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Paul Roy Beck
Paul Roy Beck passed away on June 29, 2023 after bravely fighting cancer for the past fourteen months with his beloved wife, Bilma and sons by his side.
He is survived by wife, Bilma (Camejo) Beck and two sons Martin (Martha Snyder) and Matthew (Olivia Gilbert) Beck; grandchildren, Heather (Rick) Horton, Amber (Derek) Andersen, Tylerscott Alleyn, Brianna (Devin) Meister and Elliot Beck; great grandchildren, Kacey, Madison, Autumn and Emma Horton, Morgan Bower, Erik Bower and Tucker Meister.
Paul Roy was the son of Paul and Dorothy Lucille Beck of Ashley. He leaves his sister Brenda (Anne Bouts), his brother, Terry (Sherry) Beck, sister-in-law, Deborah Beck, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Nolan Whiz Beck.
Paul was born in Owosso on August 20, 1944 and grew up in Ashley where he graduated from Ashley High School in 1962. Paul and Bilma made their home in rural St. Johns and on Long Island, Pikes Bay, Drummond Island. Paul retired from Lansing G.M., received his Associates Degree in applied science in automotive service from Ferris State College, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in automotive science and his teaching degree from Ferris University. He went on to teach at Lansing Community College until retirement.
He was the consummate teacher and always had the wisdom to share or input on a project. He loved cool cars, had a depth of knowledge unparalleled in the area, and he strove to keep the Hot Rodding hobby alive. He did everything he could to inspire people of all ages. His “parts department” was vast and he wanted to help people, often traveling to junkyards throughout the west to collect car parts for his projects and for his friends and students. Over the years teaching at LCC he impacted countless lives and projects and the value Paul placed on hard work and perseverance has influenced the lives of many.
Paul Beck was a master builder. He could see his way through both the body and mechanical aspects of building a car. His mechanic skills allowed him to do work that most people would never consider trying without taking it to a professional shop. Paul could see how the car was going to come out before he ever started modifying the body. His body modification and torch welding skills were beyond compare. He could torch weld anything together and keep the welds malleable for shaping.
Paul worked ceaselessly to build his skill set and was always happy to share his skills with anyone he could. He exhibited his roadsters and Veda Orr replica in the Peterson Museum in California, the Gilmore Museum in Michigan, and was chosen to exhibit his beautiful craft in many car shows. He and close friends made several time trials at the Salt Flats, Utah, in Paul’s 232 Roadster. Through generosity and skills he made friends all around the United States.
Paul was drafted and served active duty in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He was responsible for getting convoys to all areas of Vietnam, saving many trucks with his skill. As a single father, he never missed a sporting event or extra curricular activity for his sons, and he was a loving and compassionate husband who always made birthdays and his wedding anniversary special.
Paul and Bilma lived life to the full at their home on Drummond Island and on their rural St. Johns property where Paul enjoyed his out-buildings that housed his workshop, his ‘parts department’ and cars. He and Bilma reforested their farm with over 4,800 pine trees. They also traveled extensively, savoring many world areas such as Venezuela, cruises in the Caribbean Islands, Australia, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and states throughout the United States. And he was a good friend, who took time to go for midday rides to stop in to say hello to friends, who enjoyed taking friends to the Cracker Barrel, and treating them to his favorite restaurant, the Middleton Diner.
Paul will always be remembered for his principles of honesty and hard work, and his skills, generosity, and care for his friends and family will be sorely missed by all.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Sunday, July 2 at 2 PM. Military honors and a luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Saturday, July 1 from 2-8 PM and on Sunday from 11 AM until the time of service. Burial will take place on Drummond Island on Monday, July 3 at 3 PM.
Memorials are encouraged in Paul’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to a charity of your choice.
Lincoln Monroe Jacobs
Lincoln Monroe Jacobs, age 88, of St Johns died Wednesday June 28, 2023, at his home in Olive Township surrounded by his loving family.
Lincoln was born on March 13, 1935 in Lupton Michigan, the son of Isaac and Alice (Blood) Jacobs. Lincoln grew up in and around the Lupton area where he graduated from Rose City high school. After graduating high school, he attended Lake Superior State University for 2 years. Jake, as his coworkers called him, enjoyed a long career with General Motors where he worked as a machine repair specialist. He came to be known as the “two tool man” because of his ability to fix things with only a few tools and not a large toolbox. He was very smart and talented in his job and the company would seek him out personally to fix things when they broke.
Lincoln met the love of his life through mutual family and friends, and they were married on Oct 19, 1957, and they enjoyed over 66 years of marriage. They were loving partners through and through, together raising their four amazing children.
During his life Lincoln had a passion for airplanes, even owning his own small airplane for a time. He loved his farm and took pride in working the land, he had a soft spot for animals and enjoyed getting in the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Most of all Lincoln’s family will remember all the time they shared and how he would always be there for you no matter what.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife; Jeanette, children; Mark (Nancy) Jacobs, Linette (Jim) Swiger, Kevin (Sandra) Jacobs, and Kimberly Jacobs, grandchildren; Jacob Hathaway, Alisha Jacobs, Jordan (Alicia) Jacobs, Rachel (Jacob) Knecht, Aaron (Abby) Jacobs, Caleb Jacobs, Joshua Jacobs, great grandchildren; Chloe Knecht, Brother; Garland (Connie) Jacobs. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson; Jesse Hathaway, sister; Sylvia (Howard) Erskine.
The family would like to personally thank McLaren Home Hospice for their wonderful help during this time. Memorial donations in his name are encouraged to be forwarded to McLaren Home Hospice or St Jude Children’s Hospital.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. For further information please contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Monte Joe Ely
Monte Joe Ely was welcomed into the arms of our loving Savior on June 25, 2023. He was residing at Ashley Care Center in Ashley, MI, as Monte had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and early onset Alzheimer’s and carried these burdens for several years.
Monte (aka (Mod, Uncle Buddy) will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kind heart and quick wit. He was born to Gale and Carolyn (Snyder) Ely October 5, 1964 and resided his whole life in St. Johns Michigan. He graduated from St. Johns high school with the class of 1983. The most memorable moment of his high school years was the time he drove the senior Homecoming float on a joy ride down some country roads with his classmates.
Monte’s favorite past times were gardening, and lawn care. He also enjoyed golfing and going for walks. He had a love for being outside, unless it was cold, then you would find him indoors next to the fireplace. He looked forward to Jeopardy where he would often surprise you by knowing the question. Before his diseases took over, he enjoyed reading historical novels.
Uncle Buddy had a big love for his nephews and nieces, often found parenting them, playing jokes on them, ultimately always having their best interest in mind.
Monte acknowledged Jesus as his Lord and Savior and we know he has b-en set free from his earthly burdens and has been welcomed to heaven with open arms.
Surviving are his mother, Carolyn Ely (Gene Ferrier), brother Jeff Ely (Lori), sisters Lori Dykstra (Gary) and Krista Mead (Brian), nephews and nieces Jacob Ely (Katie), Megan Ely, Sarah Ely, Rachel Ely, Zeke Ely, Lydia Ely, Mason Hudgens, Sam Hudgens, Camden Hudgens, Christan Mead, Kayla Knaggs (Hunter), Peter Mead, Josie Mead and Levi Mead. Monte was preceded in death by his father Gale Ely.
There will be a celebration of life for Monte on July 16 at 4:00 p.m. Memories of Monte at 4:30 with fellowship and food at 5:00. Location: Agro Liquid 3055 W M-21, St. Johns, MI
Michael John Schneider
Michael John “Mike” Schneider, age 69, of Mount Pleasant, MI and formerly of St. Johns, MI passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 30, 2023, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Union Home Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 4-8 P.M.at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel with a time of sharing at 6:00 P.M.
Michael was born in St. Johns, MI on May 16, 1954, the son of Edward Louis and Alice Marie (Fox) Schneider. He was a graduate of St. Johns High School. He married Peggy JoLyn Brownlee and they were married for forty-seven years.
Mike owned Mike Schneider Marine in St. Johns; he thoroughly enjoyed what he did and talking with his customers. In his younger years he enjoyed working on cars and wrestling in high school. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and storytelling, much conveyed by his hands. He was a humble man and regularly put the needs of others before his own. Camping with family and friends brought him great joy. He loved watching the wildlife in his yard and watching M.A.S.H. Mike’s grandchildren were his greatest joy.
His grandchildren and children helped Mike with compassionate loving care. He was proud of his children and always tried to support their activities and accomplishments. As he got older, his smile resembled his mother and his laugh was like his father’s. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Peg Schneider; daughter Amanda Brundege; daughter Amber and Ryan Phillips; son Eric Schneider; son Scott and Kendra Schneider; his grandchildren: Audrey, Amelia, Benjamin, Jacob, Emmalyn, Nicholas, and Mikaela; brother Tom and Connie Schneider; sister Ellen and Bob Davis; sister Ann Schneider; brother Dan and Jill Schneider; sister Mary and Jim Cosgrove; brother Pat and Susie Schneider; brother Steve and Dawn Schneider; brother-in-law Dale Brownlee; brother-in-law Dennis Brownlee; sister-in-law LuAnn and Joe Smith; brother-in-law David Brownlee; brother-in-law Darren and Lisa Brownlee. Mike is also survived by many nieces, many nephews and special friends, the Rudy Family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sister Cindy Lumbert, niece Brandi Jo Lumbert, and parents-in-law Harley and Audrea Brownlee.
Memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society or Charot-Marie Tooth Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Diana Carol Hunt
Diana Carol Hunt of Ovid and a native of Clare, Michigan, died peacefully on June 24, 2023 at Serene Gardens of DeWitt. She was 79 years old.
She was born on July 10, 1943, in Clare County, Michigan, the daughter of Stephen and Mabel (Dangler) Hubel. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1961 and married Paul Wayne Hunt on November 2, 1963.
For over thirty years she worked as the store clerk at Dean’s Hardware in St. Johns. Diana was a private person with a tough exterior, but she loved her family fiercely. Diana enjoyed gardening, nature, country music and garage sales. She adored Paradise, Michigan and felt most at home in nature and up north. She also had a passion for watching birds and wildlife.
She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Wayne Hunt in 2019 and is survived her son, Stephen (Laura Macaluso) Hunt and aunt Jean Williams.
A graveside service will be held at Mount Rest Cemetery, 701 E. Steel Street, St. Johns on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 1 PM. The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Mary M. Poling
Mary M. Poling, age 99, of Boyne City, Michigan formerly of St. Johns and Mt. Pleasant passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023, with her family by her side.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. A private family burial will take place at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Mary was born in Perry County, Ohio on October 13, 1923, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Wolfe) Stimmel. She married Clyde R. Poling on March 8, 1942. He preceded her in death on April 14, 1990.
Once married, Mary followed Clyde to Riverside, California while he served in the US Air Force for over three years, and she lived with him on base picking up various jobs in fashion and modeling. Soon after Clyde’s discharge they settled in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Here they began building their family with the addition of a daughter, Nancy.
Mary became an active member of First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant while also working at JC Penney’s followed by Post Pharmacy and raising her daughter. In 1981, after Clyde’s retirement, Mary and Clyde moved to St. Johns, Michigan to be closer to their now married daughter and her growing family. While in St Johns, Mary became a highly engaged member of First Baptist Church and a very involved grandmother to her two granddaughters and their growing families – including her first great granddaughter.
In 2021 Mary once again relocated to be closer to family, this time in Boyne City, Michigan. While in Boyne City Mary became active in her lady’s prayer group at the Brook Assisted Living Community and continued to watch her family grow; with the addition of her first great-great grandson.
Mary is survived by two granddaughters: Tracey (Mark) Yallup of Boyne City, MI; and Missy (Jesse) Leverett of Petoskey, MI; two great-granddaughters: Ashley (Branden) Wheeler and Clover Leverett; a great-great grandson Wren Wheeler; also several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Nancy Hundey, her brother Paul Stimmel, and two sisters: Lucille Henry and Helen Boyer.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Hospice of Northern Michigan and the Brook Assisted Living Community of Boyne City.
Memorials may be made to the St. Johns First Baptist Church or Hospice of Northern Michigan. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Shirley Marie Taylor – Langham
Shirley Marie Taylor – Langham, age 67, of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, formerly of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at her home in Minnesota.
Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes-Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 11:00 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. at Mount Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan with Dr. Jack Clarkston officiating.
Shirley was born in Chisholm, MN on December 2, 1955, the daughter of Eugene Ludwig and Loretta Jean (Wirtanen) Pogorelc. She graduated from Chisholm High School with the class of 1973. She formerly worked for the State of Michigan Department of Treasury. Shirley enjoyed country line dancing and country music, playing bingo and going to the casino.
She is survived by father, Eugene Pogorelc; one daughter, Nicole and Brandon Barth; her son Carl Martin; her grandchildren: Alexander, Jaxson, Everly, and Ivie; her sister Bonnie and Pete Soliz; her sister-in-law, Patti Pogorelc. She was preceded in death by her mother, her son Brandon Quick, her sister Carol and two brothers: David and Thomas.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.