.
.
Dennis A J Phillips
Dennis A J Phillips died on 3 November 2021 at age 80, the result of injuries received in an automobile accident. Dennis A J Phillips was born in St Johns, Michigan on 20 October 1941, the son of Parmer R and Mary E (Wright) Phillips. Dennis grew up on the family farm and orchard in Fulton Township, Gratiot County Michigan and attended the one-room County Line school and the East Essex Elementary school, of which he was in the first 8th grade graduating class from the new school. He then attended Rodney B Wilson High School in St Johns, where he participated in track, baseball and basketball, graduating in 1960.
Following graduation, he attended University of Michigan for one year and then returned to the farm & orchard. He took additional classes at Michigan State University, including a Horticulture short course, and was a participant in the Kellogg Farmers Study Program, Group II through MSU. On 30 June 1962 he married Gayla Johnson, who survives him.
He enjoyed working in the woods and in the orchard with the trees. Dennis was the fifth generation of Phillips’ to operate the family farm and orchard. He considered himself blessed to be part of over 50 apple harvests. He figured he had planted over 30,000 trees in his lifetime with over 20,000 still going strong. He went into partnership with his father at the family orchard and in 1965 they expanded and built Centennial Farm Market in Dewitt, which he managed until 1973. He then took over management of the orchard as his father retired.
Also surviving are their three children, Deborah (Jeffrey) Swears; Brian Phillips (Gregg Smyth) and Steven (Susan Hoffman) Phillips; Grandchildren Jordan (Sarah Tomaszewski) Swears, Gregory (Jamie Jagodzinski) Swears, and Katherine (Eric) Winer. Great grandchildren: River Swears, Brooklyn, Theodore, and Addison Swears and Fitzgerald, Beckett, and Josephine Winer, five step-grandchildren, thirteen step-great grandchildren, Sister Priscilla (Pepper) Fox, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Parmer and Mary (Wright) Phillips and a sister, Kathleen Phillips.
A memorial service will be held at the Pilgrim United Methodist Church at 2965 W. Parks Road, St. Johns, MI. 48879 on Saturday, November 6, 2021 with visitation from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with service at 12:00 p.m. Private burial with the immediate family will be at the Union Home Cemetery. The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Gary Alan Taylor
Gary Alan Taylor, a resident of Eureka, died on November 1, 2021 after suffering injuries in an automobile accident.
Born on March 24, 1953, the son of Richard and Shirley Lou (Gardner) Taylor, Gary grew up in St. Johns where he was a 1971 graduate of St. Johns High School. He was drafted to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. Following his service time he returned to GM Trade School and went on to work for many years as a tool grinder with General Motors, and later with Terry Sehlke and Olympia Tool in St. Johns. Gary was a gifted artist and created portraits and political cartoons for the Lansing State Journal. He was great with caricatures as well and enjoyed creating them for people he met. He never met a stranger.
Gary’s home was always open for friends and family, for a beer and laughs. He had a great sense of humor and had a story for everything. He was easy-going, and was a peacemaker, always equipped with a solution. For his grandchildren, he was a fishing buddy, “grandpa fix-it”, and a great teacher and role model.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Taylor and Heather Thoma and their mother, Mary Taylor; grandsons, Jaycob Taylor and Owen Thoma; brother, Ric Taylor; sister, Penny Lynn Pitts; nieces, AmyJo Duckett and Jessica Pitts; nephews, Jamie Terpening, Ben Taylor, Joshua Pitts and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard D. Taylor and Shirley Lou Gardner and a brother, Michael Taylor.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns on Monday, November 8, at 11 AM. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday, November 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.
Linda Kay Desprez
Linda Kay Desprez, a longtime resident of St. Johns, died peacefully on November 2, 2021 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor. She was 84 years old.
Linda was born on April 21, 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Jack and Jean (Burrell) Neville. She graduated in the St. Johns High School class of 1955 and met her high school sweetheart, Jack Desprez. The young couple married on September 21, 1956, made their home in St. Johns and raised three children. Linda was devoted to her family and was ever present in her children’s lives. She never missed a sport or activity and was proud of their accomplishments. She was an avid reader, loved her cats and was a huge sports fan; She especially enjoyed watching the Tigers and Spartans. Linda’s favorite places to travel were Hawaii and New York. She was kind and social and could talk to anyone.
She will be missed by many, especially her daughter, Denise (William) Nielsen; her sons, Paul Desprez and Steve (Carole) Desprez; grandchildren, Zachary and Luke Desprez and their mother, Mary Jo Desprez, Megann (Cameron) Brandy, Nathan (Julia) Nielsen, Tyler (Montana) Desprez, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Desprez and sister, Nova Palmer.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 3-7 PM, with a Memorial Service at 4 PM. Burial of ashes will take place at South Bingham Cemetery on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 11 AM.
Robert Wayne Worthington
Robert Wayne Worthington of St. Johns, Michigan passed away at the age of 90 on November 2, 2021. Bob was born on October 25, 1931 in Okemos, Michigan, the son of Spencer and Margaret (Cornell) Worthington. Bob served in the Navy from January 1951 to November 1954 as Engineer Third Class on the USS Beltrami under Herbert H. Hoover.
Bob was married to Joyce Ewing on March 21, 1953 in Lansing, Michigan. She preceded him in death on October 20, 2021. He worked at John Bean factory for many years before becoming a builder. He owned his own contracting business and traveled all over the state building and remodeling houses. Joyce and Bob loved to travel to Alaska, Florida and around the United States.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in St. Johns, Michigan where he loved to make rocking chairs for all the new moms in the church. He and Joyce built their forever home in St. Johns in 1974 and later built their daughter’s home in 1979. Following his retirement, he worked for several years at Kurt’s Appliance remodeling and building kitchens. Bob is survived by his daughter, Melode (Sam) Staley; grandsons, Rob Staley, Jeff Staley, Marc (Theresa) Staley; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Logan, Jeff and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his grandson Kevin as well as a brother James and sisters Eunice and Mildred.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Saturday, November 6, at 11:30 AM with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Friends may gather from 10AM until the time of service. Memorials may be made in his name to the First Baptist Church of St. Johns.
James F. Cleaver
James F. Cleaver, a long time resident of St. Johns and beloved teacher and coach, died on October 30, 2021 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 78 years old.
Born on February 14, 1943, the son of William Cleaver and Catherine (Losie) Cleaver, Jim grew up in Port Huron where he was a graduate of St. Stephens High School. He later studied at Central Michigan University where he earned his Master’s Degree. On June 10, 1965 he married Sue Ann Boddy and they were blessed with three wonderful sons.
Jim’s passions were coaching, teaching, hunting and his family. He began his teaching career in Lakeview, Deckerville and Alpena before moving to St. Johns in 1972. In St. Johns he taught Wood Shop and coached wrestling and football for over thirty-five years before his retirement in 2001. He proudly competed with his St. Johns wood shop students in the Vocational Industrial Club of America (VICA) for many years. At home he and Sue enjoyed raising beagles and training them for rabbit hunting. In recent years they wintered in Florida and Jim enjoyed opportunities to golf. Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.
In addition to Sue, his beloved wife of over fifty-six years, he is survived by sons, William (the late Jennifer) Cleaver, Tim (Christine) Cleaver, and Ryan (Stephanie) Cleaver; grandchildren, Alex Cleaver (fiance Savanna), Holly Cleaver, Austin Cleaver (fiance Cassie), Jamison Cleaver, and Jacob and Nathan Cleaver; sister, Kay Blanchard; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Phillip) Heller and Elizabeth (Joe) Reardon, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Monday, November 1, from 2-8 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St., St. Johns, on Tuesday, November 2, at 11 AM.
Fenna Dorothy VanderWoude
Fenna Dorothy VanderWoude, beloved baby of Todd and Andrea, was stillborn on October 28, 2021. She leaves siblings, Sophia, Elijah, Zoey, and Kaiya and grandparents, James and Linda Vander Woude and Edward and Susan Szymas.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, November 4, from 1 PM – 2 PM. A Graveside Ceremony will follow.
Margaret Pauline Thelen
Margaret Pauline Thelen, St. Johns, died October 28, 2021 at the age of 99. She was born October 4, 1922 in Clinton County to Joseph and Elizabeth (Spitzley) Fedewa. She helped her family work their Riley Township farm by hoeing peppermint fields and doing household chores. She grew up during the Great Depression and between two world wars, learning how to get by with little and the importance of family and faith in God.
She was 19 when the U.S. entered World War II. Her future husband Clair L. Thelen returned from World War II after serving in the Philippines in the Navy and they married June 19, 1946 in Westphalia. They began their married life together on what is now a Centennial Farm near Fowler and raised eight children.
Margaret was dedicated to her church, community and family. She was active in Most Holy Trinity Church in Fowler as a member of Christian Mothers and Daughters of Isabella. She became an Amway distributor in 1964 in Amway’s early years and was often recognized for reaching sales goals. In the 1970s, she started a Sunday School program that reached hundreds of children. She applied her sewing skills to organize quilting bees for quilt raffles that raised funds for Hazel Findlay. She also volunteered for years at St. Vincent De Paul Society in St. Johns. Margaret loved being around family and friends — gathering with them to play cards, laugh, talk and enjoy a home-cooked meal. She also enjoyed meeting people and making new friends and often organized entertainment for their Florida trailer park visitors.
Surviving her are five daughters, Mary Jane (Duane) Boak of St. Johns, Joanne (James) Olin of Okemos, Rosanne (Gerard) Davis of Fowler, Geralyn (Jordan) Bajis of Fort Collins CO, Therese (Jim) deSpelder of Lansing; three sons, Patrick (Katherine) of Grand Rapids, Nicholas Leo of Fowler and Chris (Joanne) of Frankfort MI; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; Sister Joanne Fedewa of Chicago IL and one brother Fr. Matthew Fedewa of DeWitt. She was preceded in death by husband Clair after 63 years of marriage; infant son Gerard (1963); great granddaughter, Faith Davis; brothers, Leo Fedewa, Jim Fedewa, Joseph Fedewa and Msg. Sylvester Fedewa; sisters, Bernita Vitek, Mary Smith, Odelia Thelen, and Catherine VanAcker.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden, St. Johns, on Thursday, November 4, at 11 AM with Rev. Fr. Fred Thelen and Rev. Fr. Michael Williams as Con-Celebrants. Rite of Committal will follow at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler. The family will receive relatives and friends at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, St. Johns, on Wednesday, November 3, from 2-8PM with a vigil service at 7 PM. Memorials may be made in her name to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Rosewood AFC in DeWitt, or to Hazel Findlay in St. Johns. For further information please phone 989-224-4422.
The Thelen family would ask that masks be worn for those in attendance at the visitation and funeral mass.
Karen Tomczyk
Karen Tomczyk, of St. Johns, died peacefully at home on Monday, October 25, 2021, surrounded by her family.
Karen was born on February 25, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest child born to Bob and Betty (Fox) Dailey. Following graduation from Pershing High School, Karen studied medical transcription at Lansing Community College and enjoyed a twenty-year career at Clinton Memorial Hospital.
Karen and James Tomczyk met through mutual friends and were married on April 27, 1984. They made their home in St. Johns and proudly raised three sons, Jim, Kyle and Zac. Karen was very active with her sons and supported their endeavors with scouts, baseball, theater, soccer and loved them unconditionally. In recent years, she adored spending time with her grandchildren. Karen was kind, easy-going and maintained a positive attitude, even through life’s many challenges, and was the rock in her family. She enjoyed (planting, watching, growing, and talking to) her flowers and spent a lot of time watching and catering to the birds and wildlife in their yard.
She will be missed by many, especially her beloved husband of 37 years, James “Spirit” Tomczyk; her sons, Jim (Katie), Kyle (Ashley) and Zac (Brandon); grandchildren, Annabelle, Rumi and one on the way; brother, Bob (Karen) Dailey; brother-in-laws, Joe (Madelyn “Archi”) Tomczyk, Dave (Mary) Tomczyk and the late Patricia (Carl) Piechocki; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Betty (Fox) Dailey and brother, Doug.
A Memorial Service will be held in the future. The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in Karen’s name to Be The Match: