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Bernard Vincent Jorae
Bernard Vincent Jorae, age 93, died peacefully at home on September 24, 2021. He was born May 11, 1928, in Owosso, MI to Ira and Agatha Kesby Jorae. Bernard graduated from Rodney B High School with the class of 1946. He lived most of his life in St. Johns.
Bernard loved life and changed the world for all those who ever knew him. He loved the outdoors and all the activities that went with it; hunting, fishing, camping, snow skiing, biking, and anything to do on a lake or river. He was the greatest supporter to each of his children and encouraged them to always think for themselves and take some chances. He never judged anyone.
Bernard started supporting his family by farming and soon moved on to a career as a process engineer at the John Bean Corporation in Lansing. He retired from the MSU Cyclotron in 1993 having contributed to the fabrication and operation of the facility with his tool and die skills. He took great pride in the science and achievements of the work done there and often told tales of the scientists he worked with. He also took great pride in his “later life” investment prowess and did a lot of stock trading. He continued to enjoy farming as a hobby to his very last days. He appeared to be holding on to his earthly life to see the yield for this year’s bean crop.
He loved a good joke, dancing, singing and a lot of shenanigans. Even in his last days, he sang, requested those around him to sing and to perhaps throw in a little jig for his entertainment.
He was preceded in death by Joan (Eaton), his beloved wife of seventy years; granddaughter, Mindy Barks Spilling; daughter-in-law, Sharon Jorae; brother, Roger; sister and brother– in-law, Betty and Ed Mankey, sisters-in law, Rosemary McCarthy, Carolyn Spitzley and Priscilla Schutzenhofer
He is survived by his children, Renae Larsen, Deanne (Bill) Blank, Bernadette (Kevin) Hayes, Daniel (Margaret) Jorae, Colleen (Jerry) Smith and Michael (Renee) Jorae all of St. Johns; he is survived by 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lillian Jorae, brother-in-law Bill McCarthy, sisters-in-law Sharon (Ing) Ragoonan, Betsy (Gary) Lehman as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
The family wishes to thank the Sparrow Home Hospice Team for their wise and compassionate treatment and support.
The privately hired care takers, collectively called “Bernie’s Angels;” Tammy, Julie, Meredith, Shirley, Charleen, Charlotte and Debbie gave Bernard the best quality of life a man can have in his final weeks on earth. Bernard’s family is forever in their debt for the professional care, kindness and respect shown to him and the rest of his family.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Monday, September 27, 2021 from 4-8 PM, with a Vigil and Rosary at 3:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 11 AM. The Rev. Fr. Michael Williams to officiate. Bernard & Joan’s ashes will be interred together at Mount Rest Cemetery on their 72nd wedding anniversary, October 25th, at 3 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or to Sparrow Home Hospice.
Terry Alan Boettger
Terry Alan Boettger of Marietta, GA and formerly of St Johns, MI passed away on Saturday, Sept 18, 2021 after a short battle with Covid. The man who wouldn’t sit still was forced to sit still too long for the last few weeks of his active life. God knew how much Terry liked restoring things to their former glory, so He decided to do the same for the earthly body of our beloved father, son, brother, fiancé and friend.
Terry was born April 1, 1967 to Barry and Judy (Grennell) Boettger of St. Johns, MI. He attended Saint Peter Lutheran school through the 8th grade and then attended St. Johns High School where he played the saxophone in band, and honed his automotive shop skills in what would become a very successful, lifetime career.
Terry graduated from St. Johns High School in 1985 and then attended the University of Northwestern Ohio to study automotive technology. In 1986 he began his 20 year career as a mechanic in the Army National Guard. In 2006 he retired honorably as a Sergeant First Class.
Terry was a lifelong learner, an instructor and an advocate for the trades. While raising a family as a very involved, single father, he also managed to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in post secondary education, and studied for his Master of Science Education from Purdue University.
Simultaneously while serving his country, Terry served the public school community of Fowlerville, MI as an automotive instructor from 2002-2007. He then worked as a regional service trainer at Suzuki Motor Corporation for a couple years before finding his professional home with Subaru of America, Inc. Terry gave himself fully to his on-the-go job of making sure the world knows the importance of skilled trades, and to making sure those he trained were fully prepared for the task. Terry was a highly intelligent man who understood that in a constantly changing economy, the skilled trades are the jobs that hold our system together and that they are not going away.
Terry’s work hard, play harder attitude makes it impossible to sum up his lifetime of experiences and accomplishments in a few short paragraphs. Terry packed a lot into the short 54 years he spent on earth. From 1989-1993, he played bass and sang some vocals in the then local-legend band “This End Up,” which regularly played throughout lower Michigan. Terry said yes to life and to his people. He enjoyed many activities like boating, concerts, car shows, snowmobiling, working on vehicles and all things Key West. But most of all, he enjoyed being with friends and family.
He is survived by his two beloved and esteemed daughters Rebecca Boettger (Carson Goodwin) of Acworth, GA and Taryn Boettger of Dallas, GA; his fiancé Lisa Curtin of Marietta, GA; his parents Barry and Judy Boettger of St Johns MI, his sister Christi (Jeff) Demitz of Howard City, MI; brother Bruce (Lara) Boettger of St Johns; brother Patrick (Sara Ball) Boettger of St Johns; his 6 nephews: Jason (Mieka) Downing, Aaron (Traci) Downing, and Brant, Jared, Colten and Clayton Boettger; close friend and mother of his children Kim (Al) Boettger-Dever of Dallas, GA; and a multitude of other close friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. Terry was predeceased by his beautiful, baby niece, Angel (Pat and Sara) Boettger.
On Saturday, October 9, 2021, the family will receive visitors at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel in St Johns, MI at 1 pm. A brief service will follow at 2:30 pm and immediately afterward, a military burial will take place at Mount Rest Cemetery in St Johns. Memorial donations can be made to St Johns High School Automotive Program.