Kenneth Alexander Smith
Kenneth Alexander “Alex” “Big Al” Smith, a resident of DeWitt died on October 1, 2023 at the age of 35.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Friday, October 6, from 4-7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Pilgrim Global Methodist Church, 2965 W. Parks Road, St. Johns, on Saturday, October 7 at 11 AM with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, Specialized Deer Processing will accept donations for Helping Other People Eat (HOPE), providing meat to families within the community. Alex’s family would like to give a special thank you to those who have been a support to them this week.
Craig Lynn Boettger
Craig Lynn Boettger, age 56, of St. Johns, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 2, 2023 at his home.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time.
Craig was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 11, 1967, the son of Gary Lee and Diana Lynn (Harper) Boettger. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1985. Craig married Tina Lynn Putnam on September 30, 2011 in St. Johns, MI. Craig enjoyed being at home; watching TV, sports, and was an avid U of M fan. He liked spending time outdoors and hunting. Craig loved spending time with his family and cats Ivy and Taz. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and for his simple ways in life.
He is survived by his wife Tina Boettger of St. Johns, MI; stepsons: Bon Rulapaugh of Alma, MI; Zackary and Karmen Rulapaugh of Alma, MI; daughters: Angie and Torey; brother Todd Boettger of St. Johns; niece Ashleigh and Zach Curtis of Lansing, MI; aunt Kathy and Stan Hibbler of Ovid, MI; uncles: Allen Boettger, of St. Johns, MI; Denny Boettger of St. Johns, MI; and cousins: Chris and Michelle Smalley of Ithaca, MI; Jenny and Neil Bixby of Laingsburg, MI; Sarah and Jim Voisinet of St. Johns, MI. He is also survived by great-nephew ZJ Curtis and grandchildren: Zane and Zoey Rulapaugh, and many other grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents: Robert and Kay Harper and Don and Margaret Boettger.
Memorials may be made to the Basic Needs Center, St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Glenn Carl Whitford
Glenn Carl Whitford, age 91, farmer and life-long St. Johns resident, passed away September 27, 2023 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing.
Glenn was born November 3, 1931 to the late Carl and Eleanor (Rademacher) Whitford. He graduated from Rodney B Wilson High School in 1949 and served in the US Air Force during the Korean War, mostly stationed in remote bases in Japan.
Glenn and Lois enjoyed taking many driving trips around the country with their fifth wheel camper especially to the air show in Osh Kosh, WI, snowmobiling and vacationing at their cottage at Houghton Lake and spending time during winters in Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years Lois Whitford and children: Rick (Marilyn) Whitford of St Johns, MI, Liane (Lial) Knight of Marshall, WI, Mary (Al Dewey) Prowant of St Johns, MI, Paula (Bill) Curtis of Richland, MI, and Michelle (Berry) Roll of St Johns, MI; who will miss his quiet, unwavering love and support and good-natured sense of humor and easy laugh; also survived by grandchildren: Alison Swain, Kelly Lange, Jamie West, Britney Roll, Gavin Knight, Christin Ankney, Ryan Curtis, Alvin Dewey, Jeremiah Dewey, Becky Gott, Emily Dewey, Shannon Swanson, and Olivia Dewey; 27 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren; and special kitty Cali. He is also survived by sister-in-law Dorothy Scharnweber, brother-in-law Merritt Scharnweber, and brother-in- law Richard Smith, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, infant daughter, brothers: Gerald and Jack Whitford, sister Janet Smith, and sister-in-law Joan Rennells.
Special thanks to wonderful caregivers Erin Csapos, Karla Bradley, Lyla Zell, Tina Sawdy, Stacey Johnstone and Candace Cramer.
A service for the family will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial gifts in Glenn’s name are made to the Capital Area Humane Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.