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Elizabeth Louise Lietzke
Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Kristofferson Lietzke passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at the age of 93 in Lowell MI. Elizabeth will be dearly missed by her family and the too-many-to-count friends who became family over her lifetime.
She was born December 6, 1928 in Roscommon MI to Aage and Nellie Kristofferson and enjoyed a happy childhood with two brothers and three sisters, having a special place in her heart for her younger sister Orita Shultz of St. Johns MI. She loved spending childhood summers with her grandparents on the Au Sable River.
While she and her husband Harold, who preceded her in death, will always be remembered for epic shed parties at their alfalfa dehydration farm in DeWitt, MI and their memorable motorhome adventures, Elizabeth would want to be remembered as a resourceful woman who had a penchant for a good fabric to sew, a creative soul, an uncanny ability to sort and organize plus the best listening ear in all the land. While her calculated counsel was sometimes delivered with a firmer tone than the loved one was expecting, fairness reigned supreme for Elizabeth. She loved a gathering where old stories were retold with laughter and new stories were told for her to share.
Elizabeth was sharp-as-a-tack right to the end, which made her a force to be reckoned with, to which her children could well attest; son Theodore A Lietzke and daughter-in-law Ellen M (Shaver) Lietzke of Lowell MI; and daughter Trudy A (Lietzke) Miller and son-in-law Ronald K Miller of Zena OK.
She passed along her can-do attitude, creativeness and wonderful sense of humor to her grandchildren Anna and Howard Hargrave; Christine and Joshua Fisher; Nathan Lietzke and Logan Rayburn; Jeromy and Andrea Miller. They, in turn, will always share her ‘If wishes were …’ saying and her crisp but sage advice with her great-grandchildren, Madeleine and Zachary Hargrave; Elliott and Meredith Fisher; and Oliver Miller.
A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the home of Ted and Ellen Lietzke. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) 11535 Fulton St E, Lowell, MI 49331, fromlowell.org/donate, where she volunteered for several years.
Carla J Berkhousen
Carla J Berkhousen, formerly of St. Johns Michigan, died Friday May 6, 2022, at the age of 74, in the Villages of Florida.
Carla was born on January 10, 1948 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Luella and Ernest Christensen. She worked for the St. Johns Public Schools for twenty years.
She is survived by her husband, Clark Berkhousen; daughters, Christine (Tim) Cleaver and Carrie (Jarrod) Workman; one son, Cory (Tristan) Berkhousen; six grandchildren, Austin (Cassandra) and Jamison Cleaver, Logan (Stephanie) and Peyton Workman, Madison and Callie Berkhousen.
Beyer Funeral Home of Lady Lake Florida assisted with cremation.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the UAW Hall, 117 W Walker St, St Johns on Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 4 – 7 PM.
Memorials may be made in Carla’s name to: The University of Michigan Transplant Center at Taubman Center, 1500 E Medical Center Dr #3868, Ann Arbor Michigan 48109.
The family is being served locally by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Julius Allen Schafer
Julius Allen Schafer, age 83, of Fowler, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at his home peacefully.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Julius was born in Westphalia, Michigan on June 16, 1939, the son of Louis and Matilda (Schlicht) Schafer. Julius married Elizabeth “Betty” Simon on June 25, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia, MI.
Julius retired from General Motors in 1996 after 35 years of service. He enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, riding around checking the crops, and visiting with friends on the patio. Most of all he loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He also enjoyed participating with the Fowler VFW in their honor guard. Julius was member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI. He will be remembered for his big smile and happy nature.
He is survived by wife Betty Schafer; children: Allen and Kelly Schafer, Dale and Dana Schafer, Becky and Andy Beard, and Doug Schafer; grandchildren: Robby and Tatiana Schafer, Kenny and Nikki Schafer, Nicole and Brett Thelen, Alex Beard, Kayla Beard, Kyle Beard, Cody Bentley and Brandon Bentley, great-grandchildren: Lilly Bentley, Audree Thelen, Anna Schafer and new baby great-grandson this fall. He is also survived by his siblings: Sister Pauline Schafer, Sister Caroline Schafer, Louis Schafer, Irene Ayles, Helen Thelen, twin sister Julia Schueller, Mary and Dave Antes; and sister-in-law Donna Schafer. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Leon Schafer, and is excited to meet his older brother Julius Schafer, and infant sister Mary Schafer.
Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice, Fowler VFW or Fowler Fire and Rescue Squad. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Eileen Sarahbel Gillespie
Eileen Sarahbel Gillespie, age 94, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022, at her home.
A Graveside Service will be held at Union Home Cemetery, on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating.
Eileen was born in St. Johns, Michigan on April 17, 1928, the daughter of Charles Henry and Esther Claribel (Smith) Gardner. Eileen graduated from Hubbardston High School with the class of 1945. On April 21, 1946, Eileen married Oliver Denton Gillespie at her parent’s home. They were blessed with 52 years of marriage and five children prior to his passing in 1998. Eileen worked for the Soil Conservation District for 18 years. She enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles.
She is survived by her children: Dennis and Karen Gillespie of St. Johns, MI; Charleen and Alberto Faccilongo of Kansas City, MO; Valerie Gillespie of St. Johns, MI; John Gillespie of St. Johns, MI; and Laura Gillespie of St. Johns, MI. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Jason (Jamie) Gillespie and Jennifer Gagne; several great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Oliver Gillespie, and her sister Jane (Doug) Hulbert.
Memorials may be made to the Gratiot County Humane Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Janet Mary Sinke
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 12, 2022 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Dewitt. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Janet M. (Koenigsknecht) Sinke, of St. Johns, passed away on August 7, 2022 at the age of 71, after a long, hard fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born February 22, 1951 in St. Johns, MI. The daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Stay) Koenigsknecht, Janet lived her entire life in the St. Johns area. She graduated from the Borgess School of Nursing in 1972. She dedicated her life to this career, serving others for over 30 years. The latter part of Janet’s career was dedicated to Hospice care.
After retiring at the age of 50, Janet began a second career, that of an author. She started writing books under the pen name, Grandma Janet Mary, which was inspired by her grandchildren and Hospice experiences. Her love of the written word and passion for spreading the message of kindness, love, and family did not go unnoticed, as she became a national, award winning author.
Janet was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, and enjoyed spending time with her family, writing, fishing, and watching her grandchildren discover their passions.
Janet married her beloved Michael Sinke on June 17, 1972 and he survives her. Together they raised five children who are also surviving; Jason (Nicole) of Hudsonville, Emily (Kevin) Palmatier of St. Johns, Jacob (Barb) of Williamston, Sarah Brya (David Cooper) of DeWitt, and Michael (Kim) of Onekama, MI.
Janet was an extraordinary mother and together, with Mike, they instilled in their children a strong sense of faith, the gift of family, and what it means to be a giver and bless those you encounter. Even in her final moments, Janet continued to give to others, including, her most treasured gifts from God, her 16 grandchildren, who also survive her: Gavin, Gibson, Ruby, Sylvie (Jason and Nicole), Ellen, Madalyn, Murray (Emily and Kevin), Ethan, Maggie, Max (Jake and Barb), Gabbie, Molly, Brody (Sarah), and Mason, Callie, and Johnny (Michael and Kim). Nana, as they affectionately called her, instilled in them the importance of true treasure, each other. Her legacy will live on in them. Four sisters; Sue (Bob) Rehmann, Karen (Doug) Lawrence, Mary (Mark) Geller, and Connie (Kurt) Conley, along with her two brothers; Gary and Nick (Rita) and her sister-in-law Darlene (Ron) survive her as well. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Marge Koenigsknecht, her brothers, Ron and Gerard.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to Hospice House of Sparrow
Kurt George Black
Kurt George Black, age 63 of Dewitt, passed away on August 7, 2022 at home.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at the St. Johns VFW hall. St. Johns VFW Post 4113, 2497 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns, MI 48879
Kurt was born on October 23, 1958, to George A. and Janette S. Black in
St. Johns, Michigan. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1977.
During his life, he was a jack-of-all-trades working at Research Tool & Die, Scharnweber Well Drilling, and WinRoc. He enjoyed being outdoors, landscaping, hunting when he was younger, boating at Houghton Lake, golfing, and eating out at restaurants with his wife, Roxann. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends.
Kurt is survived by his wife, Roxann; Mother, Janette Matter; siblings, Eric (Candi) Black, Jill Matter, Amy (John) Swanchara; In-Laws, Rick (Debi) Doak; step-son, Andrew Buck; special friends, Kelly Miller, Dan, Tim, Caesar, Ryan, Paul and Harry, as well as many nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends. He is predeceased by his fathers, George A. Black and Gordon Matter; brother-in-law, Brad Boling; grandparents; as well as other special aunts and uncles.
The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel
Clifford Carl Snyder
Clifford Carl Snyder, age 88, of Ashley, MI, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
Clifford was born in Ashley, Michigan, on January 18, 1934, the son of Vernon and Mamie (Smith) Snyder. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, with the class of 1951. He was a member of the St. Johns Redwings football team; which completed three consecutive undefeated seasons with a 26-game winning streak in 1949, 1950, and 1951. The team was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame.
He married Donna Woodbury in St. Johns, MI, on June 27, 1953. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage; prior to her passing on December 28, 2020.
Clifford is survived by his son David (Tammy) Snyder of Fort Wayne, IN: three daughters: Vickie (Don) Layman of Goshen, IN; Karen Snyder of Elsie, MI: Patricia Snyder of Middlebury, IN; and twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, with another one on the way. He is also survived by two sisters: Carolyn Ely and Marilyn (John) Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and four brothers: Stanley, Vincent, John, and Gaylord Snyder.
Clifford was a devoted husband and father. He was known as a kind and gentle man who lived out his Christian faith with humility and sincerity. He loved Detroit sports and was an avid Michigan fan. He was a farmer and truck driver, who could fix just about anything. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Eureka Cemetery, Eureka. MI. Memorials may be made to the Lansing Rescue Mission, 2216 South Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48910 or Youth Haven Ranch, 3796 Perrin Road, River Junction, MI 48277. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Nancy Lee Betz
Nancy Lee Betz, age 83, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Hospice of Lansing Residence, Lansing, MI.
Cremation will take place and a private celebration of her life will be held. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI.
Nancy was born in Hamilton Township, Michigan, on January 30, 1939, the daughter of John Ray and Marie Ruth (Dunbar) Foote. Nancy graduated from Ashley High School with the class of 1957. She married Gale Clare Betz on September 6, 1958, at Ashley Methodist Church.
Nancy collected dolls for many years. Nancy and Gale resided in Bannister, MI for 40 years until moving to St. Johns in 2005. They enjoyed winters in Crystal River, FL for 10 years. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Gale Betz of St. Johns, MI; children: Richard and Nancy Betz of Montrose, MI; Alan and Jamie Betz of Owosso, MI; Jill and Sam Griffet of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren: Andy and Teilia Jordyn and Micah Florida, Devin and Lindsey Betz, and Chad and Jessica Betz; and 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers: Doug Foote of Ithaca, MI; David and Susan Foote of Ashley, MI; sisters-in law: Aletha Foote of Alma, MI; and Sharon Follett of Howard City, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Kenneth Foote.
Memorials may be made to Clinton County Senior Center, 201 E. Walker St., St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Divorce decrees filed the weeks of July 18 and July 25, 2022
Hubble, Trisha Jean / Hubble, Dustin Louis
Becker, Barry / Becker, Alice
Lee, Michelle / Lee, Joshua
Hartig, Danielle / Hartig, Justin