Obituaries
John Marshall Field
John Marshall Field age 71, of Elsie, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at his home.
Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, St. Johns, MI, on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Ellen Zienert officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. Military honors will be performed by the St. Johns Honor Guard VFW Post #4113 and the United States Navy.
John was born in Lansing, MI on September 18, 1946, the son of Max and Harriet (Barker) Field. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1964. In 1965 he joined the US Navy and proudly served on the Presidential Command Ship, the USS Northampton serving as the print shop manager.
John married his soul mate Carol Adele McClurg on June 29, 1973 in St. Johns, and shared 38 years of marriage until her death in July of 2011. John worked in the print shop at the St. Johns Reminder, growing up in the family business. He later got a degree in Computer Engineering. After his wife Carol graduated from chiropractic college in 1987 they opened a chiropractic office in St. Johns and worked together for 20 years. John was an accomplished photographer and watercolor artist. He and Carol enjoyed many years of bike riding and cross country skiing. John had a life-long interest in trains, and he and Carol volunteered at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso. They enjoyed many trips working on the Polar Express.
He is survived by sister Rebecca (Ed) Wood of St. Johns, brother Matthew (Sue) Field of Mt. Pleasant. He is also survived by an aunt, cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Dr. Carol Field, an infant son, parents, brother Mark S. Field, and brother in law John K. Kennedy.
Memorials may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Betty Guenzler
Betty Guenzler, age 83, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Mt. Carroll. A funeral service was held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at the Mt. Carroll Church of God, with visitation one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 at the church. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll. Memorials may be made for the Pleasant Valley Church of God and the Carroll County 4-H Club.
Betty was born June 15, 1934 in Crystal, Michigan, the daughter of Mark and Marie (Bogart) Ruetger. She graduated from Nursing School at Lansing Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan in 1957 and received religious training at Huntington College. Betty worked as a missionary in Sierra Leon, Africa for nine years. After her missionary calling, she worked as a nurse at St. John’s Hospital.
Betty’s future husband, Charles Guenzler, was caring for his first wife, Juanita at their home. A group of missionary nurses, of which Betty was one, came to Mt. Carroll to help Charles care for Juanita. After Juanita’s death, Charles stayed in contact with Betty, and eventually they were married on June 8, 1985. They celebrated 32 years together and remained devoted to each other for the rest of their lives. Charles passed away twenty-two days before Betty on October 28, 2017. Betty farmed with her husband Charles for many years. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Church of God, rural Mt. Carroll.
Betty is survived by three sisters, Shirley Ruetger of Greenville, Michigan, Frances Proctor of Hubbardston, Michigan, and Nancy (Calvin) Hansen of Sheridan, Michigan; one brother, Don (Diane) Ruetger of Middleton, Michigan; her sister-in-law, Marjorie Mummert of rural Lanark; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Betty is preceded in death by both parents; her Husband, Charles; two sisters, Edith and Donna; a brother-in-law, Lawrence Mummert in 2005; and his nephew, Allen Mummert in 1964, who was Carroll County’s first soldier killed during service in Vietnam.
Dr. William M. Steigerwald
Dr. William M. Steigerwald, 79, of Maple Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. The son of Francis & Kathleen (Galvin) Steigerwald, he was born on Jan. 22, 1938 in Detroit.
Surviving are his children, Suzy Steigerwald, Sara and Russell Schoenbeck, and Jonathan & Anne Steigerwald; two granddaughters, Katie and Sophie; a sister, Kathy and Ed Pikarski; and a brother Michael and Mary Steigerwald. William was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Jane; his wife, Caroline; and two brothers, Robert and John Steigerwald.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Sparrow Carson Hospital at 10:30 a.m. (406 E. Elm St., Carson City). To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign William’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, honored providers of Veterans Funeral Care.
Vincent J. Vitek
Vincent J. Vitek, 92 of St. Johns, passed away on December 10, 2017. Vince was born on April 4, 1925 in St. Johns the son of Martin and Mary Vitek. He worked at Sealed Power Company for several years and farmed. He was married to Hanna E. Coffman in 1955, and she preceded him in death in 2011. Vince loved to fish, hunt, go to auctions and especially enjoyed the holidays.
Surviving him are his children, Kathy (Greg) Munro of Lake, MI, Karen (Orlin) Stringham of Ovid, Vincent D. Vitek of St. Johns, Mike (Becky) Vitek of Fowler, Doug and David Vitek both of St Johns and Gary (Lynn) Vitek of St. Johns. 19 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor John Horney officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Memorial may be given to Grace Hospice, 2205 Jolly Rd., Unit C, Okemos, MI 48864
Opal Louise Parsons
Opal Louise Parsons, age 93, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, December 11, 2017 at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church of St. Johns, 512 South Whittemore Street, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Burial will take place at Providence Cemetery, Paris, TX. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 4-8 P.M. Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Opal was born in Clarksville, TN on January 26, 1924 the daughter of Joe and Lena (Wallace) Vires. On September 12, 1942 she married Homer W. “Shorty” Parsons in Norfolk, VA. Shorty died on August 10, 1996. Opal was a homemaker and enjoyed her family very much and enjoyed telling stories. She was a member of First Baptist Church of St. Johns
She is survived by her daughter Penny and Randy Tahvonen; 2 sons: James and Doris Parsons; William and Nancy Parsons; 8 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and 2 sisters: Jean and Jeanette.
Memorials may be made to your local Humane Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Dorothy T. (Motz) Bradley
Dorothy T. (Motz) Bradley, 92, passed away unexpectedly at her Mesa, AZ winter residence December 2, 2017, on the anniversary of her mother’s death. She was born on September 29, 1925, the daughter of Arthur and Cora (Cook) Simon.
Dorothy was a 1943 graduate of Fowler High School and in 1946 graduated from St. Lawrence School of Nursing as a registered nurse. She retired from Clinton Memorial Hospital (Sparrow). Favorite Pastimes include doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and most of all spending time with family and friends. Dorothy was a member of St. Lawrence Alumni Association, Most Holy Trinity Church in Fowler, Holy Cross Church in Mesa, a former Red Cross volunteer and a founding member of Clinton County Hospice. She was blessed with two wonderful husbands. She married Lawrence Motz April 14, 1048 and after his death married Marion Bradley June 20, 1986.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Nadine (Daniel) Piggott of Fowler and son Richard Motz of Tucson, AZ; Stepchildren Linda (Bill) Lardie of Amarillo, TX, Richard Bradley and Jeff (Jean) Bradley both of Roscommon MI, Harry Bradley and Mary (Mike) Jackson both of Perry MI, Tom (Mary) Bradley of Rockford MI, and Bill (Brenda) Bradley of Evart, MI; 3 grandchildren; 22 step grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 23 step great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; 2 step great great grandsons; sister Frances Thelen, brother in law Kenneth McCue; sisters in law Genn Simon, Regina (Harold) Simon, Delores Schueller, Joan Simon, Elizabeth Buell; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her death were her parents, both of her husbands, Brother Clarence, Edward, Ronald, Leon, Bernard and Phillip Simon; brothers in law Joseph Thelen, Bernard Schueller, Ken Buell, Edward Motz and Harold Tolles; sisters in law Josephine Simon, Kathryn McCue, Genevieve Motz and Helen Tolles.
Cremation will take place Mesa with a memorial service and burial to be held at a later date in Fowler. Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s honor to the charity of your choice.
Jean R. Feimster
Jean R. Feimster, age 55, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at McLaren-Lansing. She was born on January 28, 1962. She has been employed at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor.
Family hour 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Triumphant Temple of Praise, 3497 Pasadena Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Dr. Frank E. Gilliard officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Wednesday. Ms. Feimster will lie in repose in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tuesday.
Marriage licenses filed the week of December 4, 2017
Robert Lynn McCain, 48 of Lansingand Amy Jo McCain, 47 of Lansing
Dillan Andrew McGinnis, 19 of East Lansing and Heidi Lynn Tracey, 18 of East Lansing
Divorce decrees filed the week of December 4, 2017
Noyce, Jessica Lane and Benjamin Bryan
Bernard “Pete” Vance passed away on December 4, 2017 at the age of 90. Bernard was born on May 3, 1927 to parents Emery and Emma Vance. Older brother Kenneth Vance, and older sister Betty (Jim) Long were his only siblings. He was born on the family farm and lived there all his life and attend the Round School, which was on the Vance property. Bernard married Bertha Hauser on September 3, 1949, and she passed away in 2006. 
Donna Rae Haynes, age 98 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Betty Juanita Foote, age 88 of St. Johns, MI passed away Sunday, December 3, 2017 at her home of 60 years.
Paul Repath, 79, of Alpena passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017, at his home. Paul was born to the late Ambrose and Vivian (Edwards) Repath on February 5, 1938 in Lake Linden, MI. On December 17, 1960, he married Gillian E. Edwards. She preceded him in death on March 8, 2017. 
Mahlon M. Nichols, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in St. Johns, Michigan. Born January 15, 1927 to Frank and Beatrice (Longcor) Nichols, Mahlon graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns before enlisting in the Navy. At the end of the war while aboard the USS Idaho, Mahlon was present for the surrender of the Imperial Japense troops in Tokyo Harbor. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion in Weidman, MI and a member of the Bath American Legion as well. Mahlon was a lifelong farmer who also worked for 31 years for Sears and Roebuck in the Greater Lansing area. Along with raising their five children, Mahlon and his wife Lois opened their home to 11 foreign exchange students from 5 countries, as well as hosting many nieces and nephews for summers on the farm. Mahlon enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, but above all, he is remembered as a good husband, a good dad, and a good grandpa. 
Olney “Sonny” Estes, 92, died on Sunday, November 26, 2017. He was born on September 12, 1925 the son of Frank L. and Dora (Hall) Estes. He was a long-time employee of the U.S. Postal Service.
Theron John Richards, 90, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2017, at his home. 
Alta Catherine Reed, age 95, of Lansing, MI passed away Friday, November 24, 2017 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI. Alta has gone on to find Ivan. Finally, the two will be together again where there will be plenty of deer to hunt, fish to catch and morels to pick.
Ann C. Reagen, age 91, of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Ingham County Medical Care Center, Okemos, MI.
Joshua Daniel “J.D.” San Miguel, age 39 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, November 13, 2017.
Anna Francine “Fran” Fowler, 67 of Lansing passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2017. Fran was born on November 14. 1950 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Frank E. and Jimmie E. (Cothran) Fowler. She was a 1969 graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School and was a lifelong MSU Spartan including a 1979 trip to Salt Lake City aboard “The Spirit Plane”. She enjoyed reading, baking (of which many have enjoyed her famous fudge and cookies as a gift), being with family and friends. Children were a special joy to her. Fran was a clerical/technical employee of Michigan State University for 45 years, retiring on Nov. 15, 2015 and was the first CT to earn the prestigious “Excellence in Diversity Award ” in 1996. She was proud to represent MSU on the many trips she escorted the groups of students to landmark cities of the US.
Christopher Robin Moore (Robbie), 54, dealt his last hand on September 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada after a brief illness. Robbie was born July 21, 1963 and is preceded in death by his parents James Allen Moore and Betty Ann Moore and brother James Allen Moore, Jr. 
Victoria Jeanine “Vicki” Smith, age 69, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017 at her home.
We celebrate the life of Richard A. Cressman, 72, of St. Johns, MI, who passed away on November 8, 2017, peacefully, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Richard was the son of Almond and Dorothy (Beck) Cressman. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1963 and married his classmate, Linda Greer. They had one son, Ryan. 
Patty J. Burns died Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at the age of 83. She was born April 5, 1934 in North Star Township, Gratiot County, MI the daughter of Earl and Laura (Davis) Norris. Most of her working career, Patty was an ophthalmologist assistant. On April 12, 1952 she married Robert Burns and he preceded her in death in 1968. 
Kim A. Bancroft died Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at the age of 65. He was born December 4, 1951 in Owosso, MI the son of Lyle and Lesla (Carmon) Bancroft. Kim was a graduate of St. Johns High School, Class of 1970 and worked for Mahle Engine Components USA retiring in 2009 with 35 years of service. 
Timothy J. Olson of rural St. Johns, 70, passed away at his home on Monday, November 6, 2017. Tim was born on June 30, 1947 in Owosso, MI the son of James and Patricia (Radon) Olson. Tim graduated from Ovid High School in the class of 1966 and worked at Michigan Milk Producers Association. On June 3, 1967 he married Lois J. Underhill at Grove Bible Church. He loved collecting things and tinkering.
Ninety year old Allen Joseph Van Nuck was not able to read the obituaries like he had in the past, because today, he is in them. He passed peacefully in his home with his loving wife, children, grandchildren and a few great-grand children by his side in St. Johns, MI.
Robert “Bob” Gene Hoy, age 68, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, November 3, 2017, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Marian Rosaline Halfman, age 84 of Fowler, MI passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2017. She was born in Westphalia, MI on December 8, 1932 the daughter of Robert and Irene (Cook) Spitzley.
Robert William (Bob) Spencer, 83, of St. Johns, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 1, 2017. He was born November 17, 1933 in Saginaw, MI to Harold and Lucille (Tanner) Spencer. His mother died when he was 5-years-old and the family relocated to Ionia. He grew up in Ionia where he was raised by his father and stepmother Ida Rose (Clark) Spencer whom he dearly loved.
Nancy A. Steinman, 81 of Ortonville, MI passed away at Rosewood Adult Foster Care in DeWitt on Thursday, October 26, 2017. Nancy was born on November 16, 1935 in Hancock, MI the daughter of Eino and Marion (Croteau) Storvis. She was raised also by her stepfather William Wittla. She graduated from Cass Tech High School in Detroit and received her R.N. from Flint Jr. College. She married William E. Steinman in 1954 and he preceded her in death in 2013. Nancy was an avid gardener, painted still life, loved her grandchildren and listening to classical music. She worked as a nurse at St Joseph Hospital, later becoming Genesys, for her entire career.
Adam John Forbes, age 35, of Grand Rapids, formerly of St. Johns, passed away unexpectedly on October 26, 2017, and is now at peace. Adam joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2003 and served in Afghanistan from 2011 – 2012. He enjoyed running, playing cornhole, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors. Adam graduated from Grand Valley State University, and recently returned to continue his studies. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. 
Dorothy M. Anderson died Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the age of 84. She was born January 22, 1933 in Kalamazoo, MI the daughter of Dr. Thomas Alexander and Dorothy M. (Richards) Lucas. 
Dorothy grew up in Lansing, was a graduate of Sexton High School and a long time member of South Church in Lansing. On March 28, 1952 she married Melvin Anderson and together they raised their family in Charlotte. 
Gretchen “Peggy” Stewart, 81, of Maple Rapids, MI passed away on October 22, 2017. Peggy was born on December 23, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of Wilhelm and Charlotte Hiller. She graduated from Frankfort High School in Philadelphia, PA in May of 1953 and the following month, was whisked away from the city to begin her life in the country when she married James Stewart of Clinton County, MI on June 20, 1953. He preceded her in death in April 1989.
Doris Jean Mulder passed away at the age of 88 on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor in St. Johns. Doris was born in Owosso on January 13, 1929 the daughter of Frank and Ruby (Johns) Schneider. As the depression and WWII sat in Doris left high school to go to work at Redmond’s in Owosso where women began making parts for the air planes. This is where she met Richard J. Mulder. They married on March 22, 1947 in Ovid. With a love for land and animals they began a life of farming and raised a family. Later she worked at American Records and as a care giver.
Dale Walter Knight passed away October15, 2017. Dale was the middle son of five boys born to Oliver and Gina Knight on December 4, 1932. The Knight boys worked the Knight Farm, hunted and played together for their entire lives. Oliver Knight proudly watched and participated in the daily baseball while Gina Louise Knight cooked. Grandma had one rule at dinner: no one touches the food till she had her plate. Apparently five boys all over six feet and weighing near 200 Lbs. would inhale a meal in minutes. Grandma had to make sure she got her share.
Doris E. Byrnes, 87 of Ovid passed away at Hazel Findlay Country Manor on Friday, October 13, 2017. Doris was born on March 10, 1930 in Victor Township the daughter of Floyd and Irene (Austin) Upton. She graduated from Ovid High School in the class of 1947 and on June 19, 1948 she married Hugh Byrnes in Laingsburg. He preceded her in death on September 8, 1985. Doris was a homemaker and also worked for the Ovid Post Office for 23 years before her retirement. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Acme Club, enjoyed a good book, musical theatre and lunches out with family and friends.
Camille Louise Stiffler, age 58, of St. Johns, MI passed away Thursday, October 12, 2017.
Patricia J. Gregory passed away peacefully on October 9, 2017 at her home. Pat was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 20, 1940 to Viola and Henry Rowland, and raised by her dad Frank Frisbie. She had multiple jobs throughout her life including, Yankees Department Store, State of Michigan, and General Motors. She ended her work career with the Haslett Public Schools as a bus driver and cook at Wilkshire Elementary. In her younger years, Pat was a competive roller skater. She told many stories of competing with her best friend Joannie and others. Pat was fortunate to find true love in her later years. 
Lois Nell Lowe, 88 of Maple Rapids, MI passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Lois was born on July 29, 1929 in Matherton, MI the daughter of George and Hazel (Tyler) Chick. She graduated as valedictorian from Maple Rapids High School and on December 20, 1947 she married Rowland Lowe in Clinton County, MI. He preceded her in death in 1986. Lois worked for Sealed Power Corp for 5 years and then she was office manager for Dr. Steigerwald for 29 years. She worked part time for Osgood Funeral Home as receptionist at the Maple Rapids Branch and she also served as Village Clerk for a few years. Lois loved her family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and watching and feeding hummingbirds.
Linda K. Langlois died Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the age of 72. She was born March 11, 1945 in Midland Park, Augusta, MI the daughter of Russell and Rita (Miller) Vandenboss. Linda attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and was a sales clerk at the St. Johns K-Mart. On June 13, 1964 she married Lee Langlois and he survives her. 
David Russell Swanson, age 95 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, October 9, 2017 at his home
Ella C. (Gaiser, Kehr) Dellamater finished her journey on earth on September 30, 2017. For most of her life she resided in St. Johns, MI, most recently at Grace Haven. Born on December 15, 1916 in Worthington, MN, she was the eldest daughter of John and J. Esther (Linn) Gaiser and one of five siblings. As a young woman she studied cosmetology and worked as a hair dresser at various times and places. It was an early client who introduced Ella to her first husband Robert Kehr, the father of her two sons, Tom (Sue) and Charlie (Linda). Widowed in 1963 Ella provided love, direction and discipline raising two teenage sons. Ella’s devotion to the boys was always evident. Her home had the welcome mat out and provided safe, wholesome entertainment for family and friends.