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Gary Allen VanVleet
Gary Allen VanVleet, age 90, of St. Johns, MI passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 24, 2023, with Pastor Jim Pearl officiating. Burial will take place at South Bingham Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Gary was born in Ovid Township, Michigan on February 4, 1933, the son of Robert Fred and Arleita Belle (Armstrong) VanVleet. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, with the class of 1951. Gary married his homecoming queen and high school sweetheart, Shirley Ellen Mrazek, on June 20, 1953 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, St. Johns, MI. They had over seventy years of devotion to each other.
Gary joined the United States Navy in 1952. He was in a Navy Air Squadron spending time on aircraft carriers as the official photographer. He was stationed at Oceana Base in Virginia. After the Navy, he worked at the United States Postal Service in Lansing, MI for thirty-seven years as a mail carrier; retiring in 1989. Gary and Shirley lived in St. Johns until retirement and they moved to Higgins Lake and lived there for twenty-seven years, then moving back to St. Johns. Gary’s pride and joy are his sons and their families. He loved his grandchildren so much. He was a lifelong member of the DeWitt VFW Post 671.
He is survived by his devoted wife of over seventy years Shirley of St. Johns, MI; his son Steve and Tammy VanVleet of DeWitt, MI; his son Jeff and Delores VanVleet of St. Johns, MI; his six grandchildren: Jeremy (Brooke) Pung, Jamie Pung, Kristi (Brad) Stoddard, Mike (Katherine) VanVleet, Eric (Holly) VanVleet, and Andy VanVleet; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Janet and Ed Thompson of California; his sister-in-law Iris VanVleet of Colorado; his brother-in-law Jim Mrazek of St. Johns, MI; and his sister-in-law Donna O’Brien of Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three siblings: Marlene (Jim) Monfort, Bruce (Barbara) VanVleet, and Ronald VanVleet; and infant brother David VanVleet.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hazel I. Findlay for the respect and compassion they were given.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 225 East Main St. PO Box 118, Loudonville, OH 44842. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns, Michigan.
Buddy L. Jacob
Buddy L. Jacob, age 92, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the Iron River Care Center. Buddy was born on April 3, 1931, in Saint Johns, MI, the son of the late Otto P. and Ona B. (Pope) Jacob. He attended and graduated from St. Johns High School. He then attended Michigan State University and earned his degree in fisheries.
Buddy married the former Dianne Treul on April 16, 1978 in Crystal Falls, MI and the couple made their home in the Iron River area. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year. Buddy was employed as a fishery biologist for the State of Michigan, retiring in 1984 after 32 years of service.
He was a member of the Golden K, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, the American Fisheries Society, the Lee LeBlanc Chapter of the Audubon Society, and was a Rotarian. Buddy was an extremely kind and loving man. He had been raised to be a Proper gentleman and treated his family and others with respect and kindness. An avid outdoorsman, Bud spent most of this free time out in nature and enjoyed fishing, bird hunting in Canada, deer hunting, and gardening. He was very active in local community improvement, especially in cleaning the streams of Iron County. In his retired years Bud had traveled around the globe with his wife, Dianne.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne; sons, Otto (Debra) Jacob of Quinnesec, MI and John (Cate) Jacob of Tallahassee, FL; daughters, Leeann Schaffer of Owosso, MI, Malissa (Bill) Eagloski and Rene (Ron) Carlson, both of Iron River, MI; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren and nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jack Jacob and sister, Betty Maise and first wife, Doris A. Cole. Private family services will be held.
George D. Blackmer
George D. “Bud” Blackmer, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, died on July 17, 2023. He was 73 years old.
Bud was born on May 18, 1950 in St. Johns, Michigan, one of eight children born to Robert D. And Virginia L. (Higgins) Blackmer. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1969. Following High School he worked for St. Johns Grain Elevator in St. Johns, managed the Laingsburg Elevator and later sold cars in St. Johns at Pauli Ford and also in Portland and Fowler.
Bud loved to laugh and earned the playful title of “one crazy guy,” often found “out making trouble.” Yet, beneath his lively exterior was a man of profound love, especially for his high school sweetheart, Kathy. They were married on June 26, 1971. Their love story spanned decades and they were blessed with two daughters, Shawn and Shannon, and a large extended family.
He loved to fish, and Kathy fondly remembers all of the “fishing dates” they had through the years. Bud was looking forward to taking his great-grandchildren fishing. He took meticulous care of his lawn and garden. Bud had a great love for people, possessed “the gift of gab” and could talk to anyone. He loved helping others and was a dedicated volunteer for the Basic Needs Center in St. Johns for over thirteen years.
In addition to Kathy, his beloved wife of over fifty-two years, he is survived by his daughters, Shawn (Brent) Crowell and Shannon (Aaron) Mitchell; grandchildren, Jonni, Taurean, CJ, Jordan, Michael, Devin, Katelyn, Dominic, Stephanie, Cassidy and Addison; his mother, Virginia Blackmer; siblings, Bob Blackmer, Louetta (John) McLaren, Viola (Kim) Martin, LD Blackmer and Dennis Blackmer, as well as many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Blackmer and brothers, Charles “Butch” and Johnny Blackmer.
A Celebration of Bud’s life will be held at St. Johns Church of God, 1063 S Dewitt Rd, St Johns on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11 AM. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Basic Needs Center or to the American Cancer Society.
For further information visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Robert Lee Hackett
Robert Lee Hackett of St. Johns died peacefully, surrounded by family on July 15, 2023. He was 79 years old.
Robert was born on March 29, 1944 in Edmore, Michigan, the oldest of three children born to Robert E. and Mildred (Shepardson) Hackett. Robert was a man of many talents, particularly inclined towards mechanics, which suited him well to his lifelong career as a Tool and Die maker and supervisor. He worked at Federal Mogul for over twenty five years until his retirement in 2000.
In the fall of 1962 Robert met the young Judith Worrall. They quickly fell in love and were married on December 28, 1963. Robert and Judith enjoyed nearly sixty years together and were blessed with their three children, Jeffrey, Theresa and David.
Robert was strong and stern, and lived a life that was filled with love, loyalty, and a sense of duty towards his family. He was a proud grandfather, a doting father, and a loyal husband. One could often find him boasting of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He also had a great fondness for his grand-dogs. His love for cards, especially poker, was well-known among his family and friends, as were his adventures in fishing, tinkering and camping. He spent sixty years camping with his wife and children, exploring any destination they could drive to. In retirement Robert and Judith enjoyed camping and wintering in Foley, Alabama.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly sixty years, Judith Hackett; his children, Jeffrey (Erin) Hackett, Theresa (Scott) Nelson and David (Debra) Hackett; grandchildren, Ellen (Grant) Cook, Benjamin Hackett, Elizabeth Hackett, Lee Nelson, Hannah (Ronnie) Ford, Maegen Hackett; great-grandchildren, Emily and Owen Cook, Rinnie and Tucker Ford; brother, Jerry (Molly) Hackett; sister, Susan Baker; brother in law, Dennis (Becky) Worrall; sisters-in-law, Linda (Jim) Wilke, Barb Worrall and Brenda Worrall; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and cherished grand-dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Gary and Doug Worrall.
Burial will take place privately at Mount Rest Cemetery in St. Johns.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 (diabetes.org)
The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Debra Sue Shumaker
Debra Sue Shumaker passed to Heaven on July 12th, 2023. She was born on December 29, 1956, in Iowa City, Iowa. Debra grew up with her eight brothers and sisters in Ottumwa, Iowa. It was there she would meet and marry her loving husband, Rickey (Rick) Shumaker. They were joined August 2, 1974.
Debra was fiercely devout. She loved God. She read her bible every day. She loved her family. She loved reading and listening to music. She never hesitated to help those she saw in need. Never hesitated to put others’ needs ahead of her own. She always had a kind and encouraging word. She was the rock of our family. She was filled with empathy, compassion, love, generosity and forgiveness. She will forever be in our hearts and minds. We love you. We miss you.
She is survived by her loving husband, Rickey (Rick) Shumaker; her loving sons, Eric and Brandon Shumaker; her loving sisters, Vicki Grove and Jil Thiry; her loving brothers, Ray Bergmeier, Kenneth (Sam) .L Bergmeier Jr.; her loving grandchildren, Marcos Gonzalez, Joana Gonzalez and Olivia Shumaker; her loving great grandchild, Liam Gonzalez as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Debra was preceded in Heaven by her loving father, Kenneth L. Bergmeier Sr.; her loving brother, Daniel (Danny) Bergmeier; her loving sister, Laura (Lolly) Flattery; her loving mother, Emma Jean Bergmeier; her loving sister, Margie Bergmeier, and her loving sister, Cathy Loyd.
Debra Sue Shumaker was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. We are all better people for having known her. A shining example of a beautiful, vibrant, brilliant person.
The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
“Blessed are the merciful…..for theirs will be the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the peacemakers… for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
Dorothy Lou Schmid
Dorothy Lou Schmid, age 90, of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Laurels of Fulton, Perrinton, MI.
In following Dorothy’s wishes, a cremation has taken place and a graveside service will take place on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Union Home Cemetery, St. Johns, MI with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating.
Dorothy was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on January 8, 1933, the daughter of Anthony Thomas and Ellen M. (Gladstone) Stambersky. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns, MI with the class of 1950. On June 24, 1950 Dorothy married Henry Schmid Jr. at the St. Johns Congregational Church. They were married for fifty-seven years prior to his passing on August 6, 2007.
Dorothy worked at Motor Products in Owosso, MI for several years before retiring. Dorothy liked to stay at home, except for an occasional trip to a casino. She was an excellent cook, she loved to read, and do crossword puzzles.
She is survived by three children: Robert H. (Sue) Schmid Sr., of Middleton, MI; Patricia A. (Richard) Ryan of Houghton Lake, MI; and Michael L. (Janice) Schmid of St. Johns, MI; and one son-in-law Douglas Greer of Perrinton, MI. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Robert (Jennifer) Schmid, Jr., Brian Schmid, Chanda (Mark) Dunn, Jennifer (Eric) Strayer, Steven (Dawn) Schmid, Toni Greer, and Scott Greer; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Tristin, Hannah, Ethan, Madison, Jacob, Gage, Lauren, Olivia, Chas, Mason, Morgan, and Zachary; her sister Jane Jolly; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry Jr., her daughter Barbara Greer, one granddaughter Andrea Ryan, and two sisters: Mary Ellen (Sam) VanEtten, and Margaret (Robert) Waltz.
Memorials may be made to the Dementia Society of America. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Taeko S Pardee
Taeko S Pardee of Saginaw, MI passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
Taeko was born in Sasebo, Japan on August 12, 1934 to the late Hiroji and Shige Shiba. She was a High School Graduate in Japan. Soon after, she met C. Douglas Pardee, a Navy Officer often stationed in Sasebo Harbor. They married in 1955 and began their lives together in St. John’s Michigan where they spent many years.
After her kids were older, she began her long retail sales career at Sears in Lansing Michigan and continued in sales for many years. She always enjoyed her work.
Taeko especially loved her family and was always warm hearted, friendly, good natured, always enjoying her visits with family and friends. She is survived by her two children D. Scott (Ann) Pardee and Mark D. Pardee, five grandchildren; Anna, Christian and Theo, Robert and Justin. There are three great grandchildren; Jayella, Annabelle and Brantley.
She received Christ as her savior and expressed her desire to be together with her family again. A Cremation has taken place and there will be a family memorial service held at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date.
Bernard James Kosloski, Jr.
Bernard James “Jim” Kosloski, Jr., age 56, of Lansing, Michigan, formerly of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital.
Graveside Services will be at Deepdale Cemetery, Lansing, MI on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 1:00 P.M.
Jim was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 26, 1966, the son of Bernard and Connie (Jones) Kosloski. Jim was a special needs child. At one time he was a student at Walter Kyes School in St. Johns. Later he enjoyed living at his group home and appreciated their companionship over the years.
He is survived by his mother Connie Kosloski; his brother Jeffrey Kosloski; several aunts and uncles, his nieces and nephews; along with several cousins who also survive him.
The family would like to thank Harry Gross and the staff for all the loving and caring compassion given to Jim.
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.
Dennis M. Cole
Dennis M. Cole (Denny), born April 27, 1968 passed away suddenly on June 16, 2023 while working in West Palm Beach, FL. He was a kind, easy going, always happy to help, giving person. He worked pouring concrete for several years before switching gears to work alongside his brother-in-law for golf course architect Pete Dye, building and renovating golf courses in several states across the country. A few of his known favorites were, Old Marsh; Gulf Stream Golf Club, Delray Beach, FL; Grand Harbor, Vero Beach, FL; and Kiawah Island, S.C.
Denny was a graduate of Lansing, J.W. Sexton High School, Class of 1986. He resided in St. Johns and is survived by his parents, Cheryl Maury of Drummond Island; Royce Cole (Marsha), of DeWitt; Sister, Lynne Cole-Lutzke (Chris) of French Lick, IN; and special friend and companion Mary Salazar of St. Johns as well as many loving Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Denny truly had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was also quite tall, 6’7″ to be exact. So, to answer the two questions he was probably asked the most, one last time …”I’m 6’7″ and no, I don’t play basketball.”
Mark T. Perryman
Mark T. Perryman, age 64 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Mark was born in Lewisburg, Tennessee on February 13, 1959 the son of Thomas and Carolyn (Wisdom) Perryman. Mark married Missy Mills on March 6, 1997, in Live Oak, Florida.
Mark, known as Santa by many, was a toy and vinyl collector much to his wife’s annoyance. He was a fan of the band Boston and Elton John. He loved spending time with his family, he was very proud of his children, their partners and his grandchildren. Mark enjoyed visiting family down south. He had many relationships with others in the community and will be remembered for never being judgmental of others and very giving to family and friends. Watching movies, especially Titanic and Indiana Jones was one of his favorite pastimes. His dog, Ruby was his fur baby. Mark was a big fan of quality food, such as Lemon Crunch, Banana Pudding and Sun Drops. He also enjoyed golfing.
He is survived by his wife Missy Perryman of St. Johns, MI; son Christopher and Amanda Perryman of West Palm Beach, FL; daughter Candace and Joe Gentry of Lewisburg, TN; daughter Emily and Jeff Zahniser of Lansing, MI; son Justin and Naomi Mills of Grand Rapids, MI; six grandchildren Corbin Perryman, Jaclyn Gentry, Merrick & Rada Jane Perryman, and Mackenzie & Aidan Zahniser; sister Sheila and Larry Dykes of Georgia; brother Bart and Deena Perryman of Florida; brother Tommy and Anna Perryman of Georgia; father and mother-in-law Charles and Marilyn Mills of Georgia; sister-in-law Marla Dobski of Michigan; brother-in-law Randy and Susan Mills of Colorado. Mark is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt Dorothy “Dot” Ezell, and his brother-in-law Bob Dobski.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the Perryman Family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.