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Richard D. Wise (Langham)
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, March 7, 2022. He was 44 years old. Richard Dail Langham, Jr. was born on October 28, 1977, in Carson City, Michigan, to Richard Dail Langham Sr. and Denise Marie and Patrick (Hawkins) Scott.
He met the love of his life, Matthew Shannon Wise in 2015 online. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on September 22, 2018; and he survives him. Richard was employed as the General Manager of Big Boy Restaurant in St. John’s for over 20 years. In his spare time, Richard enjoyed working on crafts, creating beautiful quilts, and he found peace and tranquility in gardening. He also enjoyed technology and spending time on his phone. He was a great conversationalist and loved talking on the phone to his kids, sister, and his father. Above all, he treasured and cherished the time he was able to spend with his husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. Richard will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile, his wonderful sense of humor and wit, and for selflessly serving others through his strong work ethic.
Surviving are his husband, Matthew Shannon Wise of St. Charles; parents, Richard Dail Langham Sr. of Elsie and Patrick Scott of Brooklyn; two daughters and a step-son: Kacie Langham of Lansing; Haley Brock of Lansing; and Dillon Wise of Merrill; three sisters: Jenni (Joshua) Cameron of Fowler; Jessie (Cathy) Langham of St. John’s; Autumn Langham of Elsie; three grandchildren: Ava Brock, Axl Brown, and Ella Jones of Lansing; Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his extended family at Big Boy.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Denise Marie Scott; aunt, Donna Hawkins and his grandparents.
A Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022, at the W. L. Case & Company, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill. Rev. Ted McCulloch will officiate. Honoring Richard’s wishes cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Humane Society of Saginaw. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.
Patricia Jean Thomas
Patricia Jean Thomas, a resident of St. Johns, Michigan peacefully transitioned from her earthly existence on March 8, 2022, her 88th birthday.
Pat was born in Dayton, Ohio on March 8th, 1934, and was the daughter of Lyle and Geraldine (McGill) Harlan, and step-daughter to Pete Strine. She married her husband, Gerald Thomas, on August 10th, 1952. At the age of nineteen she began her long professional career in the Department of Social Services. Pat started as a file clerk, and then went on to serve in elder care, and later with the Aid to Dependent Children. She served in a variety of social service supervisory roles, all while attending night school and raising her four children, Steven, Susan, Scott and Jon, in St. Clair Shores, MI. She served as Director of Crawford Co. Social Services and Zone Director for the Department of Social Services in Traverse City, before moving to Lansing to serve as Field Service Director of the Department of Social Services for the entire state of Michigan. She proudly retired to Grayling, Michigan at the age of 54, with her husband Gerald, after thirty years of service to the State of Michigan.
Pat was a past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in St. Clair Shores. She served an appointed position by Governor Engler, as the director of The Womens Commission in Lansing. In her spare time she enjoyed deer hunting with her husband, gardening at her home, painting, and playing cards with her Bridge Club. In 1994, she moved to Yelm, Washington, where she spent 7 years studying at the Ramtha School of Enlightenment. She developed many close friendships with wonderful people; friends were always an important part of her life.
In 2001 Pat moved to St. Johns MI, to be closer to family. She always looked forward to her Friday Night Spiritual Group meetings.
She is survived by children; Steven B. Thomas, Susan (Doka) Micakovic, and Jon (Renee) Thomas, daughter-in-law, Vicki (Tom) Kelly; brother-in-law, Tony Russell; grandchildren, Peter (Vanessa) Micakovic, Joseph Micakovic, Matthew Micakovic, Derek Thomas (Brandella), Danielle Thomas, Adam (Lisa) Thomas, Luke Mickaovic (Roschelle), Angela Thomas (Martin Weber), Heather (Greg) Sharick and Christina Micakovic; great grandchildren, Dayton, Djeka, Bella, Caleb, Vera, Cami, Kenadee, Amelia, Adrie, Dainan, Phillip, Easton, Henry, Benjamin, George, Aleanja, Cora, Emmitt, CeCe, and Sage; Pat was a special aunt to Chandra, Lisa, and Jennifer, and a dear friend to many. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Thomas in 1993; parents; son Scott Thomas in 1996; sisters, Linda Finley and Jacqueline Russell, and a great grandson, Colton.
Patricia will be cremated prior to a Celebration of Life, which will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 11AM. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home for family and friends.
Memorials may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan.
Tate Alan Ridsdale
Tate Alan Ridsdale passed away peacefully in his sleep after spending 54 years as a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend on Friday, February 11, 2022.
Tate was a natural born athlete and artist, born in Owosso, Michigan on December 13, 1967. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at the beach with his family. He graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with the class of 1986. In high school he was the coolest guy you could’ve known and had the best style. He was the star athlete and one of the most outgoing people you could have ever met. Everyone wanted to be Tate’s friend.
He, as so many loved ones do, struggled with and faced addiction head on during his time on Earth, and had fourteen proud years of sobriety under his belt. While he wasn’t quite as outgoing, and was a little more quiet and reserved, he would still crack a joke now and again that would have the whole room laughing, and gosh, did he have an unforgettable laugh.
Tate worked hard for many years with Elliott Food Equipment in Lansing, MI as an equipment restorer. He had a passion for studying and collecting rare coins, dabbling in the stock market and he loved talking about how well his penny stocks were maturing.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11 A.M. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Tate is survived by his mother Mary Healy of Spring Hill, FL; father Felix Ridsdale and Connie Miller-Ridsdale of Owosso, MI; brother Thad Ridsdale of Lakeland, FL; sister Tina Cavallino of Spring Hill, FL; and nieces: Karli Ulto, Celia Ridsdale, and Zara Clifford. He is also survived by his aunt Lenea and Robert Howe of Cape Coral, FL; and cousins: Scott, Sara and Adam Howe. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Basil and Marian Ridsdale, and Warner and Frances VanAlstine; and step-father Terry Healy.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that in Tate’s honor, donations be made directly to Heroin Kills NJ, a 501c3 nonprofit group of volunteers that have been touched in some way by addiction, and understand the road to recovery is a difficult journey which should not be traveled alone. Their mission is to advocate spiritual, emotional, and physical healing for those struggling with addiction and provides support before during and after treatment for the addict and their family. In Tate’s honor, please consider making a donation at https://www.heroinkillsnj.org/.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.
George Albert Crawford, Jr.
George Albert Crawford, Jr., age 82, of Carson City, MI, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
Per George’s wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no services.
George was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on March 18, 1939, the son of George Albert and Florence Margaret (Schales) Crawford. George married Lorna Wood on April 11, 1959 in Battle Creek, MI. They were blessed with almost 63 years together.
George graduated as the valedictorian from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina in 1983 with an associate’s degree and was a pastor for 30 years in South Georgia. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He liked classic cars and has restored a 1994 Jeep, 1947 Chevy truck and he loved his 1973 Dodge Charger. He loved spending time with his family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife Lorna Crawford of Carson City, MI; daughter Connie and Mike Goodknecht of Fowler, MI; son Nicholas Crawford of Fowler, MI; nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog Ziva. He is also survived by siblings: James and Marjorie Crawford of Spring Hill, FL; William and Dawn Crawford of Pittsford, MI; Michael and Sandi Crawford of Ft. Meyers, FL; Gary Crawford of Plantation, FL; Edith and Michael Lewis of Melrose, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son George A. “Link” Crawford III.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Donald Russell Case
Donald Russell Case, age 79, of Lansing, MI, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, March 11, 2022. Burial will take place at Reed Cemetery, Victor Township, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 12:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Donald was born in St. Johns, Michigan on April 13, 1942, the son of Rufus and Marian (Secord) Case.
Don loved old cars and muscle cars and tinkering on them in his workshop. In his younger years he enjoyed riding motorcycle. Don retired from General Motors as a skilled trade’s machine repairman after 30 years of service. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He is survived by his son Don and Belinda Case of Howard City, MI; daughter Patricia Gilbert of Jackson, MI; grandchildren: Delisa Shattuck, Dereck Shattuck, Donald Case III, Kathleen and James Pollaski, and Shawn and Nicole Merklinger, numerous great-grandchildren and three sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.
Memorials may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, Lansing, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Mark Thomas Reck
Mark Thomas Reck, 65, a long time resident of St. Johns, Michigan lost his battle with cancer on February 28, 2022. He died peacefully at home with his wife, Maxine, and his little dog Gracie at his side.
Mark started his forty-five year sales career at Pierce Brothers Beauty and Barber Supply in 1973. It was here that he met Maxine in 1979 and they were married in 1980.
Mark was promoted to Sales consultant in 1986 and traveled countless miles calling on beauty and barber salons from Novi to Clare, Michigan. After Pierce Brothers he continued his sales and consultation career working with other suppliers until his retirement in 2018.
Mark was an avid deer hunter and fisherman who enjoyed salmon fishing in Lake Michigan with his wife and friends. He also had a lifelong love of horses, and practically born in the saddle, he grew up with a special technique for training the wildest horse to be the most gently and broke to ride.
He is survived by his loving wife, Maxine of forty-one years, and his brothers, Steven Reck (Julie) and Tim Reck (Jodie), and step-sister, Wendy Kobeck (Skip). He was preceded in death by his mom, Dee VandeVrede and his father, Thomas Reck.
The family asks that you join them to celebrate Mark’s life at a Memorial Service at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Lansing on June 4, 2022 at 1 PM. A luncheon in his honor will follow at Royal Scot Event Hall next to the cemetery.
For further information please contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, St. Johns.
Sally Ann Lorenc
Sally Ann Lorenc, age 86, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, March 4, 2022, with her family by her side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. until 9:30 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 A.M. at the funeral home.
Sally was born in Swartz Creek, Michigan on August 15, 1935, the daughter of Walter D. and Alma G. (Duley) Knaus. She married Joseph Vincent Lorenc, II on October 5, 1957, at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Bannister, Michigan. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage, prior to his passing on June 18, 2019.
Sally was a housekeeping supervisor for Clinton Memorial Hospital. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mint Country Garden Club, and she was a volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul. Sally loved collecting frog memorabilia. She was an extremely devoted wife and mother to her children. Most of all, Sally, loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: Lorraine (Gregg) Granger, Joseph III (LeAnn) Lorenc, Jonathan (Gwendolyn) Lorenc; grandchildren: Emily Jean (Adam) Richland, Amanda (Daniel) Bykerk, Gregg (Natalie) Granger II, Sara Ann (Jonathon) Manzullo, and Joseph Lorenc IV, Kevin (Amy) Hoople, Samantha (Kris) Crane, and Laura Dankovic; great-grandchildren: Kayden, Gage, Dexter, Cannon, Marcus, Carrick, Vincent, Riley, and Gatlin. She is also survived by her brother Sonny and Barb Knaus; and sisters: Pat Walker and Sue Detloff. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Joseph V. Lorenc II.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.