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Leroy Gale Ward
Leroy Gale Ward, age 69, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at McLaren Greater Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. He was born on December 21, 1951.
Cremation has taken place and there are no services to be held at this time. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Randy Lee Grubaugh
Randy Lee Grubaugh, age 62 of Maple Rapids, died on December 7, 2021 after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident.
Randy was born on January 14, 1959, the son of Richard and Mary Ellen (Myers) Grubaugh. He attended Fulton High School and was proud and passionate about his lifelong career as a lumberjack and timber buyer. Randy was hard working, quiet and had a kind heart. He took great care of his mother in her final years and was ever helpful to his dad. He also enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. Randy loved being outside working, playing golf, hunting, and fishing.
He is survived by his daughters, Mandi (Brad) Harden and Korie (Tony) Strachota; grandchildren, Katie, Lauren, Alysse and Christopher Harden, Logan, Camrin and Blake Strachota; his father, Richard (Dee) Grubaugh; sisters, Robin (Dave) Wood and Suzanne (Randy Elwood) Grubaugh and Tricia (Brian) Eyer; brother, Jimmy Gallagher, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ellen Gallagher.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at noon, with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Burial Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name toward a camp scholarship for children, checks may be made to the family, c/o McGeehan Funeral Home, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Jim Rossell
Jim Rossell, a resident of St. Johns and formerly of Lansing, passed away on December 6, 2021 at the age of 71.
Jim was born on May 11, 1950 in Fremont, Michigan, the son of Harold Lloyd and Helen (Bushaw) Rossell. Following High School, Jim enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and later joined the Navy Reserves, proudly serving his country for over twenty-two years and retired as a commander. He earned a Master’s degree in statistics from Michigan State University and taught mathematics and statistics at Grand Valley State University and Lansing Community College. Jim and Glenda were married on April 28, 2001 and made their home in Lansing for nineteen years before moving to St. Johns.
Jim was a quiet man of high integrity and character. He was proud of his time in the military and fondly recalled stories of his travels to the Philippines and Germany during the Olympics. Jim had a fondness for animals, especially his in-laws’ dog, Jake. He rarely missed a Michigan State football or basketball game and loved watching John Wayne western movies. Jim will be fondly remembered for his big heart and sweet and gentle nature. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with Glenda. The couple enjoyed many trips to Mackinac Island and cruises to Aruba. He especially loved cruises where he could float to new locations, be treated like royalty, and explore new places.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Glenda Rossell; sister, Cheryl (Ralph) Kluk of Jackson; in-laws, Otto and Phyllis Jury of St. Johns; brother-in-laws, Dale (Carol) Jury of Sun City West, AZ, Dennis (Sandy) Jury of St. Johns; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Tim) Motz of St. Johns; nieces and nephews, Mark Kluk, Stephanie (David) Flack, Jessica (Kyle) Pash, Elizabeth (Drew) Rupprecht, Julie (Brandon) Charland, Ted Motz (fiancé Keiko Diaz-Pezua), as well as eight great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Lloyd and Helen (Bushaw) Rossell.
A Funeral Service and Military Honors will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Noon, with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Cremation will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Capital Area Humane Society or to Family Life Radio WFLR, Midland.
Beverly J. Wacker
Beverly J. Wacker, a resident of St. Johns, Michigan and former resident of Salem, Illinois, died at her home on December 5, 2021 at the age of 88.
Born on May 24, 1933, the daughter of Leroy and Lucille Perry, Bev grew up in Rockport, Missouri where she was a graduate of Rockport, High School. Following high school she enlisted to serve her country during the Korean War in the U.S. Air Force. It was during her service time that she met the love of her life, Robert Wacker. They wed on January 15, 1955 and enjoyed nearly sixty-seven years of marriage together. They made their home in Salem, Illinois for many years where Bev opened her own crafting store, ‘The Added Touch’, which she operated for over twenty years. At home, in addition to crafting, she loved watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and decorating and baking her amazing cookies, candies, and fudge for the holidays.
In addition to Bob, she is survived by her daughter-in-law, Jacqualyn Lehman; her grandchildren, Bryanna (Nick) Weber, Scott Lehman, Gary Lehman, and Jason (Sara) Lehman; great grandchildren, Autumn and Meg Lehman, and Madison, Morgan, and Brayden Weber; siblings, Phyllis Adams, Dwight Perry, and Dale Perry; sister-in-law, Karen (Jim) Beatty, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Doug Wacker (1986) and David Wacker (2009); brother, Harold Perry, and sister-in-law, Peg Koeppel.
Private family services will be held with interment in Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns, Michigan. Memorials may be made in her name to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Condolences may be left with McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, Michigan 48879
Stephen Gabriel Kay
Stephen Gabriel Kay, 29, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and a friend to many, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 4, 2021, in Ann Arbor, MI.
Stephen grew up in St. Johns, MI, where he graduated from St. John’s High School. Stephen graduated from the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, where he was a member of the Michigan Triathlon Team. He continued his education at Washington University in St. Louis, where he received a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and also met his wife, Michelle. Stephen received a second bachelor of science in software engineering from the University of Colorado. Stephen worked at the University of Michigan Health System as a research analyst for the pulmonary and critical care department and lived in Ann Arbor.
Stephen had a passion for running, drinking coffee, spending time outdoors, and learning about science. He was disappointed in his dog, Leia, for not being able to break 6 minutes in the mile, but loved her deeply anyway. More than anything, he loved to spend quality time with his friends and family.
In addition to his beloved spouse, Michelle, he leaves his parents, Jeffrey and Rebecca Kay; his brothers, Zachary and Joshua Kay; his sister, Rachel Leman; sisters-in-law, Cheryl and Magen Kay; brother-in-law, Marcus Leman, his nine nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, December 9, from 6-9 PM, and on Friday, December 10, from 10 AM until 12 Noon. A Funeral Service will begin at the funeral home on Friday, December 10, at 1 PM. Burial will follow in Mt. Rest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a scholarship fund created in Stephen’s honor for the St. Johns High School Cross Country team. Cash or checks made payable to Saint Johns Public Schools for The Stephen Kay Memorial Fund (Stephen Kay Memorial Fund on memo line) will be accepted at the viewings and ceremony. Checks may also be mailed directly to Saint Johns High School at 501 W. Sickles St., St. Johns, MI 48879.
Lois Jean Perry
Lois Jean Perry, age 88, of Ovid, MI, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021, at The Laurels of Carson City, Carson City, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, with Pastor Tim Dickinson officiating. Burial will take place at Fairfield Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 12:00 P.M until the time of the service at the funeral home.
\Lois was born in St Johns, MI on July 17, 1933, the daughter of Harold and Helena M (Bobier) Burk. Lois graduated from Rodney B Wilson with the class of 1951. She married Lawrence L Perry on December 5, 1953, in Angola, IN. Lawrence passed away on August 24, 1981.
She enjoyed camping at Houghton Lake during the summer for many years. She also enjoyed playing card games with her family. Lois dedicated her life to her grandchildren and for many years she helped take care of relatives. Lois spent a lot time in Florida helping take care of her mother and father. She was a big fan of country music and had a love for George Jones.
She is survived by daughter Tammy (Michael Rowley) Perry of Laingsburg, MI; grandchildren: Ben Schueller of Ovid, MI; Holly (Scott Sigafoose) Schueller of Ovid, MI; Heather and Brad Torrey of Ovid, MI; 7 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Marilyn and Leroy Walker of Laingsburg, MI. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, biological father RG, husband, infant son John, sister Patricia Burk, sister-in-laws: Philena Curtis, Katie Miller, Lois Green and granddaughters: Alexis Schueller and Jennifer Schueller
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.
Larry Jack Barnum
Larry Jack Barnum, age 75, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Memorial Healthcare, Owosso, MI.
Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Larry was born in Lansing, Michigan on February 14, 1946, the son of Minor Emerson and Margaret Agnes (Draher) Barnum. He attended Eastern High School in Lansing, MI.
Larry was an auto detailer for many years. He liked attending car shows and telling stories about the cars he had in younger years. He also worked at St. Joseph Catholic School for 10 years. Larry enjoyed fishing, golfing and hunting. He loved his many dogs he had throughout the years. Larry was a fun loving guy known as “dad” to many of his daughter’s friends and “gramps” to his grandchildren’s friends. He loved attending his daughter and grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities.
He is survived by his daughter Kara and Jason Wirick, grandchildren: Nicole and Michael Gilbert, Austin Barnum, Victoria Mikulka, great- grandchildren: Viola and Grace Gilbert and one more on the way, siblings: Linda Dunlap, Thomas and Barbara Barnum, Ronald and Janet Barnum, Dawn Barnum, Mark and Charlotte Barnum, former spouse Margaret Goerge, and close friends: Karen Hamilton and John Holley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Emerson Barnum and sister Dorothy Barnum.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School Education Trust Fund St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Kathleen A. Eisler
Kathleen A. (Schaefer) Eisler, age 93, our gentle mother, passed away peacefully at her home on December 3, 2021, with her children by her side.
Kathleen (Kay) was born March 31, 1928, in Maple Rapids, MI, the daughter of Guttlieb and Anna (Weitzel) Schaefer. As a sophomore in high school, she asked her parents if she could drop out of school to attend Beauty College. They consented but decreed she could not quit college. In March 1944 Kay received her diploma from the Melba Academy of Beauty Culture in Lansing, MI. At the age of 18 she was the proprietor of her own beauty salon located in the St. Johns Steel Hotel.
Kathleen later went on to earn her GED from St. Johns High School in 1979. In March 1994, Kathleen received a State of Michigan Certificate of Commendation for achieving 50 years in the licensed Cosmetology profession. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and enjoyed 75+ years as a beautician.
On January 29, 1948, Kathleen married the love of her life, Gerald (Jerry) G. Eisler, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They were blessed with 18 years of marriage and 5 children prior to Jerry’s passing in 1966.
Surviving to cherish Kathleen’s memory are her children: Carol (Paul) Christensen, Linda (James) Vermeersch, Bill (Julie) Eisler, Mary Lou (Keith) Wirth, and Brenda Eisler; grandchildren: Derek (Carla Barrington) Vermeersch, Devin Vermeersch, Olivia Eisler, Brogan Eisler, Madisyn Wirth and Jarrod Wirth; sister, Monica (Jerry) Howard; and sister-in-law, Donna (Raymond) Eisler; several cousins, nieces and nephews. Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald (Jerry); parents, Guttlieb and Anna Schaefer; siblings: Rosaline McMillan and Carl Schaefer, sons-in-law: James Vermeersch and Keith Wirth; and several in-laws.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 7 at 11a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Douglas Osborn presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns, MI. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, December 6, 2021, from 4 p.m. -7 p.m., with rosary being prayed at 7 p.m., at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Joseph Catholic Church or Sparrow Hospice. The family being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Larry Duane Lockwood
Larry Duane Lockwood, age 85, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 6, 2021, with Craig Smith of Community Christian Church officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Larry was born in Dansville, Michigan on November 5, 1936, the son of Vayne and Amy (Hicks) Lockwood. He graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1956. Larry married Wanda Argersinger on November 25, 1971. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Larry retired from Federal Mogul in 2001. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting, fishing and all sports. Larry was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and loved his cat, Ms. Kitty. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956-1958. He was a member of the American Legion Post #153, St. Johns.
He is survived by wife Wanda Lockwood of St. Johns, MI, children: Lynne and Bruce Devereaux of St. Johns, MI, Brenda and Michael Moinet of Ithaca, MI, Linda and Darrel Coleman of Dover, DE, Mark Lockwood of Dover, DE, Bruce and Connie DeLong of St. Johns, MI, Kevin and Amy Lockwood of Owosso, MI, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin brother Lowell Lockwood of Elsie, MI, sisters: Joy Goodman of Elsie, MI, Shirley Baese of Elsie, MI, and sister-in-law Carolyn Lockwood of Elsie, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Peggy Grubaugh, and two grandchildren: Brandon and Brennen DeLong, one brother Jack Lockwood, one sister Barbara and Lyle Townsend, sister-in-law Donna Lockwood and brother-in-law Versil Baese.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.