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Diane Otillia Piper
Diane Otillia Piper, age 78, of Ionia, MI, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 P.M.
Diane was born in Fowler, Michigan on September 3, 1943, the daughter of Leo Urban and Virginia Ann (Thelen) Feldpausch. She graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1958. On June 9, 1990 Diane married DeForest “Fred” Piper in Lansing. She was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ionia. She was a secretary for the State of Michigan Highway Department for over 20 years.
Diane was a great single mother dedicated to raising her three children, from her first husband Gary Lee Weston. She had a warm and giving heart. She enjoyed canning and preserving fruits and vegetables for her family. Diane loved to cook. She made soups and had the world’s greatest meatballs. She liked watching game shows, especially The Price is Right, and trips to the casino. In her later years, one of her greatest joys was to spend time with her Texas granddaughters: Merisa and Shuree.
She fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.
She is survived by her husband Fred; three children: Debbie (Jose Martinez) Weston, Jeff Weston, and Gary Weston; two step-children, Andrew and Sarah; eight grandchildren: Kasey (Cheryl), Merisa, Shuree, Zach, Shelby, Justin, Stephanie, and Amanda; and two great-grandsons. She is also survived by seven siblings: Jane (Jim) Nurenberg, Ray (Karen) Feldpausch, Donna (Paul) Hufnagel, Steve (Eileen) Feldpausch, Pat (Linda) Feldpausch, Lee (Linda) Feldpausch, and Sandy Thelen; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two grandsons: Joey and Travis; one sister Geraldine Irrer, and one brother Gary Feldpausch, step-son Arnie.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Roland “Marty” Markman
Roland “Marty” Markman, 95, of St. Johns joined his wife on July 12, 2022 surrounded by loving family. Marty was born in Ithaca and was an outstanding athlete for Ithaca High School. He was a proud Veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific Fleet.
For many years he was the milkman in St. Johns. He then worked at MSU where he retired. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing cards and the casino. He also enjoyed reminiscing with his family about growing up in Ithaca.
He is survived by his son Gary (Barbara) Markman, daughters Marti Sue Markman, Betty (Merle) Grandy, all of St. Johns as well as daughter-in-law Ardith Markman of Elsie along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty four years Jene, son John, four sisters and brothers in law, parents, numerous friends and his cat SaSa.
There will be no services. Contributions can be sent to St. Jude’s Hospital or animal shelter of choice.
Evangeline Ruth Johnson
Evangeline Ruth (Parks) Johnson was born December 31, 1922 and passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2022 with family present. She grew up in rural Bannister the daughter of Floyd and Ruth (Shimmin) Parks, attended Ashley High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1940. She attended Lansing Business College, and worked at Michigan State College prior to marrying Charles Junior Johnson on February 6, 1943.
From this union four children, Gayla, Coral, Alan and Nolan were born. Evangeline received Bachelors and Masters degrees from Central Michigan University and taught in one-room rural schools (grades K-8) in Elsie and St Johns before completing her teaching career of over 25 years at Central School in St. Johns.
As a child she was an explorer, finding herself with her friend, Franci, taking long walks along the Maple River or train tracks both of which were near her home. She enjoyed nature and all of God’s creatures, especially deer which were rarely seen when she was a child and reading anything she could get her hands on. She was an avid reader when a child, and encouraged her children and students to read and learn everything they could.
While married to Charles, they managed the honeybee operation for Maynard and Ella Mae Beck; owned and operated the Hardware Store in Pompeii; and had a dairy and horse farm in rural St. Johns. During this time, Evangeline attended college and took correspondence courses to become a teacher. She also enjoyed travel in Mexico and Europe as well as many parts of the United States.
Evangeline was a 75-year member of Honor Rebekah Lodge #194 in Pompeii, Fred Hall Ladies Encampment Auxiliary (LEA) #53, and Clarebella (LEA) #54. Evangeline served in 1983-1984 as Grand Matriarch of the Grand Ladies Encampment Auxiliary (GLEA) of Michigan. She was also a member of Order of the Easter Star (OES), Maple Rapids #76, Elsie #69 and Wacousta #133.
She was a lifetime member of the Michigan Education Association*R (MEA), National Education Association*R (NEA), Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP).
Evangeline is survived by three children: Gayla Phillips, Coral Johnson, Nolan (Doreen) Johnson and daughter-in-law Linda Johnson; 10 grandchildren: Deborah (Jeffrey) Swears, Brian (Gregg Smyth) Phillips, Steven (Susan) Phillips, Rachel (Joshua) Brunkhorst, Gabriel (Erika) Johnson, Mitchell (Jennifer) Johnson, Jessica Krebs, Nola (Sherwood Allen) Brown, Daniel (Alisha) Johnson, and Wendy Johnson as well as 11 great-grandchildren, and 7 seven great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings: infant sister Evelyn, brothers: Floyd, Charles, Glen, Alva, Henry and Frank; husband Charles, son Alan and son-in-law Dennis Phillips.
At Evangeline’s request cremation has taken place. Private burial will be at a later date in Eureka Cemetery. For further information contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Kenneth Gordon Aldrich
Kenneth “Tuffy” Gordon Aldrich, age 57, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022 at his home.
A cremation has taken place and a celebration of Tuffy’s life will take place at a later date.
Kenneth “Tuffy” was born in Alma, Michigan on October 12, 1964, the son of Kenneth B. and Kay Audrey (Allen) Aldrich. Tuffy graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1983.
Tuffy loved music and was a DJ for “Lazer Drive” for several years. He enjoyed playing poker, bacon double cheeseburgers, Diet Coke, and competing in Special Olympics. He liked all things scary, especially haunted houses and Sci-Fi. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his niece Heather Wright. Tuffy had a gift for making everyone laugh.
Tuffy is survived by his daughter Nicole Curtis, grandsons: Aiden and Alexander Curtis and 5 siblings: Kim (Steve) Wright, Kris (Sandy) Aldrich, Kerri Tolbert, Kelly (Tim) Westlund, and Klinton (Pat) Aldrich; and many nieces and nephews. Tuffy was preceded in death by his parents and close friend Janet Kaiser.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Robert Clare Wyskowski
Robert Clare Wyskowski, better known as Bob, passed away on July 14, 2022, at the age of 74.
Bob was born May 18, 1948, to Cassimir and Ann (Pietscher) Wyskowski in Lansing. Throughout his life he traveled the country, driving cars, trucks, trailers and whatever other vehicles would take him on an adventure. His love of motor vehicles of all sizes ultimately led to a career operating heavy equipment. Wheel tractor-scrapers were his favorite, and he contributed to many prominent road projects throughout Michigan—and he’d regularly point them out on trips to those lucky enough to be along for the ride.
Bob loved Michigan’s majestic beauty, from his roots in mid-Michigan to the lakeshores and the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula. He was known for cooking family-favorite meals, especially Thanksgiving dinner. He cared for others and was always looking out for ways to lend a hand and could fix nearly anything. The trees he planted near his family’s home will be one of many long-standing reminders of the heart he brought to every project and every moment he lived, always to the fullest.
Most importantly, Bob lived for his loving family—Carol, his wife of 38 years; daughter Lindsay; son Josh; and grandchildren Dominik and Isabella—all who survive him and will continue to do their best to make him proud. He will be remembered by them, along with his extended family and the many special friends he made throughout his life from elementary school to recent years, for his kindness and generosity. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Victor, daughter Becky, and several other family members and friends who made an impact on his life.
A celebration honoring Bob’s life will be planned for a later date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan and the nurses and staff of Sparrow Hospital for the care given to Bob in his last days. Those wishing to honor Bob’s memory may make a contribution to organizations he often supported, the Greater Lansing Food Bank or Capital Area Humane Society.
For further information contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Rose Anna Van Ells
Rose Anna “Rosie” Van Ells, 89, of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 14, 2022, at home surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held 2-8 P.M. on Sunday, July 17, 2022 and Monday, July 18, 2022, at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel with a Rosary Service at 7:30 P.M. each day.
Rosie was born in Bengal Township, MI on May 13, 1933, the daughter of Louis John and Eleanor Catherine (Schneider) Schmitt. She graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1951. She lived most of her life in the Fowler area.
On May 1, 1954 Rosie married Richard Van Ells at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. They were blessed with 52 years of marriage prior to his passing on September 28, 2006.
Rosie was known for her love of music. She was the church organist for nearly 50 years. She was also a member of the adult choir, and a leader of the youth choir for many years. She was an active member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, Fowler Conservation Club and The Catholic Order of Foresters. Rosie enjoyed family gatherings, sing-a-longs, playing cards, reading, and traveling in “the bus.” She also enjoyed and supported the various activities her family was involved in.
Rosie is survived by 13 children: Suzie (Butch) Schafer, Lorraine (Pat) White, Patty (Tim) Woods, Ed (Cathy) Van Ells, Paul (Ginger) Van Ells, Glenn (Jane) Van Ells, Joan (Gary) Whitford, Eunice (Randy Croyle) Van Ells, Bill (Beth) Van Ells, Joe (Chasidy) Van Ells, Ken (Tanya) Van Ells, Carolyn (Randy) Devereaux, and Kay Van Ells; 33 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 brothers: Hilary and Donald (Joan) Schmitt; sister Regina Feldpausch, 2 brothers-in-law: Jim and Mike (Peggy) Van Ells; sisters-in-law: Donna Kuripla, Josephine Rogers, Rita Thelen, Thelma Miller, Helen Zezza, Dorothy Witt, and Ruth Hufnagel; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, grandson Conner Whitford, brother Herman (Romayne) Schmitt, sister-in-law Tena Schmitt, brother-in-law Marvin Feldpausch, her husband’s parents: Edgar and Eleanor Van Ells; her Van Ells in-laws: Arlene (Gale Redman, Burt Walling), Alice (Dennis) Gallagher, Mary Van Ells, Tom Van Ells, Bill Van Ells, Dale Van Ells, Charlie Kuripla, Fred Rogers, Stan Thelen, Ernie Miller, Charles Zezza, and Carl Witt
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of June 20, June 27, July 5 and July 11, 2022
Shattuck, Kraig / Shattuck, Lisa
Klasko, Doak / Klasko, Lyndia
Ankney, Robert P. / Ankney, Heather L.
Hafner, Michelle / Hafner, Jeremy
Parker, Suzette, Parker, Allen
Cantwell, Shannon / Cantwell, Chadwick
Frayer, Shelbi / Frayer, Christopher
Kelly, Kelsey / Kelly, Justin
Swarthout, William / Swarthout, Pamela
Bernath, Gabrielle / Cox, Marckus