Obituaries
Lawrence Bissell
Lawrence Bissell, age 86, passed away on March 9, 2020 at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Michigan. The son of Lee Bissell and Doris (Chaplin) Bissell, born on August 27, 1933 in St. Johns, Michigan. He was born and raised in Riley Township where he went to the old Chapman one room school house. Larry was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson School in St. Johns, Michigan in 1952. One of Larry’s proudest accomplishments was being inducted into the Lansing Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the St. Johns Redwings undefeated football teams of 1948-51.
He went on to attend Michigan State University where he earned a degree in agriculture. Larry was also a season ticket holder in football and basketball for over 50 years. Larry loved the Green and White and belonged to the Downtown Coaches Club, and was a President’s Club member for many years. Larry retired as a city letter carrier from the Lansing Post Office in 1988, and was a life time member of the NALC. Larry was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Lansing Fraternal Order of the Eagles 1039, and also a member of the Lansing Moose Lodge 288.
He leaves his wife Doris (Hodges) Bissell and three sons, Cory Bissell of Charlotte, Randy (Vicki) Kenroy, Dawn Kenroy, and Ron (Charly) Kenroy, both of Mason, along with four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Norma, and daughter-in-law Traci Bissell.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11 am at the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, with Pastor Marty DeBow officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 6-8 pm at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Interment will be held at Wacousta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Larry.
Bruce R. Van Vleet – services (cancelled)
Bruce R. Van Vleet, age 84 passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Grace Haven Assisted Living Center. Bruce was born on January 3, 1935 in St. Johns the son of Robert F. and Arleita B. (Armstrong) Van Vleet. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1953 and worked for Clinton County Road Commission as a truck driver for 30 years, retiring in 1993. On October 2, 1960 he married Barbara J. Schenck in Indiana. Bruce was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, loved playing games with his grandchildren, especially Croquet, fishing and playing cards.
Survivors are his wife, Barbara, children Brian Van Vleet of Niles, MI, Brad (Robin) Van Vleet and Brenda (Billy) Geer both of St. Johns, and Betsy (Jim) Clark of AZ. Three grandchildren, Jacob Van Vleet, Erika Geer and Alexander Clark. Siblings, Gary (Shirley) Van Vleet of St. Johns, Ronald (Iris Jean) Van Vleet of CO. and Janet (Ed) Thompson of CA. He was preceded in death by grandson Samuel Geer and sister Marlene Monfort.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be at South Bingham Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
William J. McCann
William J. McCann, age 47, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020 at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso following a courageous battle with A.L.S. Bill was born on May 3, 1972 in Farmington Hills, MI the son of James R. and Judith N. (Davis) McCann. He was a 1990 graduate of Howell High School and received his BA degree at the University of Detroit Mercy. On September 30, 1995 he married Juanita Anne Palmer in Fowlerville, MI. He worked as a salesman for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and more recently at Pauli Ford in St. Johns.
Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Catholic Church, was a catcher for the University of Detroit Mercy for 4 years, and was active with the Little League Baseball in St. Johns.
He is survived by his wife Juanita, mother Judith McCann of South Lyon, children Alexandra McCann, Riley McCann, Luke McCann, Scott McCann, Annaliza McCann and Brenda McCann all of St. Johns; siblings, Michael (Karen) McCann, Mitchell (Sally) McCann, Penny (Blaine) Yoder, Susie (Jim) Brumfield, Jill (Steve) Nunez, Bonnie (Jeff) Zabel, and Peggy (Ryan) Robinson. He was preceded in death by his father, James in 2014.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on March 13, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams as celebrant and Rev. Fr. Francis George and Rev. Fr. William Rutkowski as concelebrants. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 12, 2020, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6pm-8:30 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Memorials may be given to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation, 2500 Waldorf Ct. NW, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49844.
Todd Douglas Brya
Todd Douglas Brya died peacefully in Traverse City, MI, March 7, after a long illness. Born November 2, 1965 in Lansing, MI, he was a graduate of St. Johns High School Class of 1984. He graduated from Lansing Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice, attended MSU and was previously employed by Michigan Department of Corrections. He had a great sense of humor and a great love for the Traverse City Area and the farm in St. Johns.
He is survived by his mother Karen Sprague, father Doug (Donna) Brya, sister Cyndy (Mike) White and nephew Cody as well as many Uncles, Aunts and cousins. He was predeceased by Grandparents Margaret and Louis Brya, Madeline and Russel Springer, Uncle Rick Springer and 3 beloved dogs Sport, Blue and Desmond. Private Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings St, Traverse City MI 49686.
Bruce D. Hyler
Bruce D. Hyler, age 77, of Roscommon passed away on Friday March 6, 2020 at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital with his loving family by his side.
Bruce was born on August 22, 1942 in St. Johns, Michigan to E.O. and Mildred (Wiggins) Hyler. He married Peggy Padgett on February 18, 1967 in St. Johns. Bruce retired from Federal Mogul after 40 years of service. He moved to Roscommon in 2002 from St. Johns and enjoyed hunting.
Bruce is survived by his daughters; Michelle (Ken) Chvojka of Ashley, Kimberly (Kevin) Jones of Ionia and Coby (Brian) Holmes of Sunfield, grandchildren; Brittney, Brandy, Briana, Cody, Tyler and Jayden, and seven great grandchildren, sisters; Patricia (Corky) Root of Florida and Sandra (James) Wagar of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Peggy Hyler and sister; Marie Boyd.
Per Bruce’s wishes no services will be held. Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com.
Laverne Harold Rossow
Laverne Harold Rossow, 77, of Saint Johns, Michigan passed away on Thursday March 5, 2020. He was born May 27, 1942 to Raymond and Beatrice Rossow. Laverne graduated from DeWitt High School in 1961. He served in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. Laverne retired from General Motors with over 30 years of service.
He loved meeting his friends at Bob Evans for breakfast every morning. He also enjoyed visiting with classmates at their lunches, spending as much time as possible outdoors, and watching westerns on television.
Laverne was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Diane. Surviving are his daughter, Tammy (Brian) Simon; son, Terry Rossow; grandchildren, Eric, Chelsea, and Nate Rossow; sister, Ann Stead; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will take place 1:00 pm Monday, March 9 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Washington, DeWitt, with visitation from 11:00 am until the start of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laverne’s honor to a veteran’s organization of one’s choice.
Merle K. Whitford
Merle K. Whitford, 86, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Chapel Hill. He was born in North Star, Michigan, the son of the late John William Whitford and Marie (Nass) Whitford.
Mr. Whitford enjoyed cooking for gatherings of family and friends and taking meticulous care of his lawn and garden. His greatest joy came from his family, friends, and his pets.
Mr. Whitford is survived by his son, Bryon Whitford and wife Gayle; daughters, Sandra Colburn and husband John, Deborah Klug and husband Randy; brother, Ron Whitford (Nancy); sisters, Brenda Stewart (Wayne) and Shirley Canze (Jerry); grandchildren, Heather Peterson and husband Matthew, Loren Klug and wife Jenni, Sean Klug and fiancé Sarah Martinez, Brenton Klug and wife Angela Rivas, John “Trey” Colburn and wife Shannon, Lindsey Melendez and husband Artemio, Amanda Oswalt and husband Benjamin, Brittany Whitford; great-grandchildren, Caleb Peterson, Naomi Peterson, Elijah Peterson, Alexandra Rivas, Samantha Rivas, John Rivas, Cameron Rivas, Greyson Klug, Kinsley Klug, Wyatt Oswalt and Lily Oswalt. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Alice Mora Whitford; brothers, Ivan Whitford, Marvin Whitford, Russell Whitford, Earl Whitford and Johnny Whitford; sisters, Lois Zimmerman, Ruth Bailey and Margaret Bishop, and great-granddaughter, Hope Oswalt.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Michigan.
Dale L. Jorae
Dale L. Jorae of Okeechobee, FL died March 2, 2020. He was 90 years old.
Dale dropped out of high school during WWII to help run his family farm. He then served in the Army until his honorable discharge in 1961. With four kids to support, he moved his family to St. Johns, Michigan where he took a job with nearby General Motors and remained there until his retirement in 1995. For the next 15 years, Dale and Mary alternated their time between St. Johns and Okeechobee, FL until making Lake Okeechobee their permanent home. Dale enjoyed fishing, trips to his beloved coffee shop, home and yard projects, walking Macie the squirrel traumatizing terrier, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Dale was typical blue collar guy. He was very supportive of all of his kids but didn’t usually verbalize his praise or encouragement, instead trying to lead by the example he knew best – hard work. Despite his modest upbringing, Dale was a good provider, a dedicated employee, and had an uncanny ability to create savings. If you wanted to know where to buy a well-priced gallon of gas, Dale was the one to ask. He was also the neighbor that was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.
Dale is survived in spirit by his wife Mary, son Edwin Jorae of Thousand Oaks, CA, daughters Nancy Jacobs and her husband Mark of Independence, MS, and Connie Drouin and her husband Chuck of Myrtle Beach, SC; four grandsons, Patrick, Eddie, and Robbie of Myrtle Beach, Jordan Jacobs and his wife Alicia of Pocahontas, AR and two granddaughters, Alisha Jacobs of Orlando, FL and Caitlin Jorae of Ann Arbor, MI. He is predeceased by son Michael Jorae and first wife Gloria.
Dale will be buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid MI. A memorial service planned is for this summer.
Divorce decrees filed on March 2, 2020
Price, Sarah / Price, Daniel
Leasher, Christina / Leasher, Michael
McKinney, Eric E. / McKinney, Alison J.
Earhart, Gary S. / Earhart, Nicole L.
Brennan, Emily / Brennan, Damian
Hampton, Kristen E. / Hampton, David S