.
.
Roy Leonard Feldpausch
Roy Leonard Feldpausch, age 75, of St. Johns, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns.
Private Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler with Deacon Charles Thelen officiating. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Roy was born in St. Johns, MI on October 12, 1944, the son of Roman and Marina (Thelen) Feldpausch. Roy married Mabel Spitzley on August 29, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia.
Roy retired from General Motors in 1994 after 30 years of service. He enjoyed camping, working on his collection of older cars, fishing, cooking and trips to the casino. He proudly served his country in the National Guard. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Mabel Feldpausch of St. Johns, son Bruce and Celeste Feldpausch of Grand Blanc, step granddaughter Kerry Mason of Flint, step great grandchildren: Jeremy and Matthew, father Roman Feldpausch of Fowler, siblings: Gladys Rademacher of Westphalia, Richard and Rose Ann Feldpausch of Fowler, Linda and Carl Hafner of Pewamo, Alan and Marilyn Feldpausch of Vermontville, Jean and Fred Antes of Fowler, Patricia and Richard Walters of Fowler, sisters in law: Elaine and Ron Pung of Grand Ledge, Sue and Charles Thelen of Westphalia, brothers in law: Larry Spitzley of Holland, and Alex and Joan Spitzley of Dewitt. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Marina Feldpausch, sister Phyllis, sister and brother in law Susan and Dale Thelen, brothers in law: Louis Rademacher and Ken Koenigsknecht, and sister in law Kathie Spitzley.
Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association; the American Diabetes Association; or Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund, Fowler, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Alan Franklin Smith
Alan Franklin Smith, age 77 of Owosso, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 at Sparrow Health Systems. He was born on January 26, 1943, and he graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1961.
Alan was a beloved local musician, father and brother who strolled into every room with a wide smile, and a hearty greeting. With Alan, there was always time for music and laughter and stories shared over a large mug of coffee.
Many of you have heard Alan play because he shared his talent constantly. Almost every week of the year he would go into the community with a group of friends to play at festivals, church, or even prison. His made many friends with his wide grin and interesting stories. If you’ve received a letter or email from Alan, you know that he could easily weave a story for pages and pages.
Unfortunately, Alan had health issues that worsened quickly and May 4 he passed away. His daughter, Jolyn, has made plans to have a musical celebration later this summer when we can gather together.
That family is being served by the Nelson-House Funeral home in Owosso, Michigan.
Romayne A. Schmitt
Romayne A. Schmitt, 88, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Monday, May 4, 2020. In her final days, she rested comfortably listening to her husband Herm’s quartet, The Fowler Four. She was born November 18, 1931 in Westphalia, MI the daughter of Herbert and Esther (Bedenbender) Thelen. Romayne was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler. She enjoyed weekends at the family cottage on Horsehead Lake, watching MSU sports, playing cards, watching her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, Herm’s music and dancing with family.
Romayne married the love of her life, Herman J. Schmitt on September 29, 1951. Together they enjoyed over 41 years, raising their seven children, traveling and watching both their children and grandchildren play sports. Herm preceded her in death on August 1, 1993.
Romayne is survived by her children, Lynn (Tom) O’Rourke, Dave (Amy) Schmitt, Kat Schmitt, Dan (Patty) Schmitt, Darce (Darin) Walter, Kevin (Joyce) Schmitt and adopted daughters, Jean Piotrowicz and Tammy Melser. Fourteen grandchildren, Ryan (Vicki), Dan (Allison), Steve (Angela) and Patrick (Kelly) O’Rourke; Scott (Kelly) and Andy (Teisha) Schmitt; Josh (Courtney), Jacob and Nick Schmitt; Hunter, Alexa (Brandon) Walter; Alexis (Devon), Brianna (Josh) and Taylor Schmitt. Also surviving are sixteen great grandchildren with one on the way; sister-in-law, Elaine Thelen; in-laws, Hillary and Tena Schmitt, Regina Feldpausch, Rosie VanElls and Don and Joan Schmitt as well as many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by a son, Ken Schmitt, a grandson Clement O’Rourke, brother, Justin and sister, Claudia Thelen, and brothers-in-law, Marvin Feldpausch and Dick VanElls.
A private graveside service will be held at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Poff and the Fowler Clinic for all the wonderful care they’ve given her over the years. Also thank you to Sparrow Hospice Nurse, Miranda and Caregiver, Vee. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Fowler Public Schools Education Foundation, PO Box 126, Fowler, MI 48835. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Phyllis Jean Rhynard
Phyllis Jean Rhynard, age 86, of Lansing, MI, passed away after a courageous battle with dementia on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Lansing, surrounded by her family.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at Gunnisonville Cemetery, DeWitt, MI with Pastor Matt Kreh officiating and a Public Memorial will be held at a later date.
Phyllis was born in St. Johns, MI on July 23, 1933, the daughter of Clare and Ella (Blunt) Dilts. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1951.
On July 9, 1955 Phyllis married Marvin Lawrence Rhynard at the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage. Phyllis was a devoted wife and a loving mom. But most of all, her grandchildren were her greatest joy in life. She made countless Halloween costumes for them, baked with them, attended all their sports and music activities, and was the best Gram any kid could have.
Phyllis was a member of Gunnisonville United Methodist Church for over 56 years. During those years she was always involved in many activities: Caring Hearts Sewing Circle, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school or wherever she was needed. She enjoyed any opportunity to have lunch with the “51” Lunch Bunch classmates or retirees from Citizens Bank. Phyllis and Marvin belonged to the National Buick Club of America and the Central Michigan Buick Club. They enjoyed traveling around the country in their classic cars.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Marvin, and 2 daughters: Kathy (David) Hundt of DeWitt, Sharon (Jack) Terrill of St. Johns. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Michael (Krystal) Hundt, Emily (Philippe) Ledent, Jordan (Danielle) Terrill, and Sarah Hundt; one great-grandson Logan Hundt; sister-in-law Jean Dilts and many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Allison Kay Hundt, one brother Richard Dilts, one sister Alice (Robert) Cole, and sisters-in-law: Thelma (Robert) Beck, Hazel Oehler, and Doris (Bernward) Thorsch.
Memorials may be made to Gunnisonville United Methodist Church – 2031 Clark Rd, Bath, MI 48808 or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan – 1210 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48915. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Martha A. Steere
Martha “Marty” A. Steere passed away Friday, May, 1, 2020 at the age of 73. She was born December 27, 1946, the daughter of Arthur and Linda (Wolfrom) Malkin.
Surviving is her husband of 54 years, Douglas; her children, Teresa (Rob) Brundage, Taunia Steere and Troy (Stephanie) Steere; three grandchildren, Adam (Chelsea) Brundage, William and Nicholas Brundage; two great grandchildren, Sophia and Trevor Brundage; one sister, Myra Fraidenburg and two brothers, Warren and Don Malkin.
Following Marty’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to phassociation.org or lung.org. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Jeffrey R. Vincent
Jeffrey R. Vincent, age 68, died Sunday, January 5, 2020, at his home in St. Johns, Michigan.
He is survived by his two sons, Thomas Vincent and his wife, Alison Wilson, and Michael Vincent and his wife, Kristin (Witte) Vincent; and his companion of fifteen years, Lynn Stam. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Evan, Alexander, Adam, and Harper; his sister, Jill Tierney, and his four brothers, Steven, James, Peter, and Chad; and a step-mother, Antonia (Domingo) Vincent. He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Betty (Grossnickle) Vincent.
He grew up and attended school in East Lansing, Michigan, except for his sophomore year of high school when he attended the International School of Ibadan, Nigeria, while his family took part in an MSU-USAID assignment. He graduated from East Lansing High School in 1969. After studying at Albion College for two years, he transferred to Michigan State University where he earned a BS degree in Microbiology and Public Health, and a Master’s degree and PhD in Botany and Plant Pathology.
In 1972 he married Susan Withee of Manhattan, Kansas, whom he had met as a classmate in Nigeria; they were married until 1997 and remained lifelong friends and co-parents. At the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, he worked as a post-doctoral scholar and later as a research laboratory manager. While there, he conducted research on plant genetics and disease immunity. In 1999 he returned to East Lansing to work for Pearson Education, Inc., and later moved to St. Johns, Michigan.
He was a beloved father, son, brother, companion, husband, neighbor, and friend. He was an avid gardener, a great cook, a fierce competitor at games with siblings and sons, a talented musician on French horn and piano, and a skilled cat- and dog-whisperer. He loved to spend time outdoors, especially with a fishing pole. He was generous and kind and funny, and is deeply missed.
The family is being served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
.