.
Jeanne Marie Swanchara
Jeanne Marie Swanchara, age 87, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital, St. Johns, Michigan.
Family services will be held at a later date.
Jeanne was born in St. Johns, Michigan on September 24, 1935, the daughter of Charles Frank Bensinger and Wilma Pearl (Whitaker) Bensinger. Jeanne graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1953. On April 7, 1956 Jeanne married John Anthony Swanchara at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, Michigan. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage and he survives her.
Jeanne was employed by Fisher Body and the IGA Store in St. Johns, Michigan. She enjoyed bowling, going to the casino and frying fish at the cabin for her family. Jeanne also enjoyed Sunday rides with her husband.
She is survived by her husband John Swanchara; five sons: John J. and Amy Swanchara, Kenneth Swanchara, Robert and Sandy Swanchara, Paul and Ngoc Swanchara, and James Swanchara; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one sister Patricia and William Saurbek; two brothers: Richard and Jan Bensinger, and Ronald Bensinger. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Daniel Paul Redman
Daniel Paul Redman, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on December 19, 2022. He was 74 years old.
Dan was born on March 2, 1948 in St. Johns, Michigan, the oldest of three children born to Gale and Arlene (VanElls) Redman. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1966 and enlisted with the Army Reserves for six years. Dan enjoyed a long career as a banker. He retired from Fifth Third in St. Johns in 2006 and worked at Firstbank (now Mercantile) in more recent years.
Always positive and upbeat, Dan lived life to the fullest. Dan was an amazing father and mentor to his two daughters, Autumn and Andrea. He would do anything for his girls, and was so very proud of the strong, independent women they became. He was a doting grandfather as well, and was always prepared to share a meal, ice cream, or a piece of candy that was at the ready in his pocket.
In retirement Dan’s love of St. Johns and keeping busy led him to serve as the Executive Director with the DDA for the city of St. Johns for a number of years. He loved to give back to the community and was instrumental in helping to rebuild the downtown. He was also active in the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Review and Habitat for Humanity.
In his free time, Dan loved to spend time with Sandy, get together with friends, and visit the casino. He appreciated classic cars and had a ’84 Silver Corvette that he loved. He was ever meticulous and organized, kept an immaculate lawn, and enjoyed working in his yard. Dan was an avid MSU fan, enjoyed tailgating before the games, and loved days spent golfing at The Emerald and on guy’s trips to courses throughout Michigan.
His big heart, positive outlook and infectious smile will be missed by many.
Dan is survived by his beloved partner of twelve years, Sandy Westwood; his favorite oldest daughter, Autumn (Tod Richards) Redman; his favorite youngest daughter, Andrea (Robert) Roach; step-children, Jay (Kaitlyn) Westwood and Missy Ball; dear grandchildren, Erin, Colten, Taylor and Natalie Roach, Sophie and Maya Ball; brother, Kevin (Charla) Redman; sister, Rita (Ken) Redman-Rowed; aunts and uncles, Donna Kuripla, Jo Rogers, Jim VanElls, Rita Thelen, Thelma Miller, Helen Zezza, Dorothy Witt, Ruth Hufnagel and Michael VanElls, as well as extended family members and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Arlene (VanElls) Redman; uncles, William, Dick, Lawrence and Dale VanElls and aunt, Alice Gallagher.
A private memorial gathering will be held in 2023. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Clinton-Gratiot Habitat for Humanity.
For further information contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Shirley Anne Breen
Shirley Anne Breen, of St. Johns, died on December 19, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital after a brief illness. She was 70 years old.
Shirley was born on August 19, 1952, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was raised by Robert and Eleanore (Kalinowski) Husar, along with her sister, Mary Husar. Shirley was outgoing and adventurous, with a heart of gold. She raised her two children, Rosie and Robert in St. Johns and was the most caring and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister.
She loved to knit and embroider and made gifts for many. She enjoyed talking to her friends on the phone, watching old TV shows, listening to her old Country CDs and doing puzzles. Shirley had a strong faith, attended First Baptist Church of St. Johns and was fond of the Beacon of Hope program.
She is survived by her daughter, Rosie Stine; her son, Robert Breen; grandchildren, Daniel, Justin, Tory, Austin and Amber; one great-grandchild, Oakley; her sister, Mary Husar and her sons, Joshua and Matthew; brother, Louis (Tracy) Bandlow, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made in her name to Beacon of Hope Family Care Center.
For further information contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Robert Bowers Shannon
Robert Bowers Shannon, of Fowler, died peacefully at home on December 17, 2022 after having been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in June. He was 76 years old.
Robert was born on March 11, 1946, the son of John and Helen (Bowers) Shannon. He was a graduate of the Allied Institute of Technology and enjoyed a long career with General Motors before retiring in 2000. On June 22, 1985 he married Linda Fedewa in Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and together they were blessed with the births of two sons. Bob and Linda enjoyed traveling and had memorable trips to Europe, wintered in Florida for many years, and enjoyed excursions throughout Michigan, especially their yearly trip to Mackinac Island where Bob had lived in his early childhood. Bob loved helping people with projects, watching Notre Dame football and spending time with his grandchildren. Bob was a devout Catholic and was deeply strengthened by his faith.
He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-seven years, Linda Shannon; sons, Steven (Rebekah) Shannon and Thomas (Jenay) Shannon; grandchildren, Natalie, Veronica, Juliana, Isabella, Leo and Victoria; twin brother, Richard (Denise) Shannon; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bobbie Shannon, Debbie Rehmann, Cheryl (Gerry) Arens and Colleen Organek, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John Shannon, and brothers-in-law, Daniel Fedewa, Dick Rehmann, and Terry Organek.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Monday, December 19 from 3-8 PM, with Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 PM and Rosary at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 545 N. Maple Street, Fowler on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 10:30 AM with Fr. Eric Weber presiding. Burial will follow in Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Most Holy Trinity Parish.
Gerald Leonard Thelen
Gerald Leonard Thelen, age 79, of Fowler, MI, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 19, 2022 with Deacon Eric Elstro presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Fowler, MI, at a later date. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan. Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.
Gerald was born in Lansing, Michigan on February 4, 1943, the son of Roman J. and Helen (Schmidt) Thelen. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School with the class of 1962. On November 19, 1966, he married Carol Frechen in Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler. Carol passed away on December 1, 2020.
Gerald served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the VFW Post# 3733 Fowler and participated in many military honor guard services. He was a machine operator and had worked for Sealed Power Company/Dana Corporation in St. Johns, Michigan, retiring in 2005 after 38 years of service. He also hauled milk for C. George Milk Hauling and Simon Brothers Trucking for 41 years. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and collecting coins. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He had sung in the church choir for many years and was a Eucharist minister in the church.
He is survived by his children: Connie and Richard LaFontaine of Midland, MI; son James Thelen of Fowler, MI; daughter, Michelle and Terry Smith of Fowler, MI; grandchildren: Donald and Kendra Weishuhn of North Carolina; Joseph Smith and Kim English of St. Johns, MI; Katherine Smith of Fowler, MI; Rebecca Smith of Fowler, MI; and Nicholas Smith of Fowler, MI. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Eliza and Carter Weishuhn; one brother Neil and Fran Thelen; many nieces and nephews; five sister-in-laws: Bernice Robison, Sharon Brown, JoAnn Irrer, Kay Frechen, and Pam Thelen; and brother-in-law Chuck Trierweiler. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol, and two sisters: Susie and Shirley; four brothers: Eldon, Dennis, Ronald, and Keith; two sisters-in-law: Jean Trierweiler, and Patty Schafer; three brothers- in- laws: Richard Frechen, Don Robison, and LeRoy Schafer.
Memorials may be made to Dallas Township Fire Department or American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Divorce decrees filed the week of December 12, 2022
Kielbasa, Jessica / Kielbasa, Stefanie
Godfrey, Suzanne / Godfrey, Brett
Essex, Patricia / Essex, Joshua
Cosby, William / Cosby, Dashika
Churchill-Barner, Victoria / Barner, Christopher
Schutte, Kyle / Biris, Ramona