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Barbara Jean Rewerts

Barbara Jean Rewerts, age 76, of Ovid, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ovid, MI, on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Robert C. Bacik officiating. For those unable to attend, visit Smith Family Funeral Homes Facebook page to view the service live stream. Burial will take place at Middlebury Township Cemetery, Ovid, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI. Rosary will be prayed on Thursday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Barbara was born in St. Johns, MI on August 9, 1944, the daughter of Lawerence and Irene (Ley) Henning.

Barb worked as a cook and waitress at the Hitching Post, Main Street Cafe, Mary’s Country Kitchen, the Bannister Bar and Ovid Cafe for many years. She enjoyed baking, puzzles, doing crossword puzzles and collecting angel figurines. She loved time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barb was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Ovid, MI.

She is survived by son Gerald Rewerts and fiancée Jennifer Newman-Bustamante of St. Johns, MI, son Randee and Tanya Rewerts of St. Johns, MI, daughter Ginger and Larry Kusnier of Ovid, MI; grandchildren: Tara (Josh) Rose, Ethan Fair, Taylor Rewerts, Kaitlyn Kusnier, Toree Rewerts, Courtney Kusnier, Collin Rewerts, Jamie Rewerts, and Alexis Kusnier; 3 great-grandchildren: Sophia, Adalynn, and Connor Rose; brother Gale and Donna Henning of St. Johns, MI; sister-in-law Karen Henning of St. Johns, MI; brothers-in-law: Leonard Mitchell of Ovid, MI, Don LePard of Ovid, MI; sisters-in-law: Sandra and Paul Thompson of Charlotte, NC, and Pat Rewerts of St. Johns, MI; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Dale (Mary Beth) Henning, Richard Henning, Gerald Henning, sisters: Bernice Mitchell, Joyce (Kenneth) Russell, Madonna LePard, and Beverly Henning. She was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law: Bill Rewerts, Norm (Rosie) Rewerts, Jerry Rewerts, Ron (Delores) Rewerts, Tommy Rewerts, Dick (Sandy) Rewerts, and Carol Martinez.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.


Carol A. Thelen

Carol A. Thelen died Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 76. She was born September 21, 1944 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Earl and Helen (Miller) Frechen. Carol was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler and loved spending time with her family. Carol has been in retail sales most of her life. She started as a child with her father’s business, Frechen’s Market in Fowler to the Julie K Shop, the Body Shop and Becker’s Bridal. On November 19, 1966 she married Gerald Thelen and he survives her.

Also surviving are her three children, Connie (Richard) LaFontaine of Midland, James Thelen and Michelle (Terry) Smith all of Fowler; five grandchildren, Donald (Kendra) Weishuhn Jr., Joseph, Katherine, Rebecca and Nicholas Smith; one great granddaughter, Eliza Weishuhn; three sisters, Bernice Robison, Sharon (Clifford) Brown and JoAnn (Larry) Irrer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Chuck Trierweiler, Kay Frechen, Barb Thelen, Neil and Fran Thelen and Pam Thelen and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Richard Frechen, sisters, Jean Trierweiler and Patty Schafer and brothers and sisters-in-law, Don Robison, LeRoy Schafer, Elden Thelen, Ronald and Betty Thelen, Keith Thelen, Denny Thelen, and Bud and Shirley Pardee.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions the family has chosen to have a private funeral service for Carol. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of donor’s choice. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.


Lucille M. Paine

Lucille M. Paine passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the age of 96. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born in Maple Rapids, MI on January 17, 1924, the daughter of Gerald and Bertha (Roberts) Abbott. She was the heart of her home and the family farm, a devoted member of the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church and a life member of the Order of Eastern Star.

She married Maurice Judd Paine on March 27, 1944 and is survived by their three children, Marilyn (Chuck) Brookes, Diane (Bob) Dillon and Tom Paine, 11 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren, Ryan (Stacy) Brookes (Jackson and Michael), Jen (Dave) Macartney (Emma and Lily), Rob(Kristy) Dillon (AJ and Brady), Krista (Jesse) Schopmeyer (Owen and Hannah), Effie Paine (Cristian), Josh (Tara) Paine (Anabel and Avrie), Jessica Schatz (Kylie and Tayten), Michael Paine, MariLynn Paine, Rebekah (Chris) Jansen (Maxwell), Jonathan (Emily) Paine (Christopher) and her brother Richard Abbott and sister-in-law Marje Abbott, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Private Graveside Service at the Payne Cemetery and a Celebration of Life to be held at a later time.

Memorials may be made to Brightside Assisted Living 2388 Robinson Road. Jackson, MI 49203. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.


Evelyn V. Lilleberg

Evelyn V. Lilleberg died Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the age of 99. She was born June 12, 1921 in Los Angeles, CA the daughter of Joaquin and Gertrude (Farris) Alves. During her working career Evelyn worked as a hostess at several restaurants in the San Francisco area. She came to Michigan in 2007 to be closer to family as her health was declining.

Surviving are two daughters, Judith Shockey of St. Johns and Elizabeth Estavanko of Florida and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sons-in-law, Ronald Shockey and Stephen Estavanko.

Following Evelyn’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.


Roy E. Quick

Roy E. Quick died Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the age of 63. He was born March 2, 1957 in St. Johns, MI the son of James and Dorothy (Parks) Quick. Roy was a graduate of St. Johns High School, Class of 1975. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, enjoyed fishing and was a talented woodworker. During his working career he was a self employed carpenter.

Surviving are his parents, Jim and Dorothy Quick; three sisters, Kathy (John) Harmon, Bonnie (Jeff) Hettler and Dianne Toth (Jesse Case) and a grandson, Dylan. He was preceded in death by his son, Brandon, nephew, Jim Harmon and brother-in-law, Tim Toth.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions the family has decided to have private services. Memorials may be made to Peter’s Sunny Day Foundation 12741 Ospreys Way DeWitt, MI 48820 www.peterssunnyday.com. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.


Jeffery Alan Snater

Jeffery Alan Snater, age 63, of St. Johns, MI, passed away after a short illness (not COVID related) on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.

In following Jeff’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Jeff was born in St. Johns, MI on September 22, 1957, the son of Arthur and Julaine (Droste) Snater. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1975. After graduation he was hired by Federal Mogul where he worked for nearly 30 years.

On January 13, 1979, Jeff married Linda Fay Gilbert at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns. She preceded him in death on January 31, 2018 after 39 years of marriage.

After Linda’s death, Jeff’s relationship with his daughter became his life. He and Amber did everything together and she became the integral support that he needed. Amber sacrificially cared for her dad and considered it an honor to do so.

Jeff loved rocking on his front porch with his family, friends, and puppies. He enjoyed cooking and baking with his daughter. He was always willing to help others and went out of his way to provide for their needs. After his illness 9 years ago, Jeff had a greater appreciation for living life and loving others that will be his legacy for all who knew and loved him.

Jeff is survived by his daughter Amber Snater, his puppies: Tyke Lee and Molly Mae; son Arthur Snater, father-in-law Gerald Gilbert, mother-in-law Nancy Morgret, siblings: Julie (Kevin) Garvey, John (DeeDee) Snater, Janice (Bill) Wing, Jerry (Rose) Snater, and Jody (Kendra) Snater; Linda’s siblings: Deb (Ken Bradley) Loudenbeck, Donna (Jim) Beaudrie, Laurie (Mick) Becker, and Glenn (Shannon) Gilbert; and many nieces and nephews. Jeff is also survived by many close friends: Mike Baatz, “Cousin Jimmy” (Angie) Howard, Jim Falor, Steve (Karen) Henning, Gary (Bernadette) Slamka, Mikey Price, Charlie (Natalie) Thelen, and John Thelen. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, wife Linda, mother-in-law Jean Gilbert, and niece Krista Garvey.

The family would like to thank “Nurse Pam” and all of Jeff’s caregivers for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Smith Family Funeral Homes to help with Jeff’s funeral expenses. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.


Walter Allen Zischke

Walter Allen Zischke passed away on November 24, 2020 at age 73. Walter was born in Keokuk, Iowa on August 15, 1947, son of Alton and Elnora (Raab) Zischke. He received a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources from Michigan State University. He worked as a Transportation Planner for over 30 years with the Michigan Department of Transportation in Lansing. His major hobbies included photography, which was primarily of scenes in nature, mountains, water, wild life. His second hobby was his love of cars. Auto shows were his favorite pastime. He attended these whenever he could, all over the country.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Judith (Chapman) Zischke, brother Lester Zischke, sister Julia (Zischke) Beyerle, numerous Raab and Zischke cousins, and three grandsons: Alexander, Nathan and Nicholas Mitchell. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, plus numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of his family.

A Virtual Funeral Memorial will be held on-line with Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel.


Mark D. Cornell

Mark D. Cornell age 65 passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 after suffering with Pancreatic Cancer. Mark was born on October 19, 1955 in St. Johns, the son of Keith H. and Carol J. (Munro) Cornell. He graduated from St. Johns High School. He worked as a trainer and designer during his many years as a machinist. Mark was a huge Michigan football fan, loved hunting, fishing, camping, swimming, and playing cards. Mark delighted in spending time with his family and friends! He was generous in sharing his talents and passions. Most important to Mark was his desire to have time with his children and grandchildren.

Mark is survived by his mother, Carol Cornell of St. Johns, children, Kelly S. (Irl) Lutz of Ovid, Mark A. Cornell of Elsie, Heather M. (Justin) Eldridge of Holt and Shelly L. (Jeff) Neifert of Zeeland; grandchildren, Lyndon Lutz, Brendan Eldridge, Kadrian Neifert, Aidan Lutz, Mallori Eldridge and Riley Cornell. Mark has two sisters, Constance (Kirk) Deatrick of St. Johns and Suzanne (Patrick) Palmer of Texas and one brother Keith (Michelle) Cornell of St. Johns. Mark is preceded in death by his father Keith H. Cornell.

His wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date due to the Covid pandemic. Memorials may be given to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 1009 S. US 27, St. Johns, MI 48879.

Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.


Frances E. Halfman

Frances E. Halfman, age 85, of Fowler, MI, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, at the Laurels of Fulton, Perrinton, MI.

A Graveside Service will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Fowler MI, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Bill Koenigsknecht officiating.

Frances was born in Fowler, MI on March 9, 1935, the daughter of Isadore N. and Alma C. (Bower) Halfman. Frances was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Fowler, MI.

Memorials may be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Educational Trust Fund, Fowler, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.