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Zachary Ryan Miller
Zachary Ryan Miller, age 20, of Elsie, MI, tragically passed away as the result of a car accident on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Ovid-Elsie High School Gymnasium on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., with Pastor Don Blacker officiating. Burial will take place at Fairfield Township Cemetery, Fairfield Township, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI and on Saturday beginning at 2:00 P.M. until the time of service.
Zachary was born in Owosso, Michigan on July 2, 2001, the son of Kyle Wayne and Teanna (Gall) Miller. He graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with the class of 2020, where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams.
At age 16 Zach became a Cadet Firefighter with the Elsie Fire Department and was officially certified in June 2021. He was so proud to be a part of the Fire Department and help his community. Zach was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors and being with his family and friends. He enjoyed being a mechanic and his job at Priority Auto Body. He was looking forward to growing his skills and certifications.
Zach is survived by his parents Kyle and Teanna, brother Jarred, and sister Maddisyn. He is also survived by his grandparents: Dale (Deborah) Miller, Anita (Robert) McNamara, Thomas Gall, and Beth Gall; uncles: Ryan (Keri) Miller, Kalen (Tiffanie) Gall, Bob (Peg) McNamara, Bill (Amy) McNamara; Aunt Kim; many cousins, girlfriend Samantha Boles and best friends: Kamron and Gavyn Perry, TJ Hurst, Hayden Hebeler, and many others.
A “Benefit for Zach Miller Fund” has been set up and donations may be made at any Journey FCU or at www.elsiefd.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.
James Eugene Thelen
James Eugene Thelen, age 64, of Fowler, MI, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
A Prayer Service with a Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI, at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 with Father Darryl Kempf presiding. Burial will take place at a later date at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held 6-8 P.M. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 and on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. A Rosary Service will be Tuesday night at 7:00 P.M.
Jim was born in St. Johns, Michigan on July 9, 1957, the son of Eugene and Margaret (Ulrich) Thelen. He graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1976. Jim was known by many nicknames: Rocky, Chipper, Smokey, Crazy Cooter, Jimbo, and many more! He loved people and was loved by many.
Jim was a hardworking man, learning his work ethic at a very young age on the family farm. This shaped every aspect of his life and he taught his children the same. He was dedicated to his work at Michigan Paving for 28 years, retiring in 2020.
Jim was very selfless and regardless of his own life struggles he always found a way to be a light for others. He was very passionate about his sobriety and through that passion impacted the lives of many others. He was very involved in AA in the area.
Jim enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren. They were the love of his life! He loved to play “MacGyver” and create things out of next to nothing. He liked to spend time in his “meat room” processing deer. His motorcycle and Corvette were his pride and joy.
Jim is survived by 3 children: Sarah (fiance Matt Elsea), Caleb, and Jacob Thelen; grandchildren: Hazel, Hudson, and River. He is also survived by his mother Margaret Thelen, 6 siblings: Jeff Thelen, Doug (LeeAnn) Thelen, Laurie (Adam) Platte, Lynn (Joe) Cook, Mary Beth (Mark) Smith, and Glen (Paula) Thelen; many nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children Catherine Thelen. Jim was preceded in death by his father Eugene Thelen, infant son Zachary, one brother Dean Thelen, and nephew Ben Platte.
Memorials may be made to Ele’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing, MI 48915. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Roger Edwin Harr
Roger Edwin Harr, age 62, of Sioux Falls, SD formerly of Fowler, MI passed away into eternal life on Sunday, January 2, 2022.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, January 24, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held on Monday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the funeral mass at the church.
Roger was born in St. Johns, Michigan on June 11, 1959, the son of Roy and Arlene (Thelen) Harr. He graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1977. He formerly worked for the State of Michigan in Lansing, MI.
He is survived by his son Cody Harr of Yankton, SD; his brother Alan (Mary) Harr of St. Johns, MI; and sisters: Elaine (Steve) Kramer and LuAnn (Joseph) Bodarko of Fowler, MI. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their appreciation for extended family, friends and DakotAbilities that loved and supported Roger in so many ways.
Memorials may be made to DakotAbilities, 1116 South 4th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Fowler, Michigan.
Diane Lynn Monroe
Diane Lynn Monroe, a long time resident of Lansing, died peacefully at her home in the care of her family on January 17, 2022 after a long hard-fought battle with cancer.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 10, 1958, the daughter of Harry and Estella (Sudau) Puff, Diane grew up in Michigan and was a 1976 graduate of Everett High School in Lansing. Following high school she proudly served with the U.S. Marines. For the last seventeen years, Diane enjoyed working for the State of Michigan’s Department of Budget & Retirement.
She is survived by Brian, her beloved husband of over twenty-six years; her sons, Paul and Keith Terry; her daughter, Amber (Brian) Baker; grandchildren, Estella Baker and Colin Terry; her mother, Estella Sudau; half-sister, Lori Sasser; mother-in-law, Kathleen (the late George) Campbell; sisters-in-law, Christina Campbell and Shari (the late Joseph) Moriarty and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Puff.
A Memorial Gathering will be announced in the coming months. Memorials in Diane’s name are encouraged to veteran’s programs and charities.
For further information please contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, St. Johns.
Wolodymyr “Walter” Pytlowanyj
Wolodymyr “Walter” Pytlowanyj passed away on January 16, 2022 at the age of 97. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.
Wolodymyr was born in Koltiw, Ukraine on November 27, 1924, the oldest son of Evdokia (Skoczylas) and Wolodymyr Pytlowanyj. Due to the ravages of WWII, Walter was forced to flee his beloved homeland, and eventually came to live in a Displaced Persons camp in Germany. Fortune allowed him to obtain official papers to sail to America, and he arrived at Ellis Island on Columbus Day, 1949. In 1952 he proudly became a U.S. citizen. He eventually found his way to Lansing, Michigan where he acquired a job with Oldsmobile, from which he retired after 35 years of service. Additionally, he worked on his farm until his health began to fail.
Married to his devoted wife, Jennie, for 70 years, he was the proud father of six children: Pearl (Nykola) Bartkiw, Wolodymyr Pytlowanyj, Jr., Steve (Deb) Pytlowanyj, Stephanie Pytlowanyj, Nicholas Pytlowanyj, and Maria (Jean-Pierre) Nahirnyj. Over the years his family grew to include 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son Wolodymyr Jr., one brother Stephan and sister Maria. Always a faithful and loving husband, he was a generous father and grandfather that served as a strong moral compass for his family. He knew and spoke five languages and maintained an active interest in the world around him. A deeply spiritual man, he was a member of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church in Flint, Michigan and St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, Michigan. “Vichnaya Pamyat!” (Eternal Memory.)
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI immediately following the service. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00- 7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Parastas (Prayer Service) will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Bohdan Rybchuk and Rev. Fr. Emilian presiding.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Educational Trust Fund, St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Noreen Jean Hunnicutt
Noreen Jean Hunnicutt, age 86, of Carson City, MI, peacefully passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, at her home.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. with Dr. Brendan Holmquist. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on at the funeral home.
Noreen was born in Burton, Michigan on March 9, 1935, the daughter of Clifford W. and Mary Ann (Lacina) Dennis. Noreen loved her family. She was a great mother and homemaker. She dedicated her life to caring for her children and grandchildren. She also loved to spend time with her brothers and sisters.
Noreen loved to have fun with her family. She enjoyed taking drives to look at the colors of fall and Christmas lights. Her family loved the stuffing she made for holiday meals. She liked to go camping and loved time around the campfire. Most of all she loved to sit in the sun.
he is survived by 6 children: Steven (Cynthia) LeDuke of Carson City, MI; Lynne Thoma of St. Johns, MI; Patricia (Edward) Moggo of Ohio, Grant (Roxanne) LeDuke of Ovid, MI; Elizabeth (Joe) Stevens of St. Johns, MI; and Ivan (Suzie) Hunnicutt of St. Johns, MI; 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 8 siblings: Gerald Dennis, Donald (Joette) Dennis, William Dennis, Mary Jane (Donald) Luckhurst, Linda Bearup, Kathleen Woolner, Janice (Larry) Long, and Rosemary (David) Bailey; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son David Mark LeDuke, grandson Joshua Thoma, great- granddaughter Leighla Thoma, and 3 siblings: Michael Dennis, Thomas Dennis and Beverly Simmer.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Doris Marie Andrews
Doris Marie Andrews, age 89, of St. Johns, MI, passed away into eternal life on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Rosewood Adult Foster Care, DeWitt, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Vigil service and rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Doris was born in Fowler, Michigan on February 1, 1932, the daughter of Joseph W. and Anna (Werner) Thelen. She graduated from Fowler High School. Doris married Richard David Andrews on May 29, 1956 in Fowler, MI. Richard passed away on May 4, 2019.
Doris formerly worked for Auto-Owners Insurance Company, food service at St. Johns Public Schools and at Sunshine Dry Cleaners. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Ladies Altar Society. She loved gardening, bird watching, serving the Lord, and spending time with her family building precious memories.
She is survived by her children: Ken (Karen) Andrews of DeWitt, MI, Shirley Clark of New Hudson, MI, Gary (Debra) Andrews of Eagle, MI, Donald Andrews of Lansing, MI, Linda Cremer of Mason, MI, Karen Wood of St. Johns, MI, Sharon (Kevin) Conley of St. Johns, MI, and Nancy Andrews of Lansing, MI; 21 grandchildren and 21 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers: Stanley Thelen, and Francis (Jeanette) Thelen; sisters: Marie Fox, Loretta (Jerry) Halm, and Therese (Jules) Poirier; and sister- in-law Bertine Thelen, Marie Thelen, and Noreen Andrews; one aunt Sister Helen Werner; and many nieces and nephews. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Richard Andrews, parents Joseph and Anna Thelen, son Ronald Andrews, grandson Nicholas Cremer, great-granddaughter Alison Andrews, brothers: Jerome Thelen, Donald Thelen, Leon Thelen, Alvin Thelen and Paul (Mary Jane) Thelen, sister Betty (Raymond) Schafer, sister-in-law Evelyn Thelen and brothers- in-law: Bernard Fox, Lawrence (Norma) Andrews, Paul Andrews, and Clarence Andrews.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the loving care given to Doris during her stay at Rosewood Adult Foster Care and also to the staff of Mid-Michigan Hospice.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Education Trust Fund or Mid-Michigan Hospice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Ethel May Kuhns
Ethel May Kuhns, age 89, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 21, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Ethel was born in Ovid Twp., MI on July 3, 1932, the daughter of Frederick and Carolyn (Skapik) Altvater. She graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1950. She married Richard Kuhns on September 15, 1951, and he passed away on May 31, 1967.
Ethel retired from the Michigan Public Health Department as a Data Coding Operator in 1996. She loved shopping, attending auctions and going out to eat. Ethel was very active taking care of her lawn and maintaining her home. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI.
She is survived by her daughter Lisa Hollis and Jesse Villarreal of St. Johns, MI. She is also survived by many dear friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Carolyn Altvater, husband Richard, and her father and mother-in-law Lawrence and Evaline Kuhns.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church for mass. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.