1798. Arthur loved all sports - ice fishing and playing baseball on the Albion City league, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions, attending all games possible. Art loved being on the golf course at Tomac Woods in Albion. He worked for a number of years at Tomac Woods Golf Course along with playing lots of golf and winning many championships and trophies in outings. He was a champ at golf and considered everyone at Tomac Woods his family, and they all respected him and loved him as a family member. It was a great joy and lots of happiness throughout his life playing golf. Arthur loved to laugh and joke and was well respected and loved by all of his friends.
Arthur is survived by the love of his life, Ardell Osborne and her family; sons, Randy Zimmerman, Jeffrey Zimmerman and Steven Zimmerman; a brother, Anthony Roggenbuk; a sister, Virginia Ludtke; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
A funeral service will be today (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m.  at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, with Father Joe Gray officiating. Entombment will follow at Albion Memory Gardens.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Albion Elk’s Lodge #1798 for Crippled Children’s Fund.
www.jktiddfuneralhome.com.

January 21, 2015

Daniel T. O’Dell
Daniel T. O’Dell, age 51, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at his home with his family by his side.
Daniel is survived by his wife, Mary O’Dell; children, Caleb and Anna; sisters, Reatha Richardson, and Tisa O’Dell; brothers, Jerry O’Dell, Ron (Ida) O’Dell, Craig (Diana) O’Dell, Clifford O’Dell Jr, Clarence (Cammie) O’Dell, Robert O’Dell and Matthew (Cathy) O’Dell; sister-in-law, Sandy O’Dell; and many nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice O’Dell, his father, Clifford O’Dell Sr. and one brother, Philip O’Dell.
Visitation for family and friends was held Monday, January 19, from 9:30-11 a.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church, 3200 Reed Road, Clarklake. A funeral service followed at the church, with Pastor Daniel White officiating. Interment was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Cook’s Prairie Cemetery, 23 Mile Road, Homer. 
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family for funeral expenses or Fellowship Baptist Church c/o First Bible or BEAMS, 3200 Reed Rd, Clarklake, MI 49234. 
www.jktiddfuneralhome.com.

January 28, 2015

Kaye Louise (Crandall) Denman
Kaye Louise (Crandall) Denman, 59, of Homer, died Sunday, January 25, 2015, at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.
Kaye was born April 15, 1955, to Wayne Kenneth and Mary Louise (Lane) Crandall. She graduated from Homer High School in 1973, and then went on to serve two years in the Army. Kaye married Wade Denman December 28, 1992, in Wisconsin.
Kaye was a cat enthusiast who also enjoyed knitting, counted cross stitch, rug-hooking, antiquing and birdwatching.
She is survived by her husband, Wade, of Homer; daughter, Amy (David) Strick of California; grandchildren, Jordan and Lauren of California; mother, Mary Lou Crandall, of Homer; siblings, Terry (Jeri Lu) Crandall, of Homer, David Crandall of Homer, Cindy (Bob) Flynn, of Hillsdale, and Daniel (Tracey) Crandall, of Homer; nine nieces and nephews; and three great nieces and nephews. Kaye was preceded in death by her father.
Visitation will take place at the Craig Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, 303 South Hillsdale Street, Thursday from 2-8 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. 
A funeral service celebrating her life will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, at the Homer Presbyterian Church, 309 South Sophia, Homer, with the Rev. Tim Marvil officiating. Family will gather with friends following the services at the Homer Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. 
Memorial contributions are requested to Caring and Sharing. 
Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home. 
Please leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

February 4, 2015

Bradley Dean Teller
Bradley Dean Teller, of Litchfield, passed away January 23, 2015, at Heartland Health Care Center in Ann Arbor. He was 60 years old.
Born August 13, 1954, in Hillsdale, he was the son of Harvey Teller and Gladys Deventer. He served in the army as an aircraft mechanic, and later became a carpenter. Bradley enjoyed repairing cars, hunting and watching football, but most of all he loved spending time with his granddaughters.
Bradley is survived by his daughter, Lyndsey Crosbie (Stephen) of Dearborn; a son, Bradley Teller II of Jackson; two granddaughters, Sophie Teller and Audriena Crider of Jackson; their mother, Brittney Johnson of Jackson; his stepmother, Janice Teller of Litchfield; two brothers, Harvey Teller (Carol) of Litchfield and Milo Teller of Dixon, Illinois; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 28, at noon, at the Litchfield United Methodist Church, 160 Marshall Street, Litchfield. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/. 
Please visit www.niefuneral-homes.com to sign the guestbook and leave a memory. (w/photo)

February 11, 2015

David Max Burkwalt
David Max Burkwalt, 74, of Homer, died Saturday, February 7, 2015, at his home.
Mr. Burkwalt was born August 17, 1940, at the family’s house at Duck Lake.  He attended Albion Schools. On November 25, 1960, he married Jewell Case in Albion.
Mr. Burkwalt worked for Quality Asphalt in Homer for several years and retired in 2012.  He also worked many years at Brooks Foundry in Albion until the plant closed, and at Harvard Industries in Albion until that plant closed.  
Mr. Burkwalt was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed rescuing animals, collecting guns, watching western movies and riding on his Indian motorcycle. Mr. Burkwalt enjoyed working on cars, machinery and diesel engines. He was skilled with his hands and worked many years - often seven days a week - to provide for his family. Neighbors would bring their cars, lawn mowers and even bicycles to his home to have him take a look at them. Besides being an automotive mechanic, he also was a millwright with the UAW.
He is survived by his wife, Jewell of Homer; children, William Isaac (Gail) Burkwalt of Homer and Candy Lynn (Leland) Higaki of Rapid City, South Dakota; grandchildren Jenise MewCam Higaki, David Takimura (Crystal Hocking) Higaki and Ryan (Jennifer) Dye of Marshall; a great-granddaughter, Riley Dye; siblings, Eleanor (Lawrence) Brown of Marengo, Art (Jerry) Burkwalt of Marshall, Dannie (Wallean) Burkwalt of Homer and Charles (Thelma) Burkwalt of Springport.  
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Wanda Brown; and a brother, Harold Burkwalt.
Visitation will take place at the Craig Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, 303 South Hillsdale Street, Homer, today (Wednesday) from 2-8 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  
Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Craig Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, with the Rev. Robert Stover officiating.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.  
Family will gather with friends at the Homer United Methodist Church, 101 East Adams Street, Homer, following the committal services.  
Memorial contributions are requested to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or to the Homer United Methodist Church.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at Kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

February 18, 2015

Marion B. Thurow
Marion B. Thurow, age 94, of Marshall and formally of Albion, passed away Friday, February 13, 2015, at Tendercare of Marshall. 
She was born October 10, 1920, in Homer, the daughter of James and Marguerite (Sharp) Osborn. 
She married Raymond Thurow September 21, 1942, who preceded her in death in 1976. Marion was also preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Lutzka; a brother, Stanley Osborn; and sisters, Marylou Klingaman and Geraldine Peabody. 
Marion was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and worked as a bookkeeper for Albion Electric for 24 years as well as J.C. Penney’s for 20 years. 
She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters, Jennifer Mahaffy of Conway, South Carolina, Cheryl (John) Bliss of Allen, Bernice (Bob) Daly of Delton, Laurie Colon of Portage; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. 
Her family celebrated her life Tuesday, February 17, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Matyas officiating at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 Luther Boulevard, Albion. 
The family received guests for visitation at the church Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. 
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. 
To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

February 25, 2015 - No Obits

March 4, 2015 - No Obits

March 11, 2015 - No Obits

March 18, 2015 - No Obits

March 25, 2015

Peggy Joan Collins
Peggy Joan Collins, age 80, of Eckford Township, passed away Friday, March 20, 2015, at her home. 
She was born August 11, 1934, in Albion, the daughter of Wilbur Miller and Thelma O’Dell. She married George Collins and he preceded her in death in 1992. Peggy was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert, in 1973; and a sister, Nancy Burr. 
Peggy enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking and collecting things, especially Elvis memorabilia. 
She is survived by her children: James (Linda) Collins, Gary Collins, Steve (Peggy) Collins, Bruce Edward Collins and Timothy (Lorraine) Collins; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and siblings Rose Miller, John VanTassel and Terry VanTassel.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 25, from 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive Albion. A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 26, at 2 p.m. at Albion Memory Gardens, with the Rev. David Nicholls officiating. 
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.  
To leave messages of condolence for family or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com.

April 1, 2015 - No Obits

April 8, 2015

Olga Elser
Olga Elser, 91, of Litchfield, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015, at CareLink of Jackson.  
Born September 21, 1923, in Albion, she was the daughter of William and Nellie Okley and a graduate of Albion High School.  She loved to cook, and enjoyed going to the casino with family and friends.  
In 1949, she married Donald “Ike” Elser and he preceded her in death in 1998.  
Survivors include two sons, Thomas (Judy) Elser of Quincy and Hans Elser of Litchfield; one sister, Jennie Voyagis of New Hampshire; and one brother, John (Martha) Okley of Concord.  
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry, Leo and Pete Okley.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield with the Rev. Clyde Wonders officiating.  
Memorials are suggested to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. 
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

April 15, 2015

Richard Trent
Richard Trent, 64, of Homer, formerly of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015, at his home.
He was born June 9, 1950, in Breathitt County, Kentucky, to Sam Henry Trent and Becky Alice Trent (King). He married Roberta Perkins on April 11, 1969, and that ended in divorce. He married Jean Donovan on December 10, 1977. She preceded him in death in 1986.
Richard worked for the city of Frankfort, Kentucky, for 26 years. He enjoyed painting cars in his garage, hunting, fishing, camping and most of all spending time with his family. He looked forward to fishing with his grandsons Matt and Tristan, family camping trips, going on the boat fishing, and tubing with his daughter and son-in-law (yup at 64 he showed us “old Dad could still get on the tube”). He also enjoyed gardening and having dinner with his family and friends. “I'm sure his famous cornbread will be missed.”
Surviving are two children, Becky Martin (Clint) of Homer and Richard Trent Jr. (Charlotte) of Pendleton, Kentucky; his mother, Becky Payne (Jack), two brothers, Bill Trent (Kathy) and Sam Trent (Vicki), two sisters, Carol Sowards and Susie Smith, all of Frankfort, Kentucky; nine grandchildren, Matt and Tristan Banks, Derek, Dylan, Jenna and Jacob Martin, and David, Joshua and Andrew Trent; a special friend, Rosie; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Trent, and wife, Jean Trent.
Per his wishes, interment will be at a later date at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Frankfort, Kentucky, where his final resting place will be with his beloved Jean.
A memorial service was held April 10 at Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Albion. (w/photo)

April 22, 2015 - No obits

April 29, 2015

Angela Sue (Wallace) West
Angela Sue (Wallace) West, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Monday, April 20, 2015, after a brief illness. She was the daughter of Donald and Avra Wallace, both deceased.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Gary; three children, David (Adriana), Dawn (Mark) and Greg (Andrea); and a  sister, Jennifer Rivera. A sister, Bonnie Lucas, preceded her in death. Her grandson Levi, the love of her life, now has a guardian angel.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your local Humane Society in her name would be greatly appreciated.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services.

Ilene Ida Ackerman
Ilene Ida Ackerman, 93, of Homer died Tuesday afternoon, April 21, 2015, at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte.
Mrs. Ackerman was born on January 25, 1922, in Carsonville, to Norvel Bruce and Anna Bessie (Arnold) Douglas. She spent her youth living in Sanilac County, moving to the Detroit area in her early teens.  
She was a graduate of Ferndale High School, the class of 1940.  While living in the Homer area, Ilene had been employed by the Harold Young Grocery Store and by Albion College.  When living in Spokane, Washington, she had been employed by K-Mart.
On December 21, 1940, she married James F. McAdam in Bryan, Ohio. He preceded her in death in 1966. Then in 1970, she married Walter Ackerman in Spokane. He preceded her in death in 1990.
Ilene lived in the Detroit area for much of her early life. Over the years, she has lived in many different areas and states throughout the United States. In 1988, she moved to Mesa, Arizona, and lived there for 20 years.  She then moved to Portland, Oregon, living there for several years prior to her returning to the Homer area in 2013.
Ilene loved flower gardening. She planted and cared for the flower gardens at the Barneyville Senior Citizen Apartments in Homer. She loved holidays and spent many hours decorating her home and yard to make the celebration special.  
Ilene enjoyed good health throughout her life and enjoyed dancing. She had taken ballroom lessons and enjoyed square dancing. A favorite pastime of hers was shopping with her granddaughter, Terri Waring. Ilene was always in the company of her loving companion, Mia, her pet chihuahua dog.
She is survived by a daughter, Nancy (Russell) Gregg of Frederic; and son, Robert (Linda) McAdam of Greenville, North Carolina; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and a sister, June (Larry) Silverman of Bluffton, South Carolina.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, James McAdam and Walter Ackerman; a son, William McAdam; and a sister, Geraldine Douglas.
A graveside funeral service will be held at noon, Friday, May 8, 2015, at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.  
Arrangements are by the Craig K. Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel.
Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Palliative Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.

May 6, 2015 - No obits

May 13, 2015

Thomas “Tom” Arnold
Thomas “Tom” Arnold, 71, of Adrian, died Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at his home.
Tom was born November 6, 1943, in Jackson, to Rex and Pauline (McAllister) Arnold.
On August 20, 1966, he married Kathy Smith in Jonesville, and she survives.
Tom had been employed by ProMedica Bixby Hospital for 36 years as a pharmacist. He graduated from Homer High School in 1961.
Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping with family, bowling and was on the Lenawee Recreation League for many years.
In addition to his wife, Kathy, he is survived by a son, Jon Arnold of Adrian; a daughter, Stephanie (Joe) Senn of Wayland; and two grandchildren, Zachary Arnold and Dylan Senn.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
At Tom’s request, cremation has taken place. Burial of cremains will be at a later date in Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Visitation was held Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Anderson Funeral Home in Adrian.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the charity of the donor’s choice. (w/photo)

Jeff Warren 1971-2015
Ex-Terrier standout loses battle with cancer
by Mike Warner
Jeff Warren was one of those bigger-than-life, once in a generation persons.
He combined a God-given athletic ability with small-town humility, traits that earned him admiration, respect and friends wherever he went, and well into adulthood.
He had the rare ability to carry a basketball team on his back, while at the same time making his teammates feel like they were the stars. Bigger-than-life, but never bigger than the person standing next to him.
Warren, a 1989 Litchfield High School graduate who went on to play basketball at Missouri University, lost his battle with lymphoma Friday, passing away at the age of 44.
“Even though he was my classmate and friend, I looked up to Jeff,” said former teammate Joe Collins. “He was my idol. Everyone wanted to be Jeff Warren. I wanted to be Jeff Warren. He represented everything that was good about being a student/athlete at Litchfield.
“He was not only the best teammate you could have, but the best friend,” Collins added. “He had a tenacity on the court, but was very quiet about it. He did all the little things and pushed us to be better. 
“Even at a young age he had the demeanor of a much older person. He treated everyone with respect. I don’t know a single person who didn’t like Jeff Warren.”
In an Index article published in 1993 right after Warren’s college career ended, he recalled his basketball journey.
“I think I was in about seventh grade and I took a trip to Europe with my team,” he said. “We had to fill out a form letter, and I did most of it myself. I got to the end and one the questions was, ‘What are your goals?’ I took the paper to my dad (Mike) and asked him. He asked me back and I said I wanted to be a Division I basketball player. ‘Then put it down,’ he said. If there’s a point when I knew what I was shooting for, that was it.” 
Warren’s former high school Max Miller echoed similar sentiments of others who knew Warren.
“When I think of Jeff, I don’t think about a basketball player, I think about a person. He was an outstanding individual. Whenever I talked with him on the phone he’d ask about Mrs. Miller and our kids.
“I was hired at Litchfield when Jeff was a sophomore,” Miller added. “I’d never heard of him. It took about one or two trips down the court and I knew I had something special.
“He was skilled at everything. He could shoot, he was a great passer and he worked so hard on his defense. He was very team-oriented. I had to tell him to shoot more. He’d said he didn’t want to be a ball hog. I told him to let me worry about that.
“That was Jeff, very unselfish,” Miller recalled. “He had a very long streak going of scoring in double figures. One game near the end, he was on the bench and only had nine points.  I put him back in to keep the streak going. He scored quickly and I took him right back out. He asked what that was all about and I told him. He said don’t worry about it coach, those things aren’t important.
“Another time, he said I ought to play another player more because he was getting discouraged, and he didn’t mind sitting the bench.
“He was a star and could have easily had a big head, but that wasn’t Jeff. I think that is a tribute to Mike and (his mother) Donna.”
Warren tried to pass that unselfishness on to his sons, noted Miller.
“He put his son on the phone one day and he said, ‘I dribble and I shoot.’ Jeff grabbed the phone and told him, ‘You pass, too,’ ”
By the time Warren left LHS, he held almost every Terrier basketball record. His exploits and honors include:
• Detroit Free Press Class D First Team 1987-88 and 1988-89
• Detroit News Class D 1st Team 1988-89
• Four years SCAA All-conference
• Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team 1987-88 and 1988-89
• Four time team Most Valuable Player
• Class president four years
• DAR Good Citizen of the Year in 1989
He had 50 points in a regional final win over Sand Creek, and followed that up with 44 points in a quarterfinal loss to Covert his senior year.
He holds the record for points in a season with 713, and points in a career with 2,105. He grabbed 428 rebounds his senior year and had 1,366 caroms in his career.
Warren went on to play for several really good Mizzou teams under coach Norm Stewart. He lettered from 1990-93, and the Tigers made the NCAA tournament three of the four years Warren played.
A three-time Academic All-Big Eight selection, he set a school record for field-goal percentage as a sophomore when he converted 67.6 percent of his shots - a mark that stood until 2012, when Ricardo Ratliffe eclipsed it - and averaged 9.0 points and 5.8 rebounds over his final two seasons.
Warren, a 6-foot-8 frontliner, averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in his career. His best season was in 1992, when he averaged 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds and set a school record with 24 consecutive field goals made.
“He was a hard-working player and he was a winner,” Missouri coach Kim Anderson, who was an assistant coach on most of Warren’s teams, said in a published report on Warren’s death. “He was so much fun to coach, not only with the way he played but how he carried himself and type of person he was.
“This is such a sad day.
“He was the kind of player you don’t see much of anymore, and I mean that in the best way,” Anderson said. “He gave you everything, and he helped make your team better.”
Warren earned the admiration of Missouri basketball fans and also a nickname from the students section, The Antlers, who christened him, “The War Horse.”
Warren went on to play professional ball briefly in Australia.
Former Litchfield coach, timekeeper and scorekeeper Gale Adams fondly remembers what many people call the “Glory Years” of Litchfield athletics, especially those two magical winters when the Terrier basketball squad made deep runs in the postseason tournament.
“Everywhere we went, gyms were packed,” Adams recalled. “Everyone wanted to see Jeff play. You had to get to the gym by 5:30 - before the JV game started - to get a seat at home. They even had to set up a television monitor in the cafeteria to handle the overflow crowd.
“His work ethic was unequaled,” Adams noted. “He was so team-oriented, I remember one time he offered to be a sub so another player could start.
“He scored a lot of points, and he could have scored even more, but he was always looking to pass the ball to a teammate. He was so unselfish.”
As much as Warren was admired on the court, he was equally respected off of it.
“He is one of the most outstanding persons to ever come out of Litchfield,” said long-time athletic director Mike Bills. “His character, his integrity, his work ethic and dedication to his team and community are unsurpassed. He was a friend to everyone.”
Warren, who is survived by his wife, Susan, and two sons, lived in different parts of Missouri since his playing days ended. He is also survived by his parents Mike and Donna, and a sister.
He was living in Kansas City, working in medical equipment sales, last summer when doctors discovered a cancerous mass in his stomach. Published reports said he underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation and received a stem cell transplant from his sister in January, but none of it had the desired impact.
He went to Houston last month for one more treatment, hoping to slow the disease, but it proved unsuccessful.
In the last week, he moved into hospice care.
According to an article in the Columbia (Missouri) Daily Tribune, former teammate John Burns talked with Warren recently.
“He told me goodbye a couple weeks ago,” Burns said. “He knew his time was coming. He said, ‘Hey, I’m not a quitter, though.’ He said, ‘I know it’s coming. I’m at peace with it. But I’m going to show my boys you don’t quit.’ ”
Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time, but were expected to take place in the Kansas City area. (w/photos)

May 20, 2015

Doris E. Frick
Doris E. Frick, 92, of Butler Township, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Country Meadows AFC Home in Montgomery.  
Mrs. Frick was born November 27, 1922, in Butler Township, to Ervin and Flora (Pearson) Funk. She was valedictorian of the Litchfield High School Class of 1940 and worked many years at the Coldwater State Home.  
She belonged to the Friends of the Quincy Library and enjoyed hobbies of knitting, crocheting, flower gardening, reading and genealogy.  
She married Floyd K. Frick December 22, 1940, and he preceded her in death in 1971.  
Survivors include a daughter, Sandra (David) King of Litchfield; two sons, Kenneth (Dorothy) Frick of Quincy and James (Patti Metcalf) Frick of Grand Blanc; a sister, Lucy Funk of Auburn Indiana; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. 
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Mandall Funk; and a sister, Mary Funk.
Visitation was scheduled  for Tuesday from 6-8  p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield.
Graveside services will be held today (Wednesday), at 11 a.m., at Mount Hope Cemetery, Litchfield, with Pastor Ken Pierpont officiating.    
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hillsdale County or the Litchfield Library.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

May 27, 2015

Duane A. Christophel Jr.
Duane A. Christophel Jr., 47, of Homer, died Saturday, May 16, 2015.
A graveside service took place Thursday, May 21, at Cooks Prairie Cemetery in Clarendon Township. 
Funeral arrangements were handled by the Craig Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, www.kempffuneralhome.com.

June 3, 2015

Marjorie Marie Bramble
Marjorie Marie (Thompson) Bramble, of Albion, died Friday, May 22, 2015, in Holland.
She was born October 20, 1923, to Warren and Effie (Klein) Thompson in Homer. She attended school in Homer and graduated from Albion. During WWII she worked for a time as a “Rosie the Riveter.”
She married Clarence (Jr.) Bramble on November 11, 1945, in Albion, while on furlough.
She was previously employed by A & P, Decker Mfg. and Ideal Castings.  
She was a lifelong member of the Vivian’s Society of Albion Elk’s Lodge #1798.
Her passion was her family and friends.  
Marjorie is survived by her daughters, Brenda Heisler and Susan (Bill) Ooms, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Bramble; a son, Clare Bramble; her parents; a sister, Katherine Hoaglin; three brothers, Russell, Elbert and Robert; and a great-granddaughter, Alixandra Heisler.
A memorial service was held Monday, June 1, 2015, at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion.
Interment was at Albion Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to the Albion Elk’s Lodge, P.O. Box 332, Albion, MI 49224 or the Lakeside Vista, 340 W. 40th Street, Holland, MI 49423. www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com.

June 10, 2015

Vinetta Hackworth
Vinetta Hackworth, 87, a long-time Homer resident, went home to be with the Lord June 2, 2015, after a long illness. She had been residing at Spring Arbor Assisted Living for the past nine years.
Vinetta, known as “Miney” by all her friends and family, was born September 21, 1927, in Floyd County, Kentucky, to Sherman and Roxie (Hackworth) Risner.
She married Loren Hackworth of Homer December 21, 1946. He preceded her in death February 15, 1996.
Vinetta was a homemaker and stayed at home and raised her family. She later went back to school and got her GED from Homer High School in 1987. She was a member of the Apostolic Church in Marshall.
She enjoyed sewing, quilting, bowling and spending time with her family. Vinetta will be remembered by her family and friends for being a lady who would help anyone in need. 
 She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Sandra) Hackworth of Columbus, Ohio, Dale (Dianna) Hackworth of Homer and Lorna (Fred) McMillen of Litchfield; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and five sisters, Loretta Miller of Albion, Juanita Brown of Parma, Roberta Owens of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, Doris Jean Owens of West Liberty, Kentucky, and Maxine Yeager of Homer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and an infant sister, Rubina Risner.
Visitation was held at the Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, 303 South Hillsdale Street, Homer, Monday, June 8, 2015. 
Funeral services celebrating her life were scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at the Kempf Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, with Reverend G. David Trammell officiating. Interment was to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.  
Family requests memorial contributions to the American Alzheimer’s Association. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.  
Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

June 17, 2015    

Michael A. Hawkins
Michael A. Hawkins, 41, of Homer, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 11, 2015, at his home. Michael was born in Albion March 1, 1974, the son of Larry and Pat (Schiavone) Hawkins.
He graduated from Homer High School with the Class of 1992 and received his associates degree in 1994 from the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio. He married the love of his life, Erica Gallihugh, July 9, 2005, in Homer.
Michael was the supervisor at the Homer Department of Public Works, where he worked for the past 18 years. He proudly served his community on the Homer Fire Department for nearly 20 years, most recently as a captain. 
Michael took great pleasure in hunting, especially coyote with the Big C Coyote Club, as well as Jeeping, four-wheeling, shooting and spending time at his cottage in Harrison. Most of all, Michael cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
Surviving Michael are his wife, Erica Hawkins of Homer; his mother, Pat Hawkins of Homer; two brothers, John (Holly) Hawkins and Donald Hawkins, all of Homer; two sisters, Lorrie (Bill) Bonczyk of Maine and Rosie (Ted) Glynn of Williamston; a brother-in-law, Scott Miller of Battle Creek; two sisters-in-law, Karie Miller of Battle Creek and Terra Gallihugh of Olivet; nieces and nephews, Samantha, Elizabeth, Jessica, Joshua, Larry, Ava, Raquel, Nautika and Patrick; fur babies including his dog Ruger, H3, horse Big John.  He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Hawkins, January 27, 1976.
Relatives and friends were to be received Tuesday, June 16, from 2-8 p.m., with the family present 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Homer Chapel, 303 S. Hillsdale St., Homer.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Michael Hawkins will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Tim Marvil from the Homer Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Homer Fire Department. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.
Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guestbook at www.kempffuneralhome.com.

DPW supervisor remembered as ‘outstanding person’
by Mike Warner
Homer DPW Supervisor Michael Hawkins is being remembered as a person who was willing to help out anyone in need, whether it be on the job or in his personal life.
Hawkins, 41, died unexpectedly in his sleep Thursday. He leaves behind his wife Erica, his mother Pat, and a number of siblings and their families. His funeral was set for today (Wednesday) at Craig K. Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, at 11 a.m. (see complete obituary on page 6).
Hawkins worked for the village for 18 years, and served on the Homer Fire Department for 20 years, most recently as a captain. He was a 1994 graduate of Homer High School.
Homer Village Manager Jerry Stonebraker said Hawkins was not only a great employee, but  an outstanding person.
“First, and foremost, Michael was one of the kindest, generous and compassionate gentlemen I have had the pleasure of knowing,” Stonebraker said. “If someone called him needing help, he would drop whatever he was doing and come right over - no questions asked. It was just second nature to him, and he never expected a favor in return. 
“His kindness was part of the Hawkins’ genes inherited from his mother Patty. Words can’t express how much I respect Michael and what he stands for.
“As for his position with the village, I have come to rely on him more and more over this past year,” the village manager added. “He has grown into his position as the director of public works beyond any expectations. His deep commitment to his hometown was displayed every day in his work ethic. 
“The village services are certainly in good hands thanks to having had Michael at the helm,” Stonebraker added. “We met at least once a week to talk over plans for the upcoming week, and he always had things planned out, barring any unforeseen issues that would come up. He also was very open to my suggestions and would keep me advised on how things were progressing. 
“I will sincerely miss Michael, along with his sense of humor. We can never ‘replace’ him, but we will try to find someone that can do their best to keep things running smoothly.”
Bob Brodock worked with Hawkins at the DPW for the entire time Hawkins was employed there.
“Everybody loved Michael,” he said. “He was always there to help out; he was always there to listen. He was one of the best co-workers I’ve ever had, and I’ve been here a long time.
“He was definitely for Homer,” Brodock added. “He loved everything he did for Homer.
“My kids and grandkids loved him,” Brodock added. “That’s why everyone is taking this so hard, he was just a good person.”
Due to the death of  Hawkins, the Village offices will be closed the entire day Wednesday for his funeral.
This will be a “Firemen's Funeral,” with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department and several area fire department trucks as an escort. The procession will go past the fire department on the way to Fairview Cemetery, in Homer. (w/photo)

Writer recalls Michael Hawkins’ growth, willingness to help others
A man among men.
That’s who Michael was.
I met Michael when I coached him in high school golf ... what an experience. My first thought (what a mistake) was this boy will not amount to a thing, so lazy with no motivation and no drive. Now I consider myself a pretty good judge of character, but I was so far off I am ashamed to admit it.
Over the years I lost track of Michael, seeing him only occasionally, but didn’t pay too much attention. Then I started seeing him working around the Village, thinking that can’t be Michael (working).
Then time passed and we met up on the up north Jeep trips. We have a place up by Harrison and went up pretty regularly to do a little Jeepin’ (well, maybe a lot of Jeepin’).
Michael and Erica joined us and that renewed our relationship. They fell in love with the area and continued to join us on our Jeep trips. They soon found a place of their own to buy and were so excited to be in the north (and we were just as excited to have them). It was a joy to have them (and of course Ruger) join us with their friendship and fun.
We would go out on a run, take trails and find spots to test our Jeeps in the mud and water (sometimes too much water and mud for Jan). It was always a lot of fun.
But the main thing about this is the man that Michael turned out to be. He was always ready to help with any problem anybody had. And if you had a problem, get out of the way because Michael was taking caring of it!
This carried on to the job that he did for the Village of Homer. He cared about this Village and the people that live here. I never heard him say a negative thing about anybody.
I am ashamed that I had the wrong impression about Michael way back when I was his coach, and he certainly showed how wrong that first impression was.
We have lost a true friend and a great person. I will miss the answer I would always get when I called him, “Mr. Rocco (pause). How ya doin’?” because when he said it, he truly cared how I was doin’. That was Michael.
Denny Rocco
Homer

June 24, 2015   

Ervin (Bill) D. Wood 
Ervin (Bill) D. Wood (Woody), 75, of Gainesville, Georgia, and formerly of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away June 15, 2015.
Mr. Wood was born July 7, 1939, in Homer. He graduated from Homer High School in 1957 and was retired from the City of St. Petersburg with 28 years of service. He also had been a long-time weekend manager for Ronald McDonald House, St. Petersburg.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Peck) Wood, and his son, US Army Specialist Jeffrey D. Wood.
He is survived by two daughters, Becky (Jim) Stuart of Gainseville, Georgia, and Cherly Wood of Raceland, Louisiana; and a brother, Richard Wood and three sisters, Diane Holibaugh, Rita Wood and Vicki Culman, all of Michigan.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery, Vernon, Michigan. (w/photo)   

July 1, 2015

Vera “Jeanne” Spriggs
Vera “Jeanne” Spriggs, formerly of Homer, passed away June 20, 2015. She was currently residing at Arbor Manor in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Jeanne was 90 years old.
Jeanne was born February 18, 1925, in Empire City, Oklahoma. On July 30, 1945, she was married to Branch E. Spriggs in Odessa, Texas.
She was a homemaker and loving mother. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing and visiting with family and friends.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband Branch, and daughter, Carla (Radee) Spriggs.
She is survived by two sons, Stephen (Debbie) Spriggs of Homer and Thomas Spriggs of Stewart, Tennessee; a sister, Daisy Allman (Hugh) of Colorado; four grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.
Jeanne will be buried in Homer Fairview Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Hampton-Kurtz Funeral Home in Hanover.

July 8, 2015

Mary Lou Crandall
Mary Lou Crandall, 84, of Homer, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015, at Whispering Meadows in Marshall. She was born August 4, 1930, to Cyrus and Louise (Bates) Lane in Alma.
Mary Lou graduated from Lincoln Park High School in Lincoln Park with the class of 1948 and received her Bachelors in Education from Michigan State College in 1952. 
She married Wayne Kenneth Crandall in Albion, October 8, 1952. He preceded her in death in February 2004.
Mary Lou was a teacher at Homer Community Schools for 27 years, where she touched many young lives. Her passion was teaching the third grade, but she also taught second grade and kindergarten classes as well. She retired in 1985.
Mary Lou was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Homer, the Homer Historical Society, the Homer Library Book Club, Uncle Carl’s Dulcimer club and was a past member of the Homer Monday Club. She enjoyed primitive rug hooking, knitting, sewing, genealogy, collecting antiques and, most of all, spending time with her family. She also enjoyed spending her winters in Tucson, Arizona.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Bob) Flynn of Hillsdale; three sons, Terry (Jeri Lu) Crandall, David Crandall and Daniel (Tracey) Crandall, all of Homer; son-in-law Wade Denman; grandchildren, Greg (Jess) Crandall, Matt (Mandy) Crandall, Loni (Doug) Hoffman, Amy (David) Strick, Melissa McDonald, Matt Flynn, Jessica Dehn, Nicholas (Stephanie) Dehn, Dan Crandall Jr., Joshua Crandall, Jacob Crandall and Maegan Crandall; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Marcia (Richard) Rentfrow of Raleigh, North Carolina; and a special cousin, Alan (Bonnie) Johansen of Valparaiso, Indiana. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and daughter, Kaye Denman.
Relatives and friends were to be received Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Homer Chapel. 
A funeral service celebrating the life of Mary Lou will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Homer today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Tim Marvil officiating. 
Interment will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in Homer. Memorial contributions are requested to First Presbyterian Church of Homer or Caring and Sharing. Assistance with memorial contributions is available at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home. Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

July 15, 2015 - No obits

July 22, 2015

Edwin L. Mees
Edwin L. Mees, age 86, of Marshall and formerly of Albion, died Saturday July 11, 2015, at Marshall Nursing and Rehabilitation Community.
Mr. Mees was born on July 13, 1928, in Jackson to Charles Edward and Rosella (Head) Mees.  He had lived in the Parma and Homer areas prior to moving to Albion in 2005. Edwin had been employed by the Union Steel Products Company in Albion for 35 years. He also engaged in farming and owned a farm in the Homer area.
Edwin loved farming and being outdoors enjoying nature.  He enjoyed a good cup of coffee.
He is survived by a brother, Gerald Mees of Marshall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rosella Mees; infant sisters, Barbara Mees and Donna Mees; sisters, Rosalee Mees Peters and Juanita Mees; and a brother, Kenneth Mees.
A private family committal service will be held at the North Parma Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Craig K. Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Marshall Chapel.
Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Oaklawn Hospice Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.

July 29, 2015

Audrey Ackley
Audrey Wonders Ackley, of Homer passed away Wednesday July 22, 2015, at Palliative Care Center in Charlotte at the age of 87 years. She was born at home March 1, 1928, in Hillsdale County, to Beryl and Emma (Foster) Wonders.
She attended several rural schools before graduating from Homer High School in June of 1947. She married Robert Ackley June 10, 1947, at Cook’s Prairie Baptist Church, and they moved to their first farm. Later they bought and moved to their farm on J Drive South, where they farmed for many years before retiring.
She spent her entire life being a homemaker and helping on the farm. She was very active in church playing piano and organ, and teaching Sunday school and junior church. She was also in the Missionary Society and Ladies Aid. She enjoyed gardening, playing dulcimers, camping and reading. 
Audrey is survived by her husband Robert; a sister, Ethelyn Tech of Marshall; a brother Clyde Wonders of Pittsford; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Frances and Victor Frendt; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Harold and Robert Wonders; and two sisters-in-law. 
Visitation for family and friends was held Sunday, July 26, at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion. A graveside service was held Monday, July 27, at 1 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery, 1301 S. Superior Street, Albion, with Pastor Brent Stille from the Litchfield Baptist Church officiating. 
www.jktiddfuneralhome.com    

Pauline E. Curey
Pauline E. Curey, 91, of Litchfield, passed away Friday, July 24, 2015, at home. 
She was born January 21, 1924, in Hillsdale County, to Dewey and Ethel (Crandall) Ochsenrider. Pauline graduated from Litchfield High School in 1941 and worked several years at DiBar Industries. She was also a homemaker and partner on the family farm. She enjoyed having breakfast with her friends, spending time with her family, and taking care of her yard.  
Survivors include six sons, William (Gwen) Hollenbaugh of Litchfield, George “Dan” (Carol) Hollenbaugh of Jonesville, Terry Hollenbaugh of Litchfield, Mike (Lori) Hollenbaugh of Homer, Jeff (Robin) Gilmore of Homer, and Dietrich Hagedorn of Germany; a step-son, Stan (Lora) Curey of Litchfield; a brother, Robert (Marjorie) Ochsenrider of Litchfield; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Pauline was preceded in death by three husbands, George Hollenbaugh, Lloyd “Buck” Gilmore and Richard Curey; her parents; a sister, Kathryn Rice; a grandson, Ryan L. Gilmore; a granddaughter, Lisa Michelle Hollenbaugh; and a daughter-in-law, Sandy Hollenbaugh.
Visitation was scheduled for Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home - George White Chapel, Litchfield.  
Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at the Litchfield United Methodist Church, with the Reverends Julie Yoder Elmore and Clyde Wonders officiating. 
Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Litchfield.  
Memorials are suggested to the Litchfield District Library or the American Cancer Society.  
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

August 5, 2015

Viola Patrick Spradlin
Viola Patrick Spradlin of Homer, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2015, after a long illness. 
The daughter of Cleveland and Maxine Patrick, she was born in McGuffy, Ohio, November 2, 1930. Vi lived for most of her life in Homer with her husband of 42 years, Hearl Spradlin. 
Vi loved music, dancing, flowers and all children. She was a member of the Presbyterian church in Homer and Marshall for many years. She served in the VFW Auxiliary and on the board of advisors of Homer Boy Scout Troop 156 for many years. 
Above all else, Vi loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vi served with distinction as a 29-year employee of State Farm insurance in Marshall. She looked upon her employment there with pride for she was the only employee in the history of the Marshall office to serve in all four departments, fire, home, auto and life insurance. Though she enjoyed her work, all of us in the family know it was merely a distraction that provided her money with which to spoil her grandchildren. 
After her retirement, she indulged her lifelong love of music and dance by taking up clogging. After taking lessons, she joined a dance troupe. Eventually she became such a proficient clogger she taught lessons. 
She enjoyed traveling the country to attend Indy Car Races, cheering on the Patrick Racing team, owned and operated by her beloved brother Pat Patrick. In her later years, she often expressed it was her dream to one day marry Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti. That is as long as Robert Redford remained unavailable. Neither Mr. Andretti nor Mr. Redford were aware of these developments. 
Vi was an avid reader, bridge and poker player. She was also world renowned for her cookie-baking skills, winning several state, regional and national championships. Her award-winning Archway Frosted Lemon and Nabisco Vanilla wafers were the culmination of years of experimentation and perfection and a celebration of her baking prowess. 
Vi was often heard to remark that every day was an adventure. One of her favorite things was taking road trips with her eldest daughter as her co-pilot to visit her youngest daughter in North Carolina. Often these trips resulted in several additional miles as they became hopelessly lost in at least 17 states. But to Vi, even getting lost on a road trip was an adventure. Her philosophy of life followed her in her travels. She would say, “If you get lost, take the big road out of town, regroup and move on.”
Her family will attempt to move on despite the giant void her absence leaves us with. It will require a lot of regrouping but, as ordered, we will move on. 
She is survived by her children, three daughters, Regina Spradlin, of DeWitt, Constance Colley, of Jacksonville, North Carolina and Kelly Mackey Spradlin of Lapeer; a son, Michael Patrick Spradlin, of Lapeer; a brother, U.E. Pat (Kathy) Patrick of Jackson; and a sister, Elmina Hackworth of Homer. 
Her obituary would not be complete without listing her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandson Tom Hakes (Nicki) of DeWitt; granddaughter Jennifer Hamilton (Rob) Marbury, of Maryland; Catherine Elizabeth Peterson (Dan), of Jacksonville, North Carolina; Michael ‘Mick’ Spradlin (Jessica), and Rachel Spradlin, of Mt. Pleasant. 
Her great-grandchildren include Robert, Ryan and Nora Hamilton and Kara, Kacie and Jakob Peterson. 
 A funeral service celebrating the life of Viola was held Monday at the  Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Homer Chapel, with Mr. Michael Spradlin officiating. 
A private family interment will take place at Cook’s Prairie Cemetery in Homer. 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Homer Public Library. Online messages may be left for the family at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

Ann Rebecca Nageldinger McFarlane
Ann Rebecca Nageldinger McFarlane, a loving soul whose infectious passion for existence touched the lives of those who met her, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.  She was 55.
Annie was born on January 26, 1960, in Albion, the daughter of James and Dorothy (Gottshall) Nageldinger.
The youngest of four children, Annie’s adventurous spirit took her to beautiful parts of the United States from Colorado to Nantucket before she ultimately settled in northern Michigan in her early 30s. There, Annie’s natural creativity found its outlet in silversmithing. Using raw materials gathered during peaceful evening beach walks, Annie spent her life producing unique (jewelry) designs that were reminders of both her talent and the incomparable beauty of the area she loved so much.
When she wasn’t tinkering away into the night in her store, Annie could be found spending time with her loved ones. Always a devoted mother and friend, Annie loved to share her wonderful sense of humor and boisterous spirit with those around her.
Annie is survived by her children, Kenyon and Jamie; a brother, Jim Nageldinger; a sister, Katheryn Warrington; her mother, Dorothy Rowan and stepfather, Russell Rowan.  
Memorials may be directed to her daughter Kenyon McFarlane and son Jamie McFarlane at P.O. Box 14, Leland, MI 49654.
There will be a celebration of Annie’s life at Cascarelli’s Restaurant on Sunday, August 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. All who loved Annie are encouraged to attend. (w/photo)

August 12, 2015

Bonnie Adams
Bonnie (Skelt) Adams passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2015.  
She was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, January 20, 1952, the daughter of Perry and Wyona Skelt (deceased). She was a graduate of Litchfield High School, Class of 1970.
Bonnie married high school sweetheart, Gary Adams, on July 3, 1971. After marrying, they lived in Kentucky for nearly two years before returning to Litchfield to start their family. They had two children, Jim (Angela) Adams and Megan (Tim) Kempter.
Bonnie is well known to many in the community through her work at State Savings Bank; Loren, Shirk and Snell; and Marks and Liszynai, and later, Liszynai and Associates. Bonnie also devoted her spare time to improving the community through her volunteer work with the Litchfield District Library. She also volunteered with Sara Liszynai’s campaign for district court.
Her husband, Gary; two children, Jim and Megan; and her older sister Susan (Chuck) Little survive her.  She is also survived by three beloved grandsons, Ryan Kempter, Cameron Adams and Cullen Adams.  
Bonnie will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, her quick wit and the joy she took in spending time with her grandsons.
There will be no funeral service. 
The Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield handled the funeral arrangements.  
Memorial donations in Bonnie’s honor can be made to Special Olympics of Michigan or the American Cancer Society.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com. (w/photo)

Jerry C. Caldwell
Jerry C. Caldwell of Lapeer, formerly of Homer and Waterford, passed away at the age of 73 on July 29, 2015. 
He was born September 22, 1941, in Homer, the youngest child of the late Joseph and Marjorie Caldwell.
Jerry was the owner/operator of Waterford Adjusting Company in Waterford for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2001. He enjoyed bowling, and was very proud to be a professional bowler and member of The Professional Bowlers Association. He enjoyed traveling to competitions around the United States and nothing got him more excited than bowling a 300 game. He always wore his 300 game rings with pride. 
Jerry enjoyed planning family gatherings, cooking and was famous with family and friends for his peanut butter fudge. He was an avid member of Michigan Humane Society & ASPCA and huge fan of U of M sports, the Tigers and the Lions. 
Jerry met the love of his life, Paula, and married June 29, 1963. Together, they enjoyed traveling, going to casinos and spending time with family and friends. Paula passed away November 19, 2013, shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Jerry is survived by his children, Mark Caldwell, Marty (Randy) Frack and Jeri Sue (Tom) Brzezinski, all of Lapeer. He was the cherished grandfather of Andrew, Adam and Alex Caldwell; Randy and Ryan Frack; Madison and Tommy Brzezinski; Scott, Kellie, Danielle and Amy Frack; and Malissa (Tim) Lagios. He is also survived by longtime family friend, Sherry Broadway; and sisters Carolyn Caldwell of White Lake and Nancy (Neil) Shrontz of Homer.  
He will be greatly missed by his dog “Snickers,” who he treated like a princess.
Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Paula; his daughter, Julie; parents, Joseph and Marjorie Caldwell;  and in-laws Paul and Lucille Lowes. 
Jerry and Paula wanted to spend eternity with each other. A graveside burial of both their ashes together and a celebration of life will take place on Saturday August 15, at 1 p.m. at Imlay Township Cemetery, Imlay City,  with a luncheon to follow at VFW in Lapeer. (w/photo)

Robert Nyssen
Robert Nyssen of Tekonsha, passed away at the age of 78 at his home August 4, 2015, at approximately 11:30 p.m. 
He was born April 4, 1937, in Tekonsha, to the late Rolland and Orpha Nyssen.
Robert was a U.S. Army veteran and served from 1955 to 1963. He was employed at Union Steel Products in Albion in the late 1970s, was a custodian at St. Joe’s daycare for children through the 1990s, and worked as a night custodian at Felpausch in Coldwater, through the early 2000s. 
Robert is survived by his wife, Janice; and his children, William Nyssen of Spring Arbor, James Nyssen of Albion, Michael Nyssen of Homer, Brian Nyssen of Tekonsha and Robert Nyssen of Jackson; stepson Eddie Bolton of Battle Creek; daughter Pamela Nyssen of Coldwater; stepdaughter Melissa Bolton of Homer: and a sister, Mary Waid of Angola; 21 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. 
He was preceeded in death by his parents; a brother, Pearl Nyssen; and sisters, Lois Daniels, Carolyn Clay and Ruth Nickles.
A memorial service for September 5, in Tekonsha, is pending. 
Memorial donations in Robert’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society. (w/photo)

Daniel “Joe” Camburn II
Daniel “Joe” Joseph Camburn II, 52, of Ostrander, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2015, at Mt. Carmel West Hospital.
Joe was born in Albion to Dan Camburn of Homer, and the late Gerri (Rindfliesch) Camburn.
Joe was an avid sports fan, who enjoyed football, golf, fishing and hockey, and was passionate and dedicated fan of the Michigan Wolverines. He was the life of every party. Joe never knew a stranger; he was the type of guy to always keep you laughing, whether that was joking or giving nicknames. Having a love for classic rock music, he was never shy about singing along.
He was a very caring husband, father and friend - one who wouldn’t hesitate to give you the shirt off his back. 
Most proud of his children, they will forever remain his legacy. He treasured time spent with them, rekindling his youthful spirit, which will forever be remembered.
In addition to his father, Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Deserey Camburn; three children, Brittany Buckley, Ben Camburn and Danielle Camburn; sister, Wendy Nantz; three brothers, Gary (Cathy) Camburn, John (Jane) Camburn, and David (Amy) Camburn; and father and mother-in-law, Russell “Paul” and Dixie “Meme” Lilly.
Visitation will be held at Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 1510 W. William St. at Valleyside Dr., Delaware, Ohio, Wednesday, August 12, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with a celebration of life to follow at 1 p.m., with  celebrant Don Lockwood officiating. 
Casual dress is requested, and guests are encouraged to wear a jersey of their favorite sports team. Joe will, of course, be wearing his favorite Michigan attire. 
Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Condolences can be expressed by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.    

August 19, 2015 - No obits

August 26, 2015

Kenneth Brown
Kenneth Richard Brown, age 83, passed away on August 21, 2015, at home under the care of Allegiance Hospice. 
He was born October 6, 1931, to Calvin and Sylvia (Madlock) Brown, in Isabella, Oklahoma.  
Ken was a Korean War Combat Veteran and received the Presidential Citation award. He proudly served his country with 28.5 years of service; eight years of active duty, and 20.5 years with the Michigan Army National Guard, retiring in 1980 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. He also retired from his career as a sergeant from the Michigan Department of Corrections after 30 years. He was a sports enthusiast and loved challenges and competition. Ken enjoyed golf, gardening, poker, card games and bowling.
Ken  is survived by his wife, Juanita; a son, Gregory (Janette) Brown; a daughter, Sherri (Barry) McCarrell; seven grandchildren, Crystal Brown, Gregory Joshua (Cherilyn) Brown, David Brown, Dr. Kelli (Dr. Zachary) McCarrell-Virgin, Adam McCarrell, Lynsi McCarrell and Ashli McCarrell; three great-grandchildren, Kelsey Murray, Kassidy Murray and Madison Brown; a special brother, Lloyd; and three sisters, Nora, Jeane and Kay, living in Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by a son, Kim Douglas Brown; his parents; and eight brothers and sisters.
Relatives and friends were received at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Homer Chapel, 303 Hillsdale Street, Homer, Sunday, August 23. A funeral service celebrating the life of Ken took place  Monday, August 24, at the funeral home, with Pastor Ron Hackworth officiating. Interment followed the service at Fairview Cemetery in Homer. 
Memorial contributions are requested to the Wounded Warriors Project or Allegiance Hospice. Assistance with memorial contributions is available at the Craig Kempf Funeral Home. 
Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com. 

September 9, 2015 - No obits

September 16, 2015

Joyce Thomas
Joyce Thomas, 83, of Homer, passed away Monday, September 7, 2015, at her home in the loving care of her family. 
She was born Gloria Joyce, a daughter of Leonard and Katherine (Shelton) Ott, July 10, 1932, in Jackson. 
Joyce was a lifelong resident of Homer, graduating from Homer High School with the class of 1951. On March 1, 1952, she married Bob Thomas in Albion. 
Over the years, she worked retail at the Homer Pharmacy, Falconers and the Homer Shell. She was a member of the Homer Alumni Association, serving on the Board of Directors and as the historian. Joyce was named alumni of the year in 2011. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Homer.  
After retiring, she and Bob enjoyed their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and summers at Tri-Lake Trails in Marshall. Joyce enjoyed traveling, shopping, playing cards with Bob and her bridge friends, and bunco group, but most of all spending time with her family.
Surviving Joyce are her husband of 63 years, Bob Thomas of Homer; daughters, Barbara (Jerry) Bussing of Homer and Deb (Daryl) Myer of Battle Creek; grandsons, Brad (Kathy) Gill and Kyle Bussing; granddaughter, Erin Bussing; great- granddaughter, Brayana Bussing; a sister, Sharon (David) Zakrewski of Jackson; a brother, Leonard (Connie) Ott of South Fulton, Tennessee; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jack Shelton. 
Relatives and friends will be received from noon - 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19, at the First Presbyterian Church of Homer, 309 S. Sophia Street.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Joyce will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Tim Marvil officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Homer or the Homer Public Library. 
Assistance with memorials is available at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Homer Chapel, 303 S. Hillsdale Street, Homer, MI 49245. 
www.kempffuneralhome.com

September 23, 2015

Max Howard DuBois II
Max Howard DuBois II, 92, lifelong Litchfield resident, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2015, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.   
He was born July 22, 1923, in Wayne County, to Max and Ruth (Kellicut) DuBois. He attended the Todd Town School, Wayne University, Vanderbilt University, Alabama Polytechnic University, American University in France, and earned a masters degree at Eastern Michigan University.  
He became a licensed engineer and worked 46 years as a power engineer in Dearborn. He also taught at Henry Ford Community College and worked as a substitute teacher and tutor.  He enjoyed running the family farm, and was proud to have built the first data center in the U.S.
Max served in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Division during World War II and was a triple volunteer.  He was a muzzle loader gun enthusiast, member of South Litchfield Baptist Church, and life member of the DAV.
In 1946, he married Ursula (Provine), and she preceded him in death in 2004.
Survivors include three daughters, Malina (James) Baas of Tennessee, Erroll-Ann Metzger of Louisiana and Suzanne (Richard) Smith of Tennessee; a son, Max DuBois III of Litchfield; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Mark, and two sisters, Erroll and Ellen.
Graveside services were held Saturday at the Allen Cemetery, with the Rev. Clyde Wonders officiating.  
Funeral arrangements were handled by Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel, Litchfield.
Memorials are suggested to South Litchfield Baptist Church.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

Janean Shaw
Janean Helen (Ott) Shaw, 56, of Homer, passed away Monday,  September 14, 2015, in the arms of her daughters and surrounded by her loved ones.
She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Daniel Shaw; daughters, Maegan Lowder of Homer and Billie Jean (Aaron) Phipps of Albion; sons, Jonathon (Lita) Spinner of Lansing, Khyle Judge of Traverse City and Arron Shaw of Lansing; grandchildren Mallorie, Jayde, Rylie, Lynzie, Dalton, Amelia, Zowey and Jo’Angel; mother, Lorene Siegrist of Eaton Rapids; sisters, Tammy Ott of Eaton Rapids and JoDee Sparks of Florida.
She was proceeded in death by her maternal grandmother, Gladys “Tootsie” McDowell-Michael; uncle, Richard McDowell; and stepfather, Robert Siegrist.
Family members described Janean as fierce, strong and she wasn’t simple. She was crazy and sometimes she barely slept. She always had something to say. She had flaws, and that was ok. When she got down, she got right back up. She was a beast in her own way, but one idea described her best, she was unstoppable and she took anything she wanted with a smile.
A private memorial was held September 20. (w/photo)

Gary Dean Frederick
Gary Dean Frederick, 68, of Homer, passed away suddenly Friday, September 18, 2015, at his home.
Gary was born November 27, 1946, in Concord, to Layland and Dorothy (Gordon) Frederick. He graduated from Homer High School with the Class of 1967.
He married Brenda Staley February 24, 1967. Gary worked as an iron worker at Specialty Casting in Springport for 25 years, retiring in 2004. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, joking around and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
Surviving Gary are his special someone, Maxine Yeager of Homer; a son, Kevin Dean Frederick of Battle Creek; a daughter, Amy (Dallas Prater) Frederick of Homer; a son, Chris Dean Frederick of Homer; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother, Richard (Sharon) of Eckford; a nephew; and a niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tom Frederick; and an infant sister, Barbara Frederick.
Relatives and friends were to be received on Tuesday, September 22, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Kempf Family Funeral Home, Homer Chapel.  
A funeral service celebrating the life of Gary will take place at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, September 23, 2015) at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Homer. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. Please leave the family a private message at www.kempffuneralhome.com.

Two killed in motorcycle crash
Two people were killed - including a former Homer man - and another was seriously injured in a head-on crash of two motorcycles Sunday night.
The crash happened on M-60 near Ralston Road in Branch County at about 8:30 p.m.
Michigan State Police say that Patrick Adkins, 48, and his wife Kerri Adkins, 47 - both of Union City - were heading east on M-60 when they struck a westbound motorcycle driven by Ryan Sullivan, 29, head on. Sullivan is formerly of Homer.
Both Patrick Adkins and Sullivan were killed in the crash.  
Kerri Adkins suffered a serious injury to her leg and troopers, along with a bystander rendered first aid and applied a tourniquet to her injured leg.  
She was flown to Bronson Hospital for more care.
Police say that it appears that the Adkins motorcycle had crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic, hitting Sullivan’s motorcycle. Both Adkins were wearing helmets, but Sullivan was not.

September 30, 2015

Ryan Sullivan
Ryan Steven Sullivan, 29, of Leonidas, formerly of Battle Creek, died Sunday, September 20, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
A memorial service was held September 24 at the Leonidas Missionary Baptist Church, located at 31209 M-60, Leonidas, MI 49066. A gathering of friends and family was held prior to the service at the church.
Ryan was born February 25, 1986, in Kalamazoo, to David and Kelly (Long) Sullivan. He graduated from Homer High School in 2004, where he was the Homecoming king and participated in theater and golf. He moved to North Carolina for several years before returning to Michigan, where he lived in Battle Creek for the past five years, only recently moving to Leonidas. He had been employed as a landscaper at Fromman’s Landscaping in Mattawan.
Known for his sense of humor and being handsome, Ryan was also kind, caring and compassionate. He enjoyed music, playing his guitar and attending church with his fiancé, Zoe Pui. He was proud to be a member of the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons in Battle Creek. Ryan really knew how to cook for a young man and, most importantly, he loved his boys.
He is survived by his sons,  Luca Sullivan, age 7, and Cash Sullivan, age 3, both of Homer, and Nico Sullivan, age 8 months, of Leonidas; his parents, David (Kelly) Sullivan and his fiancé Zoe Pui, all of Leonidas; maternal grandparents Joel and Janet Long of Sunset Beach, North Carolina; a sister, Jessica (Jakob) McLamb of Calabash, North Carolina; a nephew, Felix McLamb; his two older children’s mother, Alex Solis-Mullen of Homer; and his best friend, Charlie Ward of San Jose, California. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, David F. and Elaine Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Ryan’s family to help support his young children. Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family. (w/photo)

Vara Hiatt
Vara H. (Lawrence) Hiatt, 78, of Marshall, died Tuesday, September 22, 2015, after a short battle with lung cancer.
She was born March 20, 1937, in Homer, to Margaret (Rising) and Wilford A. Lawrence. Her father owned and operated a dairy farm on L Drive South, and Vara’s childhood there was a very happy one and left her with many cherished memories. Her family and upbringing had a strong influence on her, and in many ways she remained a small-town farm girl at heart.
She married William D. Hiatt of Battle Creek in 1956. They moved to Marshall, traveled often in the early years of their marriage, and raised three children together. They divorced in 1985.
Vara worked in secretarial and administrative capacities for a number of local businesses.  Many Calhoun County residents knew her for her many years of employment at various automotive shops in Springfield and Battle Creek. She worked for over 10 years at Springfield Transmission, which was then owned by Springfield booster and civic volunteer Ed LeBoeuf.  Those were some of Vara’s happiest work memories, as she appreciated and respected how exceptionally well LeBoeuf treated both his employees and his customers.
Vara’s last years of employment, also happy ones, were at All-Star Transmission in Springfield, housed in one of Springfield Transmission’s former buildings. She greatly enjoyed helping the customers that she met at both businesses.
Vara’s interests included flower and vegetable gardening, birdwatching, antiques and baking. She liked to watch nature and travel programs on television. She also enjoyed watching football, especially college football, and she was a loyal Michigan State fan.
Two social circles were particularly important to Vara later in life.  First, she greatly enjoyed keeping in touch with a group of her Homer school classmates and meeting them for monthly lunches. Second, she enjoyed the new friends that she made at the First Baptist Church in Marshall when she returned to Christianity in her later years.
Hers was a quiet faith - she didn’t like evangelizing and didn’t care for people who flaunted their religious beliefs - but it was important to her and was a source of great consolation during her illness.
Vara was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Donna Jean Lawrence; and a brother, Ronald Lawrence.
She is survived by her brother, Wilford G. Lawrence of Elkhart, Indiana; her sister, Linda Lawrence of Lansing; her daughter, Shelley Vander Weg of Marshall; her sons, Scott Hiatt of Battle Creek and Brent Hiatt of Marshall; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial visitation for sharing memories will be held at Kempf Funeral Home Marshall Chapel 723 US 27 North on Friday, October 2, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The family will hold a private burial service at a later date. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Oaklawn Hospice.  Assistance with memorials is available at Kempf Funeral Home.
Messages for the family can be left at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)
 
Ida Belle Marchesano
Ida Belle Marchesano (Jeffrey), 69, of Concord, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, September 24, 2015, at Eaton Community Palliative Care Center in Charlotte.
She was born May 27, 1946, to Orviel and Stella (Smith) Jeffrey, in Logan County, West Virginia. She married Michael (Mikey) Marchesano in July of 1992.
She went back to school and received her diploma in 1994 from Homer High School. She spent many years working at Aeroquip in Spring Arbor, Hoffman Plastics of Concord, Union Steel of Albion, and Best Western Hotel of Albion. Known as “Granny,” she also spent her time babysitting for many friends and family members.
She was an avid member of the Grace Free Will Baptist Church in Albion for many years, where she was a member of the Ladies Christian Outreach. Her sons and grandchildren were her pride and joy, along with her little companion Zack.
She is survived by her husband, Mike; two sons, Darryl (Tonya) Mosher and Lloyd (Lorrie) Mosher, both of Homer; grandchildren, Brandon Mosher, Kayla (Jon) Mosher, Amanda Brown, Brittany (Ryan) Nevins, Tyler Mosher, Bryan Mosher and Cody Mosher; and one sister, Rosa Holstine.
She was proceeded in death by her parents and 15 siblings.  
Her family received friends and held services  Monday, September  28,  at Grace Free Will, 16680 E. Michigan Avenue  in Albion. Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to help with final expenses.
Lauer Family Funeral Home in Concord has been entrusted to care for the family.  Please share condolences or memories with the family at www.lauerfh.com.
Lauer Family Funeral Home 116 S. Main Street (w/photo)

October 10, 2015

Dana “Jean” Wildt
Dana “Jean” Wildt, 97, died Friday, September 25, 2015, in Spring Arbor. Jean, a beloved and life-long Concord resident, was born April 28, 1918.
Jean was born in Concord Township to Dana and Alberta Hungerford. She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Concord Township before marrying and moving to Concord where she raised a family. Prior to her passing, Jean was the oldest living member of her 1935 graduating class.
Jean lived her life devoted to her family and the town that she served. Jean was the Concord Township Clerk, serving in this position for 42 years, a record of the longest-serving township clerk in Jackson County. While serving in the clerk position, she also served as the treasurer for the village of Concord.
It was not uncommon to see Jean at various Concord events, such as the Christmas reception at the Hubbard House, or the fireman breakfasts. A friend to all, she would often make time to chat with friends and fellow residents of Concord at the now-closed Shannon’s Market, the Post Office, the Cadet or the M-60 Grill.
In addition to being a township and village servant, Jean was a mother and is survived by three sons, Bob (Sue) Beals, Tom (Penny) Beals and Lynn (Mickie) Wildt; as well as one daughter, Ann (John) Novak, and their families. She has 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren who will all remember her fondly as a caring, selfless, loving woman who was quick to laugh at their jokes and was always interested in what they had to share.
Jean had many hobbies throughout her life. She loved cross-stitching and knitting, and taught many of her granddaughters how to do both. Her homemade dish clothes were always a gift that members of her family looked forward to receiving.  Jean also loved to do fill-in word puzzles and read romance novels. Many of the cabinets at her house were filled with her collections of both, and she would often give her books to the many friends who would stop by and visit her.
Jean was very family-oriented, often holding holiday dinners at her house, especially Fourth of July picnics. Family members would shoot off fireworks every year, after Jean had notified the police to “make sure you don’t patrol Union Street between 9 and 10 p.m.” She made her legendary deviled eggs at family gatherings and would always have plenty of card games like Skip-Bo and Uno that she and her family members would enjoy.
Jean was a loving mother and grandmother and would often have her grandchildren spend time during the summer at her house, where she would take them to downtown Concord, the cemetery, and drives in the country.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alvin Beals, and her second husband, Harold Wildt; her parents, Dana and Alberta; and her brother, Frank.
Not only does she leave her family behind, but several friends, including Star Clark and Rosemary Beals, neighbors, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff of Arbor Manor for providing such wonderful and loving care to “Jeannie” over the past four years. A special thank you to Toni and Amy, two of her main caregivers over the years. We would also like to thank all of the wonderful family and friends in the Concord area. Our mother would have never been able to remain as independent as she was, if it had not been for all of you who elected her to office for 42 years and watched over her. All of you knew her patterns and if she wasn’t out bugging all of you on a regular basis, you were checking on her. She would often say “I have to report in before I leave town, or the police will be calling you.”
A memorial celebrating Jean’s life and accomplishments will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Universalist Church, 200 Hanover St., Concord. Family will receive guests starting at 1 p.m., with the service to follow at 2 p.m. A luncheon will be served at the Hubbard House, 317 Hanover Street, immediately following the service.
All donations can be made to the Hubbard Memorial Museum Foundation. PO Box 463, Concord, MI 49237.
Lauer Family Funeral Home in Concord has been entrusted to care for the family.  Please share condolences or memories at www.lauerfh.com.
116 S. Main St. Concord

Harold Nelson
Harold Victor Nelson, age 83, of Homer, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at home with family.
Harold was born and raised in Marquette to Victor and Ethel Nelson. He attended the public schools in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1950. In the fall of 1950, Harold attended Northern Michigan College (Northern Michigan University). Then, in October of 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served four years before being Honorably Discharged in 1955. While in the Navy, he was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Monterey. During this time he also attended Storekeeping School in Newport, Rhode Island.
While serving in the Navy, Harold returned to Newberry,  during a 10 day leave to marry Dorothea McLean on June 3, 1953. Upon discharge from the Navy, Harold returned to Northern College to graduate with his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts degree and a certification in Driver Education.
After his college graduation, Harold accepted a teaching position at Homer High School, where he taught for 32 years including teaching driver education during the summer months. In addition to teaching, he drove kids on the school bus. Harold retired from teaching in 1990 and was self-employed in the building trades for several years.
In 1992, Harold and his wife were a part of a mission project in Zambia, Africa, through the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF). There they helped build a home for visiting doctors traveling to the Zambian village. The couple also did another missionary project in Hazard, Kentucky, with the youth fellowship group from their church.
Harold was an active member of the Homer First Presbyterian Church since 1958. He was a ruling elder of the church for many years and enjoyed singing in the church choir.
Harold was a member of the Homer Lions Club since 1958. In 2011, he was awarded the distinguished Melvin Jones Fellow for humanitarian service from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. The fellowship is the highest award given by a local club to a member for exceptional commitment to serving others.  
He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans; he also belonged to Michigan Education Association-Retired and National Education Association-Retired.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Reverend Richard E. Nelson of Minnesota; and a sister, Dorothy Bradley of Wyoming. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothea; and four children, Harold A. (Patty) Nelson of Munising, Thomas (Diane) Nelson and Alan (Suzanne) Nelson both of Homer, and Jennifer (Curt) Hegel of Holland; as well as six grandchildren, Lauren, Brock, Kristin, Sarah, Victor and Matthew.
Relatives and friends were received Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church in Homer. A memorial service celebrating the life of Harold was held at the church with Pastor Tim Marvil officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Harold can be made to the Homer First Presbyterian Church and the Leader Dogs of the Blind.
Arrangements were made by the Craig K. Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, 303 S. Hillsdale Street, Homer.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.
 
Traci Lons
Traci L. Lons, age 49, of Homer, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at Allegiance Health Hospital in Jackson.
She was born in Jackson on June 13, 1966, daughter of Howard and Sally (Munsie) Griffis. Traci graduated in 1984 from Hanover-Horton High School. She received her associate’s degree in Child Education from Jackson Community College in 1986. On February 11, 1995, Traci married Andy Lons, the love of her life.
Traci enjoyed baking, reading, planning and coordinating events, but most of all spending time with her family.
Surviving Traci are her husband Andy Lons of Homer; son, Joseph Lons of Homer; daughter, Cecelia Lons of Homer; parents, Howard and Sally Griffis of Horton; sister, Jodie (Ryan) Boehlke of Albion; mother-in-law and father-in–law Calvin and Judy Lons of Homer; niece Kylie (Nick) Brigham of Ypsilanti; nephew Storm Boehlke of Ann Arbor; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Visitation was held Monday, October 5, and Tuesday, October, 6, at the Concord United Methodist Church, 113 S. Main Street, Concord. A memorial service celebrating the life of Traci took place Tuesday, October 6, at the church, with Pastor David Elmore officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements were made by the Kempf Family Funeral Home, Homer. Online messages for the family may be left at www.kempffuneralhome.com.

October 14, 2015

Mollie L. Riker
Mollie L. Riker, 82, of Allegan and formerly of Homer, died Sunday, October 4, 2015, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan.
She was born November 18, 1932, in Allegan, the daughter of Maxwell and Bernice (Richardson) Morris. She had lived in the Allegan area and worked at Kal-Equip and had been active with the Moose Lodge.
On August 18, 1973, she married Russell G. Riker, and they resided in Litchfield until moving to Homer a few years later. He proceeded her in death October 24, 2009.
Mollie was employed as a cafeteria worker by Litchfield Community Schools. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, sewing and reading.
Surviving are four children, Roger (Roxanne) Griffith of Richland, Charlene (Ray) Brown of Otsego, Kathy (David) LaFountain of Baldwin and Tish (Mike) Rohlfing of Washington; four stepchildren, Cindy Kirkbride, Cathi (Louie) Kroul and Teri (Eric) Fogel, all of Homer, and David (Yvette) Riker of Slidell, Louisiana; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; 17 step-great-grandchildren; a step-great-great-grandchild; and her siblings, Norman “Bud” (Barbara) Morris and Verna (Harold “Skip”) VanderVeen.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Denny.
The funeral service is today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at The Master’s Feet Ministry in Otsego, with Pastor Ray Brown officiating.
Arrangements were made by the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego. Contributions in memory of Mollie may be made to Hospice of Holland.

October 21, 2015

Terri Lee Cunkle
Terri Lee Cunkle of Jonesville, passed away on October 12, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born August 29, 1962, in Cadillac, to Larry and Margaret (Madel) Schooley.
Terri is survived by her husband, Dan Cunkle; one son, Coty (Melinda) Jankoski; one granddaughter, Mackenzie Jankoski; her mother, Margaret Schooley; her father, Larry (Gene) Schooley; one brother, Mark (Sharon) Schooley; and one niece, Drew Schooley.
She was preceded in passing by one sister, Sherri Goodlock.
Terri went to Eastern Michigan University and earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching. She later went to the University of Phoenix and obtained her master’s degree in teaching.
Terri was a special education teacher at the Davis Middle School in Hillsdale. Her true passion in life was to make a difference in the lives of each child she met. During the summer months, she would run themed day camps for girls which included Victorian, fairy and medieval themes. She took great pride in her work with youth both as an educator and a mentor.
Terri, along with her husband Dan, found great joy in acting, so they created and built a Neighborhood Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, which performed many shows for people to enjoy. Terri was also an accomplished author, having published one book with Amazon and having much more unpublished material including poetry.
Early in her life she had a career in modeling which lead to hosting and orchestrating various local beauty pageants in which the proceeds would be donated to the American Cancer Society. She was an educated photographer, a licensed massage therapist, went to flight school and became licensed to fly ultralights and was also a certified volunteer for Domestic Harmony.
Prior to her teaching career at the Davis Middle School, Terri was an educator and mentor at several local schools and foundations including Jonesville, Litchfield and Homer school districts and the Manor Foundation. She was a world traveler and enjoyed time with her family. She believed strongly in pursuing her dreams and helping others make real differences to make the world a better place.
At Terri’s request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service to honor her life will be held at the Hampton-Kurtz Funeral Home in Hillsdale Saturday, October 24, beginning at noon, with Pastor Steve Newton officiating.
The family will also receive friends for visitation from 11  a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make memorial contributions to a college fund for Terri’s granddaughter, Mackenzie Jankoski, care of Dan Cunkle per Terri’s request. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Hampton-Kurtz Funeral Home
3380 W. Carleton Road
Hillsdale, MI 49242
517-437-0605 (w/photo)

October 28, 2015

Donna J. Schanz
Donna J. Schanz, age 85, of Homer, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2015, at Allegiance Health in Jackson with her family at her side. She was born on September 22, 1930, a daughter of Herbert and Edith (Pittlekow) Nowlin in Homer. On September 5, 1953, she married LeRoy M. Schanz in Angola, Indiana.
Donna was a teacher’s aide at Homer Elementary for 22 1/2 years. She enjoyed bingo, going to casinos, sewing, puzzles, arts and crafts, cooking, bowling, camping at Tri-Lake Trails in Marshall, but most of all spending time with her family
Surviving Donna are her husband, LeRoy Schanz of Homer; sons, Bruce Schanz and John Schanz, both of Jackson; grandchildren, Kurtis (Abbey) Schanz of Jackson and Nicole Schanz of Michigan Center; and great- grandchildren, Chesney and Ryder Schanz. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Merle and Robert Nowlin.
Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service celebrating the life of Donna has been held. Internment was at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Arrangements were made by the Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, 303 S. Hillsdale Street, Homer, Michigan 49245.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lillian Fletcher Elementary, 403 S. Hillsdale Street, Homer.  
Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. Online messages may be left for the family at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

November 41, 2015 - No obits

November 11, 2015

Gustoff “Gus” Evans Jr.
Gustoff “Gus” Evans Jr., age 76, of Homer, died Monday evening, November 2, 2015, at his home.
Mr. Evans was born on August 17, 1939, in Leachville, Arkansas, to Gustoff S. and Willie Ida (Spradling) Evans. He lived the majority of his life in this area and was a graduate of Albion Washington Gardner High School, class of 1957.
Gus had been employed by the Southeastern Michigan Gas Company in Albion as a supervisor for more than 30 years. He retired in 1997. Prior employment included Pet Milk Company and the Homer Dry Cleaning Company.
A marriage to Gayle Johnson ended in divorce.  On October 11, 1988, he married the former Janyth “Jan” Kay Fast Griffiths in Homer.
Mr. Evans was an avid golfer.  He enjoyed playing whenever and anywhere he could.  Locally he had been a member of Concord Hills and Marywood golf courses and played in several leagues at Whiffletree golf course.  
He enjoyed hunting, especially duck hunting, as well as other game birds. For the last 19 years, Gus and Jan had wintered in Florida, and made many wonderful friends at the River Ranch Community near Lake Wales.  Gus was a member of the Homer Presbyterian Church.
He is remembered by his family as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved watching old western movies and listening to real country western music. A favorite pastime was watching the many humming birds that visited his yard.
He is survived by his wife, Janyth “Jan” Evans of Homer; children, Kimberly (David) Williams of Battle Creek, Kathryn Evans of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and John (Aimee) Evans of Plainfield, Illinois; stepchildren, Christina (Rick) Boden of Homer and Scott (Brenda) Griffiths of Tekonsha; eight grandchildren, Matthew Williams, Kacie Williams, Brian Kopulos, Evan Bunch, Adam Boden, Lindsey Boden, Jonathan (Aleigha) Griffiths and Ross Griffiths; and two great-grandchildren, Hailee Williams and Cedar Mack; and a sister, Joan (James) Heisner.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Evans; sisters, Bettie Maples and Barbara Lybarger; and his parents, Gustoff S. Evans, Willie I. Pender and stepfather, Onie Pender.
 A funeral service to celebrate the gift of his life was held Friday, November 6, at the Craig K. Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, with Pastor Tim Marvil of the Homer First Presbyterian Church officiating.
Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)  

Doris Grace Hitz
Doris Grace Hitz, age 93, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Pennfield Premier Living in Battle Creek.
She was born April 2, 1922, in Marshall, the daughter of George and Alma Zanger (they named her Lillian Zanger). She was lovingly adopted by Frank and Florence (Rhoades) Mitchell and named Doris Grace Mitchell.
Doris married Dale Hitz  October 2, 1945, and he preceded her in death in August of 1972. She married Clair Dowding February 14, 1981, and he preceded her in death  December 22, 2014.
Besides her husbands and parents, Doris was also preceded in death by three brothers, Charles Zanger, Floyd Jackson and DeWayne DePew; two sisters, Edna Hammond and Esther Sloan; two half-brothers, Gene Van Nostrand and Howard Van Nostrand; a half-sister, Margie Pedjac; and a stepsister, Ruth Miller.
Doris was a very loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was a hard worker who help her husband with the various chores on the farm, as well as being employed outside the home at various places. She worked as a short order cook and worked at several bakeries including Louie’s Bakery in Marshall and retiring from Felpausch Bakery.
Doris leaves to cherish her memory her children, Ruth (Kenneth) Miller and Don (Vicki) Hitz; grandchildren, Mike Miller, Bruce Miller, Janell Kilmer, Brian Hitz, Laura Zick; great-grandchildren, Gavin Miller, Kennedy Miller, Kolton Kilmer, Colin Miller, Hannah Zick, Dale Hitz, Chase Hitz and Jackson Kilmer; brothers, Jack Garner and Don Swartz; half-brothers, Clarence Zanger and John Zanger; half-sisters, Sherry Burton, Mary Morrison, Marge Kuhn and Verna Ratliff; and stepsister, Miriam Juhnke.
Doris’ family will celebrate her life today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. until the time of service, with Pastor Al Henson officiating. Burial will follow at West Eckford Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice. To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

November 18, 2015 - No obits

November 25, 2015 - No obits

December 2, 2015

Delores Swan
Delores Joann Swan, age 82, of Homer, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, November 22, 2015, at home under the loving care of her family and hospice.
She was born March 24, 1933, at home in North Adams, the daughter of Aaron and Alta (Young) Taylor. She met the love of her life, George Swan Sr. in 1947, and she married him in 1948. Together they raised eight children and thoroughly enjoyed life together. George preceded Delores in death on February 8, 2013, after 64 years of marriage.
Delores was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. After all her children were of school age, she went to work with mentally challenged children to teach them and enrich their lives.
Delores enjoyed participating on a bowling league with her husband at the Homer bowling alley, as well as camping as a family in their younger years. Delores was extremely gifted and talented; she enjoyed all kinds of crafts including crocheting and painting. She was also a very gifted gardener, but her greatest joy and love was her whole family. She was a true matriarch of her family and instilled many family values and traditions that will be carried on for generations. The family has many precious memories to cherish of both Delores and George.
She leaves to cherish her memory, six daughters, Brenda VanArman, Marlene (Rich) Taft, Bev (Jerry) Snyder, Pam (Jeff) Leppek, Georgette (David) Wallace and Lana Swan; two sons, Chuck Swan and George I. (Schara) Swan, Jr.; 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Aaron (Marilee) Taylor, Jean Rogers, Alton (Louise) Taylor and Mike (Pat) Taylor.
Besides her loving husband and best friend George, Delores was also preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mickey Fish; and a granddaughter, Crystal Starr LaFountain.
The family celebrated Delores’ life November 28, 2015, at  J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion. They received visitors at the funeral home prior to the service.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

Dr. Stephen (“Doc”) Rosenquist
Dr. Stephen L. (“Doc”) Rosenquist  age 70, of Albion, passed away on September 27, 2015, at his home.
He was born on January 6, 1945, a son of Edward and Alice (Fisher) Rosenquist. Steve grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, attended Central High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He received a Ph.D. in the Classics from the University of Minnesota.  
He was a Latin and Classics professor at Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills until his retirement.  
Throughout his life, Steve was intensely passionate about academia, rescue cats and his AA fellowships, sponsoring unknown numbers of troubled people to wellness and productivity.   
Stephen is survived by a brother, James M. Rosenquist ;and nephews, Erik, Leif and Thor Rosenquist.
Cremation has taken place and a private family burial has taken place. In lieu of flowers or any other memorials, we encourage those who want to give in Steve’s name to give to the American Cancer Society, which assisted Steve throughout his cancer treatment with support, rides and meals.
Arrangements  were made by The Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, 303 S. Hillsdale St., Homer.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Elias Hazzi, Dr. Dawn Owen and the cancer center staff at Allegiance Health in Jackson, and to Steve’s many friends and neighbors who provided care and support to Steve and his family. We appreciate your kindness. Thank you.

Tom Butters
Tom Butters, 75, of Homer, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015, at home.
He was born October 3, 1940, in Albion, the son of Suthard and Imogene (Lusk) Butters. He grew up in the small town of Pulaski.
On February 29, 1960, he married Glynda “Jewell” (Wiley) and together had three daughters. Tom and Jewell settled in Homer in 1970 with their family and completed building their dream home in 1989.   
Tom had been an employee of Corning Glass in Albion for 10 years. He later retired in 1997 from the Jackson prison after 27 years where he had been a sergeant and the transportation supervisor.
Tommie enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, maintaining his home and spending time with his family. He also loved telling stories from his childhood and his years at the prison.
Survivors include his wife, three daughters; LeaAnne (Jim) Nowlin of Albion, Julie Butters of Homer and Patty (Eric) Alderman of Miami, Arizona; and a sister, Carolyn Sanders of Spring Arbor. He will always be “Papa” to his seven grandchildren, Liz (Du-ane) Hamrick of Homer, Leslie (Chris) Anderson of Albion, Annie Rossetter (Garon Hanson) of Homer, Jewell Flora, mother to his only great-grandchild Hailey,  Ty Burkwalt of Homer, Brittney and Nick Alderman of Miami, Arizona; and a nephew, Jay (Paula) Butters of Kissimmee, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jerry Butters.  
Tommie was a man who was famous for his sense of humor and was so greatly admired and respected by all who knew him. He was very much loved and adored by his family who will greatly miss him.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Oaklawn Hospice.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel, Litchfield.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com. (w/photo)

December 23, 2015

Geneva Gates
Geneva Rae Gates, 84, died December 14, 2015. She was a newspaperwoman, a writer, and the owner-operator of Geneva’s Trip Takers, Inc.
Her column “Over The Fence,” and later with just her by-line, has appeared every Tuesday in some publication in the area for the past 58 years. She wrote for the Litchfield Gazette, and was the Modern Living Editor at The Hillsdale Daily News for 21 years.
During her stay at the Daily News, she originated group travel and accompanied readers on tours across the United States. When she left there, she started Geneva’s Trip Takers, and then wrote for The Jackson Sun, a supplement to the Jackson Citizen Patriot. She and her husband expanded the travel company to include tours throughout the world, and escorted every trip.
In 1968, she received a volunteer service award in a joint session of the House and Senate. Gov. William Milliken presented the award.
She was born January 10, 1931, in Litchfield, the daughter of James and Elsie Arthur. She grew up in the home of her grandparents, Raymond and Bessie Weese, and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1949.
Preceded in death by her husband, Frank H. Gates, Geneva is survived by two daughters, Molly Bazydlo (Henry) of Chelsea, and Sally Schwartz (Rob) of Muskegon; one son, Tony Gates, of Grand Rapids; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at the Dow Hotel & Conference Center, Hillsdale College on January 10, 2016, from 2 - 4 p.m., including a Celebration of Life Service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Litchfield Veterans’ Memorial Fund is appreciated. Checks should be written to the Hillsdale County Community Foundation with “Veteran’s Memorial Fund” written on the memo line and mailed to Diane Smith, PO Box 345, Litchfield, MI 49252.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel, Litchfield.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com. (w/photo)

December 30, 2015

Ruth M. Denbrock-Crandall
Ruth M. Denbrock-Crandall 85, of Homer, passed away Monday, December 21, 2015.
She was born June 30, 1930, the daughter of John and Blanche (Cochrane) Dogan Sr. in Inkster.  She married Frederick W. Denbrock December 27, 1947; he preceded her in death January 19, 2002.
She attended Riggs Beauty School in Battle Creek. Ruth, along with her mother Blanche, owned and operated Magic Mirror Beauty Shop in Homer until her retirement in 1985. She married Lawrence Crandall February 14, 2004, in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Ruth enjoyed making cards, painting and baking. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Litchfield and Peace River Baptist Church in Punta Gorda.
Surviving Ruth are her husband, Lawrence Crandall of Homer; a daughter, Carolyn (Dan) Miller of Marshall; two sons, Larry (Laurie) Denbrock of Jackson, Tennessee, and Michael (Dianne) Denbrock of South Bend, Indiana; five grandchildren, Lisa Katz, Michelle Miller, Christy Denbrock, Jacob Denbrock and Chance Denbrock; three great-grandchildren, Jasmine Miller, Ashlyn Katz and Ben Katz; a brother, John (Sue) Dogan Jr. of Coldwater; sister-in-law, Jackie Dogan of Marshall; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Frederick Denbrock; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Nancy Dogan; and brother, Paul Dogan.
Relatives and friends were received December 23 at the Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Homer Chapel, 303 S. Hillsdale Street in Homer. A funeral service celebrating the life of Ruth took place December 24 at the funeral home, with Pastor Brent Stille of the Litchfield First Baptist Church officiating. Interment  followed at Fairview Cemetery in Homer. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Litchfield.   
Online messages may be left for the family at www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)