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Gordon Stewart Howard
Gordon Stewart Howard, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, died peacefully at home on September 21, 2021. He was 87 years old.
Gordon was born on February 25, 1934 in Muir, Michigan, the fourth child of five born to Harry and Florence (Burtraw) Howard. Following graduation from St. Johns High School in 1952 and married his high school sweetheart Jean Stockwell on February 27, 1955 at Greenbush Methodist Church in St. Johns. Gordon and Jean made their home in St. Johns, enjoyed fifty four years of marriage. In 1956, Gordon enlisted with the United States Army and served his country for two years. Upon his return home, Gordon continued to work on the family farm and became co-owner of S&H Farms in 1965 and was a Farm Bureau member. In 1994, he began work with B&W Farm Centers until his retirement in 2000.
Gordon had a sense of humor and his calm and patient nature was the perfect balance to Jean. Together they raised three daughters and did everything they could to help and provide for them. In retirement, Gordon cherished time playing with his grandchildren and attended every sport event. He had a heart of gold and was a joy to be around.
He will be deeply missed by many, especially his daughters, Pam (Albert) Ott, Sandy (Dennis) Jury and Kathy (Scott) Gutierrez; grandchildren, Heather (Shane) Moon, Emily Ott, Tommy Jury; great-grandchildren, Gunner Gordon and Knox Robert Moon, as well as extended family members, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Howard in 2009, his parents, his brother, Donald and his sister, Maxine Hunter. His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gordon’s special caretakers, Tosha Parks, Jennifer Wohlfert and Wanda Gurski for their excellent care and compassion these last four years.
Memorial Visitation will take place at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 10 AM until Noon. A Service will be held at the family home, 1917 W. French Rd, St. Johns on Saturday, October 9th at 2 PM, with gathering beginning at 1PM and light hors d’oeuvres following.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to a Charity of Choice.
William H. Caruss
William H. “Bill” Caruss, age 63, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 at his home in St. Johns, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 8990 Church Road, St. Johns, Michigan at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 24, 2021, with Rev. Timothy Bayer officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery St. Johns, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.
William was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 11, 1957, the son of William F. and Luella J. (Wright) Caruss.
He served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a TSGT. His Air Force Decorations include: AF Commendation, AF Achievement, AF LGY Service, AF TRNG, SW Asia Service, AF Overseas Short Tour, AF Overseas Long Tour, National Defense Service, AF Outstanding Unit, and AF Good Conduct. Bill’s Air Force assignments were in: Alaska, Michigan, North Dakota, Eqypt, Guam, Morroco, Spain, Denmark, Great Britain and Saudi Arabia. He retired from active duty on August 1, 1995.
He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 4113 in St. Johns, Michigan and the National Rifle Association. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and was baptized in Lansing, Michigan on December 15, 1957 and confirmed on May 16, 1971. Bill graduated from St. Peter Lutheran School in May of 1971 and St. Johns High School in June of 1975.
He is survived by 3 sisters: Teresa and Joe Hutchings of St. Johns, Michigan; Nancy and Peter Salisbury of St. Johns, Michigan; Emma and Tim Burke of Mesa, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 8990 Church Road St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Dale Richard Armbrustmacher
Dale Richard Armbrustmacher, age 58 of Fowler, Michigan, lost his courageous fight with lung cancer on September 18, 2021. After having been diagnosed two years ago, Dale “gave her hell to the end!”
Dale was born on March 11, 1963 in St. Johns, Michigan, the son of Jim and Gladys Armbrustmacher and was a 1981 graduate of Fowler High School. He was the co-owner of Berlyn Acres, LLC in Fowler and worked for General Motors in Lansing from 1981 through 1986. He met his bride, Deb Stone, at General Motors and they were married on June 9, 1990 in Fowler.
Dale’s love of farming began at a very young age when he took to making fields in his sandbox. As a teen, he began working at the dairy farm down the road from his home, where he soon became co-owner. He was a tireless worker, and took great pride in his work, always making sure his rows of corn were straight and the tires that held the plastic on the bunker piles were precisely aligned. Bow hunting season was always an exciting time for Dale, and he frequently bagged his limit. In the Winter months, he enjoyed his weekly bowling league and was proud to have a 300 game under his belt.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deb; two step-children, Aaron Allen of Owosso and Krystal (Rolando) Hernandez-Castelan of St. Johns; six grandchildren; his father, Jim Armbrustmacher of Fowler; father and mother-in-law, Harold and Lorraine Stone of Durand; sisters, Karen (Bob) Berry of Byron Center, Sharon (Mark) Pohl of Westphalia, Sandy Armbrustmacher of Grand Ledge and Jane (Steve) Schmitt of Fowler; brothers, Jerry (Ruth) Armbrustmacher and Tom Armbrustmacher both of Fowler; sisters-in-law, Diane (Dan) Money and Carolyn (Lenard) Dora; brother-in-law, Dan (Suzie) Stone, and many nieces and nephews, business partners, Bernard and Marilyn Thelen, Tim Berry, his entire farm family at Berlyn Acres, and his beloved pet, Kisca.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Armbrustmacher; grandparents, Clem and Pauline Armbrustmacher and Julius and Rosa Thelen, and infant nephew, Matthew Berry.
A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at a later date. The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Lawrence M. Keck
Lawrence M. Keck died Friday, September 17, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born February 6, 1932 in Olive Township, Clinton County, MI the son of Herman and Ethel (Barnard) Keck. Larry graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns with the Class of 1950. He is an Army veteran, and served as Mayor of DeWitt from 1969 to 1972.
Larry was a Past President of the DeWitt Lions Club and a member of the club for 61 years. Lawrence was the owner and operator of Keck’s Appliance and TV in DeWitt from 1959 until his retirement in 2001.
Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Shirley; one daughter, Lisa; two sons, Gordon and Aric; grandson, Christopher and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses, Margaret and Clarence Trumbull, Catherine and Gordon Simons and Clarence and Jeannette Keck.
Following his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Mark Alan Fongers
Mark Alan Fongers, age 61, of St. Johns is now finally at peace after a very courageous battle with Huntington’s disease and a survivor of Covid in 2020.
Mark was born on September 14, 1060 and soon after adopted by Marvin and Sandra Fongers. Mark worked for the USPS for 30 years and retired due to his disability. He loved working and was active in golf and bowling with winning numerous awards for his bowling. He was active in middle school on up with 4-H, wrestling and track. Before that he was in the Motor Performance Program of MSU where he played all kinds of different sports.
Mark absolutely loved U of M football and before he entered the nursing home, for his birthday he had a trip to U of M, front row seats, to watch his beloved team. With the help of a classmate, he enjoyed meeting some of the players. He also enjoyed New Year’s Eve of 2017 at a Lions game in a suite with family and friends, a Tigers game, trip to Disney and a trip to Kansas City as watching sports and assisted trips with his family was one of the last things he could do.
Mark is survived by his mother Sandra Fongers, sister Leslie Fox and special friend Brian Lusk, family friend and guardian Derek Baetz, niece Audrea (Jay) Zak, nephews Jordan (Tina) Fox and Jared Fox, two great nieces and three great nephews, step-daughter April (Neal) O’Connell, step-grandchildren Rachelle Jenkins (George Majied), Amber (Craig) Misner, David Wright (Jackie Griswold), Brittany Hart, along with many step great nieces, step great nephews and step great grandchildren and cousins who he loved them all. Mark was predeceased by his father Marvin Fongers in 2014, brother-in-law Kenneth Fox in 1993, and grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 with the funeral service at 3:00 at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, with a dinner following.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Basic Needs Store in St. Johns or any food bank as Mark utilized these services to fulfill his need of 5,000 calories a day because of his disease.
Rhonda Loraine Harriger
Rhonda Loraine Harriger, age 58, of Sumner, MI, passed away peacefully after a short illness Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 26, 2021, with Pastor Ron Brooks officiating. Private burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Kalamo, Michigan. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral beginning at 12:00 P.M, at the funeral home.
Rhonda was born in Charlotte, Michigan on October 24, 1962, the daughter of Leo Rae and Patricia Ann (Lee) Youngs. She graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1980. On January 19, 1980, Rhonda married Duane Harriger at St. Johns Assembly of God Church. They were blessed with 41 years of marriage.
Rhonda’s family loved her sense of humor and her laughter. She truly radiated joy. Her focus was always on her family and she made her grandsons her highest priority. She was so good at finding ways to participate in their daily lives and went above and beyond to be the best “Mimi”.
Rhonda loved taking weekend road trips with her husband. She also enjoyed thrifting, crafting, reading, raising chickens, and Bible study with friends. To know her was to know her love for Jesus and her lifelong journey of sharing his love with those around her. She let her light shine and the world was a better place because of that.
Rhonda is survived by her husband Duane, daughter Stephanie (Jon) Leiby of Kalamazoo, MI, son Daryl (Stephanie) Harriger of Little Rock, AR; and 3 grandchildren: Bruce Leiby, Bo Harriger, and Riggs Harriger. She is also survived by her parents Leo and Patricia Youngs, 3 brothers: Reo (Vickie) Youngs, Leo (Robin) Youngs, and Les Youngs; and many nieces and nephews. Rhonda was preceded in death by her brother Ryan, and sister-in-laws: Donna Youngs and Sherry Youngs.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Roy Thomas Hoover
Roy Thomas Hoover, age 93, of St. Johns, MI, peacefully joined his wife in the presence of his Savior Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, surrounded by the love of his family.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 25, 2021, with Pastor Scott Seelhoff, Al Ross, and Richard Gee officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home and on Saturday beginning at 12:00 P.M. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Smith Family Funeral Home Facebook page.
Roy was born in Bourbon, Missouri on October 29, 1927, the son of Amos T. and Jessie (McFarland) Hoover. Roy proudly served his country in the United States Army – 82nd Airborne Division, 1946-1947.
Roy met Evelyn E. Truax at the Midwest Bible and Missionary Institute in St. Louis, MO. They were married on June 10, 1950 at First Baptist Church in Waukegan, IL. Together they spent the rest of their lives serving the Lord as missionaries in the Philippines, Dominica, Hawaii, and in pastorates in Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, and Michigan. He faithfully preached God’s Word until he was 90 years old. They were members of the Ovid Bible Church. They were blessed with 70 years of marriage prior to her death on their anniversary in 2020.
Roy always had a spotless garden and enjoyed driving his tractor. He liked to drive and together he and Evelyn traveled all over the nation visiting family and friends. He enjoyed popcorn, potlucks and his Packers. He loved his family and spending time with them doing puzzles and playing games. He had a servant’s heart and dedicated his life to serving Christ and others. Most of all, Roy had a lifelong passion to win others to Jesus Christ. Even during his time at Hazel Findlay, he was always willing to share his testimony with any who would listen.
Roy is survived by 3 children: Christy (Al) Ross of Albion, Tim (Diane) Hoover of Edgewood, IA, and Linda (John) Brooke of St. Johns; and daughter-in-law Vickie Hoover of Peosta, IA. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Joey (Jessie) Hoover, Eric Brundage, Ben (Erin) Hoover, Rachel (Chad) Green, Sarah (Gabe) Rookus, Matt (Suzy) Hoover, Timmy (Jodi) Hoover, Stephanie Hoover, Lance (Brandy) Lake, Adam (Kayla) Lake, Amy (Dan) Crockett, Mandy Brooke, Tami (Jason) Hughes, and Traci Brooke; 31 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and very special nieces and nephews. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn, infant daughter Ruth, son Mark, granddaughter Cleta Brundage, and his siblings: Roscoe, Opal, Mae, Treva, and Fern.
Memorials may be made to Ethnos 360 for granddaughter Tami (Jason) Hughes, missionaries in PNG – 312 West First Street, Sanford, FL 32771-1231. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of August 30, September 7 and 14, 2021
Bratschi, Kristen M. / Bratschi, William R.
Simpson, Scott / Simpson, Rachel
Drews, Robin L. / Drews, Robert W.
Stuart, Kristine K. / Stuart, Flint P.
Horton, Lanie M. / Horton, Tyler J.
Sudau-Glinke, Dodi / Glinke, Shawn D.
Starkweather, Sarah L. / Starkweather, Matthew J.
Morgan, Tia M. / Jackson, Tony J.