Obituaries
Ruby G. Kimball
Ruby G. Kimball, 87, died at her daughter’s home in Lakeland, Florida on January 10, 2016. Ruby was born on July 3, 1928 in Duplain Twp. the daughter of Orin and Ruth (Shellenbarger) Acre, and had lived most of her life in Elsie and St. Johns, MI. Ruby was a homemaker, though she worked early on at Sealed Power where she met her future husband, Keith. She also worked as needed at Levey’s Jewelry with her sister Elisabeth and brother-in-law, Dale. On March 25, 1951 she married Keith at Duplain Church of Christ. She was a member and attended Duplain Church of Christ all her life and also attended Isle of Capri Christian Church during winter months in Florida. She was very involved in activities at both churches, helping at pot-lucks, rummage sales and sharing corner. She loved her vegetable and flower garden, enjoyed crafts, sewing and quilting with her sisters and church family, and finding treasures at garage sales. She was a voracious reader and especially loved old books.
Ruby is survived by her son, Howard (Joyce) Kimball of St. Johns; daughter, Bonnie (Tim) Stine of Lakeland, Fl; grandchildren Kevin and Jason (Mary) Kimball of St. Johns; Aimee and Megan Stine of Lakeland; great grandsons, Aiden, Parker and a baby on the way, of St. Johns; sister-in-law, Phyllis Acre of Elsie and brother-in-law, Bob Risley of Ovid. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Keith; brothers Paul, Lyle and Leon Acre and sisters Elisabeth Levey and Ivah Risley.
Funeral services will be held at Duplain Church of Christ on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with viewing 1 hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Elsie. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Friday, January 15, 2016, 3-7 P.M. Memorials may be given to Duplain Church of Christ, Michigan Christian Campus Ministries, Rock Lake Christian Assembly or Great Lakes Christian College.
Ray Griffin
Ray Griffin passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2016 at the age of 92. He was born December 19, 1923 to Frank and Myrtle (Sturdvant) Griffin in Ashley, MI. Ray was a tool setter at General Motors for 30 years. Ray married Arlene Goerge in Owosso, MI. on April 13, 1975 and she preceded him in death on June 10, 2013.
Ray had a love of life and he lived it to the fullest. He especially loved his family. Some of Ray’s other passions included restoring old cars, racing and going to auctions. He was a World War II veteran, serving with the US Army.
Ray is survived by his daughter, Patricia Robinson and five stepchildren, Gerald (Judy) Schultz, Henry (Margaret) Schultz, Donna (Roger) Lownsbery, Mary (David) Womble, Sr., and John Schultz. Also surviving are many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Arlene, Ray was preceded in death by children; Robert and Carolyn Griffin, and stepdaughter; Julie Schultz.
Graveside services will be 2:00 pm on Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Most Holy Trinity Cemetery with Fr. Michael Williams presiding.
The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
Claude J. Hufnagel
With family by his side, Claude J. Hufnagel, of Fowler, MI passed away peacefully on January 9, 2016 at the age of 75. He was born August 12, 1940 in Fowler, the son of the late Walter and Marie (Geller) Hufnagel. Claude lived his entire life in the Fowler area. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a founding member of the Fowler Conservation Club and loved spending time at the Hufnagel Country Club in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Claude was a union carpenter for over 50 years and a member of Local # 1449/1004, United Brotherhood of Carpenters. His family was his whole life and spending time with family was very important to him. On December 27, 1960 Claude married the love of his life, Judy Weber, and they were blessed to share 55 years together.
Surviving is his wife, Judy; four sons, Doug (Darlene) of Ovid, Mike of St. Johns, Steve of Fowler and Dan (Jennifer) of Fowler; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Carol (Roger) Freund, Elaine (Dale) Irrer; two brothers, Ron (Kay) and Paul (Donna); sister-in-law, Mary Jo Thelen and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery Chapel with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Greater Lansing Food Bank P.O. Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Julie Kay Mrazek
Julie Kay Mrazek, age 68, of St. Johns, MI passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016 at McLaren Regional Medical Center, Lansing, MI. Julie was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 25, 1947, the daughter of Cyrus Harold and Leona (Suggate) See. She graduated from Ovid High School with the class of 1965. Julie married Louis “Jim” Mrazek on January 30, 1965. Julie retired from Jackson National Life. She spent many years working at Riley Elementary School and was a boy scout leader. Julie enjoyed traveling, Karaoke, crocheting, crafts, garage sales and going to the casino. She loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Julie attended Grove Bible Church.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns, MI on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. with her childhood friend, Pastor Larry Smith officiating. Burial will take place at Duplain Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
She is survived by her husband Louis “Jim” Mrazek of St. Johns, MI, children; Jim and Pam Mrazek of St. Johns, MI, Shelly and Ron Vosick of Portland, MI, Sheryl (Steve Wassa) Mrazek of St. Johns, MI, David (Beverly George) Mrazek of St. Johns, MI, grandchildren; Kelsi, Andrea, Jessica, Lynsi, Branden, Katelyn, Sierra, Amber, 6 great grandchildren and two more on the way. She is also survived by her siblings; Terry and Cheri Nevins, Larry Nevins, Jerry and Lorie Teachout, Debbie Winright, Chris and Ron Ritter, and Monica and Randy Turner. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Devynn Mrazek, and brother Harlynn (Butch) See.
Memorials may be made to McRee House 2721 South Washington Avenue Lansing, MI 48910. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns, Michigan.
Marriage licenses filed the week of January 4, 2016
Robert Maurice Townsend, 54 of Bath and Jamie Lynne Vail, 49 of Mason
Noah Lee Hartwick, 20 of DeWitt and Carlie Rose DeLong, 20 of Lansing
Don Charles Simons II, 19 of DeWitt and Hannah Joy Piotrowski, 19 of DeWitt
Brandon Robert Hasso, 25 of St. Johns and Kelsey Marie Gustafson, 28 of St. Johns
Robert Evan Cable, 26 of Bath and Deidre Margaret Bowen, 24 of Bath
Michael Shannon Huntley, 46 of Bath and Melinda Sue Smith, 44 of Lansing
Nicholas Thomas Kamar, 27 of East Lansing and Danielle Marie Holmes, 27 of East Lansing
Michael David Wonn, 49 of Bath and Shawn Leigh Pohl, 47 of Lansing
Jameson Lee Cline, 28 of DeWitt and Michelle Anne Cary, 29 of St. Johns
Richard Frank Renew, 33 of Lansing and Catherine Marie Hanson, 31 of Lansing
David Lee Boyer, 61 of DeWitt and Nancy Jo Judd, 57 of DeWitt
Joseph Richard Manor, 46 of DeWitt and Jami Lyn Selden, 37 of DeWitt
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of December 14, 2015
Nehf, Kari Ann and Jon Michael
Roach, Matthew John and Sanchez, Vicky
Sosebee, Rory Dee and Lisa Marie
Boettger, Todd Lee and Lisa Anne
Mox, Mark Alan and Kitchen, Janice Kay
Divorce decrees filed the week of January 4, 2016
Brock, Eric R. and Lynette A.
Martin, Adam Stephen and Michaela Marie
Hilda Ann (Anderson) Bancroft passed away on January 5, 2016 at the age of 84. She was born on November 1, 1931, in St. Johns, the daughter of Clyde and Rilla (Henderson) Anderson. She married Doyle Bancroft on September 17, 1955 and he preceded her in death on June 24, 2010. Hilda was a member of the First Congregational Church and the St. Johns Quilting Club. She loved to fish and hunt, was a loyal supporter of all of the St. Johns sports including the marching band, was a Girl Scout leader, 4H leader, loved bowling and was a proud member of the NSSA (Muzzle loading re-enactment).
Wendall Bolton of Ovid, MI died January 2, 2016 at the age of 85. He was born April 22, 1930 to James L. and Grace (Austin) Bolton. Wendall enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, boating, hunting , spending time up north in Harrison, and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. He was very devoted to his wife of 66 years, Delma Jean Bolton, whom he married in December of 1949 and she survives him.
Adam M. Schaefer passed away January 1, 2016, at the age of 90. He was born in Fowler, MI, the son of Leo and Clara (Bauer) Schafer. Adam married Helen E. DuBois on October 11, 1952 and she survives him.
Bryan Beland of St. Johns, Michigan formerly of Mason, Michigan. passed away on December 28, 2015 at the age of 46. He was born on July 23, 1969 in Lansing, Michigan to Dennis and Sharon Beland,. Bryan worked in the dairy industry as a dairy manager. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bryan especially enjoyed open water fishing on Lake Michigan for steelhead and salmon. He loved deer hunting and farming and was very passionate about wildlife preservation. As a child he met his loving wife Joy in Lansing.
Mary L. Ewing of St. Johns, died Sunday, December 27, 2015 at the age of 81. She was born July 17, 1934 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kandle) Hopko. Mary was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, Class of 1952 and a 1955 graduate of the St. Lawrence Unit of the Mercy School of Nursing in Detroit. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, worked for the Red Cross Blood Bank, was a member of the Clinton County Child Abuse Council and was an avid golfer. Mary was a retired Registered Nurse with over 40 years of service at Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns, enjoyed the monthly lunches with the CMH retirees and loved traveling with her best friend Irene Armbrustmacher. Mary married Clark Wayne Ewing in 1956 and he preceded her in death in 1961. 
Laurie E. Kidder, 53 of St. Johns, MI died at Sparrow Clinton Hospital on Sunday, December 27, 2015. She was born on September 11, 1962 in Monroe, MI the daughter of Roger and Lillian (Hawke) Jorae. She graduated from St. Johns High School, and on October 26, 1986 she married Kim K. Kidder. Laurie worked for Ford Motor Credit for 30 years and retired in 2013. Her favorite things were antiquing, collecting antique Christmas ornaments and especially her time with family and friends. 
Eugene L. Thelen passed from this life on December 25 (Christmas!) after 95 years. He was born November 26, 1920, to Arthur and Nora (Theis) Thelen of Fowler, MI. He and his wife Evelyn were farmers in Fowler, having raised the best crop of all: six loving children. Eugene and Evie were life-long members of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He had served as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Dale A. Howard of St. Johns, died Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at the age of 63. He was born September 30, 1952 in Lansing, MI the son of Philip and Lucille (Droste) Howard. Dale enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and golf. He was a member of the MS Society and a diehard Detroit Lions fan. Dale was part owner and vice president of the former Central Michigan Lumber Company. On August 16, 1975 he married Peggy Brooks and she survives him. 
Elsie M. (Love) Bowerman, 97 of Ovid, MI left her earthly family and friends to be with her Lord, Friday, December 18, 2015 at The Hospice House of Shiawassee County. Elsie was born on October 16, 1918 in Owosso the daughter of Samuel and Anna (Morden) Tillapaw. She resided in Ovid most of her life, and was a member of The First Baptist Church of Ovid where she taught Sunday School Classes for over forty years. Elsie was a member of the Ovid Acme Society for 75 years and also a member of the Ovid Historical Society. She was honored to be Grand Marshall of Ovid Carriage Days in 2005. She married Elwin F. Love in 1935 and he preceded her in death in 1970. She married Walter Bowerman in 1973 and he preceded her in death in 1997.
Betty Jane Harlow, 86, passed away December 15, 2015 in Lansing, MI. She was born April 2, 1929 in St. Johns, MI, daughter of Ernest and Ellen (Worden) Cressman. Betty was owner of Harlow’s Wacousta Canoe Rentals; member of the Wacousta Chapter #133 O.E.S. and Wacousta Community United Methodist Church. She was a very active volunteer in the Wacousta community and enjoyed bowling. 
Carolann M. Farr, 81, St. Johns, MI died at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan on December 18, 2015. She was born November 7, 1934 in Haslett Mi the daughter of Rex R. and Rosanna (Miller) Remus. Carolann graduated from Ovid High School in 1953 and worked for the State of Michigan-Dept of Treasury for 34 years retiring in 1988. On November 11, 1966 she married Arthur C. Farr in Holt, MI. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and she was was active in the Senior Group and for the last several years enjoyed winters in Arizona.
Brian Lee Anderson passed away in Texas on December 14, 2015 at the age of 49. He was born on June 12, 1966, in Charlotte, the son of Chuck and Judy (Smiley) Anderson. Brian married Janice Frazier on April 17, 1995 and she survives him.
David F. Chapman, of St. Johns, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the age of 75. He was born July 26, 1940 in Flint, MI the son of Earl and Evelyn (Ekhart) Chapman. Dave served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years as a bio-medical equipment repairman retiring in 1978. During his Army career he served in Vietnam, Korea and Berlin, Germany. After his military service he worked for ServiceMaster Management Services as a technician and moved on to building maintenance and housekeeping for 15 years. From ServiceMaster he worked for Lansing Sanitary Supply and Chocola. Most recently he worked for the St. Johns Do-It-Best Hardware. Dave attended First Baptist Church in St. Johns and a life member of both VFW Post #4113 and American Legion Post #153 in St. Johns. On April 8, 1964 he married Deanna “Dee” Andersen in Flint, MI and she survives him. 
Jeanette Vera Moore, 87, passed into the loving arms of God on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Jeanette was born on March 20, 1928, to Gerald and Martha Wheaton of Muskegon, Michigan. She was married to Richard S. Moore for 62 years until his death in 2009.
Eric C. Miller, 60, of St. Johns, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015 in Owosso, MI. He was born in Lansing, MI on March 19, 1955 to Duane and Ruth Ann (Tappert) Miller. He was a graduate of MSU, and worked as a salesman for many years, a career he was passionate about and well-suited for. Eric had an awesome sense of humor and was a kind, caring, and loving man who was always willing to lend a hand to help his neighbors and friends. He loved golfing, Formula One Racing, MSU sports, and above all, his two daughters.
Angie Sirrine finally triumphed over multiple sclerosis with her death on November 29, 2015. Angela Jean was a star in every way, as a kid around the block, a soap box derby winner, a young athlete and especially in her role as a funeral director and owner of Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Angie had a compassion unsurpassed in her professional field and it led to friends from all walks of life and all ages. As MS interfered more and more with her physical activity, her relentless will kept her a part of many others lives in the most positive of ways. For one from whom much was taken so early she remained a giver and shining star for others.
Clyde G. Isham, 90 of St. Johns and formerly of Ovid, MI died on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Grace Haven Assisted Living Center. He was born on November 21, 1925 in Washington, D.C. the son of Clyde A. and Una (Dorsey) Isham. Clyde served in the U.S. Navy and was a certified engineer in tool design for the communications industry, as well as being an ordained minister. He was married to Dorcas Sellers for 41 years, and following her death he married Phyllis Nichols , who died in 2013. His oldest daughter, Linda (Court) Longbrook preceded him in death. Clyde was member of Grove Bible Church, The American Legion, and Gideon’s International. Clyde also served for a time on the Indiana State Board of Child Evangelism Fellowship, International.
Gerald D. Lapham, age 91, of Dewitt, MI passed away Monday, November 23, 2015 at his home. Gerald was born in Olive Township, MI on July 27, 1924, the son of Clyde G. and Neita (Bancroft) Lapham and lived in Olive Township all of his life. Gerald was a SGT (T3) in the US Army during WWII – European Theatre Operation. Gerald married Evelyn A. Taylor on December 27, 1947; she preceded him in death on August 7, 1998 after 50 years of marriage. He retired from the Wohlert Corporation in 1983 after 36 years of service. Gerald liked to make things grow, except his grass. He did a lot of fishing with Evelyn and enjoyed woodworking, leather craft, square dancing with the Maple Twirlers, and crocheting during the winter months.
Louise Ethel Pagel, passed away on November 22, 2015 at the age of 86. She was born in Mecosta, MI, on May 7, 1929, the daughter of Dale and Gladys Decker. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Leon Pagel on February 9, 1989.
Carol Miller Han Wyckoff, passed away on November 15, 2015 at the age of 73. She was born on May 30, 1942 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Gladys (Heilig) Miller. Carol was a social worker and an advocate for people in need, and she enjoyed fishing and reading.
Mary M. (Brown) Johnson passed away on November 13, 2015 at the age of 93. She was born in Johnstown, PA on May 17, 1922, the daughter of Victor and Gizella (Kulcsar) Torok. Mary lived in Fowler most of her life but in St. Johns for the last 30 years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, past President of St. Sylvia Guild, former choir member, senior citizen volunteer and formerly was a caregiver to the elderly and foster children. Mary loved her family and had a strong faith. She was known for her cooking and baking skills, enjoyed reading, nature, music and the Detroit Tigers. Her marriage of 48 years to Norman Brown on January 2, 1940 ended with his death May 10, 1988. On May 18, 1991, she married Glen Johnson and he precedes her in death.
Dale L Mulder, Sr., age 66, left his temporary home on Earth to be with God on November 11, 2015. A farmer all of his life, Dale had a love for animals and for the land. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a fighter until his last breath. Dale was born on July 15, 1949 to Don and Ethel (Simpson) Mulder. He was a graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School in 1968 where he was a member of the F.F.A. He always helped on the family farm planting, plowing, baling hay, milking cows and whatever else needed to be done. Dale always knew he wanted to be a farmer, he wanted a way of life, not just a job.
Agatha M. Epkey, age 86, passed away on November 9, 2015. She was born in Dallas Twp., on February 5, 1929, the daughter of Raymond and Armella (Pohl) Feldpausch. Agatha married Louis Epkey on May 3, 1950 and preceded her in death on November 28, 1965. She was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Christian Mothers. Agatha had a strong faith, she loved spending time with her family and friends and she loved music.
Gerald E. Jastram died Sunday, November 8, 2015 at the age of 86. He was born July 1, 1929 in Riley Township, Clinton County, Michigan the son of Earl and Lula (Martens) Jastram and lived his entire life on the farm where he was born. Gerald was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. He served as church chairman, was an elder and as a member of the St. Peter Lutheran School Board along with several other activities. He was a lifelong farmer and when he retired from farming he worked for over 15 years for Clinton Crop Services. Gerald was a talented woodworker. He spent his winter months creating in his woodshop and loved making wood crafts for family and friends. On September 24, 1950 he married Dorothy Kimmel and she preceded him in death April 13, 2011. He was also predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Virginia Jastram and a sister and brother-in-law, Edna Mae and Charles Boak. 
Joan K. Rasdale died Thursday, November 5, 2015 at the age of 86. She was born October 15, 1929 in Owosso, MI the daughter of Lyle and Gwendolene (Millis) Wilcox. Joan was a graduate of Elsie High School, Class of 1948 and enjoyed traveling. She loved spending winters in Arizona and Mississippi after her retirement. Joan owned and operated the Hobby Lobby Store in St. Johns for several years and retired from Clinton County as an administrative aide. On February 16, 1949 she married Charles Rasdale and he survives her. 
Mary Annette White, age 76, passed away on October 26, 2015 at Heritage Hills Assisted Living Facility in Caro, Michigan. Annette was born on November 13, 1938 in Detroit Michigan, the daughter of Abner and Marian Turner. Annette married Brandon C. White, Jr. on November 17, 1955 and he survives her. She was a realtor in St. Johns, Michigan for many years, working for the Briggs Company and Coldwell Banker until her retirement. Upon her retirement, she and Brandon split their time between their cottage on Higgins Lake and Sarasota, Florida. 
Janice Sue Helms, age 66, of Oakley, Michigan passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Covenant Healthcare, Saginaw, Michigan.
Harold B. Reed, 93 of St. Johns, MI died at his home on Thursday, November 5, 2015. He was born on July 6, 1922 in Whitfield County, GA the son of Charles M. and Annie (Capehart) Reed. Harold attended Reinhardt College, Mercer University where he received his B.A., then Wayne State University with his J.D. and further at Washington and Lee University and Rutgers. Harold was a veteran of the U.S. Army 1943 to 1946. He married Bobbie Templeton on June 14, 1943 in Starke, Florida. She died on July 10, 2012 after 69 years of marriage. 
Shirley M. Towne died Monday, November 2, 2015 at the age of 84. She was born May 23, 1931 in Lansing, MI the daughter of Emil and Stella (Waters) Peplau. Shirley enjoyed gardening and working in her very manicured lawn. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved doing crafts of all kinds. On October 22, 1949 she married Vincent Towne and he preceded her in death in 1993. 
Kay Ryon (Faivor) of Naples, FL and formerly of St. Johns, MI passed away on October 30, 2015. Born on August 12, 1959 in St. Johns, Michigan to Agnes Faivor (Schmitz) and Thomas Faivor, Kay was a homemaker and mother of two, and later, an independent property owner and manager. 
Laura Alaina VanDerBos received the healing she so richly deserved on November 2, 2015. She was born on April 11, 2003, the daughter of Eric VanDerBos and Trisha (Warner) Cwayna. She was a student at Grand Ledge Public Schools, and while she was only 12, she acted well beyond her years. Laura’s friends and family could always see her coming from a mile away – she had a unique fashion sense that consisted of bright, mix and match colors and bold patterns – just like her personality. She used art for inspiration and healing and had an enviable Sharpie collection.
Joane S. Clary, 91 of Lansing, MI died on Saturday, October 31, 2015. She was born on October 2, 1924 in Fowler, MI the daughter of Albert Bruno and Josephine (Clark) Sommer. Joane graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and was a beautician, worked for the State of Michigan in the Office of Economic Opportunity and retired from the United States Postal Service in Lansing where she was a postal worker, in 1990.
Dorothy E. Rademacher died Friday, October 30, 2015 at the age of 86. She was born October 4, 1929 in Lebanon Township, Clinton County, MI the daughter of Dennis and Bertha (Welsh) O’Connell. Dorothy was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and since moving to Lansing attended St. Gerard Catholic Church. On August 22, 1950 she married Isidore, and this past August they celebrated 65 years of marriage.