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Gerald C. Woodbury
Gerald C. Woodbury, 96, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
A Graveside Service will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Chaplain Steve Ezop officiating.
Gerald was born in St. Johns, MI on August 21, 1924, the son of Charley and Lula (Ritter) Woodbury. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1942. Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Sgt in WWII. He was in the first wave that landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day. During the Northern France Campaign, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal “for diverting enemy fire upon himself so that his patrol could accomplish its mission”. In December of 1944, he was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.
On September 6, 1947, Gerald married Alma Bozung at Church of the Resurrection in Lansing. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage prior to her passing on May 30, 2011. Gerald used the G.I. Bill to get his Electrician Certification. He was a Master Electrician for Sealed Power for 30 years. He also owned and operated Woodbury Electric for many years.
Gerald is survived by his children: Ellen (Charles) Perry of St. Johns, Mark (Teresita) Woodbury of St. Johns, Janeen Woodbury (William Linak) of Raleigh, NC, Patricia (Darrell) Beck of St. Johns, Eric (Cynthia) Woodbury of High Point, NC, and Christine (Jeff) Pioszak of Williamston. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Melissa Mesh, Brandon Mesh, Rachelle Smith, Rebecca Herrick, Cassandra Herrick, Marites Woodbury, Maggie Linak, Scott Linak, Drew Beck, Timothy Beck, Hannah Woodbury, Christian Woodbury, Spencer Pioszak and Connor Pioszak, 14 great-grandchildren, siblings: Marilyn (Hub) Waite, Chan Woodbury and Linda Wieber; and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alma, infant son Jeffrey, 3 brothers: Vern, Norman and Alan Woodbury; and sister Marge Ozanich.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Briggs District Library (108 E. Railroad St., St. Johns, MI 48879). The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Paul A. Neller
Paul A. Neller, age 90, died on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam. He was born on August 27, 1930 to Clarence and Helen (Bartlett) Neller in St. Johns, Michigan and graduated from St. Johns High School. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hank from 1951 until 1955.
Paul was married to Jeanette Mead Linman in 1958 and together raised four children. He worked in construction and was employed by General Motors at the Fisher Body division in Lansing, MI for 30 years. Paul enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, gardening and most any outdoor activity with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion Post #62 in Columbus OH.
Survivors include his two daughters Theresa Neller of Columbus and Kimberly Neller of Harrison MI, his son Kevin (Jane) of Verona; 12 grandchildren Michelle (Shelby) Pruitt, Pamela (Joe) Hayden, Michael Linman, Jeremy (Allie) Linman, Amanda (Scott) Wethel, Dennis (Danielle) Schultz, Greg (Stephanie) Schultz, Robert (Jessica) Lindert, Amber (James) Hubbard, Jordan (Michelle) Neller, Amy (Nick) Olsen, August Lindert; 30 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a sister-in-law Jane (Bruce) Timlick of Michigan; many nieces, nephews, other relatives; very special friend Donna Kohrt and friend and roommate Loren Lindert. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, granddaughter Renee Schultz, great granddaughters Kinley and Kimber, brother Bernard, sisters Jean Ormsby and Louisa Jakeway, father-in-law and mother-in-law Orlo and Irene Mead Sr., brothers-in-law Orlo Mead Jr. and Jim Mead, sisters-in-law Joyce Mead and Joanne Spanburg.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Bethany Cemetery, Town of Calamus with full military honors. A gathering to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at a later date this year. Please share your online condolences at jensenfuneralandcremation.com.
Howard J. Blasen
Howard J. Blasen, a long time resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 20, 2021 after having been diagnosed with cancer last December. He was 96 years old.
Howard was born in Beal City, Michigan on September 22, 1924, the son of Herman Blasen and Henrietta Voisin Blasen. He was a decorated military veteran who valiantly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. When he returned home from war he began his career in materials handling with Motor Wheel in Lansing and enjoyed farming. On December 29, 1962 he married Anna (Henry) Smith in St. Johns, where they have made their home and are long time members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Howard loved playing cards, traveling, watching sports of all kinds, and most of all, enjoyed being with family and watching his large crew of grandchildren grow up around him.
In addition to Anna, his beloved wife of over fifty-eight years, he is survived by children, Gary (Marsha) Blasen, Jan (Derek) Stotler, Jim (Jamie) Smith, Judy (Lee) VanCamp, Jane (Ben) Austin, Jerry (Colleen) Smith; sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and a great great grandson. Also surviving are his sister, Irene Smith, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends who join his family in giving thanks to God for his life among them. He was preceded in death by brothers, Clarence (Theresa) Blasen, Raymond (Lillian) Blasen, Joseph Blasen, and Bob (June) Blasen.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, March 25, from 4-8 PM.
Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St., St. Johns, on Friday, March 26, at 12 Noon. Burial and Military Honors will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a luncheon will not follow the services. A Celebration of Howard’s Life will be planned for everyone in the Summer.
Memorials may be made in his name to St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Cynthia Jo Lumbert
Cynthia Jo “Cindy” Lumbert, age 61, of St. Johns, MI, passed away after a long battle with kidney failure on Friday, March 19, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Visitation will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns.
Cindy was born in St. Johns, MI on January 9, 1960, the daughter of Edward Louis and Alice Marie (Fox) Schneider. She graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1978.
Cindy dearly loved her son and always looked forward to time with her family. She was fun to be around and enjoyed picking on people. She liked to read cookbooks and made the best peanut butter sheetcake. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI.
Cindy is survived by her son Matthew Lumbert of St. Johns and the father of her children Bryan Lumbert of Edmore. She is also survived by 8 siblings: Tom (Connie) Schneider, Mike (Peg) Schneider, Ellen (Bob) Davis, Ann Schneider, Dan (Jill) Schneider, Mary (Jim) Cosgrove, Pat (Susie) Schneider, and Steve (Dawn) Schneider; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and infant daughter Brandi Jo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smith Family Funeral Homes for Cindy’s funeral expenses. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Mark Charles Simmon
Mark Charles Simmon, 88, of Fowler, MI, went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at Sparrow – Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 10:30 A.M., with Bishop Boyea as celebrant and Rev. Fr. Eric Weber as concelebrant. Mark will be laid to rest beside his wife at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel with the Rosary being prayed at 7 P.M.
Mark was born in Fowler, MI on November 2, 1932, the son of Jerome and Viola (Wieber) Simmon. Mark proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. On July 25, 1953, Mark married Gertrude Veronica Witgen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia, MI. They were blessed with nearly 55 years of marriage prior to her death on April 19, 2008.
Mark had a deep faith and was very dedicated to the Catholic Faith. He enjoyed his time serving as deacon at Most Holy Trinity for over 30 years. Mark enjoyed woodworking. He restored antique tractors and attended antique tractor shows.
Mark is survived by 7 children: Randy (Kathy) Simmon, Dale (Barb) Simmon, Janet (Luke) Pohl, Alan Simmon, Julie (Rod) Green, Curt (Autumn) Simmon, and Scott Simmon; son-in-law Kirk Robbins; 30 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by 5 siblings: Ellen Pline, Agnes Beaufore, Dave Simmon, Lucy (Dennis) McCrumb, and Mike Simmon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gert, daughter Patty Robbins, infant grandson Garrett Pohl, grandson Greg Simmon, siblings: Mary Lou (Dennis) Rademacher, Thomas Simmon, Francis Simmon, Daniel Simmon, and Steven Simmon. Mark was soon followed in death by his grandson Austin Pohl.
Memorials may be made to Chosen Vision to provide housing for developmentally disabled men and women in Mid-Michigan. 1111 Turner DeWitt, MI 48820. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
David William Masarik
David William Masarik, a resident of St. Johns, died on March 17, 2021 at the age of 62.
David was born in Lansing on March 31, 1958, the son of Rudolph William Masarik III and Florence “Skip” Agler Masarik and grew up in St. Johns. Following graduation from St. Johns High School, he served his country in the U.S. Army. When he returned from service, he began his long career with General Motors which began with Fisher Body in Lansing and ended with his retirement from Delta Township in 2009.
On January 4, 1980 he wed Beverly Langham with whom he’d been friends since childhood. Dave enjoyed fishing, hunting with his father-in-law and son-in-law, and target shooting with his grandsons of whom he was very proud. For Dave, no one was a stranger and he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He always treated others with kindness, was selfless, always put others first, and he will be dearly missed by all who were touched by his presence. In the words of Dave, “all great things must come to an end.”
He is survived by Beverly, his beloved wife of over forty-one years; his daughter, Angel (Rob) Ralph; grandchildren, Michael Cochran (Chelsey Ouzts), Dylan William (Kylie) Masarik-Ralph, Austin Robert Ralph, Justin Owen Ralph, Cameron David Ralph; great grandchildren, Scarlett, Mady, and Spencer; siblings, Robin (the late Fred) Moore, Cathy Masarik, and James (Tereasa) Masarik; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda Masarik, Ronda Masarik, Becky (Ernest) Aughenbaugh Sr., Bonnie, (Rodney) Hale, Dail Langham, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own. He was preceded in death by siblings, Craig Masarik, Rudy Masarik IV; in-laws, Charles Richard “Dick” and Irene Langham, and brother-in-law, Chuck Langham.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Friday, March 19, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 20, at 10 AM with Pastor Ben McBride officiating.
Due to Covid 19 precautions and limitations, Saturday’s funeral ceremony may be viewed from the McGeehan Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/McGeehanFuneralHomes
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of March 8 and 15, 2021
Straight, Ashley M. / Straight, Charles E.
Mehney, Matthew R. / Mehney, Heather R.
Williams, Hazel / Williams, Dustin
Schneider, Tiffany S. / Schneider, Gerald R.
Wiegman, Hannah J / Wiegman, Leland M.
Ray, Angel Marie / Ray, Eric Nathaniel
Cody, Devin / Cody, Courtney