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Donald R. VeCasey
On this day, July 6, 2022, we bid farewell to Donald (Don) VeCasey, a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, neighbor, and punster extraordinaire. Don was dedicated to Julia, his wife of 61 years, and family members near and far. After serving a tour of duty in the United States Navy, Don attended the University of Idaho and subsequently began his 37-year career with the State of Michigan.
A voracious reader, Don was typically immersed in two and three books at a time, often while simultaneously watching his beloved Spartans on TV and talking with his family. A wordsmith at heart, Don played, twisted, and joked with words throughout his life. He loved to sing and was a former member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church choir and the State of Michigan Singers, and during conversations could quickly recall the lyrics to a song for any topic of conversation.
Most people know Don was a chronic collector of quarters, going out of his way to make change that would net him additional quarters for his collection. He loved his wine, but loved even more the family celebrations around the dining table with food, wine and laughter. Don was an avid golfer and his proudest achievement on the course was a hole-in-ones at a beautiful course in northern Michigan. Don called himself a Republican until he became enlightened.
Don is survived by his wife Julie, his children Pamela (David) West, Barbara (Matt) Splitt, and Michael, and his grandchildren Casey (Ty) Zavitz, Katie West (Anthony Militello), Kyle Splitt (Chelsea Henning) and Megan Splitt (Jacob Stockwell), and Natalie, Elise and Abby VeCasey. Also surviving are his brothers, Darryl and Doug VeCasey, his sister, Jolynn and Don Wilbert, and many extended family members and dear friends.
There will be a private family ceremony, and in lieu of flowers donations are requested for the Briggs Public Library in St. Johns, Michigan. A Celebration of Life will be planned for the Fall.
We, his family, have been blessed with wonderful lives and lessons from this honorable gentleman.
Bonna Rae Henning
Bonna Rae Henning died on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. She was nearly 92 years old.
Bonna was born on July 31, 1930 in Perrinton, Michigan, one of nine children born to Bernard and Edna (Bennett) Feighner. On October 14, 1950 she married Donald Henning and together raised their family in St. Johns.
She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, was the head cook at St. Joseph Catholic school for many years and volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul. Bonna will forever be remembered for her kind and caring nature and her loving personality. She cherished time spent with her family and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Donald Henning in 2007. She is survived by nine children, Diane (Jim) Mead of Caledonia, Andy (Janet) of Petoskey, Alan (Kristy) of Oregon, Rodney (Peggy) of Pennsylvania, Perry (Sue) of St. Johns, Larry of St. Johns, Denise (Kathy) Henning of Rockford, Bill (Therese), Scott (Carolyn) of St. Johns; 23 grandchildren, Mike, Jason (Val), Jeff (Danielle), Josh (Tamara), Levi, Matthew (Kara), Kate (Dave), Blake, Dustin, Megan (Sean), Mary (Brian), Lauren (Adam), Jessica (Okwara), Jillian (Ben), Christopher, Ryan, Holly, Karli, Tori, Chelsea, Courtney (Josh), Alex and Austin; 24 great-grandchildren; sister, Rosalee (Bob) Patterson, as well as extended family members and dear friends.
A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Monday, July 11, 2022, 11 AM at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home on Monday from 10 AM until the time of the service.
Memorials are encouraged to Hospice of Michigan or to St. Vincent de Paul.
Joan Marilyn Doty
Joan Marilyn Doty, age 90 and a lifelong resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully at her home on Friday, July 1, 2022 after a battle with cancer.
Born on March 8, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Richard and Regina (Bast) Haines, Joan grew up in St. Johns where she was a 1951 graduate of St. Johns High School. On April 15, 1952 she married her school sweetheart, Russell Doty, and they’ve made their home in St. Johns where they were blessed with the births of four sons.
Joan enjoyed working as a real estate agent in St. Johns for many years, having served with Century 21, Coldwell Banker, and 4 Star Realty. She enjoyed planting flowers, gardening, summers with family, trips to Florida, excursions to Cedar Point and Disneyland, and camping in State Parks with her children and grandchildren.
In addition to Russ, her beloved husband of over seventy years, she is survived by sons, Gary (Stephanie) Doty, Brian Doty, and Mark Doty; grandchildren, Ryan (fiance Nicole), Nathan, Michael, and Christopher (fiance Jackie) Doty; great granddaughter, Annabelle; brother-in-law, Darwin Beaufore; sisters-in-law, Freda Sober, Mary Thelen, Joyce Doty, ad many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by a son, Steven Lee Doty in 1991.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, July 7, from 2-8PM with a Vigil Service at 7PM.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the funeral home on Friday, July 8, at 11 AM with The Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Committal will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.