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Steven J. Henning
Steven J. Henning, 65 Charlotte, NC, formerly of St. Johns, MI
It is with such great sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces Steve’s unexpected passing in his sleep on June 29, 2023.
Many knew him – whether personally, professionally, accidentally, or simply by good fortune. Others have heard of (or participated in) his legendary shenanigans. Countless others will continue to benefit from Steve’s lifelong and tireless commitment to help others, always, in whatever way he could. If all he left you with in the course of your encounter was a smile on your face, he considered it a good day.
While Steve accomplished much, he was most proud of his family: the one true love of his life, his wife of 45 years, Karen Lynn (Johnston); his son, Steven J. and Meonka (Grindstaff) Henning II; his daughter, Theresia (Henning) and John Powers; and grandchildren Steven J. Henning III, Makiah Grindstaff, John (JP) Powers, and Madelyn Powers, all of Charlotte, NC.
Also surviving are brothers Tim (Michele) Henning and Dan (Mary Ann) Henning, and his sister, Chris. Surviving nephews and their families include Brent (Meghan), Jack and Holland; Kurt; Eric; Jeff (Morgan), Addison and Benjamin Henning. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ron and Bernardine Henning, and brothers Terry and Dennis Henning.
Steve was instrumental in dozens of charitable outings and events beginning as a child collecting for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, decades later to include the family’s renowned hometown HIGCUP (Henning Golf Classic of Un Professionals). Since 2005, HIGCUP has funded St. Johns High School scholarships in his brothers’ memories. From its earliest beginnings, though, the event was a ruse for people to clear a day on their calendars for what he knew mattered most: family, friends, fun, and food. Occasionally, golf happened.
He was generous with multiple charities, whether as a sponsor, participant, or volunteer. Those organizations included Special Olympics and the Chris Justice Golf Tournament; MDA lockups and the Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction Camp Gang; Harley Group toy runs and school functions and fundraisers. In 2010, he was honored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association with the Simonini Muscle Team “Hope Builders” Award. He was equally generous one-on-one, making time to mentor anyone who needed help, advice, or direction, no matter the relationship they shared.
Steve began his career in the restaurant business at the age of 13 as, first, a dishwasher for a family-owned restaurant, The Wheel Inn, in St. Johns, working there until moving to Charlotte in 1981. It was then that he began a 34-year career with CAR, Inc., whose investors opened the first TGI Friday’s franchise store in its history. Hired as a sauté cook, three months later Steve was named assistant kitchen manager, and three months after that, kitchen manager. With the opening of Jacksonville, Florida’s first TGI’s, Steve moved there in 1983, returning to Charlotte the following year. In 1987, he advanced to the position of general manager and was named a partner in 1988, forming a three-member franchise group. Under that partnership, TGI’s opened new locations in Columbia, SC (1989); University Place, Charlotte, (1997); and Concord, NC (2000). Both his children worked for the franchised stores for 20 years. He considered his employees as part of his extended family.
Even when the CAR partnership closed or sold their franchised stores, Steve never really retired, instead enjoying jobs with MedSpeed and, most recently, UPS in Charlotte.
Steve’s interests and hobbies were as varied as his humor was – wicked.
He loved baseball and NASCAR; motorcycling with Harley groups (and including his wife), where he earned the designation of Master Griller; golfing, swimming, and traveling; his Pomeranian pups; watching his grandchildren’s sporting, musical, and school events; finding and installing gadgets, playing cards, and decorating for holidays and special occasions. While it was his cooking and baking, in part, that brought family, friends, and neighbors to his table, it was his love of family and his incredible zest for life that kept them all coming back. You just did not know a bad time when you were with Steve. All the roads he traveled, on his Harley, on charity runs, driving from Charlotte to St. Johns and back again – wherever he ended up, it was never the miles that counted to him but, rather, the friends he made along the way and the fun he had with them.
Steve has touched so many in his too-short 65 years here. The stories about him, the jokes shared, the memories … and mayhem … have left indelible imprints on our lives forever. We love him beyond measure, and are so very proud and joyful to have had him in our lives for what time we did.
Both the Visitation and Service will be held at McEwen Funeral Service, Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262, with visitation from 5-8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023; and a service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Following the Service, the family invites everyone to continue the celebration of Steve’s life by sharing a meal put on by loved ones.
Family requests that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Steve make a contribution in his honor to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenderitachapel.com for the Henning family.
Josephine Ann Rogers
Josephine (Jo) Ann Rogers of St. Johns, passed away at age 92 on July 5, 2023 surrounded by family and friends in her home.
Josephine, the daughter of Edgar and Eleanor (Fernholz) VanElls, was born in Clinton County, Michigan on January 24, 1931, one of 15 children. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1948. After high school she went to work in the office for Joe Matthews Ice Cream. Jo married Frederick (Fred) Rogers on September 25, 1954. She decided to leave her employment to raise a family in 1955.
In 1970 Jo went to work for Drs. Stoller, Russell, Grost and MacDonald. She retired from the St. Johns Professional Association in 1994. Jo loved bowling, golf, playing cards with a special group of friends and with her grandsons, traveling and, later in life, coloring and the casinos.
Jo is survived by her two daughters, Monica Klaver and Nancy Rogers and one son, Mark (Kathy) Rogers; grandchildren Nicholas (Stefanie), Justin and Jeff (Carry) Klaver, Kelly and Kerry Rogers; great-grandchildren Hudson and Hayden Klaver (Nick’s children) and Morgan and Marcus (Jeff’s children); six of her sisters, Donna Kuripla, Rita Thelen and Thelma Miller of St. Johns, Helen Zezza of New Jersey, Dorothy Witt of DeWitt and Ruth Hufnagel of Lansing and two brothers, James VanElls of Florida and Michael (Peg) VanElls of St. Johns.
Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Fred on January 25, 1978, her sisters: Arlene Walling and Alice Gallagher and her brothers: William, Richard, Lawrence Thomas and Dale Patrick VanElls and her brothers and sisters-in-law: Gale Redman, Burton Walling, Charles Kuripla, Rosie VanElls, Mary VanElls, Stanley Thelen, Dennis Gallagher, Ernest Miller, Charles Zezza and Carl Witt.
Jo also had a special friend of 30 years, Art Halfmann, who preceded her in death and is survived by his family Shirley Klemmer, Christopher (Ellen) Halfmann, Timothy (Linda) Halfmann, Daniel (Linda) Halfmann and his seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
We would like to give a special thank you to Dr. John MacDonald for his excellent care throughout her life, to Sparrow Home Hospice for their guidance and support and to Peg Zink for her kindness and assistance in helping us care for our mother during the last few days of her life.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Monday, July 10 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St., St. Johns on Tuesday, July 11, at 11 AM with Fr. John Whitlock presiding. Burial will follow in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic School or Sparrow Home Hospice.
Judith Ann Bendt
Judith Ann Bendt, 77, resident of Columbia,TN died Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Born July 19, 1945 in Saranac, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Helen Young. She attended school in Saranac and Ionia. In 1982 she graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with her GED. On July 27, 1962 she married Eldon “Mike” Bendt who preceded her in death September 28, 2022.
Survivors include her son-in-law, Randy (April) Zeigler; grandchildren, Brandon Zeigler, Bobbie Cothran, Nichole (Joey) Scott, Phillip Bendt; six great grandchildren; sisters, Esther (Ken) Adair, Cheryl (Rodger) Vander Jagt, Kathleen Osborn; brothers, David Leary, Michael (Bert) Leary; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Bonnie and Mick.
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be extended online.
Dale E. Mitchell
Dale E. Mitchell, 87, of Central Lake, passed away on July 1, 2023 at his home. Dale was born on September 7, 1935 in Lansing, MI, the son of Grifford and Zelda (Hier) Mitchell.
He and his late wife Pat owned property in Central Lake since 1976. Upon retirement in 1991, they made this their permanent home. An avid outdoorsman, he especially loved fishing, hunting and farming. He and Pat also enjoyed bowling and were on several leagues throughout the years.
Surviving are 5 children, Stephen Mitchell of Coldwater, MI, Susan (Jim) Brown of St. Johns, MI, Dalietta (Dennis) Novello of Charlotte, MI, Dale II (Fiance Donna Sheldon) Mitchell of Central Lake and Patrick (Sheila) Mitchell of DeWitt, MI. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife Patricia Mitchell, a sister Wanda Canell as well as his parents.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Pastor Gary Bekkering will officiate. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery, Central Lake Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Lake Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 726, Central Lake, MI, 49622 or to McLaren Hospice, 1 Hiland Drive, Petoskey, MI, 49770. Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.
Randall Scott Heinlen
Randall Scott “Randy” Heinlen, age 54, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan, on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 2-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Randy was born in St. Johns, Michigan on September 12, 1968, the son of Raymond F. Heinlen Sr. and Susan E. (Allan) Lazell. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1987. On October 20, 2017 he married Jennifer Sue Oakes in St. Johns, Michigan. Randy worked with his family at Heinlen Trucking as the mechanic and restoring farm equipment. He enjoyed farming; listening to country music, and for a number of years he drove his tractor across the Mackinac Bridge Crossing.
He is survived by his wife Jennifer Heinlen; his mother Susan Lazell; his son Ryan Heinlen; his step-children; Faith, Lucas, Corbin, Jacob, and Megan; his sister Angie and Jason Schultz; three brothers: Raymond Heinlen and Lisa Christenson, Philip and Sue Heinlen, and Eric and Melissa Heinlen. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Heinlen Sr.
Memorials may be made to Charity of donor’s choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Joan C. Epkey
Joan C. (Witgen-Schafer-Pung) Epkey, a dedicated wife, devoted mother, strong woman, and prayer warrior passed away peacefully on Friday, June 30, 2023.
Joan Schaefer PE was born on March 19, 1930 in Fowler, Michigan, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Pohl) Witgen. She was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She also was a long-time rosary maker, having created over 13,500 rosaries. She retired as a bookkeeper from Larry T. Schaefer Builder Inc. after twenty-two years of service.
Joan’s life wasn’t an easy one, but she proved again and again her faithfulness and trust in God. Joan married Richard H. Schaefer on April 15, 1950 and he passed away on June 18, 1962. She then married Vernon J. Pung on April 1, 1967 and he passed away on December 20, 1968. Joan married Louis F. Epkey on September 3, 1977 and he passed away on November 26, 1986.
She is survived by two sons: Daniel (Diane) Schaefer of Rhodes, MI; and Kenneth (Amy) Schaefer of Cary, NC; and three daughters: Linda (Jerome L.) Thelen of St. Johns, MI; Diane (Richard) Pline of Pewamo, MI; and Mary Ann (Brian) Thelen of Ann Arbor, MI. She is also survived by twenty-seven grandchildren and forty-one great-grandchildren and another one on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, one granddaughter Abigail, her brother Marvin Schaefer, and sisters: Evelyn Wieber, Marie Powell, Alma Armbrustmacher, Agatha Mankey, and Gladys Rice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Monday, June 3, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. with her grandson, Rev. Fr. Mark Thelen presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI, on Sunday, July 2, 2023 from 2-8 P.M. with the family being present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. A Rosary will be prayed Sunday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Ellen Sue Feldpausch
Ellen Sue Feldpausch, age 65, of Fowler, MI, passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023 at her home with her family by her side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 6, 2023, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held from 2-8 P.M. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel.
Ellen was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 5, 1958, the daughter of Kenneth Raymond and Marie Elizabeth (Schafer) Feldpausch. She graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1976. On March 12, 2010 Ellie married Dan Mason in St. Johns, Michigan. They have been married thirteen years.
Ellie loved playing cards and going to casinos. She enjoyed time at the cottage on Townline Lake. Ellie dearly loved her nieces and nephews and cherished her time with them. She worked for General Motors for thirty years, retiring in 2006 and was a member of the VFW Post #3733 Auxiliary.
She is survived by her husband Dan Mason, siblings: Tom (Luane) Feldpausch, Judy Boak, Deb (Jerome) Schafer, Beth (Jim) Halfmann, and Jeff “Jay” (Kelly) Feldpausch; sister-in-law Linda Feldpausch, nineteen nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her step-children: Cathy Jo Buchanan, Linda Marie Allen, Jessica Denton, Evelyn (Adam) VanderCook, and Karry Mason; thirteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Clara “Ann” Lofton, and three brothers-in-law: Earl L. (Terry) Mason, Gene Sample, and Jay Sample. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Terry Feldpausch, and one brother-in-law David Boak.
Memorials may be made to Fowler VFW Post #3733 or Fowler Fire & Rescue. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
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.