Mark H. Pung, Philena P. Curtis, Anthony “Ted” Thelen, William Todd Braun, Sheila M. Wadsworth, Rev. Hugh E. Banninga, Eleanor Louise LeFevere, Robert D. Plowman, Betty Jane Woodhams, Floyd Robert Bigham, Opal Piggott
Opal Piggott
Opal Piggott, age 100, passed away on December 18, 2013.
She is survived by her children, Donald Piggott, Nancy Burns, Denny Piggott and Donna Rae Fox. Opal has 23 grandchildren, Barb, Pam, Vicky, Bob, Terry, Tony, Rick, Vicky, Mark, Jennifer, Connie, Cathy, Cheryl, Joe, Jim, Eric, Susan, Nick, Bill, Penny, Andrea, Scott and Melissa, 29 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by husband Ronald Piggott, daughters, Connie Jean and Janice Piggott, sons in law, Joe Jean Sr., Bob Burns and Chuck Howard; grandchildren, Larry Piggott Jr., Todd Kusas and Carol Jean. She was also predeceased by parents Erford and Mary Eldridge, two brothers, three sisters in law and 2 brothers in law.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2013, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding, burial to follow at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Sat., 6-8 p.m. with a rosary prayed at 7, and Sun., 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a rosary at 3 and a vigil service at 7, at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler.
It took a village to take care of mom and that village was Ingham Assisted Living. Thank you!
The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Home.
Mark H. Pung
Mark H. Pung, age 83, passed away December 18, 2013 in St. Johns. He was born in Westphalia, on January 23, 1930, the son of Norman and Martha (Simon) Pung. Mark married Daria Rademacher on May 5, 1951 and she preceded him in death on February 2, 2013. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the K of C #3281 and the Carpenters Local #1004.
Mark is survived by his children, Glenn (Ava) Pung of St. Johns and Patricia Pung of Sanford, MI., 5 grandchildren, Dr. Barnaby (Melissa) Pung, Joshua (Melanie) Pung, Samantha Pung, Tisha Vollmer Grant and Jenifer Vollmer, 11 great grandchildren, brother, Paul (Genie) Pung, sister, Mary Ellen (Robert) Thelen and many nieces and nephews. Also preceding Mark in death along with his wife Daria are his parents, and brothers, Clare and Jerry Pung.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns with Fr. Michael Williams presiding, burial to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at the Osgood Funeral Home 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns.
Contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Home.
Philena P. Curtis
Philena P. Curtis, 92 of Fremont, MI died on December 18, 2013. She was born on May 7, 1921 in Saginaw County, MI the daughter of Louie and Bernice (Nethaway) Perry. She married Kenneth Curtis on May 28, 1938 and he preceded her in death in 1991. Philena had attended the Holton United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Fred) Veenstra of Holton, MI; 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and sisters Lois Green of Alma and Marilyn (Leroy) Walker of Ovid. She was preceded in death by her sons Kenneth Owen and Randy and brother Lawrence Perry.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jonathon Reidel officiating. Burial will follow at Fairfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, 6-8 P.M. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Anthony “Ted” Thelen
Anthony “Ted” Thelen of Fowler, MI died Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at the age of 81. Born December 30, 1931 to Andrew and Leona (Arens) Thelen, Ted served in the US Army, worked as a pipe fitter, and was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler and the Knights of Columbus. But most of all, Ted liked to farm his land. In 1960 he married Anne Grodiak and she preceded him in death in 1976. In 1977 Ted married Helen Schafer Goerge and she survives him.
Also surviving are his children; Matthew Thelen of Clay, NY, David Thelen of Gilbert, AZ, Steven (Laurie) Goerge of Fowler, Mark (Tonya) Goerge of Maple Rapids, Brian (Mary Kay) Goerge of Fowler, and Luke (Tricia) Goerge of Westphalia; grandchildren, Samantha and Theodore Thelen, Megan, Alex, Ben, Trent, Katherine, Cecelia, and Robert Goerge; brothers, Alphonse (Marie) Thelen, and Herbert (Virginia) Thelen; sisters, Leonore Bengal and Marie Weber; many nieces and nephews; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Ted was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Anne Grodiak Thelen; brother, Daniel Thelen; and granddaughter, Emily Goerge.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 545 N. Maple, Fowler, with burial following at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 7 PM Thursday, December 19, 2013 and 2-4 and 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 3 PM and Scripture Service at 7 PM Friday, December 20, 2013 at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler, MI. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Education Trust Fund, 545 N. Maple, Fowler, MI 48835.
To learn more about Ted and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/96191. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
William Todd Braun
William Todd “Billy” Braun, 50 died suddenly on December 17, 2013 at Sparrow Hospital. Billy was born on June 29, 1963 the son of William Norman and Glenda Faye (Lucas) Braun. He graduated from Fowler High School in 1981 and was employed as a machine operator at Mahle in St. Johns. He loved camping, boating, being outdoors, watching Michigan State Football,and spending time with his grandchildren.
Billy is survived by his fiancé, Karen Hettler, daughter Alicia Braun and her children, Kai William and Jax D. Baumchen of St. Johns; his father, William Braun of Fowler, siblings, Tammy Braun of Lansing, Judy (Craig) Stiles of DeWitt, Mindy (John) Pung of Pewamo, Scott (Michelle) Braun of Ionia and Erin (Mike) Ward of Fowler and his fiance’s children, Tara, Tosha and Jack Hettler. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Glenda Braun.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Terri Bentley officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Fowler. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Friday, December 20, 2013, 2-8 P.M. Memorials may be made to Billy’s grandchildren.
Sheila M. Wadsworth
Sheila M. Wadsworth died Friday, December 13, 2013 at the age of 54. She was born December 13, 1959 the daughter of Richard and Angeline (Ely) Wadsworth and was a 1978 graduate of St. Johns High School. Sheila worked as a medical biller for several health care providers.
Surviving is a son, Matthew (Irene) Bashore of DeWitt; two daughters, Sarah and Jessica Court both of Lansing; two granddaughters, Emma and Amelia Bashore; her mother, Angeline Phelps of St. Johns; a sister, LuAnn Voightritter of St. Johns and her soul mate, Michael Denman of Lansing. She was preceded in death by her father Richard and a brother Steven.
There will be no services. Memorials may be made to the family. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Rev. Hugh E. Banninga
The Rev. Hugh E. Banninga died Monday, December 16, 2013 at the age of 79. He was born June 23, 1934 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Hubert S. and Lucile (Howell) Banninga. Hugh earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan in 1957 and then earned his Master’s Degree of Divinity from Bexley Hall at Kenyon College School of Divinity in Gambier, OH.
Hugh was a clergyman, educator, counselor and volunteer. He ministered to all but had a special interest and focus on the poor and the needy. He has left this world a better place for him having been here, as evidenced by his heavy involvement in and numerous awards of distinction for service received from countless community groups such as: Meals on Wheels, Oakview Elementary School Classroom Volunteer, Clinton County Social Services Program, R.A.V.E., Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, RESA, Clinton County Hospice, Community Resource Volunteers (CRV), the first Senior Citizens Center in St. Johns, Clinton County Arts Council, St. Johns Ministerial Association and the St. Johns Lions Club where he is currently serving as its President.
Hugh was recognized by the State of Michigan Volunteer Association as its Volunteer of the Year and was a proud recipient in 1987 of the William H. Patton Award by the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, given for Hugh’s dedication to his community and his example of moral character, professionalism, and religious involvement. Hugh currently attends Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Lansing and is parish advisor. As an alumnus of the University of Michigan, Hugh was an ardent and avid Wolverine fan, M-Go-Hugh!
Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Lynn; children, Garth (Amy) of St. Johns, Gretchen Perkins of Brighton and Gwen (Jim) Demenov of Ithaca; grandchildren, Alaine Banninga, Tom Banninga, Alex Perkins, Bethany Perkins, Jace Demenov and Jenna Demenov; a brother, Scott of OH and sister, Janet Pennex of MI.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 20th, 2013 at 11:00am at Eastminster Presbyterian Church 1315 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, MI with Rev. Margie Osborn officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 pm Thursday, December 19 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church or Leader Dogs for the Blind 1039 Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307 a project of Lions of Michigan.
Eleanor Louise LeFevere
Eleanor Louise LeFevere, age 95, passed away on December 16, 2013. She was born in Sanford, MI on August 20, 1918, the daughter of Edwin and Emma (Konow) Blakeley. Eleanor married Albert LeFevere in 1948 and he preceded her in death on November 6, 1993. She retired as a School Social Worker from Clinton and Shiawassee County Intermediate School Districts after 25 years. Eleanor was a member of First United Methodist Church of St. Johns and the Michigan Assoc. of Retired School Personnel.
She is survived by her son William LeFevere of Eaton Rapids, and grandchildren, Hilary LeFevere and Kevin Hogan, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Also preceding her in death were her parents and daughter, Mary Lou Hogan.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2013, at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, with Rev. Ellen Zienert officiating, burial to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Contributions may be made in Eleanor’s memory to the First UMC or Briggs Public Library.
The family was served by Osgood Funeral Homes.
Robert D. Plowman
Robert D. Plowman of Fowler, MI died Sunday, December 15, 2013 at the age of 75. Born to R.G. and Mildred (Whitney) Plowman, Bob served in the US Army, retired from General Motors and was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler. On September 16, 1967, Bob married Denise Hafner and she survives him.
Also surviving are his children, Jill (Darrel) Osterman of Fowler, Joseph (Lisa) Plowman of Cedar Springs, MI, James Plowman of Hollywood, FL, and Jeanine (Dan) Stratton of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Jordan, Taylor, Zachary, and Andrew Spagnuolo, Joseph R. and Jessica Plowman; brothers, Jack (Sheryl) Plowman and Larry (Jackie) Plowman; sisters, Judith Plowman and Norma (Dennis) Bauer; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard A. Plowman.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with burial following at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns with Fr. William Koenigsknecht presiding. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM with a Scripture Service at 7 PM Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home, 11112 W. Ionia, Fowler, MI. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the donors’ choice. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
Betty Jane Woodhams
Betty Jane Woodhams, age 91, of St. Johns died Sunday, December 15, 2013. Born October 8, 1922 in St. Johns, Betty was the daughter of Ross Elmer and Anna L. (Vorhee) Cornell. She lived most of her life in St. Johns and was a member of the Grove Bible Church and the VFW Auxiliary #4113. Her marriage to Eugene Woodhams ended with his death in 1974.
Surviving are her daughter Cynthia (Ernest) Gregg of Roscommon, MI, son; Alva (Pattie) Woodhams of Hesperia, MI; 5 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sister, Mary (Frank) Bernath; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; son, Dale Woodhams; and several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI with Pastor Robert Prange officiating. Burial will follow at Stilson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the VFW Auxiliary #4113.
Floyd Robert Bigham
Floyd Robert Bigham, of Ovid, passed from this life into the loving arms of his Savior on December 12, 2013, at the age of 84, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2013 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns with Pastor Bob Prange and Pastor Tim Van Loh officiating. No visitation is scheduled.
Bob was born on March 7, 1929, the eldest son of Floyd and Elsie (Ladd) Holden, in El Centro, CA. He graduated from high school there and served our country in the United States Navy as a Yeoman First Class during World War II. He married Agnes Campbell in 1950 and together they raised three daughters; Marah, Marlene, and Theresa. On November 26, 1969 he married Frances E. Ziegs, and they enjoyed 39 loving years together. You rarely saw one without the other. Frances passed away in November of 2008. Bob mourned her loss for the rest of his life.
Bob’s vocation was as an Ironworker, and he transferred his book from California to Michigan in the 1960’s. He retired from Ironworkers Local Union #25 out of Novi, MI. He was particularly adept at precast, and was hailed by others in the trade, at the time, as the “Precast King”.
He is survived by his three daughters; Marah (Billy) Brown of Arizona, Marlene (John) Bigham of California, and Theresa Bigham of Lansing, MI., 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and three step children; Edward (Beulah) Ziegs of Missouri, Kathleen (Alan) Welter of Grand Ledge and Mary (Gale) Bancroft of Ovid. There are 8 step grandchildren and 9 step great grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Virgil and Milton, granddaughter, Jamie Stone and son in law, Mike Barbour.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Bob’s name to Grove Bible Church, St. Johns, MI. The family offers its profound thanks to the staff at both Ovid Healthcare Center and Hazel Findlay Country Manor for the kind and compassionate care they provided Bob in the final five years of his life. The family was served by Osgood Funeral Homes.
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