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Melvin Wieber
Melvin “Mel” Wieber, age 74, of Perrinton, Michigan passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, November 12, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 8, 1945 in St. Johns, Michigan, the youngest of twelve children born to Anthony and Clara (Halfmann) Wieber.
Melvin graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, Class of 1963. Shortly after graduating from high school he started basic training in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was stationed in West Germany for 2 years. Upon returning to the United States in June of 1966 he was honorably discharged. On May 20, 1978 Melvin married Julia Silvestri and she survives him. They met while working at Federal-Mogul in St. Johns.
After Julia’s parents’ retirement from Silvestri Paint & Wallpaper in 1985, Melvin and Julia owned and operated the store for 30 years. They retired in 2014 to their home on Rainbow Lake in Perrinton, where Melvin also worked as the Treasurer of Rainbow Lakes Maintenance Corporation. Melvin was an active fisherman and loved spending his time on the lake trying to catch that big fish! His Labor Day fish fry for family and friends was an annual event for 25 years. He enjoyed being in the outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa”. He was a very active member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Perrinton, and the St. Paul Parish Knights of Columbus. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW in St. Johns.
Melvin is survived by his daughters, Jaclyn (Christopher) Doremus of Friendswood, Texas, Karla (Brad) Gurski of St. Johns, and Kristen Theis of St. Johns; five grandchildren Nathan Doremus, Anthony Doremus, Archer Gurski, Parker Theis, and Paige Theis; two sisters, Edna Eaton of St. Johns and Kathleen Endres of Ionia. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Dennis LaBar, sister-in-law, Linda Wieber, and very special friends John Pohl and Joe Rademacher. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Geraldine (Louis) Sipka, Donna (Otto) Kus, Ann Marie (Tony) Slamka, and Eunice LaBar; and five brothers Tony (Teresa) Wieber, Herb (Doris) Wieber, Lloyd (Charline) Wieber, infant brother Richard, Melvin’s twin brother Elvin Wieber, and two brother-in-laws, Fred Endres and Mark Eaton.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, November 16, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 109 Linden, St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Douglas Osborn as Celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery with military honors provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 15 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. A Rosary will be prayed Sunday at 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2260 E. Saginaw, East Lansing, MI 48823.
Michael Duane Baird
Michael Duane Baird of Holt passed away November 7, 2020 at the age of 74. Michael was born in St. Johns, MI, October 26, 1946, the son of Charles and Elaine (Rickerd) Baird. He married his best friend, Lois Wightman on July 20, 1968.
Michael served with the US Navy and worked for the City of Lansing Public Service Department for 30 years before retiring. He was a Ham Radio Operator, call numbers, n8nbz, enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved spending time with his grandchildren and his dog, Murphy.
Michael is survived by his wife, Lois; sons, Michael (Hailey) Baird of Leslie, Steven Baird of Lansing; 10 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sisters, Carol (Michael) Sadler of St. Johns, Jackie (John) Marshall of Eagle; brother, Doug (Pat) Wightman; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Cassie Baird.
No services are planned at this time. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids.
Vaun Omaine Gruesbeck
Vaun Omaine Gruesbeck, age 103 passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020. Vaun was born on August 21, 1917 the son of Arthur Alonzo and Edna Cordelia (Peet) Gruesbeck. He was a dedicated farmer all his life and married Irene A. Brown on January 11, 1945 in Morrice, MI. She preceded him in death on February 23, 2006. Vaun served in the U. S. Army from May 7, 1941 to June 26, 1945. He enjoyed doing wood working, reading and doing cross word puzzles.
He is survived by his sons, Larry V. (Kathy) Gruesbeck, Dennis ( Marge) Gruesbeck and daughter Ardith (Rick) Mulder. There are 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 5 great greatgrandchildren; Siblings, Grace Luke, Marjorie Behrens and Hattie Spencer. He was preceded in death by siblings, Wayne, Myrl, Earl, William, Rolland, Vern and Rolla Gruesbeck, Ilene Corp, Margaret Jackson and Lena Mordaunt.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Thursday, November 12, 2020, noon to 2:00 P.M. at which time a funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck. Burial will follow at Middlebury Cemetery with Military Honors provided by St. Johns Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Russell Scott Powers
Russell Scott Powers, age 54 of Lansing, MI, formerly of Dewitt, Michigan passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020 at his home.
Russell was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 12, 1966, the son of Stephen and Ruth (Paksi) Powers. Russell enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a big Detroit Lions Fan along with being a Los Angeles Lakers Basketball fan.
He is survived by his daughter Cassandra Powers, 2 grandchildren: Emma and Ava, his mother Ruth Powers, 2 brothers: Michael and Becky Powers, Mark and Kitty Powers. He was predeceased by his father Stephen.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held in the spring at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
James Andrew Welsh
James (Jim) Andrew Welsh, 72, passed away peacefully in his home on Lake Michigan on October 27, 2020, after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family. Jim’s life accomplishments and legacy live on.
Jim, the son of Dorothy (Neel) and Russell Welsh, spent his early childhood on a farm in Ontario, Canada before moving to St. Johns, Michigan. He graduated from St Johns High School, and after a brief stint at the University of Michigan, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University. It was in high school where Jim met Jean Mary Schaefer, his future wife and the mother of their two children. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam war.
Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends- whether working, traveling, or sharing a glass (or two) of wine. He loved roughhousing with his grandkids, exploring new places, playing cards (typically acting as the banker), and hitting balls around the golf course (often poorly, he would say). He also loved watching Michigan/Michigan State athletics, and looked forward to his annual trip Up North with friends for the Big Game. He was always excited to get down to Florida, as soon as it started to get cold in Michigan.
Jim believed in treating everyone with respect and consideration, and took a genuine interest in the lives of other people. The breadth and depth of his friendships and relationships is testament to this. Jim mentioned how surprised and fortunate he was that he had developed such wonderful friendships over the years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jean; children Ryan Welsh (Meredith Welsh) and Michelle Johnson (Paul Johnson); grandchildren Kate and Jane Welsh, Lily and Caleb Johnson; brother Tom Welsh; nephews Phil (Amanda) and Mark Welsh; his niece Robyn; and his cousin Johnny (Gayle) who Jim considered to be his ‘brother’. Family was always the most important thing to Jim. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Neel and Phillip.
The family is planning a gathering to celebrate of Jim’s life next summer.
Nancy Fay Andrews
Nancy Fay Andrews, age 81, of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at the funeral home.
Nancy was born in Maple Rapids, MI on January 29, 1939, the daughter of Raymond and Marjorie L. (Smith) Rumsey. Nancy graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1957. Nancy married Richard Russell “Dick” Andrews on February 24, 1957, in Maple Rapids, MI; Richard passed away on February 17, 2018.
Nancy worked at the Wheel Inn for many years, known for her cinnamon rolls, macaroni and cheese, and Baklava. She was well known for being a wonderful cook and baker; always willing to contribute food to her community when it was needed. Nancy always had a glass half full attitude, could see the silver lining in any situation and reminded us to be thankful for what we have. She enjoyed reading, “supporting” QVC, watching the Detroit Tigers and U of M football (Go Blue!), and her cats. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.
She is survived by 5 sons: Mark Andrews of Houston, TX, Marlin Andrews of Grand Blanc, MI, Matthew Andrews of Muskegon, MI, Michael and Tiffanie Andrews of Perrinton, MI, Mitchell and Danell Andrews of Perrinton, MI; grandchildren: Heather and Jason Werlinger, Kodie and Betsy Hall, Eric and Jarrae Arrington, Thomas Arrington, Matthew Arrington, Carl Harbinski, Austin Pierce, Ashlee Andrews, Zachary Andrews and Sydney Andrews; 12 great grandchildren; and her beloved cats: Carmal and Molly. She is also survived by her twin brother Nelson Rumsey of Perrinton, MI, sister Mary Andrews of Perrinton, MI, brother Loren and Ruth Rumsey of Bradenton, FL, and sister Donna and Max Loudenbeck of St. Johns, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard “Dick” Andrews, daughter-in-law Angela Andrews, and sisters: Eulah Blemaster and Ruth Wesner.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.