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Jonna Sue Speerbrecker
Jonna Sue Speerbrecker, age 59 of Dewitt, died on July 28, 2021.
Jonna was born on August 20, 1961 in Lansing, Michigan, the second of five daughters raised by parents, Raymond and Lucille Grables. She graduated from Holt High School. Jonna met Johnie Speerbrecker through a mutual friend and they wed on October 3, 1982. The young couple raised their three sons, Brendon, Spencer and Dustin in Dewitt.
Jonna was generous, caring and loving. Her family was her biggest hobby. She loved opportunities to garden, cook, and family dinners for family and friends were her most favorite of times. She loved being a mom, adored her grandchildren, and relished working with her sons as an electrical administrator over the last few years.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Johnie L. Speerbrecker; her dear sons, Brendon, Spencer (Danielle) and Dustin (Hannah); beloved grandchildren, Blake, Reid, Adaline and Remi; sisters, Melody Grables, Celene Flannery, Nya (Kevin) Balmer, Jorgina (Jim) Roehl; numerous nephews, extended family members and many dear friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Sunday, August 1, at 3 PM. Visitation will be held from 11 AM until the time of service.
Memorials may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Richard Brown Gleason, Jr.
Richard Brown Gleason, Jr. age 82 of Lansing, formerly of St. Johns passed away peacefully Friday, July 23, 2021, at his home. A Celebration of Life was held at South Riley Bible Church DeWitt, MI. A private interment has been held at Laingsburg Cemetery.
Richard was born October 17, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Richard Brown and Georgia (King) Gleason. He grew up in Laingsburg and graduated high school in 1958. He married his first wife; Beverly (Polly) DeZess in 1958, together they had four children. He received his undergraduate degree from John Wesley College (Baker) in Owosso and went on to Central Michigan University to complete his master’s degree in Social Work.
He married the love of his life Judith Lee Yff on November 24, 1978, in St. Ignace, Michigan. Shortly after they moved to St. Johns and were blessed with two more children in the home they built together. Richard knew the value of hard work beginning at an early age owning and operating the newspaper in Corunna.
Richard’s true passions were loving others, through leading others to Christ, teaching the word of God, counseling the hurting, and rescuing abused children. Richard worked 20 some years for Social Services in Clinton and Shiawassee counties. In his early retirement years, he also worked for the Friend of the Court, writing a manual of policies and procedures, which led to the expedition of custody case loads. But his favorite work was pastoring at what is now known as the Church of the Living Word in Ovid as well as Christ Community Church in St. Johns.
He was a man of many talents; he was a skilled carpenter and electrician and was known to fix just about anything. He was quick to laugh with his full-bodied laugh and loved to tease and be teased. He was always trying (and mostly succeeded) in lightening the mood. Richard loved to hunt and shared this passion with many family members and remained a fan throughout his life for the Detroit Lions. He will forever be remembered for his “rich” laughter, his compassion for others, his keen sense of understanding human nature and people’s needs.
He is survived by his wife; Judith Lee Gleason, his children; Kim Lorraine (Ken Beach) Hampton, Tina Marie Janes, Debra Linn (Eric Yager) Gleason, Sean Michael (Amanda) Gleason, and Daniel Lee (Kassandra) Gleason, his daughter-in-law; Melissa Gleason, his 14 grandchildren, his 23 great-grandchildren, his sister; Sally (Georgia) Beck, his brother-in-law; James Young, his sisters-in-law; Joanne Lewis, Joyce Gleason, Ruth (Gord) Kamps, Nelle (Bill) Evenhouse, Sarah (Bud) Meijer, Esther Yff-Prins, and Laura (Richard) Kofsky.
He was preceded in death by his son; Richard Brown Gleason III, his parents, his great-grandson; Weston Hornbeck, his siblings; Roxanne Brogdon, Michael Gleason, Ruth Young, Carolyn Perry, Suzanne Ferrell, James W. Gleason, brothers-in-law; George Yff, Dean Beck, Rev. Edson Lewis, Jr., Robert Prins, Bill Brogdon, Jeff Ferrell, and Doug Bishop, sister-in-law; Sandra K. (Shawa) Gleason, and his son-in-law; Mark Janes.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials honoring Richard to be made to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing to continue his passion for helping people.
Jason Scott Langdon
Jason Scott Langdon, age 49, of Ashley, MI, passed away Monday, July 26, 2021.
A Graveside Service will be held at Collier Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 7, 2021, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. The cemetery is located on Ranger Rd., west of US-127.
Jason was born in Carson City, Michigan on July 25, 1972, the son of Denny and Virginia (Esch) Erickson. He graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1990.
Jason liked to go sky diving. He enjoyed the beach and warm weather. He liked family get-togethers and football. Of everything he enjoyed, the loves of his life were his twin girls. They were his everything. He took them sky diving and miniature golfing. Being a Dad was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Jason is survived by his daughters: Kyleigh Langdon of Traverse City, MI, and Olivia Langdon of St. Johns, MI; mother and step-father Virginia and Dennis Erickson of Ashley, MI; sister Nickie Clark of Midland, MI and her children Grace and Zack; and brothers: Brent (Leisa) Erickson of Merrill, MI; and Brian Erickson of Shepherd, MI; and many other family members. Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents; father Danny Langdon, and brother-in-law Brad Clark.
Memorials may be made to Smith Family Funeral Homes to help with Jason’s funeral expenses. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Neil A. Hafner
Neil A. Hafner, age 71, of Fowler, MI, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Lansing, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, with Rev. Fr. John Klein presiding and Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard concelebrating. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI, immediately following after the mass. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 9, 2021 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel. A Rosary will be prayed on Monday Evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Neil was born in St. Johns, MI on November 13, 1949, the son Joseph J. and Antoinette A. (Rademacher) Hafner. Neil graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1968. He married Rose Klein on June 22, 1974, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI; and she survives him.
He worked as an electrician in skilled trades and retired from General Motors in 2007. Prior to working at General Motors, he worked with his father as an electrician at Hafner Electric for over 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and doing small woodworking projects. Neil loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Dallas Township Fire Department and a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves.
He is survived by his wife Rose Hafner of Fowler, MI; 3 daughters: Therese and Ryan Duffy of DeWitt, MI; Nadine Thompson of Wyoming, MI; Nicole and Eric Keiffer of New Hudson, MI; 5 grandchildren: Austin, Preston, Kyla, Becca, and Wyatt. He is also survived by his siblings: Ken and Pat Hafner of Fowler, MI; Denise Plowman of Fowler, MI; and Marlene Hufnagel of St. Johns, MI; one brother-in-law Dick and Dorothy Pohl of Clarksville, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Joanne Pohl, and brothers-in-law: Chuck Hufnagel and Bob Plowman.
Memorials may be made to Dallas Township Fire Department. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Earl Cecil Rogers
Surrounded by his children, Earl Cecil Rogers passed away at his home on July 25, 2021, at the age of 83, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Earl was born on February 16, 1938, the son of Anna (Beemer) and Warren Rogers in Pine River Township, Michigan . He was the youngest of 11 children.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 29, 2021, with Pastor Ron Sischo officiating. Burial will take place at Duplain Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 4:00 – 8:00 and on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Earl was a veteran serving in the United States Navy from 1955-1959. He served in the 9th Naval District, Great Lakes, Illinois, and served aboard the U.S.S Hornet for over two years.
Earl married LaVonne May Humphrey on November 13, 1958, at the Strickland Baptist Church in Shepherd, Michigan. They lived in Alma, Michigan, until moving to St. Johns in 1966. Earl retired from Oldsmobile in 1994 after 30 years of service.
Earl was an avid sports fan, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. Earl was a Little League coach, Indian Guides chief, and helped with Cub Scouts. He loved family gatherings up north at the cabin and on Colony Lake. His grandkids and great grandkids were so very special to him. He always had a shiny quarter for the great grandkids.
Earl joined TOPS Chapter 1634 in June 1999. He was the chapter king and was honored as State King in 2001. Earl was a leader and friend to all in TOPS. Earl became a KOPS member and was proud of this achievement.
Earl was well known for his volunteerism. After his retirement he devoted many volunteer hours at God’s Mission Outreach, Hazel Findlay, Beacon of Hope, American Red Cross, Lions Club recycling center, and anything else he could help with.
Earl was a resident of Clinton Commons since 2018. He helped other residents and started a recycling program there. He enjoyed countless hours of playing cards and enjoying his friends at “the circle”.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Sparrow Hospital and Sparrow Hospice teams that supported them during this time.
He is survived by his children: Roxanne (Jeff) Burnham, Trisha (David) Hufnagel, Darren (Tammie) Rogers; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Zachary (Evamarie) Burnham, Vance and Jemma; Karly Burnham; Jameson (Pamarie) Hufnagel; Erickson Hufnagel; Holly (Jake) Smith, Henry and JoAnna; Alec Rogers; Sarah Witt, Veda, Tabitha, Rhiannon, and Danny; Melissa (Ray) Garcia, Everett and Lily; Nikki (Luke) Ostrowski, Sophia, Iris, and Violet; and Rachel (Andy) Strodtman. He is also survived by a sister, Edith Richards of Alma. Earl was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, just short of three months ago. He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.
Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope, 401 South Swegles Street, St. Johns, MI, 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Virginia Ray Caesar
Virginia Ray “Ginny” Caesar, age 72, of Ovid, MI, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, with Pastor Tyler Barlage officiating. Burial will take place at Fulton Center Cemetery, Perrinton, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.
Virginia was born in Plymouth, Indiana, on February 11, 1949, the daughter of Edward and Ethel (Books) Kleitz. Virginia married the love of her life Gary Lynn “Jake” Caesar on February 17, 1969 in Valley Station, KY. They were blessed with 47 years of marriage prior to his passing on May 31, 2016.
Ginny’s life revolved around her family and she loved spending time with them. She had a servant heart and was always willing to help someone in need. Ginny was a member of the Community Christian Church, St. Johns, MI for over 40 years. She was very involved with Sunday school and the youth.
She is survived by daughters: Jessica Caesar of Ovid, MI, Nicole and Anthony Herington of Lansing, MI, and Dawn and Dennis Smith of Breckenridge, MI; son Eric Caesar of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren: AshTin, Mary, Blane, Mallory and great-grandchildren: Patrick, Sophie, and Eleanor. She is also survived by her siblings: Sandra Frost of California, Bonnie and Ken Daigle of Florida, Edward and Donna Kleitz of New York, Stephen and Pam Kleitz of Texas, Michael and Rebecca Kleitz of Kentucky, Deborah Heitkamper of Indiana, Judith and Jerry Schultz of Alabama, and Sharon and Dylan Garza of Texas; and several nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gary, daughter Rachel, grandson Dylan, and her siblings: Deloros (Phillip) Doty, Barbara (Frank) Evans, Gerald Kleitz, Robert Kleitz, Charles (Maria) Kleitz and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Community Christian Church, St. Johns, MI, Wounded Warrior Project or Give Kids the World. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Eileen Thelen
Eileen Thelen of Westphalia passed away at home July 21, 2021 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Eine was born February 16, 1948 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Edward and Aurelia (Motz) Plunkett. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School Class of 1966 and worked as a typesetter, retiring from Jet Speed Printing in St. Johns.
She was a longtime faithful member of St. Mary Parish where she cleaned the church, helped with the annual Knights of Columbus chicken BBQ for 30 years, was a member of the Christian Mothers and Women’s Guild and was recognized as the Knights of Columbus Women of the Year in 2019. Eine enjoyed attending her grandson’s football games, granddaughter’s volleyball games and taking casino trips with her sisters.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Bud; children, Richard (Kristana), Scott (Heidi O’Connor) and Andrew (Marci) Thelen; grandchildren, Alex, Ryan, Austin, Carter and Emma Faith; siblings, Ray (Rosemary) Plunkett, Dale (Marion) Plunkett, Marilyn (Ken) Sohn, Shirley (Stan) Smith, Pat (Mike) Thelen and Lynda Plunkett, and brother-in-law Jerry Gunn, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and four brothers.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Westphalia by The Reverend Fr. Eric Weber. Rite of committal will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Eine’s name may be given to the Westphalia Township Fire Department, P.O. Box 236, Westphalia, MI 48894. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.
Laurence J. Dyer
Laurence J. Dyer, a resident of St. Johns and former resident of Grand Ledge and Edmore, died peacefully at his home on July 22, 2021 at the age of 87.
Larry was born on March 20, 1934, the son of Jerome L. Dyer and Gladys M. (Peters) Dyer, and grew up in Lansing where he worked with the Board of Water & Light for over thirty-three years. On September 10, 1955 he married the love of his life, Joyce A. Schumacher, whom he’d had the fortune of meeting at an archery class. Together they raised their family in Grand Ledge and operated Dyer’s Arrow Shop, building and supplying arrows to Anderson’s Archery. Larry spent many years teaching archery and firearm safety, and enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, a love that he passed along to his children.
Throughout his life he enjoyed great conversation at his favorite local diners, believed in community and helping others, and believed in leaving things better than he found them. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce in 2016; a son, Joseph L. Dyer; his parents; brother, Ronald P. Dyer; in-laws, Elvin and Catherine Schumacher; sister-in-law, Joan (Glenn) Reynolds, and brother-in-law, Eldon “Mert” Reynolds. He is survived by children, Connie (Geoffrey) Coon, Thomas Dyer, Catherine Dyer (James Hansen), Susan (John) Flowers; nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Reynolds, and many dear friends.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St., St. Johns, on Tuesday, July 27, at 11AM. Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel., 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Tuesday, July 27, from 9AM to 10:30AM prior to the Funeral Mass.
Memorials may be made in his name to Elara Caring Hospice.
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of July 6, 12 and 19, 2021
Livingston, Cassondra K. / Livingston, Jesse A.
Wolf, Kurt A. / Wolf, Sarah B.
Holmden, Alesha C. / Holmden, David P.
Smith, Danielle M. / Smith, Kevin, A.
Johnson, Amy / Johnson, Derek
Monroe, Brandon M. / Monroe, Ashley M.