Carlton H. (Carl) Barnes, Phyllis J. Mazzolini, Betty Lou Saxton, Helen J. Fox, Mary Lou Kirschenbauer, Bernice (Ives) Klug, James Louis Thelen
Carlton H. (Carl) Barnes
Carlton H. (Carl) Barnes, age 75, of Owosso, MI died May 21, 2013.
Carl’s wishes were to be cremated. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel, 2057 N. Lansing St., St. Johns, MI. A Time of Remembrance and Funeral Luncheon will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday May 24, 2013 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1108 N. US-27, St. Johns, MI.
Carl was born in Carson City, Michigan on November 7, 1937, the son of Wilbur Eugene and Karlyn Marcile (Berry) Barnes. He worked in parole/probation, retiring from the Michigan Department of Corrections after 31 years of service. Carl married Mary L. Huggett on September 13, 1958. He served his country in the US Army and was a member of the American Legion #153 in St. Johns, Voiture 40et8 # 946 in Lansing along with other veteran clubs and groups holding various offices.
Carl is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Barnes, four sons, Scott Barnes, Jeffrey and Nancy Barnes, Curtis and Chris Barnes and Jonathan and Shelly Barnes, five grandchildren, one great granddaughter and a sister-in-law, Arlene Barnes. In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by a brother, Carlyle “Bud” Barnes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial Hospice Foundation, 826 W. King St., Owosso, MI 48867.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, Michigan
Phyllis J. Mazzolini
Phyllis J. Mazzolini died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the age of 88. She was born August 25, 1924 in Ashley, MI the daughter of Leo and Mabel (Zimmerman) Amspoker. Phyllis was a graduate of Ashley High School at age 16 and was Valedictorian of her class. She then continued her education at Lansing Business University. Phyllis was employed by attorney, George Graham Hunter, architect, St. Clair Pardee and the plant manager for Sealed Power Corp., until she chose to stay home and start a family.
Phyllis was the centerpiece of a loving family. Her guidance, wisdom and love were felt by all her friends and family, but especially her grand kids and great grand kids. She loved being a mom and was very proud of her children, their accomplishments and their own families.
She persistently encouraged her kids and grand kids to perform at their highest level in academics, extra-curricular activities and as a compassionate human being. Phyllis belonged to a bridge club for many years but enjoyed the dessert and friendship more than the game. She also played some golf and made many long lasting friendships in doing so. She was the ultimate spectator, cheering on everyone and never a disparaging word toward anyone.
Surviving is her husband of 60 years, Donald; daughters, Cindy (Scott) Knight, Sharon (Randy) Patton, Gina Mazzolini, Karen Mazzolini, Lisa (Mike) Clarizio; son, Dean (Shana) Mazzolini; grandchildren, Christopher Knight, Heather (Paul) Windel, Jonathon (Kellie) Patton, Michael Wrobel, Tyler, Brett, Brooke and Anthony Mazzolini, Mia, Gina and Anna Clarizio; great grandchildren, Whitney and Weston Windel; sisters-in-law, Frances Mazzolini, Brunetta Graham and Mary Dunn and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Amspoker, sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Frank Sipkovsky and son-in-law, Wayne Martin.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Area 28 Special Olympics 10100 Williams Rd. DeWitt, MI 48820 or a charity of donor’s choice.
Betty Lou Saxton
Betty Lou Saxton, age 79, of Elsie, MI died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at her home.
Her wishes were to be cremated with no funeral service.
Betty Lou was born in Redford, MI on November 1, 1933, the daughter of Benjamin Clifford and Lela (Priest) Romesburg. She formerly worked as a waitress. Betty Lou enjoyed volunteering for the FISH Organization as a driver and at the Sheltered Workshop in Lakeland, FL teaching the disabled. Betty Lou also formerly volunteered at Ovid Healthcare. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Elsie.
Betty Lou is survived by 2 sons; Russell Saxton of Lakeland, FL, and Richard Saxton of Lakeland, FL, 3 daughters; Leila and Joe Odum of Grove City, OH, Loretta and John Beilstein of Salt Springs, FL, and Sue Ann and Jeff Oinas of Bruce Crossing, MI, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters; Iva and Ward Holton of Ovid, MI, and Fran Nethaway of Elsie, MI, brother Paul and Kay Romesburg of Dunlap, TN, and several nieces and nephews. Betty Lou was predeceased by her parents, son Jerry Saxton, sister June Hautamaki, 2 brothers; Rex and Clifford Romesburg and her children’s father Dick Saxton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial Hospice Foundation, 826 W. King St. Owosso, MI 48867. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, Michigan.
Helen J. Fox
Helen J. Fox passed away on May 20, 2013. Born in Fowler, Michigan on January 6, 1917, the daughter of Fred and Mary (Light) Epkey. She was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Christian Mothers Society and worked at Head Start for 4 years and for 15 years as a teacher’s aide for Fowler Schools. Helen married Paul F. Fox October 5, 1938 and he survives her. High School sweethearts, Paul and Helen both graduated in 1934 and were the last surviving graduates from that class.
Also surviving are two sons, Bill (Judy) Fox of St. Johns and Daniel Fox of Perrinton, three daughters, Susan (Ralph) Pung of Fowler, Jane (Steven) Nobis of St. Johns and Mary Lou (Alan) Harr of St. Johns, 19 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and one brother, Neil (Joyce) Epkey of Fowler. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Wieber, Eunice Graff, Gladys Johnston and one brother, Louis Epkey.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 7-9 p.m. with rosaries at 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with rosaries at 3 p.m. and a vigil service at 8 p.m., at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. Memorial donations may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Education Trust Fund or Sparrow Hospice Services.
The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
Mary Lou Kirschenbauer
Mary Lou Kirschenbauer, 81 of St. Johns, MI died at Sparrow Hospital on Sunday, May 19, 2013. She was born on October 19, 1931 in Lansing, MI the daughter of Maurice and Alice (Chipman) Jameson. Mary Lou graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1949 and had attended Lansing Business School. On May 25, 1957 she married Albert L. Kirschenbauer in Lansing. She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, active in the Ladies Guild, flower gardening, travel, spending time at the cottage in Wolverine, MI and she especially enjoyed her grand children and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Albert, daughters, Patricia Kirschenbauer of St. Johns, Elizabeth (Brad) Landon of Florida. Sons, Eric (Tamara) Kirschenbauer of St. Johns and Kurt (Alyssa) Kirschenbauer of Swartz Creek. MI.
Grandchildren, Erica (Josh) Busick, Brooks Kirschenbauer, Christopher Henning, Ryan Henning, Michael Landon, Steven Landon, Heather (Cole) Reynolds, Christopher Wellman, Eric Wellman, Alexander Kirschenbauer and Matthew Kirschenbauer and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 sister.
Funeral services will be held at St. Johns Lutheran Church on Friday May 24, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Dr. Bryan Salminen officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23, 2013, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church Ladies Guild or Building Fund.
Bernice (Ives) Klug
Bernice (Ives) Klug passed away May 18, 2013 at the age of 82. Born January 11, 1931 in Perrinton, MI, Bernice was the daughter of Golen and Marie (Smith) Ives. Bernice was a member of the Moose Lodge in Harrison, MI and a member of Rebekah Lodge in Maple Rapids, MI.
Bernice was survived by her daughters, Mary Black of Maple Rapids, and Linda Keener of Lansing, as well as five grandchildren. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, brother Eugene Ives and Geraldine Pline.
Private graveside services were held at Fulton Center Cemetery on May 22, 2013. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.
James Louis Thelen
James Louis Thelen, born February 22, 1944 in Fowler, the son of the late Jerome and Genevieve (Harr) Thelen, passed away May 14, 2013 at the age of 69 as a result of a bicycle accident.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Kim (Mike) Beggs of Grants Pass, OR, Kristin (Scott) Flint of Lansing, and Dean (Pam) Thelen of Mulliken; brothers, Paul (Ann), Luke (Jane), Larry (Ellen), Bill (Debbie), Stanley (Patti), Dennis (Diane), and Phillip; and seven loving grandchildren. He was receded in death by his parents; sister, Diane Urbanik; daughter, Jamie Thelen; and grandson, Brandon Thelen.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 18th at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow, Lansing with the Rev. John P. Klein as celebrant. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 17th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing as well as one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, contributions may be made in memory of James to Ele’s Place, 1145 W.
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