Obituaries
Holly J. Stacy Havens
Holly J. Stacy Havens, age 77, of St. Johns, Michigan passed away on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor in St. Johns, MI.
Per Holly’s wishes cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at a later date in Virginia.
Holly was born on August 29, 1940 in Feds Creek, Kentucky the daughter of Jess and Bessie (Taylor) Lester. She graduated from high school with the class of 1958. She married Jimmy Ray Stacy Sr. and he passed away.
Holly worked at Ionia Manor and at Walmart in St. Johns. She then owned and operated Haven’s Adult Foster Care in Fowler, MI. She enjoyed interior decorating, gardening, flowers, bowling on a bowling league in Fowler, and she loved to cook and bake. Her adult foster care residents loved her cooking with a southern touch. She was also involved in RAVE as well for a few years.
She is survived by two sons: Jimmy Ray Stacy Jr., of North Tazewell, VA, Russell Stacy of St. Johns, MI, one grandson Jimmy Ray Stacy III; her siblings Howard and Mary Lester of TN, Walt and Irene of TN, Ruby and Doug Bevins of WI, Lawrence and Louise Lester of KY, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friends; Cathy and Greg Kemp of Ionia, MI.
Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund or RAVE for domestic abuse. Online condolences may be sent to the family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Eugene “Gene” E. Lamb
Eugene “Gene” E. Lamb, 76 of St. Johns passed away at Burcham Hills in East Lansing on Sunday, October 1, 2017. He was born on November 19, 1940 in Mishawaka, IN the son of Harry and Catherine (Ring) Lamb. Gene graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1959 and served in the U.S. Air Force. On November 7, 1964 he married Betty Williams in Spokane, WA. Gene was a self employed construction worker. He was a member of Pilgrim U.M. Church, active in the missionary field, especially going to Haiti, active in the Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County, and he loved hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, sons Bruce (Marie Wright) Lamb of St. Johns and Keith (Lisa) Lamb of DeWitt; grandchildren, Tyler, Tayler, Morgan, Evan, Justin, Lauren and Braden Lamb; brother Ed (Gerty) Lamb of St. Johns and sisters, Sharon Zwick of Florida and Coral Slosser of Haslett, MI.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial services will be held at Pilgrim United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Military honors will be provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim UM Church or Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County, 2352 N. US 27, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Josephine L. Kramer-Gruner
Josephine L. “Jo” Kramer-Gruner, age 88, of St. Johns, Michigan passed away on September 29, 2017. Josephine was born in Fowler, Michigan on May 28, 1929 to Joseph and Mary (Warnke) Miller and grew up with 5 sisters and 6 brothers. She lived in Maple Rapids and Battle Creek in her early years. Josephine married Burton Keene Kramer on October 11, 1947 and they raised three children in St. Johns, Michigan. She worked for Sealed Power, Federal-Mogul, Clinton Memorial Hospital and St. Johns Public Schools while raising her family. Josephine was a devoted mother who loved to take care of her family. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and baking treats for her grandchildren.She also enjoyed flower gardening and had an amazing green thumb and she used it to keep her flowers blooming for years and years. She enjoyed trips to the casino to play bingo or the slot machines. Josephine was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Ladies Altar Society and found peace in her faith.
She is survived by her husband, Garrett Gruner, her sons, Russell (Diane) Kramer and Jeffrey (Rebecca) Kramer, her grandsons, Chad Kramer, Tyler Kramer, Trevor Kramer and Brandon Hine, her great-grandchildren, Alexis Hine, Hunter Kramer, Riellee Kramer and Aubrey Kramer, her great-great grandchildren, Cameron and Kaiya, her sisters, Margaret “Marge” Sweeney and Helen “Irene” Spitzley, her brothers, Michael Miller, Frank (Lois) Miller, William (Jackie) Miller, Edward (Glenna) Miller and David (Sherry) Miller, her step-children, Donna (Donald) Brown, Loren (Gustavo) Eydelsteyn, Alan (Mari) Gruner and Fred Gruner and many nieces and nephews. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Burton Kramer, her daughter Patricia “Trish” Hine-Cox, her grandson Spencer Hine, her brother Robert Miller Sr. and sisters, Ann Hughes, Rose Briggs-Hanses and Kay Yock.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 109 Linden, St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams as Celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice PO Box 30480 Lansing, MI 48909.
Joshua Lyon
January 15, 1979 – September 28, 2017
There will be no services. The family was served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
Linda Kay Lyon
Linda Kay Lyon, 77 of St. Johns, MI passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. Linda was born on June 7, 1940 in Lansing, MI the daughter of Mark and Ruth (Pierce) Pontius. She married Richard L. Lyon on October 3, 1989 in St. Johns. Linda was a homemaker and a member of Grove Bible Church. She loved cooking and baking for her family.
Surviving her are her husband Richard, sons Richard (Kathy), Darrell (Becky) and Chris Lange; daughters, Jeanette (Rick) Crandall, Barbara Mackie, step-son, Bob (Kathy) Lyon, step-daughters Bev Lyon and Nancy (Brian Harger) Lyon; twin brother Linn (Rita) Pontius and many grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. She went home to the Lord and to be with her mother, father and the rest of her brothers and sisters.
The family will receive friends and relatives at the Riley Township Hall, 7110 W. Pratt Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820 on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, 4-8 P.M. Memorial services will be held at Grove Bible Church, 6990 E. Price Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879 on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor B. J. Holmquist officiating assisted by Linda’s grandson Anthony Lange. Memorial contributions may be made to Grove Bible Church.
Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI.
Laurin B. Cowling
Laurin B. Cowling passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the age of 55, as a result of complications of pancreatic cancer. He was born December 17, 1961 in Elgin, Illinois the son of P. Laurin and Joan (Slarks) Cowling. Laurin worked as an Interior Designer in the greater Chicago area after attending Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He shared his life with Troy Wilson for 27 years and he survives him. Laurin and Troy had a passion for traveling and had visited many places of interest around the world with additional travels planned.
Also surviving Laurin are his mother in law Bonnie Wilson of Michigan, and his nephew Bill (Sheila) Widmann of Illinois, nieces; Debi Anderson of Illinois, Tanya (Andy) Bade of Indiana, and Kim (Gordon) Williams of Mississippi. Laurin was preceded in death by his parents as well as his father in law Thomas Wilson.
A celebration of Laurin’s life will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 224-4422 on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with family friend Ken Ross officiating. A visitation will be held Friday, September 29, 2017 from 4-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society.
Marriage licenses filed the week of September 25, 2017
Jeremiah Jason Stine, 44 of Raleigh, North Carolina and Suzanne Mary Lombard, 47 of DeWitt
Lyle James Kitson, 80 of DeWitt and Karin Sue Wilkins, 70 of Bath
Taylor Anthony Wood, 24 of Lansing and Keva Marie Feldpausch, 25 of Pewamo
Dylan William Masarik-Ralph, 20 of Ovid and Kylie Rene Stornant, 19 of Ovid
Alexander Lee Hockemeyer, 39 of Lansing and Rebecka Ann Maidlow, 32 of Lansing
Cory Steven Fisher, 21 of St. Johns and Nichole Marie Kay Smith, 22 of St. Johns
Trey Michael Becker, 29 of DeWitt and Caitlyn Greta Schaller, 27 of DeWitt
Jacob Thomas Junglas, 23 of St. Johns and Kristian Nicholle Dillon, 23 of Lansing
Austin Norman Irrer, 25 of Fowler and Julia Marie Pappas, 23 of Saginaw
Justin Thomas Schiebner, 41 of Laingsburg and Kristin Ann Klein, 39 of Laingsburg
Nicholas Chance Toth, 23 of Grand Ledge and Alecia Nicole Sutton, 20 of Grand Ledge
Divorce decrees filed the week of September 25, 2017
Schrauben, Debra Ann and Andrew John
Hulbert, Michelle Rene and John Matthew
Lawless, Ann Louise and John Ralph
Terry, Whitney and Chandler
Lockhart, Diane and Christopher
Cleland, Kristen M. and Brent C.
Wiseman, Trisha A. and Ryan T.
William N. “Bill” Braun died Monday, September 25, 2017 at the age of 81. He was born August 16, 1936 in Fowler the son of Peter and Eleanora (Fandel) Braun. Bill was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, was an Army Veteran and a member of VFW Post # 3733. In his younger years he played softball and was a member of a team that won a State Championship. Bill was a barber for over 50 years and the owner and operator of Bill’s Barber Shop in St. Johns. He married Glenda Lucas in 1959, and she preceded him in death in 1988. 
Gerald Lee Vice, 78 of St. Johns, MI passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2017 in Escanaba, MI while on a camping trip. Gerald was born on July 29, 1939 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana the son of Vernon C. and Coleta (Clark) Vice. He graduated from Albion Jefferson High School. Gerald worked in sales for all his life. He loved camping, playing cards, having coffee, collecting coins, playing golf and tinkering.
James Clifford Walter of Elsie, MI passed away in his sleep on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the age of 59.
Sharon K. Teelander, 69 of Elsie passed away at her home on Friday, September 22, 2017. Sharon was born on March 15, 1948 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Carl and Mary (Prochazka) Seibert. She married Carl D. Teelander in St. Johns, MI on February 15, 1964. He preceded her in death on February 19, 2017. Sharon did foster care in her home in Ovid for several years. She loved her family and grandchildren, going to casinos, playing cards, gardening and her flowers.
Robert Arthur Dedyne, 78, of St. Johns passed away peacefully September 22, 2017, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Bluegill Bob joined those who have gone before him to fish the lakes and streams he enjoyed so much. 
Thomas A. Rewerts, 69 of DeWitt, MI passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017. Tom was born on November 14, 1947 in Toulon, IL the son of Frederick and Margaret (Dement) Rewerts. He retired from DTE Energy as after several years of service. Tom was an avid softball player, golfer, hunter, member of the Bath American Legion Post 412, N.R.A., and a Vietnam Veteran. Tom was a “family comes first” kind of man. He loved and spent most of his time with his family and close friends playing, working and building memories.
Jean Moore, age 101 of Bannister, MI, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Memorial Healthcare, Owosso, MI.
Bernardine Rose (Mankey) Henning, Charlotte, North Carolina, formerly of Battle Creek and St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully surrounded by family, on September 5, 2017 following a brief illness.
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. 
Kathleen “Kay” Mishler died Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the age of 90. She was born March 26, 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Peter and Marie (Delnay) Vanden Bos. Kay was a graduate of Belding High School and retired from the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors in Lansing. Kay was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Past Central Division National Vice President, American Legion Auxiliary; life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Edwin T. Stiles Unit 153 – St. Johns; Past State President, American Legion Auxiliary; Past State Chapeau, Eight Et Forty Member Salon #187; Past President of St. Johns General Federation of Women’s Clubs; Eagles Auxiliary #851 – Owosso, Elks Drove #149 – Houghton Lake; D.A.V.A. # 33; and Past President of Clinton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a hospital volunteer with over 50 years of service. On October 19, 1963 she married Keith Mishler and he preceded her in death in 2007. 
Marilyn Jean Goldman, age 76, of Bannister, Michigan entered the presence of Jesus on Friday, September 15, 2017 at her home.
Richard Melvin “Dick” Weber age 68, of St. Johns, MI passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at his home.
Geneva I. Moorehouse of Okemos, age 99, died Thursday, September 7, 2017. Geneva was born December 9, 1917, on a farm north of Wheeler, MI, the daughter of James and Martha (Hipolite) Jones, the sixth of seven children. 
Joyce Barbara Peters age 77, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Ashley Care Center, Ashley, MI. 
Betty F. Silm died Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the age of 88. She was born August 22, 1929 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Roy C. and Vera (Ackles) Bailey. Betty was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and a licensed social worker. She worked for the, Office of Economic Opportunity and State of Michigan, Department of Social Services for 25 years. On January 3, 1948 she married LaVern “Red” Silm and he preceded her in death in 2008. 
Lloyd Robert “Bob” Lewis died Monday, September 4, 2017 at the age of 90. He was born September 28, 1926 in Pompeii, MI the son of Lloyd H. and Mildred (Johnson) Lewis. Bob is a member of Eureka Christian Church, enjoyed fishing and was an Army veteran. Bob had a varied work career. He worked for Motor Wheel Corp. for several years then owned and operated Lewis Plumbing and Heating in Eureka, MI and finished his working career as a heating and plumbing inspector for Montcalm County. He married Lois Howard in 1945 and she preceded him in death in 1971. In 1973 he married Clara Snyder Colley and she survives him. 
Edward Joseph Smith, age 75 of Fowler, MI, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at his home.
Jean Ellen Mayers, 87, of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully at her home and took her first breath of Eternal Life on Sunday, August 27, 2017.
Carl Kay Strahle of Holt, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 25, 2017 at the age of 80. Carl was born on March 23, 1937, at the family farm in Dewitt Michigan, the son of Earl and Gladys Strahle. He was a graduate of St Johns High School, class of 1955.
Cora Lee Price, age 86 of St. Johns, MI passed away Thursday, August 24, 2017 at her home.
Germaine Hansens
Janet Sue Carlson, age 41 of St. Johns, MI passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017, in DuPage River County, IL.
Rudolph Henry “Rudy” DeJaegher, age 83 of St. Johns, MI (formerly of Lansing, then Perrinton, MI) passed away Monday, August 21, 2017 at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.
John C. Fitch died Friday, August 18, 2017 at the age of 90. He was born July 12, 1927 in Muskegon, MI the son of John S. and Florence (Agate) Fitch. He graduated from Baldwin High School where he played basketball, sang in a quartet and also worked at the movie theater. John joined the Air Force in 1946 and earned the rank of Sergeant before his discharge in 1949. He graduated from Tri-State College in Angola, IN, in 1951 with degree in Electrical Engineering. While in college he met Sylvia McEntarfer, who became his wife in July 1950. In 1951 John and Sylvia moved to Owosso, MI where they raised their five sons, John, Thomas, Roger, Bruce and Bryan. John played golf, hunted small game, fished and loved to play cards with family and friends. He also coached little league baseball, was a member of the YMCA for many years, serving as President of the Y’s Men Club and helped build a log cabin at the Y outpost. 
Lisa Marie Deline, 38, of St. Johns, passed away August 10, 2017. Lisa was born in Lansing on May 6, 1979 to Earl and Connie Newman.
Glenn J. Pline, 60, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 11, 2017. He was born August 26, 1956 in St. Johns, MI the son of Francis and Alice (Wohlfert) Pline. Glenn was a graduate of St. Johns High School, Class of 1975 and is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. Glenn loved life, whether it was spending time at the lake with family, out boating, or just enjoying a good beer with friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, loved telling stories and was famous for his “Glenndoisms”. He was a wonderful provider and taking care of family was always his first priority. On May 28, 1977 he married his best friend, Joyce Miller and this past May they celebrated 40 loving years together. 
Donald F. Stoddard died Monday, August 7, 2017 at the age of 81. He was born January 24, 1936 in Hubbardston, MI the son of Edgar and Julia (McKeone) Stoddard. Don was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, the Knights of Columbus and served in the United States Army. He retired from General Motors as an inspector in final assembly in 1991. On December 5, 1959 he married Shirley Parks and she survives him. 
Minerva Tirzah Exelby, age 101 of St. Johns, MI passed away Friday, August 4, 2017, under the loving care of the Flower House and Grace Hospice in Nashville, MI.
Donald F. Keim, Jr., 73 of St. Johns died at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Don was born on May 1, 1944 in Columbus, Georgia the son of Donald and Beatrice Keim. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, he worked for UNIVAC in St. Paul MN for five years before moving to St. Johns in 1972 where he was an insurance agent for 37 years before retiring in 2010. He married Diana Masarik, July 1, 1967 in St. Johns. Don was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knight of Columbus , past member of many local organizations. He was a long time Little League Coach and was a basketball coach for 8 years at St. Joseph Catholic School. 
Helen Rose Simpson age 85, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, July 28, 2017 at Eaton Community Palliative Care, Charlotte, MI.
Roger Ray Hall, 81of Pewamo, MI died July 27, 2017 at his home with his family at his side. Roger was born November 25, 1935 in Lansing, MI the son of Ernie and Neva Hall. He joined the Navy when he was 18. After his service in the Navy, Roger returned home and married Charlene Pecktil on April 25, 1958 and she preceded him in death in July 2016. He loved hunting, fishing and tinkering in his workshop. He was a member of VFW Post # 3733 in Fowler and worked with the Operating Engineers Local 324 for many years. He retired from the Lansing Board of Water and Light. Roger was a very soft-hearted man that loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren intensely. 
Joan C. Lootens, 84, of St. Johns went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2017. She was born August 4, 1932 in Michigan Center, MI the daughter of the late Jay and Pearl (Tucker) Knickerbocker. Joan was a loving wife, cherished mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Joan loved spending time with her family and her dogs, going to her lake cottage and flower gardening.