Obituaries
Herbert E. Houghten
Herbert E. Houghten, age 97 of St. Johns, MI, passed away, Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Ashley Care Center, Ashley, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Ellen Zienert officiating. Visitation will take place from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery at a later date.
Herbert was born in Troy, MI on June 6, 1919, the son of Lester and Blanche (Weaver) Houghten. Herbert and his father owned and operated the Houghten Lumber Co. in St. Johns until 1963. He went on to be a real estate broker and built residential homes. Herbert was a World War II Veteran serving with the 10th Armored Division in Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and three Battle Stars, as well as the Good Conduct Medal, the European Victory Medal, and the Occupation Medal. He was a member of the American Legion, Past Commander of the St. Johns VFW, a life member of the St. Johns Masonic Lodge and a member of the St. Johns United Methodist church.
He is survived by his son Paul Houghten, brothers; Glen Houghten of Shelby Township, MI, and Elmer and Nancy Houghten of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, and daughter Patricia.
Memorials may be made to St. Johns First United Methodist Church. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Robert Charles Albers
Robert Charles “Bob” Albers, age 90, of St. Johns, MI passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
According to Bob’s wishes a cremation has taken place and a family gathering will be held at a later date.
Bob was born in Essexville, MI on August 14, 1926 and was later adopted by John and Freida (Siebert) Albers. He attended St. Johns Public Schools. He worked as an electrician, assembly line worker at Fisher Body, and later retired from the gaming industry in Las Vegas. He attended St. Johns Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Bob enjoyed fishing.
Bob is survived by his children: Diane Lee of Lansing, MI, MaryEllen (Keith) Lapp of Key West, FL, Arthur Keith Albers of Alaska, Shawn (Donald) Minarik of St. Johns, MI, Mark (Kelly) Albers of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren: Ashley Minarik, Samantha (Mike) Richardson, and Sarah Albers; great grandchildren: TJ, and Callie; and a special friend Kevin Parker. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Roberta Albers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Johns Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Juanita B. (Nita) Terpening
Juanita B. (Nita) Terpening of St. Johns, age 82 departed earth on March 6, 2017 to live in heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Owosso, MI to Russell and Jennie Terpening and moved to St. Johns in 1948. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School and attended Lansing Business University and Lansing Community College. Nita worked for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Human Resources. Nita was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Johns, and over the years served in many areas of the church. At the time of her death, she was still active in the Ladies Guild.
Survivors include her nieces and nephews: Karen, Brenda, Cynthia and Michael (Tammy) Terpening of St. Johns, Tonya (Craig) Phinney of Ovid and Ramon Mathew (Jeri) Terpening of Ovid; Tracie (Chris) Darling of Elsie; Russell (Rita) and Steaven Terpening of Melbourne, FL. She is also survived by 18 great nieces and nephews, and 13 great great nieces and nephews as well as many close cousins in various parts of the country. She was pre-deceased by her mother and stepfather, Jennie and Harl Steavens, father, Russell Terpening, brothers Ramon Edward Terpening, and Russell Dean Terpening, sister in law, Bobbie Joe Terpening, nephew, David Terpening, and great nephew Russell Dean Terpening III.
Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 11:00 A.M, with Dr. Bryan Salminen and Pastor George Brinley officiating. Burial will follow at South Bingham Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Thursday, March 9, 2017, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Ladies Guild at the church.
Loretta A. Koenigsknecht Rademacher
Loretta A. (Koenigsknecht) Rademacher age 99 of Fowler, MI, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital, Lansing, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating and Rev. Fr. William Koenigsknecht concelebrating. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, from 1-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. Rosary Services will be held at 1:30 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. at the funeral home.
Loretta was born in Westphalia, MI on December 4, 1917, the daughter of William and Margaret (Sontag) Hengesbach. Loretta married Arnold Koenigsknecht on January 1, 1941 and he preceded her in death on August 23, 1950. Loretta married her second husband Arthur Rademacher on January 16, 1954 and he preceded her in death on March 6, 1965. She was a homemaker and a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers Association.
She is survived by two sons; James W. and Cherie Koenigsknecht of Mulliken, MI, Lawrence L. Koenigsknecht of Fowler, MI, five daughters; Mary and Charles McCausey of Fowler, MI, Rita and Michael Chamberlain of Portland, MI, Agnes and Gene Goerge of Fowler, MI, Geralyn and Keith Fedewa of Westphalia, MI, Jane Rademacher, of Lansing, MI, 18 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and three great grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by special friends Brenda Johnson and Dale Simon. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by three infant children; Loretta, Robert, and Dorothy Ann Koenigsknecht, and five brothers; Lawrence, Sylvester, Urban, Anthony, Rev. Fr. Julius Hengesbach and one sister Antoinette Koenigsknecht.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Bruce Orin Grubaugh
Bruce Orin Grubaugh, age 75 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017 at his home.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Karen Messmer officiating. Burial will take place at Union Home Cemetery. St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Bruce was born in St. Johns, MI on July 30, 1941 the son of Loren Ervin and Clara Virginia (Tabor) Grubaugh. He was a Fulton High School graduate and resided most of his life in St. Johns. Bruce married Jean Grubaugh on March 11, 1961 in Maple Rapids. He retired from Lear Corporation in Elsie after working 40 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and video taping deer with family. Bruce was an avid reader with talking books. He also enjoyed shooting pool, playing shuffle board and playing cards; he made his own Braille cards.
He is survived by his wife Jean Grubaugh, 2 sons; Byron Grubaugh and Todd Grubaugh, 2 granddaughters; Macy and Katie Grubaugh of St. Johns, MI, brother Phillip and Nancy Grubaugh, brother Ronald and Mary Grubaugh, brother Brent and Kay Grubaugh, sister Loreen McAllister, brother Lee and Lynette Grubaugh, brother Mark Grubaugh, and brother Lynn Grubaugh. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Everett McAllister.
Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Marriage licenses filed the week of February 28, 2017
James Anthony Ryan, 46 of St. Johns and Andrea Joyce Garcia, 37 of St. Johns
Thomas Patrick Peiffer, 21 of Elsie and Miranda Jane VanHaun, 22 of Elsie
Jay Edward Sherman, 51 of East Lansing and Melissa JoAnne Finch, 47 of East Lansing
Tory John Schneider, 37 of Westphalia and Jennifer Rose Nurenberg, 34 of Pewamo
Earl L. Andrus died Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the age of 97. He was born September 5, 1919 in Kalamazoo, MI the son of Carlton and Lena (Earl) Andrus. Earl was an Army veteran of WWII and member of American Legion Post #153 in St. Johns. He attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in St. Johns, was a former Surge milking equipment dealer and maintenance worker for Ed’s Refinery Co. Earl had a love for horses. Owning, riding and caring for horses were a big part of Earl’s life. Earl married Sylvia Dennison in 1941 and she preceded him in death in 1960. In April of 1965 he married Dorothy Besko and she survives him. 
Jason Lloyd “Wieb” Wieber, 37, of Big Rapids, a 16-year veteran of the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, passed away Wednesday at his home surrounded by his loving family. The son of Bob and Starr Wieber of St. Johns, he was born on June 16, 1979 in Lansing. He was a 1997 graduate of St. Johns High School where he played football and wrestled. He later graduated from the Lansing Community College Police Academy.
Gilbert O. Bovan, 88 passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elsie. Gib was born on February 16, 1929 in Flint, MI the son of Francis and Lucille (Myers) Bovan. He graduated from Mather high school in Munising, MI and received his Bachelor’s degree at Central Michigan University and while there was defensive back for the winning football team 1950-1951, and then his Master’s in Education from the University of Michigan. Gib served in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division and then the Medical Battalion from 1947 to 1950. On August 13, 1955 he married Beverly J. Wyckoff in Roscommon, MI. Gib came to Ovid High School in 1954 and taught government and coached 3 sports. Later he and Rosemary Valko started the Ovid Service Agency for insurance and real estate sales. Gib was a member of Ovid Lions Club and Ovid Masonic Lodge and loved playing golf.
Arthur Joe Bancroft, age 73, of Ithaca, MI passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, Alma, MI. 
Carl D. Teelander, 73 died unexpectedly at Sparrow Hospital on Sunday, February 19, 2017. Carl was born on December 28, 1943 in Detroit, MI the son of Forrest and Evelyn (Marks) Teelander. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1962 and was a truck driver for Grand Rapids Transport. On February 15, 1964 he married Sharon K. Seibert in St. Johns, MI. Carl loved trucking and stopping at casinos across the U.S. He especially loved being with his family and the grandchildren.
Lois Helen Warner, age 95 of St. Johns, MI passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.
Marlene A. French, 84 of Bradenton, Florida died on February 17, 2017. She was born on August 18, 1932 in Escanaba, MI the daughter of Paul A. and Isabel (Valliere) Klug. She married Harvey French on June 6, 1952 in Delta County, MI and he preceded her in death in 1986. Marlene loved playing Bingo, could never pass up a yard sale and enjoyed volunteering at the Church Thrift Shop in Florida. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns.
Marcia Jean Simmon, age 75 of Lake George, MI, passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor in St. Johns, MI
John C. Schlarf died Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the age of 82. He was born February 5, 1935 in St. Johns, MI the son of Glenn and Mary (Matthews) Schlarf. John was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, Class of 1952 and served his country in the Navy. John attended the Bannister United Methodist Church, was a lifelong farmer and worked as a mechanic at S&H Farms. John loved the outdoors and enjoyed all types of outdoor activities. On February 9, 1958 he married Mary Ann Nixon and they just celebrated 59 years together. 
Kimberly A. Diethrich, age 53, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017. She was born May 2, 1963 in Alma, Michigan. Kim grew up and raised her family in St. Johns, Michigan.
Patricia Marie Kitson, age 78 of DeWitt, MI, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017 surrounded by her family at her home.
Jerry Ann Beaufore, 75 of St. Johns, MI went to be with her Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2017. She was born on December 2, 1941 in Saginaw, MI the daughter of Stanley and Mary (Spess) Plaza. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1959. She went on to graduate from Michigan State University with a BA in Education in 1961, and later completed her Masters of Education and Specialist Degree also from MSU. Jerry Ann taught at Ovid-Elsie Schools for 2 years and then moved to St. Johns High School where she taught Business Education for 28 years. Jerry Ann married Lynne Beaufore in August of 1962 until he preceded her in death. Jerry Ann married Paul Shauger on February 25, 2015 after a 30 year courtship. 
Ernest Dennis Schroeder, age 76, of St. Johns, MI, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 6, 2017. 
Gladys Ann Ruestman, age 80, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017, at her daughter’s home.
Leora Irene Grubaugh Andrews, age 90 of Delta Township , passed away January 19, 2017 at Sparrow Hospice Services. She was born February 5, 1926 in Gratiot County, the daughter of hard-working farmers Harold and Wilma (Dush) Grubaugh. Leora was a 1943 graduate of Fulton High School and retired at age 70 from the State of Michigan. 
William Arthur “Bill” Burnham age 85, of Perrinton, MI, passed away Friday, January 27, 2017 at Sparrow Health Systems Lansing, MI.
Edward Robert “Bob” Grams, of St. Johns, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the age of 76. He was born November 1, 1940 in Toledo, OH the son of Edward O. and Beatrice (Post) Grams. Bob was a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church and a dairy farmer. He was the owner of Valleyside Dairy Farms Inc. and Valleyside Custom Chopping. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and could often be found crop checking, tending to his vegetable garden or enjoying sunset cruises on his pontoon. He was a member of the Professional Dairy Farmers Association of Michigan, Clinton County Farm Bureau, Independent Dairy Advisory Board, and Clinton County Master Gardeners. On May 20, 1967 he married Karen Bickford and she survives him. 
Martha Idela DeLong, age 103, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Welcome Home Assisted Living, Elsie, MI.
Audrey M. Little, age 85, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Cayden Joseph Patrick, age 18 of Laingsburg, went to be with his Heavenly Father peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 21. 2017 after a 5 1/2 year courageous battle with cancer. Cayden was born on February 19, 1998 in Lansing to Buck and Rebecca (Gazda) Patrick. He had graduated from Laingsburg Public Schools in 2016. Cayden enjoyed hunting, golfing, basketball and photography but his biggest passion was his love for Jesus which was evident through his kind heart and considering others more important than himself. 
The light in Mom’s kitchen is now turned off and the mixer now idle as God has called her aloft. Fern was born in Snover, Michigan, the daughter of Beatrice and Alexander Heussner on August 25, 1921 and passed away in East Lansing, Michigan on January 20, 2017 at the age of 95. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great, Great Grandmother, Sister, and Aunt. She married Frederick Nichols on November 23, 1937. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, a world class homemaker, cook and master gardener. She worked for the Haslett School System in Haslett, Michigan for 15 ½ years as a cook, where she enjoyed cooking for all the children. Her priorities were her husband, family, friends and church, teaching all the gift of giving and sharing. 
Douglas Darrell Huguelet, age 59, passed over on January 13, 2017 surrounded by his family at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Doug was born October 13, 1957 in Gratiot County to Darrell Douglas Sump and Joan (Johnson) Huguelet. Doug retired from Lyden Oil Company, where he was an over the road truck driver for 30 years. He attended St. Johns High School.
David Carl Jakovac, 73 or rural DeWitt passed away on January 17, 2017. David was born on December 1, 1943 in Lansing, MI the son of Karl G. and Melva Irene (Bayes) Jakovac. He graduated from Sexton High School in 1961 and on December 12, 1964 he married Nancy (Marten) Jakovac. David worked as the Head Custodian for the Lansing School District at Sexton High. He loved bowling, arts and crafts and wood work, cooking and being a handy man.
Shirley A. Rademacher, age 90 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Prestige Pines, Dewitt, MI.
Gladys A. “Ginger” Bacon died Friday, January 13, 2017 at the age of 87. She was born May 16, 1929 in Owosso, MI the daughter of James and Anna (Birchmeir) Limbaugh. She was a member of American Legion Post # 96, AMVETS Post # 13, Grayling Moose Lodge # 1162 and Roscommon VFW Post #4159. Ginger retired from Michigan State University in 2001 after 30 years of service. 
Adele Doreen Neller, age 67 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at her home with her family.
Donald R. “Don” Simon, 53, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017, at Eaton Community Palliative Care, Charlotte, MI.
MaryAnn Esch, age 75, of Fowler, MI, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Ronald Anthony Thelen, age 68 of Pewamo, MI, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017 in Ionia, MI.
Dennis Martin Fox passed away on January 4, 2017 in St. Johns where he has resided for 60 years. Dennis was born in Fowler, MI on October 1, 1929 to Martin and Matilda (Thelen) Fox. He retired from sales after 37 years and was a member of the St. Joseph Parish and the St. Johns Lions Club. He cherished his family and doted on his eight grandchildren. Family weeks at Little Glen Lake and the many walking trips to the ice cream store to treat the grandchildren were special times. 
Linda K. Myers, 62 of Fowler, MI passed away on January 3, 2017 at her home. Linda was born on November 18, 1954 in Carson City, MI the daughter of Donald and Edna (Snyder) Falor. She graduated from Fowler High School in 1973 and was working as a medical transcriptionist at Clinton County Medical Center. Linda loved her family and having her grandchildren around her. 
Nancy L. Chmiko died Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the age of 81. She was born February 26, 1935 in Gratiot County, MI the daughter of Ralph and Margaret (Hummel) Saurbek. Nancy was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul. For several years she was an elementary school aide for the St. Johns Public Schools. On October 8, 1955 she married John Chmiko and he survives her. 
Curtis Jordan Feldpausch died unexpectedly Friday, December 30, 2016 at the age of 22. He was born August 13, 1994 in Lansing, MI the son of Steve and Eileen (Koenigsknecht) Feldpausch. Curtis earned his Associate’s Degree from New Tribes Bible Institute and was working as a welder and fabricator for Schneider Fabrication in St. Johns. Curtis was a loving husband and had a great appreciation for the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. Above all Curtis found his joy in Christ. He believed he was fearfully and wonderfully made by His Holy Maker, and served Him to the finish line. On August 8, 2015 he married his bride, Rachael, who looks forward to seeing him in heaven one day.