Obituaries
Helen Johnson
Helen (Huntoon) Johnson died in hospice care on July 22, 2017 in St. Johns, Michigan at the age of 98.
Born March, 1919 in Crystal Falls, Michigan to Samuel E. Huntoon and Evelyn Nicholson, Helen is survived by daughter, Bette (Ben) Munger and four grandchildren: Camille Stiffler, Christine (Mark) Grennell, Heidi (Andrew) Sung, Chad (Tracy) Munger: great grandchildren, Zachary, Zane and Zarren Grennell: sister-in-law, Edith Avise, nephew John (Joan) Avise, and great niece Jennifer.
Helen married Richard C. Johnson who predeceased her in death, as did their daughter, Barbara Jantzen. Helen, as part of the MSU Medical School Willed Body Program, will continue to do good after passing. Following her stay at MSU she will join her husband Richard in the East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Okemos, Michigan
Helen was active in the family sawmill and lumber business for 33 years. She graduated from Lansing Business University and worked as a Probation Officer in the Juvenile Division of the Clinton County Probate Court. Helen was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church Riley for many years and an active volunteer for Clinton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Clinton County Arts Council, Girl Scouts, and a Clinton Country 4-H leader.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Clinton County Arts Council or the Clinton Area Transit System.
A Memorial is scheduled on Friday, August 4, with visitation at 1 p.m. followed at 2 p.m. by a brief service at St. Peter Lutheran Church.
Johanna Anna Munger
Johanna Anna Munger, age 88 of Grand Ledge, MI, passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
There will be no services held. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.
Johanna was born in Augsburg, Germany on March 20, 1929 the daughter of Josef and Emma Ratzinger. Johanna married James Munger on June 14, 1958 in St. Johns, MI. He passed away on October 7, 1995. Johanna resided most of her life in the Lansing area. Johanna retired from Dana Corporation. She loved her flowers, knitting, crocheting and all her pets. She and her husband were avid MSU Spartan fans, especially hockey.
She is survived by her cousin Pam and George Rosner of Laingsburg, MI, cousin Tom Moore of Lansing, MI, and great-cousins Rachel, Kalem and Aaron. Johanna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her cousins; Pauline and Kenneth Moore and all of her older siblings in Germany.
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.
Ronald F. McClelland
Ronald F. McClelland, 84 of rural Ovid passed away at Hospice House of Shiawassee County as a result of a stroke. Ron was born on May 2, 1933 in Henderson, MI the son of Lyle and Leah (McCarty) McClelland. He attended Ovid High School and was a veteran of the US Navy. He married Margaret D. McCarthy on June 25, 1955 in Owosso, MI. He worked for 37 years at Michigan Milk Producers Assn as an electrician, retiring in 1995. He was a life member of Ovid VFW, loved his family, his Oliver tractor, fishing, playing yard games with family, especially ladder golf and playing marbles.
Ron is survived by his children, Dan McClelland of Litchfield, NH, James (Kim) McClelland of Ovid, Patty (Chuck) Deines of Hays, KS, and Ronda (Marc) Cram of Traverse City, MI. Grandchildren, Veronica (Brandon) Hauptman of KS, Erica Deines of KS, Janelle McClelland of Traverse City, MI and Mallory McClelland of Ovid 2 great granddaughters, Hannah Hauptman and Harper Hauptman and special friend, Norma George. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret in 2008 after 53 years of marriage and by son Robert in 2014, parents and step-mother, Maxine (Scarborough) McClelland.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns on Friday, July 28, 2017, 2-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Rob Nystrom officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid. The family suggests memorials be given to Hospice House of Shiawassee County, 2005 Copas Rd., Owosso, MI 48867.
Betty Jane Denovich
Betty Jane Denovich, age 87, of Okemos, formerly of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church Bannister, MI on Thursday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Thai Hung Nguyen officiating. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elsie, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 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. Rosary will be prayed on Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Betty was born in Perrinton, MI on December 26, 1929, the daughter of Frank and Anna F. (Porubsky) Rozen. She graduated from Elsie High School. Betty married Frederick Rudolph Denovich on January 20, 1951 at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church. Fred preceded her in death on March 27, 2005 after 54 years of marriage.
Betty was an amazing mother to her five children. Her passion was cooking and baking. No one ever left her house hungry. She enjoyed working in her huge gardens, sewing clothes, quilting and crocheting. Fred and Betty were big polka fans and attended dances as long as they were able. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI and was a life member of the ZCBJ Lodge, Bannister, MI.
We would like to give special thanks to Jamie Boettger her lifelong hairdresser and friend. As well as Ruth Burk for being her wheels taking her to appointments and for groceries. Mom thought the world of both of you, and we all appreciated how special you treated her.
She is survived by her daughters; Kristina and Mike Kleuckling of Atlanta, GA, Theresa and Eric Matteo of Okemos, MI, Angie and Herb Daumann of Commerce Township, MI, sons; Frederick “Jerry” and Jenny Denovich of Lansing, MI, Lynn and Debra Denovich of St. Johns, MI, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Dennis Rozen of Dewitt, MI, and sister Wilma Smith of Newberry, FL. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and husband Fred.
Memorials may be made to Charity of the Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Stanley John Platte
Stanley John Platte, age 79, of Fowler, MI passed away peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
Stan was born in Portland, MI on June 8, 1938, the son of Bernard and Mary (Gross) Platte. He graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Portland with the class of 1956. Stan married Jane F. Mathews on May 23, 1959 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, MI; Jane passed away on March 27, 2012. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Stan loved his family, especially gatherings at the “party barn” and playing cards. He loved gardening, his animals, NASCAR and the Tigers. Stan proudly served in the Army National Guard 119th Field Artillery Battalion. He also served on the Dallas Twp Fire Department from 1969-1975. He owned and successfully managed Mathews Elevator Co. for 54 years with Miss Jane at his side for 23 of those years. Honesty and integrity were two of Stan’s top business rules and practices.
Stan is survived by his seven children; Mark (Joy), Dean (Lynette), Gregg (Deb), Adam (Laurie), Joan, Peter (Sheri), Nick (Gail), 18 grandchildren, 5 great grandsons and one on the way, brothers; Leon, Julius (Pat), Paul, and Steve (Sue), sisters; Laura Stegenga and Marilyn Kiel, sisters-in-law; Ann Donoghue and Deb Mathews, and many nieces and nephews. Stan was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jane, in-laws Charles and Evelyn Mathews, grandsons; Lee Platte and Benjamin Platte, sister Alice McCausey, brother Herb, brothers-in-law; Martin McCausey, Jack Stegenga, Gordon Kiel, Bill Mueller, Bob Tichvon and John Mathews, and sisters-in-law; Carol Platte, Janice Mueller and Barbara Tichvon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, MI on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 2-8 p.m. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel in Fowler, MI. Rosary will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Damon J. Siefert
Damon J. Siefert, 34, died on Friday July 21, 2017. He was born on August 27, 1983. He was a graduate of St. Johns High School.
Services will be held at a later date.
The family is being served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
Kenneth Marvin Harmon
Kenneth Marvin Harmon age 89 of Westphalia, MI, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 7:00-9:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A Rosary will be prayed at 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Ken was born in Coldwater, Michigan on November 12, 1927, the son of Henry and Pearl (Bekoski) Harmon. He married Mildred Ruth (Dovey) Harmon on July 4, 1951, in Coldwater, Michigan. Mildred passed away on December 26, 2000. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII as a military police officer serving at the Nuremberg Trials in Germany. Ken served as a police officer for the City of Coldwater from 1951 until 1960. Ken enjoyed attending his 793rd Military Police Battalion reunions. He owned a Montgomery Ward catalog store in Ionia for many years. Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing euchre with his VFW buddies and spending time with his family. Ken loved to tell many stories about being a police officer and his upbringing. He was a member of the EJ Werner VFW Post #3733 and a former post commander. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Fowler, MI. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a former Grand Knight in Coldwater.
He is survived by his children; David (Jill) Harmon of Beaverton, MI, Sharon (Alan) Smith of St. Johns, MI, Linda (Dale) Pung of DeWitt, MI, Kent (Denise) Harmon of Troy, MI, Richard (Sharon) Harmon of Muir, MI, Barbara Wieber of Lansing, MI, Susan (Julius) Motz of Fowler, MI, James (Mary) Harmon, of Lino Lake, MN; Kathleen (Ken) Farley of Fowler, MI, Lori (Chad) Bedaine of Fowler, MI; Julie (Dan) Martin of Westphalia, MI, grandchildren; Travis Funk, Nicole Michalski, Erika Sundberg, Victoria Nelson, Tommy Harmon, Matthew Harmon, Ryan Harmon, Mark and Kristin Johnston, Breana and Kortney Sloan, Ashley Meador, Jeff Wieber, Emily Wieber, Julie Kretzinger, Becky Johnson, Amanda Trover, Christie Motz, Lisa Motz, Andrea Prichard, Sam and TJ Harmon, Ken Farley Jr., Jacob Farley, Nick Farley, Trevor Thelen, Priscilla Slabbinck, Viktor, Vasyl, Gage, Jayden and Addison Bedaine, MacKenzee, Daniel, Jackson, Kennedy, Ryann, Quincey, Braiden and Lakyn Martin. He is also survived by 28 great grandchildren and special friends, Brian Wieber, Charlie Thelen, Ben Bierstetel, Eddie Schmitt, Bob Esch, and Mark Weber. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Mildred, daughter Mary Ellen, brothers; Harold (June) Harmon, H.B Harmon and sister Elizabeth Nowicki.
Memorials may be made to EJ Werner VFW Post #3733 Fowler, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Helen Mae Sage
Helen Mae Sage, age 87 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Johns, MI, on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor George Brinley officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Helen was born in Clinton County, MI on April 15, 1930, the daughter of Esther Ernst. Helen married Hiram “Bud” Sage on May 24, 1980 in Fowler. Bud passed away on April 6, 2014. Helen was a member of the American Legion Auxillary in St. Johns and a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and needlepoint work. Helen resided all of her life in St. Johns.
She is survived by her son Roger Hansen of St. Johns, MI, daughter LuAnn Hansen-Visser of St. Johns, MI, 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and uncle John Ernst of St. Johns, MI. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Karla Bishop, step-children; Gary Sage and Bonnie Forbes, granddaughter Sherri Fraser, and great granddaughter Schyler Sage.
Memorials may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Marriage licenses filed the week of July 17, 2017
James John Hert, 49 of St. Johns and Jewel Rene Odell, 44 of St. Johns
Cody Reval Slaughter, 24 of Lansing and Leanne Nichole Sabolish, 28 of Lansing
Jeffrey Scott Barish, 51 of DeWitt and Penney Sue Parkhouse, 45 of DeWitt
Douglas Duane Hixson, 30 of DeWitt and Chelsea Marie Butler, 25 of DeWitt
Okwara Ukweni Kalu Uzoh, 29 of Chicago, Illinois 60615 and Jessica Lynn Henning, 29 of St. Johns
Bryan James Stauffer, 26 of Grand Ledge and Ericka Nicloe Martin, 27 of Potterville
Adam Thomas Woolsey, 29 of DeWitt and Meghan Rice-Vollbach Eldred, 32 of DeWitt
Zachary Dean Hess, 24 of DeWitt and Rachel Ann Dyer, 23 of Grand Ledge
Jeffrey Sylvester Martin, 24 of Fowler and Rebecca Ruth Thelen, 23 of Fowler
Matthew David Szubinski, 32 of East Lansing and Julie Lynn Huth, 29 of East Lansing
Richard Ming Yu, 29 of Davenport, Florida 33896 and Rebecca Elizabeth Reese, 28 of Lansing
Christopher Edward Burton, 43 of Bath and Tiffany Schurrel Russell, 37 of Bath
James Robert Cannon, 43 of Sun Valley, California and Holly Kay Sekrenes, 42 of Sun Valley, California
James Edward Jackson Jr., 24 of DeWitt and Taylar Nicole Miller, 24 of DeWitt
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of July 3 and July 17, 2017
Feldpausch, Abby and Cole
Parsons, James and Christine
Zeineh, Shehnaz Abdrabboh and Wisam Robert
McMacken, Dean Edward and Brandy Jean
Christensen, Nicole and Earl
Deanna V. (Rademacher) Thelen, died Sunday, July 16, 2017 at the age of 66. She was born January 20, 1951 in St. Johns, MI to Denis and Mary Lou (Simmon) Rademacher. Dee was the first of ten children and the epitome of a daughter and big sister, always. She married Kevin Thelen on September 30, 1972, a day that marked the beginning of an unfaltering love that grew into the kind of mutual dedication that touched the soul of anyone lucky enough to witness. Together they raised their son, Jeff (Julie) and daughter, Melanie Tamas, who along with grandsons, Josh and Logan Tamas were always the greatest joys of her life. 
Norman Ray Sanford, 80, of St. Johns, MI and Bradenton, FL went peacefully to be with the Lord on June 22, 2017, at Hazel Findlay Nursing Home, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born October 17, 1936 in Maple Rapids, MI. Norman retired from Oldsmobile in 1991 after 36 years in skilled trades. He served our country in the Air Force from 1956-1960. He served the First Baptist Church of St. Johns for many years. He loved to golf, and was quite a people person with a gift of gab and enjoyed volunteering in a number of activities; including the Pittsburgh Pirate Training Camp. Above all else, his family was the most important thing in his life. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy; his entire reason for being. 
Carroll Scott Ramsay died Monday, June 5, 2017 at the age of 92 and met his Savior face to face. He was born in Lansing, MI to the late Clayton Ross Ramsay and Gladys (Scott) Ramsay on September 29, 1924. He married Norma Younglove, his beloved late wife of over 50 years, on February 14, 1951. Carroll was born again on March 24, 1955 when he embraced Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He had been a member of East Dewitt Bible Church, Church of the Open Bible, and a long time member of the First Baptist Church of St. Johns. He enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher, AWANA leader, and a Deacon on the Church board. He was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific war zone as a Gunners Mate. He was retired from Oldsmobile product engineering as an experimental machinist with 37 years of service. 
Robert D. Cole of Fowler, passed away peacefully at The Meadows of Owosso on Thursday, July 6, 2017. He greatly enjoyed his stay there. A celebration of Bob’s life will take place Sunday, July 16, beginning at 2:00 pm, at the Fowler Conservation Club, 3580 S. Wright Rd. Fowler, Michigan.
Gale Lee Avery, age 69, of Bath, formerly of Middleton, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Gale was born in Alma, the youngest son, of Orlie and Leona (Harroun) Avery. He graduated from Fulton High School. Gale served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married Kimberly Smith on November 15, 2002 in Ithaca. He worked for 33 years at Federal Mogul in St. Johns. He was a life member of the Fowler VFW and a member of the Bath American Legion. He loved woodworking and made many things for Kim. He enjoyed mowing the yard.
Edward J. Mikula, “Mr. Ed” went to be with the Lord, Sunday, July 2, 2017 at the age of 89. He was born August 7, 1927 in Traverse City, MI the son of Joseph and Meta (Schroeder) Mikula. Ed was an Army veteran of WWII after graduating from Traverse City High School in 1945 and returned to earn his Bachelor’s degree from MSU. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he served on several committees. Ed also was an active, long time member of the St. Johns Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the Maple River and other civic groups. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and taking care of his flowers and gardens. In 1989 Ed retired from the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources with 39 years of service. He served in many roles at the DNR and at one time was Chief of the Wildlife Division. 
Henry B. Howard, 81 of rural Ovid passed away at his home on Saturday, July 1, 2017. Henry was born on October 20, 1935 in Gratiot County the son of James and Orpha (Landis) Howard. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1954 and served his country in the US Army. On April 6, 1957 he married Sharlyn Thornton in the Duplain Church. Henry worked as a heating and plumbing contractor for several years. In 1988 he went to work for the State of Michigan as a Mechanical Inspector from which he retired in 2004. After that he became the plumbing and heating inspector for Clinton and Shiawassee Counties, as well as for AGS inspection services. As an avid sports fan, Henry especially enjoyed cheering on the Spartans. He was a WWII buff, officiated high school football and basket ball for 20 years and was a member of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Posse. 
Kenneth D. Doten, 76 of Ovid, MI died unexpectedly during a fishing and camping trip with friends at Aloha State Park. Ken was born in Elsie, MI to Harvey Edgar and Anna Mae (Crawford) Doten. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1959 and served his county in the U.S. Navy. Ken retired from General Motors and loved hunting, fishing, camping and all things outdoors.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Christ Church, United Church of Christ, 2200 Bellevue Avenue, Maplewood Missouri 63143, on Thursday July 6, 2017 at 1:30 P.M., with Chaplin Mark Schmalz of Hope Hospice officiating.
Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at the age of 97. She is now reunited with her loving husband Alex, who preceded her in death on August 12, 2008. Rosemary was born May 22, 1920 in Westphalia, MI the daughter of Mathias and Anna (Fedewa) Hengesbach. On April 19, 1944 she married Alexander J. Thelen. Rosemary and Alex lived on a farm outside of Fowler, and in their later years, they moved to St. Johns. Rosemary was an excellent cook and homemaker, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She also was a very devout Catholic and prayed the rosary every day. 
Francis John Fedewa passed peacefully to his eternal heavenly home on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the age of 89 and was reunited with his beloved wife Viola who preceded him in death on April 2, 2002. Francis was born in Westphalia, MI on October 26, 1927, the oldest son of Julius and Gertrude (Simon) Fedewa. Francis married Viola Smith on March 31, 1948 in Westphalia, MI. He resided most of his life in St. Johns and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
George A. Heckman, age 52, of Westphalia, passed away June 19, 2017. George was a cherished husband, father, brother, and loyal friend. He was a faith-filled man and a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. George was an avid U of M, Pewamo-Westphalia, and Tiger Baseball fan. He enjoyed life; especially, playing cards and fishing. 
Grant J. Heckman, age 28, of Westphalia, passed away June 19, 2017. Grant was a loving son and brother and will be missed tremendously by all who knew him. He was the 2015 CCRESA Prom King and a member of “No More Sidelines”. Grant loved to be taken on walks and rides and had a very special bond with Grandpa Smith, who would walk him for miles. When Grant smiled or laughed, it was a joyous occasion to be shared throughout the family, the song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” never failed to make him smile. There is no doubt that he is talking, running, and eating pizza in Heaven right now. 
May 15, 1941 – June 19, 2017
E. Dale Rennells died Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the age of 64. Dale was born August 12, 1952 in St. Johns, Michigan, the son of Eugene and Joan (Henning) Rennells. He graduated from St. Johns High School in 1970 and had earned an Associate’s Degree. He retired from General Motors after 30 years as a Journeyman Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician. Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing, bowling and watching hockey; he was involved in teaching Hunter’s Safety Courses to countless young hunters.
Sharon M. DeMarais, 79 of Ovid, formerly of St. Johns died on June 20, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. Sharon was born on April 18, 1938 in St. Johns the daughter of Clyde and V. Hazel (Gidney) Pearson. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1956 and was married to Phillip DeMarais on July 1, 1961. He preceded her in death in 2016. 
Sharon Lee Hunt age 57, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.
Rex B. Hoover, age 75, of DeWitt passed away Monday June 19, 2017 with his family by his side. He was born July 1, 1941 in Lansing the son of Clarence R. and Joyce M. (Chadwick) Hoover. Rex was a life long DeWitt resident and a 1959 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns. He was proud to have served on the Clinton County Sheriffs Posse for many years. Rex was an avid antique collector. He also enjoyed working with his model trains. Rex was known as quite the handyman. He never ran across a project he couldn’t tackle and would see to it that it was fixed as good as new. Rex retired from Oldsmobile in Lansing where he worked as a draftsman.
Elsbeth R. “Elly” Cowan (Schmiege) was taken home by her Savior, Jesus, on Sunday, June 18th, 2017. Her humble, hard-working, servant’s heart was a testament to her strong faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Her actions in everyday life radiated her love for Jesus through her service to others. Her faith was foremost in her life.
Ronald D. Cobb, 72, our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed peacefully into his eternal pain free life after a gallant, courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family Saturday, June 17, 2017.
Douglas James Lazell Sr., 75, died Friday, June 16, 2017 at his home with his wife at his side in Prudenville, MI. He was born June 19, 1941 in Lansing, MI the son of Charles and Esther (Kreger) Lazell. Doug graduated from Laingsburg High School in Laingsburg, MI with the Class of 1961. He served our country in the United States Navy for seven and a half years and did a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969-1970. He currently is a member of the American Legion in Prudenville. On January 23, 1987 he married Sue Allan Heinlen in St. Johns, MI; and they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year. 
Charles Gordon Vandemark, 78, passed into the presence of his Savior on Friday, June 9, 2017 at his home in Lexington Kentucky after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on December 26, 1938.
Marie A. DePond, 91 formerly of Ovid and Elsie, MI died on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Grace Haven Assisted Living in St. Johns, MI. Marie was born on July 9, 1925 in Bellevue, MI the daughter of Richard and Lyla (Voelker) Halliday. On September 6, 1947 she married Richard C. DePond in Bellevue. Marie was a homemaker, bookkeeper for Ovid Roller Mills, served as Ovid Twp. Clerk for a few years, loved playing bridge, active in Ovid United Church, Church Choir, The Ovid Women’s Group and playing cribbage. 
Life lived well for God and others makes dying difficult but peaceful. Msgr. Fedewa’s theme for his priesthood was taken from Mary’s song, the Magnificat – “My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord…for he who is mighty has done great things for me.” The Blessed Mother was a special role model for Msgr. Fedewa and her faith and trust in God’s loving care, humility and a willingness to do God’s will influenced his priesthood.
Julia Longoria, 84, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
George C. Norman, 87 of DeWitt, MI died on June 3, 2017 at Prestige Pines in DeWitt. He was born on January 17, 1930 in Detroit, MI the son of William E. and Mamie (Que) Norman. George graduated from Detroit Public Schools and received his degree in Chemical Engineering, then worked at Chrysler Corp. in the Rubber and plastic division.
Roseanne M. Faggion, 59 of DeWitt, MI died on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. She was born on October 7, 1957 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Wayne and Viola (Sehlke) Rossow. Roseanne graduated from St. Johns High School in 1975 and worked as a group leader for an automotive manufacturer. She enjoyed bowling, reading, fishing, playing cards and most of all being with her grandchildren, Alexa, Olivia, Natalee and Cadience Parish.
Diane Louise Rossow, 73, of St. Johns, Michigan passed away May 28, 2017. She was born September 19, 1943 in Lansing to Glen and Mary VanEpps. Diane worked as an accountant for more than 40 years at Simplified Tax. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending her leisure time camping. She also loved her special dog, Benji.
Catherine A. Ellsworth died Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the age of 82. She was born November 12, 1934 in Alpena, MI the daughter of Thomas and Ann (MacDonald) McPhillips. She graduated from Catholic Central High School in Alpena, MI in 1953. On June 2, 1956, she married Roy Ellsworth and he survives her. 
Paul David Gorch, age 43 of Ovid, MI, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at his home.
Kyle Richard Tullar, age 24, went to Heaven on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Kyle was born on November 7, 1992 in Owosso, MI and was a long time resident of Elsie, MI and resided in Bath, MI for the past several months.
Alice B. Aldrich died on May 19, 2017 at the age of 102. She was born on January 5, 1915, in St. Johns, Michigan. She was the daughter of Clifford and Iva (Wright) Halsted. She graduated from Maple Rapids High School in 1933. Alice lived in Maple Rapids, Elsie, St. Johns and Newaygo, Michigan. She worked for several philatelists in Elsie until 1945 and retired from the State of Michigan in 1975. Alice was an Amateur Radio Operator for 30 years, an avid reader and loved watching the Turner Classic Movies.
Reynold E. Goerge, age 92, died May 19, 2017 surrounded by his family at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, MI. He was born December 16, 1924 in Fowler, MI, the son of John and Eleanor (Thelen) Goerge. He formerly farmed and worked at Sealed Power, Gambles, and Fowler Public Schools. Reynold was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church where he volunteered for many church activities. He was a charter member of Knights of Columbus Msgr. Esper Council #3027, serving as Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, and District Deputy and he also was a member of Fr. Godez 4th Degree Assembly. Reynold was a Life Member of V.F.W. Edward J. Werner Post #3733, having served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Philippines and Korea.