David G. Fitzpatrick, Larry Lee Purvis, Gertrude F. Johnson, Ross A. Henry, Connie L. Thompson, William Sherwood Russell, Joseph L. Simon, Anthony J. “Tony” Sinicropi, Pauline D. Dalton, Ann Marie Hayes
David G. Fitzpatrick
David G. Fitzpatrick died Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the age of 60. He was born October 20, 1954 in St. Johns, MI the son of Glendon and Helen (DeVries) Fitzpatrick. David was a graduate of St. Johns High School, Class of 1973 and attended Ferris State University. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in St. Johns, enjoyed hunting and fishing and was active in the American Cancer Society.
Dave was a former member of the St. Johns Community Choir and for many years a member of the Capital City Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus. In his younger years he worked for Cornwell Construction and the City of St. Johns. He then worked for General Motors retiring in 2004 with 29 years of service. Currently he operated Fitz’s Powerwashing and worked at Andy T’s Farm Market. On May 27, 1989 he married Sally Burgis and she survives him.
Also surviving are two daughters, Angela (Derek) Lott of Lansing and Erin Fitzpatrick of St. Johns; grandchildren, Dallas, Jersey and Dakota Lott and Liam Fitzpatrick; one sister, Shirley (Henry) Attwell of Potterville; two brothers, Bruce (Norma) Fitzpatrick and Stuart (Sharon) Fitzpatrick all of St. Johns; one sister-in-law, Gail Kohlhase of Colorado and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dr. Roger Fitzpatrick and brother and sister-in-law, Norman and Diane Fitzpatrick and a nephew, Stephen Fitzpatrick.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at First United Methodist Church, St. Johns with Pastor Ellen Zienert officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, April 6, 2015 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church 200 E. State Street, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI.
Larry Lee Purvis
Larry Lee Purvis, age 65, of Elsie, MI passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2015.
In Celebration of Larry’s Life a Memorial Luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 1:00-4:00 P.M. at the ZCBJ Lodge in Bannister, Michigan. A dish to pass would be appreciated.
Larry was born in St. Johns, Michigan on May 12, 1949, the son of Charles and Molice (Lance) Purvis. He attended St. Johns Schools. Larry enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies at Hofferbert Sales. He liked to do construction with his son and cutting wood with his son and grandson. He had many talents including, woodworking, and fabricating. Larry retired from C&L Electric in Lansing, Michigan. He also filled his spare time helping his farming friends and helping at the sugar bush, with his good friend Lee.
He is survived by his companion Rita Lewis, children; Christine and Terry Jr. O’Connell, Melissa and Scotty Thompson, Carl “Ed” and Becky Purvis, Angie and Christie Lewis, Jessica and Sean Hunter, and Tarah Roof, the mother of his children, Anne Ryan, 10 grandchildren, siblings; Brenda and Ken Johnson and Pat and Lyle Kitson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon, brother Jack and one granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns, Michigan.
Gertrude F. Johnson
Gertrude F. Johnson died Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the age of 86. She was born January 29, 1929 in Detroit, MI the daughter of Jack and Rita (Lester) O’Reilly. Gertrude was a member of St. James Catholic Parish in Houghton Lake, was an avid reader and a volunteer with Goodwill, St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Charities, and Hospice.
In May of 1950 she married Robert Johnson and he preceded her in death in 2002. She was also predeceased by a sister Mary Helen Metz.
Surviving are her children, Mark (Cheryl) Johnson, Trudy (Skip) VanderMolen, Terri (Louis) Finos and Bruce (Diane) Johnson; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Following Gertrude’s wishes there will be no visitation or services. Memorials may be made to Goodwill or St. Vincent Catholic Charities. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI.
Ross A. Henry
Ross A. Henry, age 96, of Elsie, Michigan passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Ashley Care Center, Ashley, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Dr. Donald Ferris-McCann officiating. Burial will take place at Eureka Cemetery, Eureka, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Ross was born in Elsie, Michigan on June 30, 1918, the son of Arthur and Linna (Robart) Henry. He graduated from Elsie High School. Ross married Dorothy Osborn in 1950; Dorothy passed away September 16, 1972. Ross married Harriet (Bancroft) Walker on August 12, 1975.
Ross enjoyed hunting, gun competitions and traveling. He worked for Gower’s in Eureka, delivering propane. Ross was a farmer his entire life, on the farm he was born and raised on. Ross and his first wife, Dorothy enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family at Pike Lake. Ross and Harriet traveled to many places together and wintered in Florida for many years, they enjoyed playing cards and dominos with their friends and family. He was a member of the Eureka Christian Church for many years.
He is survived by his wife Harriet Henry, daughter in law Linda Henry, step daughters; Lyla and Rod Brush and Lora and William Furstenau. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Dorothy, son Bill Henry, step son Jerry Walker, sister and brother in law, Esther and Burton Tabor, and 1 grandson.
Memorials may be made to the Charity of the Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, Michigan.
Connie L. Thompson
Connie L. Thompson, 43 went to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Hospice House of Mid Michigan following a long battle with cancer. Connie was born on May 3, 1971 in Owosso, MI the daughter of Lois (Zell) Thompson. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1989. She became a licensed cosmetologist, and attended LCC studying early childhood development specializing in special needs children, she ran a day care for several years and was a nanny for several years. Connie pursued her calling by loving and caring for 33 foster children and being a mother to her 7 children. She loved kids, pets and scrapbooking.
She is survived by her Mother, Lois Thompson of St. Johns; children Nicholle, Summer, Brittney, Alyssa, Trey, Kaleb and Evan Thompson, all of St. Johns, brother Dan Thompson of St. Johns, special aunt Joyce Kimball of St. Johns, special friend/cousin Angela Zell of St. Johns; nephews Quinton and Dagonet Thompson and many aunts, uncles and cousins and close friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Lorenz and Edna Zell.
Funeral services will be held at St. Johns Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 2:00 P.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 Monday, March 30, 2015, 6-8 P.M. and on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, 5-8 P.M. Memorials may be given to Connie Thompson Family Memorial Fund at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, PO Box 1208, East Lansing, MI 48826-1208.
William Sherwood Russell
William Sherwood Russell died Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the age of 78. He was born December 30, 1936 in Owosso, MI the son of Sherwood R. Russell M.D. and Edith R. (Hunter) Russell. William graduated from St. Johns Military Academy in Wisconsin in 1955 and continued his military career as a Nuclear Weapon Technician in the U.S. Air Force retiring in 1975. William earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed golfing, snow skiing and flying. He was a Ham Radio Operator and a member of VFW Post # 5670 in Gwinn, MI and the Masonic Lodge #101 in Marquette, MI. On August 31, 1956 he married Janet Hansen in New Hampshire and she survives him.
Also surviving is a daughter, Kathleen (Gilbert A.) Baker of Fowler and grandson Ian Michael Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Sherwood Dean Russell.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Rev. Dr. Joseph Mlaker officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery with military honors provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at the funeral home. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to any Shriners Hospital for Children.
Joseph L. Simon
Joseph L. Simon of Fowler died Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the age of 82. Born June 3, 1932 to Leonard and Anna (Wieber) Simon, he worked as a self-employed carpenter and farmer. Joseph was a US Army veteran. In 1959 he married Wanda Bolek and she survives him.
Also surviving are their children, Mike (Joni) Simon, Louie (Mary) Simon, Ron (JoAnn) Simon, Neil (Denise) Simon, Dale (Jodi) Simon, Keith Simon, Mary Jo (Tim) Platte, all of Fowler; 23 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Karber, Ruth (Paul) Schafer, Marilyn (Jack) Fox, Linda (Fred) Epkey; sisters-in-law, Irene (Terry) Jensen, Joan Bolek, Theresa (Bob) Lock; and many nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sandra Simon, and father and mother-in-law, John and Helen Bolek.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. A military graveside service will follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends the Goerge Chaple of Osgood Funeral Homes from 7-9 PM Sunday, March 29th and 2-4 and 7-9 PM Monday, March 30th with a rosary being prayed at 3 PM and a Vigil Service being prayed at 8 PM Monday. Contributions may be made to VFW Post #3733 or Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund in Joseph’s memory. In lieu of thank you cards, the family will make a donation to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.
Anthony J. “Tony” Sinicropi
Anthony J. “Tony” Sinicropi, age 90 of Ovid, MI died with his family by his side on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Welcome Home Assisted Living Center in Owosso. Tony was born on July 28, 1924 in Seneca Falls, NY the son of Salvatore and Mary (Cafaro) Sinicropi. He graduated from Mynderse Academy and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. On May 10, 1947 he married Mary Martelli in Lansing, MI. She preceded him in death on December 29, 2006.
Tony was co owner/operator of Tri-Ami Bowling Alley in Ovid retiring in 1988. Tony enjoyed playing cards, was a founding family member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid where he served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the VFW, former trustee and supervisor of Middlebury Township and was the oldest supervisor in Michigan when he retired from that position. Tony was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was past president of the Michigan Bowling Proprietors of Michigan, served on committees for the National Bowling Proprietors Assn and was active in the convention site selection committee.
He is survived by his children, Angie (Sid) Wittenberg of Ovid, Sam Sinicropi and Ford (Carla) Sinicropi both of Higgins Lake, MI., Chris (Steve) Potts of Ovid; grandchildren, Jenny (Kyle) Kares, Tara (Major Scott) Clare, Erica Sinicropi, Sarah (Steve) Spitler, Ashley (Erich) Roeder, Charles McConnell, Shelby (Trevor) Martyn, Cisco Potts and Maria; great grandchildren, Brooke and Joshua Kares and Easton Roeder; sister, Frances Lorenzetti of Seneca Falls, NY, brother John (Mary Ann) Sinicropi of West Palm Beach, FL, brother-in-law Joseph Petrucci of Seneca Falls, NY, sister-in-law Frances Mazzolini and several loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Duaine H. Pamment officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Sunday, March 29, 2015, noon until 8:00 P.M. A rosary will be prayed at 7:30 P.M. Sunday evening. Memorial donations may be given to Holy Family Catholic Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Pauline D. Dalton
Pauline D. Dalton, 69 of rural Fowler died on March 23, 2015 at her home with her family surrounding her. She was born on February 17, 1946 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Fred and Dorothy (Beilfus) Tiede. On June 18, 1988 she married Keith Dalton in Fowler, MI. Pauline enjoyed fishing with her husband, gardening and being with her family.
Survivors include her husband Keith, children Becky Casey and Debra (Thomas) Thurlby both of Fowler and son Louis Bennett; step-children Fran Dalton of Ionia, Keith Dalton Jr. of Washington state and Tracey Dalton of Ionia; 12 grandchildren and sisters, Shirley Colsant and Judy Deppe both of Illinois and brother Joey Sleben of Nevada.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Friday, March 27, 2015, 9:00 am until 11:00 a.m. at which time services will be held with Pastor Paul Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family suggests that donations be given to the family.
Ann Marie Hayes
Born November 24, 1929, Ann treasured the simple joys and memories from life on her parents’ (William and Mae Brennan) family farm near Avoca, MI. She committed to full-time motherhood in St. Clair, to Port Huron, to Flint, finally settling in her adopted and cherished hometown of 47 years, St. Johns, MI.
She raised eleven children: Larry (Laura) Hayes, of Port Huron, MI; Kevin (Bernadette) Hayes, of St. Johns, MI; Christine (Dwight) Schaeffer, of Mercer Island, WA; John (Lori) Hayes, of Lake Isabella, CA; Sheilac(Chuck)cBeckman, of Renton, WA; Kurt (Amy) Hayes, of Lowell, MI; Monica (Kevin) Todd, of Westport, WA; Jeff (Amy) Hayes, of Rockford, MI; and Becky (Neil) Hartenburg, of St. Johns, MI. Twenty-five years ago, she lost her son Garret and his wife Lisa, and her beloved grandson G.J. in a tragic car accident. Soon afterwards her husband John “Jack” Hayes died (Coca-Cola employee). Jack was her WWII US Army hero, to whom she remained forever faithful. Each were welcomed into eternal joy by 23 month-old baby daughter Patty, who died in 1959, Ann’s 5th of 11 children.
Ann is survived by two of seven siblings, Charles(Maggie, dec )Brennan, of Avoca, MI and Sister Lorraine Brennan, of Medford, OR; 22 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her deceased brothers and their spouses Bill(Betty, liv), Jerry(Ann, liv), Gene(Sharon, dec), and sisters Eleanore(Mike, dec) Mahar, and Rose (Roger, dec) McClelland were blessings in this world and constant reminders of comfort to come in the next. Ann especially loved traveling: visiting ancestral Ireland, and much of Canada and the United States. She loved taking in the awesome works of nature, often accompanied by her sister Eleanore after both their husbands died.
Ann died under a rainbow on March 21, 2015 in Westport, WA, a place where she frequently stayed while visiting her daughters in order to escape Michigan winters. Ann was fascinated by the majesty, beauty and power of the Pacific Ocean. She was cared for by family around the clock throughout her last few difficult weeks, up to and including the equanimity of her final triumphant moment. A petite and beautiful woman, Ann’s strength of will, her unending determination and bravery in times of trial, and her unwavering faith in Christ, the power of the Rosary, and the communion of saints leaves us a towering legacy and a spiritual path to follow. She was not only a sister, a wife, a mother, and grandmother, but a doctor, a teacher, a counselor, a friend, and everything good to every person she encountered. Memorials in her name may be made to the Adrian Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1257 E. Siena Hts. Dr., Adrian, MI 49221.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams as celebrant. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Friday, March 27, 2014, 2-8:00 P.M. with a Vigil service at 7:00 P.M.
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