Obituaries
Michael Carl “Micky” Ludwick Sr.
Michael Carl “Micky” Ludwick Sr., age 73, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
Memorial Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Saturday October 22, 2016 from 3:00-5:00 P.M.
Micky was born in St. Johns, Michigan on December 29, 1942, the son of Carl Jay and Marie (Georgia) Ludwick. He graduated from St. Johns High School.
Mick left the world with few regrets. He was adored by his children, grandchildren, and loyal friends. One of Mick’s greatest attributes was his ability to listen, give advice, and laugh with everyone he came in contact with. Mick’s love of people, keen business sense, and passion for playing pool led to fulfilling his dream of owning a bar. He loved meeting new friends and patrons and creating an atmosphere for all to feel welcome and like they had a home away from home. For over 40 years, Mick took great pride in being a member and sponsor of several teams on the St. Johns and Lansing pool leagues. He lived his life to the fullest by doing everything on his own terms. Mick found the most happiness in being with his family. Mick passed away knowing how much his family loved him and leaving no doubt as to how much he loved them. He was such a loving and generous man and he will be truly missed by everyone.
He is survived by his daughter Michelle Ludwick, son Michael Jr. and Sheryl Ludwick, mother Marie Smith, and grandchildren; Jarrod Barkley and Micheala Ludwick. He was preceded in death by his father Carl and 3 brothers; Ron, Jon and Sam.
Memorials may be made to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Stephen John Swanchara
Stephen John Swanchara was born on May 29, 1930 and passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016. Stephen was a resident of Flint, Michigan. Cremation will take place.
The family was served by Swanson Funeral Homes, Flint, Michigan.
Janice M. Brush
Janice M. Brush passed away on Monday, October 17, 2016, at the age of 65 at her home in rural St. Johns, Michigan.
She was born on February 28, 1951, the daughter of Morris and Irene Brooks. She attended Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns. Janice loved the Lord with all of her heart and soul. Singing karaoke was her favorite hobby. She loved to spend her spare time with her grandchildren, family and friends, especially her best friend of over fifty years, Nancy Caesar. Janice was a member of the Hope Bible Baptist Church in Maple Rapids, MI.
On November 2, 1968 she married Gerald “Jerry” Brush Sr. They lived in Gratiot County, Michigan the majority of their lives.
Janice is survived by her son Jonathon Brush, daughter Jessica Rushton, mother and step-father Irene and John Jakovac, sister Nadine Jones, brother and sister in law Morris (Becky) Brooks, sister in law Linda Brooks, grandchildren; Cameron and Calvin Brush, and Gunnar, Lila, and Carlie Rushton, nieces, nephews and friends. Janice was preceded in death by her father, her husband Gerald “Jerry” Brush Sr., her eldest son Gerald “JJ” Brush Jr., brother Timothy Brooks, and sister Penny Dick.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at the Hope Bible Baptist Church, Maple Rapids, MI on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Steve Lang officiating. Beginning at 10 am, her family will receive the visitation of friends and family until the time of the service. Family and friends are invited to attend a dinner in her honor after the services.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Wayne L. Hyde
Wayne L. Hyde died Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the age of 68. He was born November 16, 1947 in St. Johns, MI the son of R.G. and Rosella (Desprez) Hyde. Wayne was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, Class of 1967. Wayne loved the outdoors and especially hunting and shooting competition. He was a member of the NRA and for many years was a 4-H Leader in shooting sports where he and his group attended many State competitions. Wayne taught Hunter Safety Classes and was a leader for Michigan Youth Hunter Education Challenge. During his work career he was a parts manager for a farm implement dealer. On September 30, 1972 he married Linda Ashbaugh and she survives him.
Also surviving is one son, Robert (Laura) of St. Johns; two daughters, Kelly (Nathan) Otto of Parma and Amy (Bean) Barrett of St. Johns; seven grandchildren, Cody, Cameron, Cacey, Lucy Rose, Levi, Elli Mae and Hadley; one brother, Gary (Judy) Hyde of St. Johns and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 PM Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Lowe United Methodist Church 5485 W. Lowe Rd., St. Johns. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 PM Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Lowe United Methodist Church with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Memorials may be made to the Lowe United Methodist Church or to the family. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Marriage licenses filed the week of October 10, 2016
Ryan Robert Coates, 41 of St. Johns and Sara Ellen Koziel, 35 of St. Johns
Duane Ronald Hehrer III, 30 of Ovid and Danielle Renee Haney, 26 of Ovid
Jacob Daniel Pearsall, 24 of St. Johns, MI and Jacqueline Ann Vining, 24 of St. Johns
Joseph Forrest Wadel, 33 of DeWitt and Audrey Diane Taylor, 34 of DeWitt
Benjamin Joseph Gwizdala, 28 of DeWitt and Deana Terry Simon, 27 of DeWitt
Ryan Scott Brooke, 27 of St. Johns and Kayla Dee LaDow, 26 of St. Johns
Andrew James McCain, 29 of Maple Rapids and Kasey Beth Stoudt, 27 of Maple Rapids
Tousaint Tracy Young, 50 of St. Johns and Darlene Josephine Young, 52 of St. Johns
Thomas Patrick Robbins, 25 of East Lansing and Alyssa Marie Hamlin, 25 of East Lansing
Kyle Phillip Muncy, 28 of Auburn, Indiana and Jacquelyn Joy Anderson, 25 of Auburn, Indiana
Leon Michael Volk, 62 of Bangor MI and Carole Jean McEdwards, 58 of DeWitt
Donald James Niswonger, 55 of DeWitt and Amy Victoria VanAlstine, 43 of DeWitt
Brandon Scott Ryder, 32 of Peck and Sherry Kay Walter, 37 of DeWitt
Divorce decrees filed the week of October 10 2016
Craft, Richard and Annette
Baxter, Judi Ann and Robert Ray
Fields, Rachel Elizabeth and Rolland Chadwick
Gossett, James William and Kimberly
Thomas L. Wilson, 85, passed away Monday, October 10, 2016 as the result of complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Tom was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, and then went on to serve as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After his military service Tom was a successful Insurance Salesman, before going on to open two retail stores including Quality Discount House in St. Johns and Hastings, Michigan, which he operated until the onset of his MS.
Joyce Ann Dyer, age 81, of St. Johns, Michigan passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, Michigan.
Kathleen A. Simmon, 94, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016, at Hospice of Mid Michigan, Lansing, Michigan. 
Karl Louis Blemaster died Friday, October 7, 2016 at the age of 65. He was born December 23, 1950 in Carson City, MI the son of Gale and Helen (Poteric) Blemaster. Karl was a graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1969. He is an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and an avid University of Michigan and Detroit Lions football fan. Early in his work career he worked for Lansing Drop Forge and most recently was a self employed contractor. On March 30, 1991 he married Honey Jerenstadt and she survives him. 
Richard J. Halfmann died Friday, October 7, 2016 at the age of 88. He was born February 7, 1928 in Fowler, MI the son of Raymond J. and Bernita (Geller) Halfmann. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Richard was a member of the American Legion, enjoyed Detroit Tiger baseball and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He retired from a career in sales after 39 years of service. 
Joseph A. Schafer, 84, of St. Johns, MI died at Ashley Care Center on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Joe was born on March 26, 1932 in Fowler, MI the son of Joseph M. and Dora (Schueller) Schafer. On December 19, 1969 he married Waneta Wilson in Eagle, MI. Joe worked at General Motors in the maintence dept. He was a veteran of the US Army and was a member of the Portland V.F.W.
Geoffrey S. Catlin died Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the age of 58. He was born March 2, 1958 in Lansing, MI the son of Kenneth and Evelyn Nadine (Ramsay) Catlin. He was a graduate of St. Johns High School and currently working for Sundance Buick-GMC in St. Johns. Geoff loved spending time outside. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, music, boxing, football and NASCAR. He was an avid University of Michigan fan and especially loved spending time with his daughters and granddaughters. 
Esther E. Majewski, 80 of Crystal River, Florida died on September 28, 2016 after attending a Celebration of Life for her husband, Albert Majewski who died on August 10, 2016. They were married on October 19, 1957. Esther was born in Detroit, MI the daughter of Fred and Ella (Dickerson) Bidinger. She graduated from Brighton MI High School and enjoyed bowling, playing cards and especially having conversations.
Robert E. Pratt Sr., age 79 of St. Johns, MI passed away at Sparrow Hospital on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Bob was born on October 25, 1936 in Ionia, MI the son of Donald D. and Ethel L. (Cooley) Pratt. After graduating from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1955 and then he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp for 8 years. After discharge from service he was an independent truck driver for over 20 years. On June 13, 1959 he married Caroline (Kay) Minter in California. Bob enjoyed old TV programs, the Dallas Cowboys, collecting eagles, marine and truck memorabilia and making model trucks and enjoyed hanging out with his grandchildren. 
John Steven Mitchell, 85, of Waterford, Michigan, went to the loving arms of his Lord, on September 2, 2016. John Mitchell was the son of the late Raymond and Ruby Mitchell. Born with a heart condition, John, as a child, would take the train from Detroit, Michigan to Keene, New Hampshire, and spend summers in the country air, with his cousins enjoying the farm and farm animals. John outlived all his siblings and worked in various jobs in the Wayne County area. He devoted many hard-working years for the Diocese of Detroit at St. Robert Bellermine Church and School in Redford, Michigan, and Saint Damian Church in Westland, Michigan.
James Martin, 69, of Finley ND died on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in Fargo ND. He was born in St. Johns on January 17, 1947 the son of Gerald and Geraldine (Rahl) Martin. He was a 1965 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. 
He is survived by his wife, Delphine (Dell); three daughters, Jennifer Holte of Parkers Prairie MN, Jackie Heinz of Rolette ND and Dyan Wood of Bismark ND; 9 grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Jean) Martin of St. Johns and many nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Marilyn Kieffer and Joanne Miller and a brother Kurt Martin.
Norman Joseph Beauchamp Sr. a remarkable man uniquely committed to his family and to God, went to be with the Lord and his wife Anne on Friday, September 16, 2016. His was a great life of 80 years.
Gerald Dean “Jerry” Hicks age 70, of Eagle, MI, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at his home.
Dorothy Joyce (Gorman) Southward age 75, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Medilodge of Clare surrounded by her loved ones.
Reva L. Ernst, 92, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, September 9, 2016, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.
Martin R. Wierman, 88 of rural DeWitt, MI died on Wednesday September 7, 2016 on his property. He was born on April 24, 1928 in Gratiot County, MI the son of Harold A. and Myrtle (Chapman) Wierman. He graduated from Ithaca High School in the class of 1946 and was employed in commercial sales for Warsaw Chemicals until his retirement. On April 4, 1948 he married Beatrice Andrew in Breckenridge, MI. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2012. Marty loved his family, gardening, spending time on this property and helping people.
Marilyn Kay Kloeckner, 75, of DeWitt passed away peacefully September 5, 2016 at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, following a brave battle with cancer. 
Linda Lou Carmon, age 71, of St. Johns, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at her home under the loving care of her family and Sparrow Home Hospice. The daughter of Frank and Frances (Roat) Swagart, she was born on June 16, 1945 in St. Johns, where she graduated from high school. 
Albert Louis Kirschenbauer, 85, of St. Johns, passed from life to life everlasting on Monday, September 5, 2016. He was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on March 6, 1931 to Albert and Edna (Drees) Kirschenbauer. Albert treasured his 56 years of marriage to Mary Lou (Jameson).
Penny L. Dick, 70, passed away Friday September 2, 2016 at Woodland Hospice Center in Mt. Pleasant following a lingering illness. She was born on September 6, 1945 in Hayworth, California to Morse and Irene (Langlous) Brooks. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns Michigan Class of 1966, was a member of the St. Anne Catholic Church in Edenville and a member of the Gladwin VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion. She enjoyed collecting lighthouses, angels and loved her pet poodles. Her family will cherish the memory of her willingness to help anyone and her smile that she would give freely.
Richard B. Miller, of St. Johns, MI died Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the age of 79. He was born October 20, 1936 at Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns, MI the youngest of four children born to Carlton and Augusta (Kohagen) Miller. Richard was stricken with polio at age nine and endured years of surgeries and treatment. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, Class of 1956 and maintained his childhood friendships throughout his life; he was a loyal friend. 
Gladys M. McKay, age 98, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Louise Rees, age 88, of Ovid, Michigan, also known as “The Blueberry Lady” passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Walter F. Seidel, 65 of Ovid, MI died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 25, 2016. Walt was born on April 13, 1951 in Saginaw, MI the son of Frank and Esther (Ludlum) Seidel. He graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School in 1970 and was a true farmer all his life. Walt was a hardworking man who loved collecting agricultural hats and signs, and attending auctions to find scrap metal and other treasures. 
Nelda L. Elmore of St. Johns, MI died Thursday august 25, 2016 at the age of 82. She was born May 8, 1934 in Eureka, MI the daughter of Ulus and Grace (Myers) Rininger. Nelda worked for GTE in St. Johns for several years as a telephone operator. Her family would like to thank Grace Hospice for the excellent care they provided Nelda and especially thank Ann, Nelda’s home helper. 
Marilyn McQueen passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 20, 2016,surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. The daughter of Joseph C. and Myrtle F. Cooley, she was born May 21, 1926 in Lansing, MI.
Deborah (Debbie) A. Klein of St. Johns passed away peacefully Monday, August 22, 2016 surrounded by family. 
Mark Fremont Baker, 67, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away on August 18, 2016 at home following a long struggle with prostate cancer.
Rosalie Rademacher died Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the age of 78. She was born March 4, 1938 in Clinton County, MI the daughter of Dale R. and Mable I. (Smith) Chapman. Rosalie was a member of the Congregational Christian Church in Maple Rapids and a homemaker. On August 10, 1957 she married Richard A. Rademacher and he preceded her in death on December 14, 2001. 
William “Bill” Palmer Richards Jr., age 89, died August 17, 2016. 
Tony A. Slamka of St. Johns, died Wednesday, August 17, 2106 at the age of 85. He was born June 10, 1931 in Elsie, MI the son of Stefan and Viktoria (Gombar) Slamka. Tony was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and the Knights of Columbus. He was an Army veteran and one of the founding members of St. Johns Youth Baseball. Tony enjoyed dancing, playing cards, going to the casino and restoring old tractors. He farmed for many years and especially loved John Wayne movies and westerns. Tony retired as an electrician from General Motors and Federal Mogul. In November of 1953 Tony married Ann Marie Wieber and she preceded him in death in 2012. 
Carl F. Stump of St. Johns, died Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at the age of 76. He was born June 5, 1940 in Eagle, MI the son of Henry and Helen (Koenigsknecht) Stump. Carl was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler and a member of the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed bowling, harness racing and playing cards, especially video poker. Carl retired from General Motors in 1993 with 33 years of service and was a member of UAW Local 1618. On April 11, 1964 he married Shirley Mayers and she survives him. 
Richard Ettinger, age 86, of St. Johns, MI passed away Sunday, August 14, 2016 at his home.
Sandra I. Thelen, age 71 of Fowler, Michigan, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.