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David William Masarik
David William Masarik, a resident of St. Johns, died on March 17, 2021 at the age of 62.
David was born in Lansing on March 31, 1958, the son of Rudolph William Masarik III and Florence “Skip” Agler Masarik and grew up in St. Johns. Following graduation from St. Johns High School, he served his country in the U.S. Army. When he returned from service, he began his long career with General Motors which began with Fisher Body in Lansing and ended with his retirement from Delta Township in 2009.
On January 4, 1980 he wed Beverly Langham with whom he’d been friends since childhood. Dave enjoyed fishing, hunting with his father-in-law and son-in-law, and target shooting with his grandsons of whom he was very proud. For Dave, no one was a stranger and he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He always treated others with kindness, was selfless, always put others first, and he will be dearly missed by all who were touched by his presence. In the words of Dave, “all great things must come to an end.”
He is survived by Beverly, his beloved wife of over forty-one years; his daughter, Angel (Rob) Ralph; grandchildren, Michael Cochran (Chelsey Ouzts), Dylan William (Kylie) Masarik-Ralph, Austin Robert Ralph, Justin Owen Ralph, Cameron David Ralph; great grandchildren, Scarlett, Mady, and Spencer; siblings, Robin (the late Fred) Moore, Cathy Masarik, and James (Tereasa) Masarik; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda Masarik, Ronda Masarik, Becky (Ernest) Aughenbaugh Sr., Bonnie, (Rodney) Hale, Dail Langham, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own. He was preceded in death by siblings, Craig Masarik, Rudy Masarik IV; in-laws, Charles Richard “Dick” and Irene Langham, and brother-in-law, Chuck Langham.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Friday, March 19, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 20, at 10 AM with Pastor Ben McBride officiating.
Due to Covid 19 precautions and limitations, Saturday’s funeral ceremony may be viewed from the McGeehan Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/McGeehanFuneralHomes
Mark N. White
Mark N. White, age 60, of Phoenix Arizona passed away January 31, 2021.
Mark was born in Ann Arbor, MI on September 23, 1960. He graduated from St. Johns High school and continued to receive an associate degree from Michigan State University. Mark spent many years working a career in agricultural management.
Mark was a devoted U of M sports fan (Go Blue) and enjoyed spending many Michigan summers at the family cottage on Higgins Lake. Additional passions included being outdoors, golfing with friends, riding his motorcycle and gardening.
Mark is survived by his three children Nikki White, Brianna (Brandon) Bommarito and Desmond White and three grandchildren Aidan, Austin and granddaughter on the way. Mark is also survived by his brother Brandon (Sue) White, sister Michelle (Tom) Kuras and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Brandon White and mother Annette White.
Due to current Covid-19 restrictions a traditional memorial service will not be held. The family is hoping to hold a celebration of life gathering for friends and family at a later day.
Donald Earl Maynard
Donald Earl Maynard, age 79, of East Lansing, MI passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021. Donald was born September 19, 1941 in Detroit, MI to Earl and Elsa (Froh) Maynard. Don graduated from East Lansing High School in 1960, Trade School in East Lansing and attended Lansing Community College.
From his 1st fruit stand on the side of the road at age 6 to his successful manufacturing and property development companies today, Don was a true entrepreneur. His first business at age 14 was pest control; ‘Mosquitoes and Flies-We Specialize:. He continued to help his father with Maynard’s Farm Market as he started Maynard’s Sodding and Grading Company. After 20 years he was mentored by William Brittian and became plant manager at Burcham Products in Williamston, MI. This introduction to plastics created Don’s passion for the plastic industry. Don introduced screenless granulation to the US, changing the way we handle scrap in the manufacturing process today. Don was a member of The Plastics Industry Association and The Society of Plastics Engineers as well as many business associations.
He contributed to the writing of the ANSI standards for granulators. He holds many patents derived from his ability to look at a need and devise a method to fulfill that need. His company remained an essential business through COVID as he manufactured supplies for medical needs. As the city began to grow, he turned some of his farm land into an office park. Don was a Missouri Synod Lutheran affiliated with St. Peter Lutheran Church in Riley Twp. and Ascension Lutheran Church in East Lansing.
Don served in the Michigan National Guard with an honorable discharge. Don’s passion was his hands on approach to mentoring young people in the plastics industry. He also enjoyed his hobbies of classic cars and drag racing.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 54 years, Janet (Blaauw) Maynard; daughter and son-in-law, Erika and Thomas Stroh; and grandson, Alexander Gabriel Stroh. Don is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Earl Don Maynard and Emil Louis Maynard.
A visitation will take place on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823 from 3-6. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran, 2780 Haslett Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823., with limited seating related to COVID. Don will join his sons at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to, The Plastic and Rubber Engineering and Technology program at Ferris State University at The Ferris Foundation, 420 Oak Street, PRK 101, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or www.ferris.edu/giving. Contributions will be used for mentoring future students, with hands on plastic education. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Maynard family.
Margene “Marge” Sillman
Margene “Marge” Sillman, age 81, of Shelby, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, March 11, 2021. Marge was born April 23, 1939 in St. Johns, Michigan to Gerhart and Marie (Whitt) Martens.
She was raised in St. Johns and married Keith Sillman on November 23, 1957. They lived in Fowler before moving to Montague, and eventually settling in New Era. Keith passed away in 2009. Marge resided in Shelby the past six years.
Marge was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing bingo, trips to the casino, reading and puzzles. She was an avid Detroit Tiger fan, enjoyed golf and following M.S.U. and U. of M. sports. Marge loved to go to her grandchildren’s activities and supported Shelby High School sports and the marching band.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Jerry) Foster, Jenny (John) Cornfield, Mark Sillman, and Mike (Vonda) Sillman; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and her brother, LeRoy Martens. Besides her husband, Marge was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Jason Foster, infant sister, Joyce, and sister, Norma Jolley.
A public visitation will be held Thursday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby. A private family funeral service will be conducted at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Era due to COVID-19 precautions. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Please consider The Ladder Community Center, 67 N. State Street, Shelby, MI 49455.
Frederick Claude Moore, Sr.
Frederick Claude “Fred” Moore, Sr., age 70, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Sparrow Health Systems Sparrow Campus, Lansing, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 with Rev. Jim Pearl officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 3-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Frederick was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 19, 1950, the son of Claude Pinkney and Margaret Jean (Ernst) Moore. On March 15, 1975 he married Robin Elaine Masarik at St. Johns, Michigan. Fred worked for General Motors in Lansing, Michigan for 29 years retiring in 2005. He enjoyed gardening and feeding birds. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife Robin Moore of St. Johns, MI, 3 children: Frederick Claude Jr. and Jennifer Moore of St. Johns, MI, Michael Moore, of St. Johns, MI and Mandi Moore and Al Moran Martinez, of St. Johns, MI; his mother Margaret Moore, St. Johns, MI, his dog Beau and grand-dog Moana. He was predeceased by his father, Claude and grandfather, Alfred Ernst.
Memorials may be made to the Donors Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Edgar Merle Conley
Edgar Merle Conley, age 93, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, March 12, 2021, at his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021, 2-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel. A vigil service will be on Monday evening at 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Edgar was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 3, 1927, the son of Harry and Jessie (Payne) Conley. He graduated from Rodney B. High School with the class of 1945. He married Marie Marcella Braun on June 22, 1949 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, Michigan. She passed away on February 25, 2004. They were blessed with 55 years of marriage prior to her passing.
Edgar worked for Oldsmobile in Lansing for 33 years retiring in 1980. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, woodworking. His grandchildren were very important to him. One of his favorite things was going to Dershey’s Cafe playing cards and on his way home he would enjoy his daily drive-by. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He is survived by his children: Deborah and Richard Irrer of Okemos, MI, Cheryl Heibeck of St. Johns, MI, Rebecca Woodhams of St. Johns, MI, James and Carol Fredrickson Conley of Auburn, CA, Kurt and Connie Conley of St. Johns, MI, and Kevin and Sharon Conley of St. Johns, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Scott (Colleen), Sterling (Kalena) and Sean (Rebecca) Heibeck, Michael (Lisa), Dana (Kristin) Irrer, Matthew (Liz) Woodhams, Charron (Dave), Mason (Sam) Conley, Jessica (Jason), Nathan (Kate) Conley, Jordan (Vicari), Dustin (Franny), and Austen (Kirsten) Conley and 27 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, 2 sisters Pauline Conley and Arlene Smith.
Memorials may be made to Parkinson Foundation or Your local Hospice Program. The family would like to thank Edgar’s caregivers: Kim Makara and Jennifer Murdock. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Joseph Clement Pung
Joseph Clement Pung, age 86, of Fowler, MI, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Monday, March 15, 2021 with a Rosary Service at 7 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. Those unable to attend may watch the mass on the Smith Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.
Joseph was born in Fowler, Michigan on April 16, 1934, the son Harold and Anna (Schneider) Pung. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army 1954-1956. He resided all of his life in Fowler.
On August 28, 1957, Joseph married Genevieve Simon in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westphalia, MI. They were blessed with nearly 60 years of marriage, prior to Genevieve’s passing away on April 23, 2017. They were active members of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church where Joseph was an usher for many years.
Joseph was a proud farmer and hauled milk for Simon Brothers for over 20 years. He enjoyed playing cards, horseshoes and lawn jarts. He liked to watch sports on TV, especially the Tigers. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Joseph always took great pride in his lawn and crops. More than anything else, he loved his family and spending time with them.
Joseph is survived by 6 children: Duane (Deb) Pung of St. Johns, Marilyn Pung and Steve Westcott of Lansing, Dan (Cynthia) Pung of St. Johns, Jim (Lisa) Pung of Grand Ledge, Denise Fox of Perrysburg, OH, and Glenn (Rachelle) Pung of Fowler; 25 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 12 siblings: Adeline Martin, Agatha (Lee) Lyon, Virginia Thelen, Clare (Eunice) Pung, Richard (Mary Ellen) Pung, Carol Simon, Joan (Ted) Simon, Margaret (Eugene) Schafer, Kenneth Pung, Eunice (Joe) Arens, Ralph (Susan) Pung, and Ed (Linda) Pung; sister-in-law Sharon Pung, and many nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Genevieve, daughter Donna White, and one brother Roy Pung.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Donald A. Herrington
Donald A. Herrington, 71, of St. Johns, a former resident of Lansing and a native of Toledo, Ohio, died peacefully at home on Friday, March 12, 2021 after a long, valiant battle with Melanoma.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly thirty seven years, Gloria (nee. Wyrick) Herrington; son, Matthew Herrington; daughter, Katie (Coby) Mizrahi; granddaughters, Cassie and Colleen; brother, Dick (Sue) Herrington; sister, Carol (Jim) Moomaw, as well as many extended family members, all of his favorite nieces and nephews, dear friends and his canine companion, Smokey.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held in June.
For further information, visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.