Edmund F. Dickman, Vivian J. Wyrick, Evelyn D. Buck, Alice M. Richmond, Susan Kay Lovegrove, John E. Pifer, Dennis O. Kieffer, Walter L. “Sonny” Russell, Eric L. Phelps, Robert E. Peck
Edmund F. Dickman
Edmund F. Dickman, of Elsie, Michigan, formerly of St. Johns, died July 6, 2011, at the age of 86.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday July 8, 2011, at 3:00 PM, at the Smith Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel. Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM prior to the funeral service.
Ed was born on November 3, 1924 in Ottoville, Ohio, to William and Philomena (Wehri) Dickman. He was the eighth of nine children. On September 3, 1949, Ed started a year-long engagement to Barb Smith of Shepard, Michigan. Ed and Barb were married on September 9, 1950. Together, Barb and Ed raised five children. He took pride in his children, joy in their accomplishments, and to his children was a wonderful mentor. Ed served in the United States Army from March 28, 1945 to May, 1950, as a military police officer. In 1984, he retired as a repairman from General Motors.
Ed’s passions included his grandchildren and great grandchildren; his eyes would sparkle and his face would glow when a grandchild would walk in the room. He longed to build projects made of wood and took pride in the trains he built for the 13 grandchildren. He enjoyed casinos, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and bowling.
He is survived by his love, friend, and wife of 61 years, Barbara Dickman of Elsie, son Jim (Krystal) Dickman of Brooklyn, daughter Gwendolyn (Dwight) Nash of Elsie, daughter Nancy (Jerry) Fillwock of St. Johns, son Bob (Dr. Keira Duvernoy) Braveheart of Interlochen, son Tim (friend Laura Johson) Dickman of Grand Rapids, 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and sister Doloris Eickholt of Ottawa, Ohio. Ed was preceded in death by 7 siblings; Annie Dickman, Hubert Dickman, Phillip Dickman, Agnes Moeggenborg, Hildagard Schnipke, Ferdie Dickman, and Alice Kemper.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Vivian J. Wyrick
Vivian J. Wyrick, 91, formerly of rural Ovid, Lakeland FL and Lansing died Tuesday July5, 2011 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing. Vivian was born Dec. 2, 1919 in Bingham Twp., Clinton County, MI the daughter of Robert and Daisy (Dean) Wilkie. On October 5, 1946 she married Madison Wyrick in St. Johns. They were married for 59 years.
Vivian attended school in St. Johns and worked as an accountant at Vaughn Seed Co. and Moore’s Chevrolet in Ovid. She also worked alongside her husband, Madison as owner-operator of Wyrick Orchard. Vivian was a member of United Church of Ovid and the Farm Bureau. She loved her family and enjoyed traveling, singing with the Tin Lizzies, bowling and playing cards in her retirement years.
Survivors include her sons Jerry (Andrea) Mills and Roger (Pam) Wyrick both of St. Johns and daughter Kristine Jacobs of New Buffalo, MI., grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Madison, her parents and all of her siblings, and son-in-law, Dr. Allen Jacobs.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9, 2011 at United Church of Ovid, 131 W. Front St. Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Greg Buchner officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to United Church of Ovid or the charity of the donor’s choice in her memory. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI.
Evelyn D. Buck
Evelyn D. (Heathman) Buck, St. Johns, MI formerly of Mt. Clemens, MI, age 92, passed away Monday, July 4, 2011 in St. Johns, MI. Evelyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, December 9, 1918, the daughter of Harry and Dorothy (Hall) Heathman. The family moved to St. Johns when Evelyn was a child. As a teen she worked for Parrs Drugs and Heathman’s Wallpaper and Paint Store. She graduated from St. Johns High School where she met her future husband of 49 years, Robert E. Buck. She later worked in the Mt. Clemens school system as a school secretary.
Evelyn enjoyed volunteering at Hazel Findlay Nursing Home where she later resided until the time of her passing. Evelyn loved to play Bridge with her sisters and work in her roses. Evelyn’s final years were difficult due to Dementia and Alzheimers, however she maintained her pleasant, loving, positive spirit. Her love of babies brought a smile to her face and that smile will be missed by those who loved her.
Surviving is her son, David R. Buck of St. Johns, three sisters, Vianna Bond, Frances Thurston, Doris (Forrest) Swatman all of St. Johns and one brother, Roger (Gloria) Heathman of Dansville, MI. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Dorothy Heathman, one brother, Edward (Spud) Heathman and her husband Robert E. Buck.
Funeral Services will be held, 3:30 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2011, at The Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns with Rev. Matthew Olson of The First Congregational Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Hazel I. Findlay Nursing Home for the Garden Club or First Congregational Church for the Landscape Fund. To learn more about Evelyn and view her Life Story film, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/71657. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.
Alice M. Richmond
Alice M.(Hainer) Richmond died at home, July 3, 2011 in St. Johns, Michigan at the age of 81. Alice was born July 8, 1929 in Greenbush Twp, the daughter of Peter and Fern (Antes) Hainer. Alice married Martin Richmond July 27, 1952 and he preceded her in death on January 5, 2003. Alice retired from The St. Johns Reminder after 25 years of service.
Alice is survived by her children, Brenda (Bill) Wilson and Martin Richmond II both of St. Johns, sisters ; Dorothy Decker, Gladys Irish, grandchildren ; Willie, Brian, Nick and Chris Wilson, Michelle (Jim) Salander, Tara and Nate Richmond, great granddaughter, Shannon Wilson, many nieces and nephews. As well as her husband, Alice was preceded in death by her daughter, Suzanne Richmond and sisters, Marion Wellington and Grace Schafer, brothers, Paul, Howard, Clifford, Donald and Clare Hainer.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm, with Pastor Steve Lang officiating and burial to follow at Eureka Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm and Wednesday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 East Cass St, St. Johns, MI. 48879. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope Bible Baptist Church, Maple Rapids.
Susan Kay Lovegrove
Susan Kay Lovegrove, age 68, of St. Johns, MI passed away Friday, July 1, 2011 at Clinton Memorial Hospital, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, MI on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Karen Messmer will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 5, 2011 from 2-8 PM with family present 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Funeral Home.
Susan was born in St. Johns, Michigan on April 24, 1943, the daughter of Clyde and Marian Grace (Beck) Houser and resided most of her life in St. Johns. On December 1, 1960 Susan married the love of her life, Marvin Lovegrove in Lansing, MI. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, crafting, reading, feeding & watching the birds. Susan especially loved taking care of her two companions, Kipper and Sam.
Susan is survived by her husband Marvin Lovegrove of St. Johns, MI; son Doug and Renee Lovegrove of St. Johns, MI; daughter Connie Lovegrove of St. Johns, MI; son Rick and Amy Lovegrove of St. Johns, MI; daughter Jennifer and Scott Berry of Ashley, MI; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sister Margaret and Jack Hart of Arizona; brother Allen and Dolores Houser of St. Johns, MI; sister Janet and Dan Foland of Arizona. She is also survived by special friends Joe and Maryann Villarreal and Tom and Mary Kyle also many nieces and nephews. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, Herschel and Helen Lovegrove and daughter-in-law Pam Lovegrove.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Multiple Sclerosis Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, Michigan.
John E. Pifer
John E. Pifer, age 99, of St. Johns, MI died Monday, June 27, 2011 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, MI on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Ken Bremer officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2011 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, MI.
John was born in Marion, Michigan on April 24, 1912, the son of Edwin and Blanche (Salisbury) Pifer. John married Hilda R. Hewitt on May 25, 1935; she died November 4, 2001 after 66 years of marriage. John worked at Wolverine Stockyards for 25 years in St. Johns. He loved music, especially while calling square dances and playing his harmonica.
He is survived by 1 daughter Wendy and Tom Brown of Greenville, MI, 3 sons; Ward Pifer of Eureka, FL, Stanley and Shirley Pifer of St. Johns, MI, Bruce and Sandy Pifer of St. Johns, MI, 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 23 great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, sister Iva Strouse, and 5 brothers; Oscar, Hubert, Forrest, Gilbert and Leon Pifer.
Memorials may be made to Capital Area Humane Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, Michigan.
Dennis O. Kieffer
Dennis Oliver Kieffer, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at his home. He was born on September 5, 1950 the son of Walter and Doris Kieffer. Dennis was a U.S. Army Veteran of Vietnam. He married Sandra Kreson on October 2, 1986 and she survives him.
Also surviving are his children, Tina Kieffer, Dennis Kieffer Jr., Aleisha and Pat Leavitt; grandchildren, Kaiden and Sage Kieffer, Olivia and Natalie Leavitt; father, Walter Kieffer Sr.; sisters, Dianna and Jim Burnham, Caroline and Mike Smith, Doreen Kieffer, Lisa and Mike Koonce; brothers, Walter Jr. and Sue Kieffer, John Kieffer; brother-in-law, Mitchel Krewson; sister-in-law, Neva Boelema; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris; granddaughter, Alexis; parents-in-law, Richard and Eva Krewson; brother-in-law, Michael; sister in-law, Cheryl Bain.
As Dennis had wished, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice. The family was served by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home-Sparta
Walter L. “Sonny” Russell
Walter L. “Sonny” Russell, 74 of St. Johns died Saturday, June 25, 2011. Walt was born on Sept. 4, 1936 the son of Kenneth and Leona (Purvis) Russell. He graduated from St. Johns High School in 1955 and was a veteran of the US Marines and the US Naval Reserve. On April 15, 1963 he married Shirley Rademacher in DeWitt, MI. Walt worked at Sealed Power Corp, Cartridges Are Us and was an EMT with Clinton Area Ambulance Service for 23 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and enjoyed playing the Dobro guitar.
He is survived by his wife Shirley; daughters, Paula (Mike Lalonde) Russell and Michelle (Tom) Gorby both of St. Johns; sons Dan (Kim Kalocy) of Elsie, Chris (Annette) Russell of St. Johns and Eric (Molly) Russell of Iowa; mother, Leona Karber of St. Johns; grandchildren, Daniel and Michael Gorby, Trevor, Emily and Maggie Vanek, Matthew and Garrett and Charley Russell; step brothers, Gerald Karber of St. Johns and David Karber of Arizona; half sister, Marsha Simon of Fowler. He was preceded in death by brother Skip Russell, step brother Richard Karber and half brother Raymond Russell.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. Burial will follow at Duplain Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. A Rosary will be prayed at 8 P.M. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be given to Clinton Area Ambulance Service.
Eric L. Phelps
Eric L. Phelps died Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the age of 46. He was born March 1, 1965 in St. Johns, Michigan the son of Richard and Lucile (Peck) Phelps. Eric was a 1984 graduate of St. Johns High School and attended Southeastern Academy in Florida. He worked several years for U.S. Air and was a very active volunteer for Special Olympics at Central Michigan University. He became an EMT in August 1984, a paramedic in February 1994 and an instructor coordinator in September 1995.
Eric worked for several ambulance and EMS companies including Clinton Area Ambulance Service in St. Johns and was currently the Director of United Rescue of Clare County. Eric was a member of the Michigan Society of Instructor Coordinators and was the current Vice President of the Crisis Response Association. He headed the planning committee for the Annual Tustin Michigan Crisis Response Association Conference, was Chairman of the United Rescue Bingo and was a member of the Eagles Club in Harrison.
Surviving are two sisters, Deborah Cressman and Connie Phelps both of St. Johns; two nephews, Trevor Cressman of Lansing and Nicholas Cressman of St. Johns; several aunts, uncles and cousins and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.
Robert E. Peck
Robert E. Peck died June 23, 2011 at the age of 89. Born, August 10, 1921, in Dewitt, MI, the son of Austin and Glenna (McConkey) Peck. Robert married Kathryn (Heibeck) on September 29, 1939 in St. Johns and she survives him. Together they attended Pilgrim United Methodist Church and both enjoyed square dancing in the Maple Twirlers.
Robert is survived his wife Kathryn, as well as their daughter, Dianna K. (Robert) Honeywell, son, Douglas R. (Betty Jo) Peck Sr., grandchildren, Cheryl (Eric) Farrington, Michael (Kathy) Honeywell, Judy (Rob) Johnson, Rachael (Stephen) Copley, Rebecca (Chris) Pugsley, Doug Peck Jr., twelve great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, great grandson, Brenden Copley, and two brothers, Austin and Duain Peck.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 26, 2011, at the Pilgrim United Methodist Church with Pastor Kenneth Bremmer and Pastor Brian K. Sheen officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 p.m. at The Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim United Methodist Church.
To learn more about Robert and view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/71451. The family was served by Osgood Funeral Homes.
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