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Michael F. LaBar
Michael F. LaBar, 73, of St Johns MI passed away December 20, 2021 at Sparrow Hospital surrounded by family. Michael was born on August 31, 1948 to Cecil and Dorothy LaBar. Michael served in the United States Navy for 4 years. Michael was a very hard worker and his last job at Dean Transportation was his favorite because he was working with kids.
He was survived by wife Belinda LaBar, children Scott LaBar (Kim), Courtney Sickles (Zack), Todd LaBar, and step-daughter Mamie Pearce (Adam), as well as grandchildren Melissa, Tony, Courtney, Megan, Michael, Kadence, Trill, Pearl, Hayes, and Bella as well as 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by father Cecil, mother Dorothy, sisters Lois Anderson, Becky Daley, Florence Kay LaBar, and wife Donna LaBar.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday January 8, 2022 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in St Johns. Donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association.
Karen Lee Schultz
Karen Lee Schultz, a longtime resident of Ovid, Michigan, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on December 22, 2021 at the age of 73.
Karen was born in Concord, New Hampshire, on April 22, 1948 the daughter of Thomas Franklin Carter and Barbara June (Moy) Carter and grew up in Concord. The family later moved to St. Johns, Michigan where she was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School. She married the love of her life, Roger Schultz, on January 7, 1967 and were blessed with two children. She and Roger made their home in Ovid for many years and enjoyed fellowship with Lowe United Methodist Church.
Throughout her life Karen loved shopping, bowling, softball, playing cards and trips to the casinos. But most important to her was her family. She loved them dearly and relished opportunities to get them together, plan family gatherings throughout the year, and watch her family grow with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by them all.
She is survived by Roger, her beloved husband of nearly fifty-five years; her daughter, Tammy (Don) Hartman; her son, Mathew (Maria) Schultz; grandchildren, Lynden (Lyle) Perrien, Brett Ehrlich (Lindsay Wildwerding), Darcie Schultz, Gracie Schultz, Laura and Leah Hartman; great grandchildren, Damon and Colt Perrien, and Owen Roger Ehrlich; siblings, Thomas (Karen) Carter, Jr., Kitty (Keith) Beard, Claire Carter, and Richard (Kelly) Carter; sister-in-law, Janet (Bill) Good; brothers-in-law, Gary Lawrence and Allan (Sharon) Lawrence, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Monday, December 27, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 28, at 11AM with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating.
Memorials may be made in her name to Hospice of Shiawassee County.
Robert Gale Blemaster
Robert “Bob” Gale Blemaster, a resident of Ovid, died peacefully on December 21, 2021. He was 73 years old.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Blemaster; children, Ernie (Tracey) Bannister and Paul (Ronda) Bannister, Robin (David Malenfant) Blemaster and Bobbie (Chris Orweller) Blemaster; grandchildren, Nichole, Samantha, Brittany, Jacob, Destony, Paula, Thomas, Dylan, Heather, Kaytie, Jasmine and Ethan; numerous great-grandchildren; as well as brothers, sisters, extended family member and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Joyce Blemaster; brother, Karl and sister, Sandy Hall.
Bob was born on April 16, 1948 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, the oldest of nine children raised by Gale and Joyce Blemaster. Following high school, Bob enlisted with the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during Vietnam.
From a young age, as he learned alongside his father, it was evident that Bob was mechanically inclined. When he returned from his service time in the U.S. Army, Bob began his long career as an honest, gifted, and knowledgeable backyard mechanic. He worked for the City of St. Johns, Ford, CarQuest, Sundance and in his own garage, which became a popular weekend hangout space.
Bob and Carolyn’s lives were always meant to intersect; beginning with Carolyn’s frequent stops to a gas station where he worked, to Bob later finding Carolyn at a restaurant in Maple Rapids where she was waitressing. Bob embraced Carolyn and her two young sons, and after a brief courtship they eloped to Florida and were married on October 1, 1976. The young family eventually made their home in Ovid and together raised Ernie, Paul, Robin, and Bobbie.
Bob loved hunting and fishing, and especially looked forward to the yearly Father’s Day Catfish tournament in Maple Rapids with his family and friends. He was looking forward to hunting this year with his new rifle.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 11 AM. Burial Middlebury Township Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 4-8 PM and on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Wounded Warrior Project.
Shelley Kay Nabbefeld
Shelley Kay Nabbefeld, age 63, of Lansing, MI, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021, at her home.
Cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.
Shelley was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 15, 1958, the daughter of Louis and Judy (Rodney) Nabbefeld. She graduated from DeWitt High School.
Shelley loved jewelry and her cat Tinkerbell. She lived in Lansing on the Riverwalk and enjoyed spending time by the river feeding the ducks. She loved her grandchildren very much.
She is survived by son Kevin Smith of St. Johns, MI, sister Stasi Edwards of Laingsburg, MI, grandsons: Devin Smith and Parker Smith of all of St. Johns, MI, niece Megen and Jason Barrows of Perry, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Buck Nabbefeld.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Charles Arthur Wadell
Charles Arthur Wadell, born February 15, 1940 in St. Johns, Michigan went to the Lord Thursday, December 16, 2021. His pain and suffering from cancer has passed.
Charles graduated Elsie High School in 1957 while only 17 because he completed two grades together at the local one room schoolhouse. He loved to read and to learn. He was a well-educated man without the benefit of a college degree. Charles lived history; born just after the Great depression and into the time of the Nazi occupation. He experienced rationing during WWII. He remembered his mother taking eggs to market to sell, him churning butter, surviving on potatoes, no indoor plumbing, and their big work horses. As technology advanced to the Elsie area, the Wadell family had a neighborhood phone with which they relayed messages to neighbors. Charles lived when neighbors needed help, help would be there right away. He grew up when handshakes were honored and there was no such thing as boredom.
In his free time, Charles was an avid water skier and snow skier. He could ski off a dock and land gliding onto a beach without his hat flying off or trunks getting wet. Charles shot guns and arrows, though not really for hunting. He loved to go to the Grange Music Hall, taking his sister Janice. Although not a dancer, he loved polka and country music. Charles was active in Future Farmers of America and 4-H programs. He developed his carpentry skills by building his gun cabinet and a full-sized boat.
He would later use these skills as a carpenter in the Army and Air Force Reserves where he had to pick locked doors for military leaders. His favorite military assignment was at Selfridge Air Force base. In Georgia, he witnessed the injustice of separate drinking fountains.
On September 15, 1967 Charles married Gail Harte at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, MI. We found out the best conversations with Charles happened in the cab of a tractor. They had to happen there because he worked long hours. He did everything on the farm, milking, treating animals, harvesting crops, planting, cleaning barns, and birthing baby calves that came at any hour and in any weather. Charles was a 50+ year member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Charles even had a license to use dynamite and operate his HAM radio. He calmly figured out their first computer in the 1980s and the dreaded “A:” prompt. Charles loved his cows, the fields, the woods, his family, Jesus, and life.
Evidence of this was his staunch support of the Right to Life cause and his membership in the Knights of Columbus. He wanted everyone to have the chance God had given them. Charles loved to travel but especially enjoyed the ocean, alligators, and sunshine in Florida. He was a supporter of MSU, but cheered on whatever school his family was a part of. He loved to watch Michelle’s basketball and Jeff’s football games at St. Johns. Charles loved life. He rarely used the word “I” or spoke about himself. He gave others the credit and went back to work. He is dearly missed.
He is survived by Gail, his devoted wife of 54 years; his children: Douglas (Karie) Wadell, Jeffrey (Amy) Wadell, Michelle (James) Socha, and Melissa (Scott) Smith; his 8 grandchildren: Eric, Abigail, Noah, Kyle, Zachary, Megan, Malachi, and Annabelle;, his brother Lyle (Kathy) and sisters; Janice (David) Yallup and Betty (Mervin) Hallead. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law’s: Robert and Barb Harte, Bruce and Janice Harte, Barbara Harte, James and Ellen Harte, and Sheri and Stephen Willis, and his 26 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Mary Wadell, his sister and brother in-law, Marilyn and Don Clark, and his brother in-law Harley Aylor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Joseph Church Education Fund, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Leonard and June C. Williams
June C. Williams, age 57, died on November 26, 2021 and Leonard J. Williams, age 61, died on December 15, 2021. They were longtime residents of St. Johns, Michigan, and cherished members of Pilgrim United Methodist Church.
Leonard was born on December 9, 1960 in St. Johns, Michigan, one of nine children born to Howard and Eleanor (Spafford) Williams. Leonard worked as an insurance appraiser for over twenty years.
June was born on June 11, 1964 in Lansing, Michigan, one of 2 children born to Gerald and Carol (Desprez) Pearson. For over eighteen years she worked as the administrative manager with Spicer Group, Inc.
Leonard and June met at church as teenagers and after dating for 5 years, they married on May 31, 1986 and were best friends and partners for thirty five years. They raised their two sons, Ethan and Brandon, in St. Johns, and together, the four of them, were a very close family. They loved each other, lived close, worked together, and shared many memories as a family snowmobiling, camping, boating, and spending time at their cabin and vacations to Estes Park, Colorado. Leonard and June were very excited to be grandparents to their new granddaughter, Eleanor.
Leonard was laid back and funny and was perfectly balanced by June’s more organized and collected demeanor. They were both so caring and selfless and would help anyone in need. They loved to go garage saling, travel together, spend time with their dog Lucky, and try out new restaurants. Leonard loved the out-of-doors, hunting, fishing, cooking, and working on cars and tractors. June loved to read, take pictures, scrapbook, and go shopping and to craft shows with friends. Most of all, they cherished time spent together as a family and will be dearly missed by so many.
In addition to their sons, Ethan (Maria) and Brandon, they are survived by their granddaughter, Eleanor Jane Williams; Leonard’s parents, Howard and Eleanor Williams; Leonard’s brothers, Wade (Leslie) Williams, Mark (Pam) Williams, Richard (Suzy) Williams and Paul Williams; Leonard’s sisters, Diane (Chris) Cornell, Kathleen (Bill) McElroy, Shirley (Al) Rennels and Ruthann (Jim) Dunigan; June’s brother, Jeff (Deb) Pearson, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Memorial Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Thursday, January 6, 2022 and Friday, January 7, 2022 from 2-8 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at Pilgrim United Methodist Church, 2965 W. Parks Rd, St. Johns on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11 AM, with gathering beginning at 10 AM. Pastor Andy Croel to officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made in their name to City Rescue Mission of Lansing.
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. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in Karen’s name to Be The Match: .
The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Divorce decrees filed the week of November 29, December 6 and December 13, 2021
Patrick, Christine / Patrick, Christopher
Marciniak, Laura / Marciniak, Christopher
Williams, Sean / Williams, Tonya
Curtis, James / Curtis, Virginia
Seibold, Amy Jo / Seibold, David W.
Euler, Kim / Euler, Floyd
Klein, Peter / Klein, Amanda
Beagle, Jeffrey / Beagle, Michelle
Kolka, Ahren / Kolka, Jessica
Youngs, Lorrie / Youngs, Clifford
Clark, Shirin / Clark, Luther
Parker, Brittany / McCaige, Jamison
Jakubiak, Ronald / Jakubiak, Martha