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Terry Robin Haneckow
Terry Robin Haneckow, longtime resident of St. Johns, Michigan, went to meet his heavenly Father on September 12, 2022 at the age of 83.
Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church, St. Johns, Michigan, on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Burial will take place at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Rogers City, Michigan. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 4-8 P.M.
Terry was born in a log cabin on beautiful farmland in Johannesburg Michigan, the son of Herman and Lola Haneckow. Terry served his country in the Army in Germany where he met his beloved bride Ingeburg Charlotte Haneckow. Terry brought Inge back with him where they made a beautiful home in Michigan.
Terry served his community as a police officer in the cities of St Louis, Carson City, Mountcalm County, and St. Johns. Terry also served as Clinton Country Sheriff for 8 years. Terry is most grateful for the privilege of serving Jesus as a jail chaplain in Ingham County for 20 years where he lovingly led the incarcerated to Jesus. He was a humble and faithful man who loved the communities that he served. Terry and Inge have been a faithful part of St. Johns Baptist Church for 42 years.
Terry loved riding bikes, canoeing, baseball, exercise, scouting, camping, running, and anything outdoors. Terry loved his family, loved people, and loved spending time with others. Terry loved Jesus with his whole heart and is currently enjoying his eternal time with him.
Terry is survived by his dear bride, Inge; daughter Doris (Randy) Friedt, son Carl Haneckow, and daughter Tammy (David) Fisher; his grandchildren: Natasha McCallister, Nicole Friedt, Heather Haneckow, Heidi Haneckow, Makena Fisher, and Mason Fisher; great-grandchildren: Alex, Nicholas, Cameron, Samantha, Randi, Roland, Ethan, Liam; and great-great-grandchildren: Madison, Kailyn, and Jameson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, St. Johns, Michigan. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
William Clarence LaPeer
William “Bill” Clarence LaPeer, 76, of St. Johns, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 12, 2022. Bill was born on Sept. 1, 1946 in Traverse City to David and Irene (Schaub) LaPeer. He attended schools in Traverse City and then St. Johns and was a longtime, devoted member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. He served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam and also in the Army National Guard from which he retired in 2006.
Bill worked for General Motors in Lansing for more than 30 years before retiring in 1999. He was a kind, humble, giving man and a mentor to those around him. He was most happy enjoying the simple things in life. The most special gifts he shared with others, especially with his family, were not always things you could hold: such as a love for the outdoors – especially on the property of his childhood home in Traverse City; a love for woodworking and building in his workshop – especially with his grandchildren; a love for fishing – especially for brook trout in the Jordan River Valley; a love for gardening, wildflowers and planting trees; a love for meeting his friends for breakfast; a love for bringing his family together with dinners at Papa’s and going out to eat on Friday nights; and, most of all, a love for celebrating and supporting his children and grandchildren in whatever their interests were.
Bill volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul store in St. Johns and was also an active member of the American Legion Post 153 in St. Johns with which he was a longtime member of the Honor Guard.
Bill is survived by his two daughters, Shannon (Barry) Kiel and Angela (Michael) Burgess, both of St. Johns; sister, Sue (Dale) Ladisky and brother, Charles (Pat) LaPeer, both of St. Johns; and grandchildren, Brendan (Isabel) Kiel, Aubrey Kiel, Evan Kiel, Kyleigh Langdon, Olivia Langdon, Jessi Burgess and Morgan Lodico; and numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife and friend, Diane Eiseler.
Visitation will be held from on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns. Rosary at 7 PM. Cremation will follow.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Bill on Saturday, September 17, at 10AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 510 Mabbit Rd, Ovid, interment of ashes to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns and luncheon at Knights of Columbus (Columbian) Hall.
Memorials/donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Charities.
David Edward Bierstetel
David Edward “Dave” Bierstetel, age 82, of Pewamo, MI, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022, surrounded by his family at Good Vibes Adult Foster Care, Pewamo, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 16, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Darrel Kempf presiding. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pewamo, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15, 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, MI. A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
David was born in Westphalia, Michigan on October 21, 1939, the son of August and Leona M. (Lenneman) Bierstetel. He graduated from Pewamo High School with the class of 1959. Dave married Judy Ruhl on July 27, 1963 in Fowler, Michigan. They were blessed with 49 years of marriage, prior to her passing on August 15, 2012.
David retired from General Motors as a pipe fitter in 1999. After retirement, Dave liked helping local families on their farms, primarily with the Cook Farm. He enjoyed garden tractor pulls, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and gardening. He also liked doing puzzles, woodworking and taking drives around the local area, always making sure to stop for ice cream. Dave and Judy loved traveling together, including yearly trips up north snowmobiling, camping in Caseville with family, casino trips and their trip of a lifetime to Alaska. He enjoyed spending time with friends at “The Royal Order of the Possums” deer camp. Dave was very family oriented and cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and in-laws.
He was part of the Pewamo Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves. Dave was a member of the Portland Classic Car Cruisers, where he displayed his 1995 Chevy Caprice Classic proudly. Dave was an active member of his community, always willing to help with lawn mowing and snow removal. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo, where he was also a member of the choir.
He is survived by his children: Jeff (Jill) Bierstetel of Fowler, MI; Jill Peterson of St. Johns, MI; seven grandchildren: Drew, Holly, Taylor, and Trey Bierstetel, Jon Peterson, Britney Burton, and Emily Peterson; siblings: Leon Bierstetel, Monica Hersch, Bernard (Chris) Bierstetel, Paul (Kathy) Bierstetel, Alvin (Jan) Bierstetel, James (Jane) Bierstetel, Shirley Halfman, and Susan Bierstetel, brothers and sisters- in-law: Alan (Jan) Ruhl, Nancy (John) Whitekus, Elaine Miller, and Bernadette (James) Fox. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy, brother Robert Bierstetel, brother and sisters-in-law: Burt Hersch, Harry Hersch, Annette Bierstetel, William Halfman, and James Ruhl.
The family would like to make special mention of appreciation to the staff of Good Vibes Adult Foster Care for the excellent care and compassion shown to David, his family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Good Vibes Adult Foster Care, Pewamo, MI or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Richard E. Armstrong
Richard E. Armstrong, or as many knew him, “Dick” or “Bubba”, was a resident of Zephyrhills, Florida. Dick was born to Carl Armstrong and Laberta (Franks) in Lansing, Michigan. He attended Eastern High school in Lansing and was enlisted in the United States Army in November, 1959 and was honorably discharged in November, 1965. During his lifetime Dick worked at Federal Mogul and General Motors. Following his retirement from General Motors, he worked at the Tamarack Golf course in Harrison, Michigan. He married Nancy (Randall) Armstrong on June 23, 1962 in Harrison, Michigan and together raised three children: Cindy, Cherie and Chris.
Dick was a Volunteer Firefighter in St. Johns, Michigan, and a member of the Harrison Moose Lodge #2235. He had a special place in his heart by volunteering his time organizing and coordinating the Santa Scramble in Harrison, Michigan, where funds are donated for less fortunate children’s Christmas gifts. He served on the Board of Directors at Spanish Trails in Zephyrhills, Florida. He was an avid sports fan and he loved to play golf with his Michigan and Florida family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loving every day.
After retiring, Dick and Nancy moved to Harrison, Michigan. In 2009, they became Snow Birds and bought a home in Spanish Trails, Zephyrhills, Florida, where they enjoyed their friends who became their extended family. Dick always made sure he had his special batch of margaritas for anyone who may drop in for a visit. He will be missed for his nonsense words, including “Always Remember – Never Forget” and goofy personality. He was stoic and never complained, even after his cancer diagnosis in 2019.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty years, Nancy (Randall) Armstrong; daughter Cindy Voisinet (Barry) of Laingsburg, Cherie Smith (Mark) of Ovid, Chris Miller (Bob) of Lansing and Carolyn Wing who was like a daughter to him. Also surviving are grandchildren, Dillon Voisinet (Anne); Grant Voisinet (Jessica); Keri Moon (Jamison); Erica Delgado (Yeno); Katrina Smith; Nicki Curtis (Kyle); Haley Martinez; Tori Maxey (Logan) and McKenzie Benner; brother, Bobby Armstrong (Sherrie) and sister-in-laws, Wiltse Armstrong; Janet Rejimbal (Pete) and Dianne McCormick (Jack) as well as several nieces and nephews. Dick, better known as “Bompie”, has eight great-grandchildren and one due in November.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Carl Armstrong and step-mother, Bina; mother, Laberta Franks; brother, Karl Armstrong; sisters, Lillian and Brenda; step-sister, Jorita Stowell; half-sister, Betty Kirby; niece, Karen Hall and nephew, Richard Armstrong.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, MI on Saturday, October 1st (on one of his favorite days- opening day of Bow Deer Season) from 1 PM-4 PM.
Kristina K. Kelley
Kristina K. Kelley, age 60, of Owosso, MI, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Grand Haven Living Center, Lansing, Michigan after a long battle with dementia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Owosso, MI, on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Fr. John Fain presiding. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A scripture service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Kristina was born in Muskegon, MI, on February 6, 1962, the daughter of John and Peggy (Worril) Kroone. She graduated from Waverly High School and went on to LCC to obtain her associates degree in business & office management.
Kristina was an office manager with Lamphere’s Heating and Cooling in Owosso for many years. She made many friendships while working there and residing in Owosso. She enjoyed spending time outside, camping and tubing down the Shiawassee River. Kristina was very creative and enjoyed making crafts of any kind including: crocheting, embroidery, painting, felt art, sewing, macramé, and bead work. She made many Halloween costumes and afghans for family and friends. She had a love for animals and adopted several throughout her life. Most recently she adopted two cats, Anna and Burelous. She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Owosso where she also volunteered as a greeter. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor, wit and sassy comebacks.
She is survived by her mother Peggy Kroone, children: Stephanie (David Graham) Kelley, Patrick (Elizabeth) Kelley, Erica (Luke Plowman) Kelley, grandchildren: Breanna, Chloe, Evelynn, Logan, Charlie, Alice, siblings: Mike (Sue Kipen Wolfe) Sorenson, Pat (Julie) Sorenson, Jackie (Wayne) Jarvis and Anne (Richard) Hernandez. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many special friends from church. She was preceded in death by her father John Kroone, grandparents John and Cora Kroone and uncle and aunt Ed and Rachel Hansen.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Owosso, MI or Capital Area Humane Society, Lansing, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Divorce decrees filed the week of September 6, 2022
Thurston, Amy / Thurston, Andrew
Pugh, Chrystie / Pugh, Joshua
Reed, Kaitlynn / Reed Jr, Dennis
Fox, Scott R. / Smolinski, Ann Marie
Platte, Hayden, J. / Platte, Angelica, M.