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Joseph M. Eisler
Joseph M. Eisler, 68, of St. Johns died August 1, 2023 from cancer.
He was a proud veteran of 10 years in the United States Army. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, camping and spending time with friends and family. He was a loving father of two daughters and five grandchildren. He loved his family and friends wholeheartedly and enjoyed the outdoors with the company of those who loved him.
Joseph is survived by his brothers Guy Shay and Robert Shay of Michigan; sister Deborah Jean Tippett; daughters Kelly Eisler of WA and Brittany McQuinn of ME; grandchildren Auslie McQuinn, RaeAnna Rendon, Mckayla Brooks, Jordan Rendon and Ian Brooks; nephews Kyle Myers, Bret Meyers, Christopher Shay, Joseph Shay, Patrick Shay, Richard Shay and Kyle Shay and nieces Sara Myers and Deirdre Valentine. He was preceded in death by his parents Merle Donna Eisler and Raymond Eisler and a sister, Bonnie Myers.
A celebration of his life will be held at 5 p.m. on August 9, 2023 at Miller’s Tavern, 137 S. Main in Fowler. Memorial contributions may be made to his daughters Kelly Eisler and Brittany McQuinn.
Sharon Lee Hoerner
Sharon Lee Hoerner, a native of Westphalia and a longtime resident of Fowler, died peacefully on July 31, 2023. She was 80 years old.
Sharon was born on November 18, 1942, in St. Johns, Michigan, one of eight children born to Celester and Bernida (Geller) Fedewa. Sharon married her beloved husband Clyde Hoerner on August 3, 1968, and enjoyed forty-six years together. Their union was a beautiful balance between Sharon’s introverted nature and Clyde’s extroverted personality. They raised three beautiful daughters together, with Sharon being a strong example of perseverance, assertiveness, and resilience.
Sharon was an avid reader and had a fondness for murder mysteries, gardening, and baking delicious white cookies. She taught her daughters many things; at turns patient or gruff but usually with a bit of humor. She was a talented seamstress and quilter and enjoyed working for Becker’s Bridal and Country Stitches in later years. She was a woman of strong faith who always had a rosary in hand, which gave her solace through life’s challenges.
She is survived by her daughters,Kellie, Kristen and Sara Hoerner; siblings, Ken (MaryJane) Fedewa, Susie (Charles) Pamment, Judy (Mark) Witgen, Shirley (Roger) Pamment and Sandy (the late Ken) Darga and her cherished canine companion, Bailey, who she possibly loved more than her children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Hoerner in 2014; her parents Celester and Bernida Fedewa and siblings, Jane (Julius) Esch and Bill Fedewa.
Memorial gathering will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 10-11 AM. A Memorial Mass will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 545 N Maple St, Fowler, MI 48835 on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11:30 AM. A luncheon will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Most Holy Trinity Church.
Linda Jean Burr
Linda Jean (Hicks) Burr, 82, of Saint Johns passed into eternity in July 31, 2023, with her beloved husband, Tom at her side. Linda and Thomas married on March 31,1962. They resided in Perrinton where they raised their two children, Cynthia and Scott.
There in Perrinton, Linda found it a great privilege and joy to teach at Fulton Elementary. Her patience, gentle spirit, and sense of humor were a favorite among her students. Linda was an active member of the New Haven Church of the Brethren Church. Here she enjoyed playing the piano for Sunday services and teaching children’s Sunday School. It was there that she and Tom celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by their dearest loved ones. Linda was a devoted member of the Gideons International Auxillary, there she served faithfully alongside her husband Tom. While Linda took great pleasure in serving her community her greatest joy was found in her family.
Linda was born to Merwin and Ruth Hicks of Mesick, Michigan on June 10, 1941.
She is survived by her husband Tom, daughter Cynthia (James) Thelen, son Scott (Amy) Burr. Her nine grandchildren, Katelyn (Luke) Dockweiler, Evan (Kelly) Hoyt, Ashley Burr, Grant Thelen, Elizabeth (Jared) Zink, Leah Thelen, Joshua Burr, Josiah Burr, and Emma (Jeremy) Piron. Linda also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren, Lily, Adalie, Ian, Elle, Levi, Jack, Nora, Dominic and Valerie as well as Sister Peggy McKimmy, Brother Steve (Linda) Hicks, sister-in-law Sally Hicks brother-in-law Richard Miller, sister-in-law Annie (Donald) Courneya and many nieces and nephews. She was the third of five siblings and is preceded in death by her parents, sister Ruth-Ann, brother Jerry, brother-in-law Tom, father-in-law Earl, and mother-in-law Grace.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkwary, St. Johns, on Wednesday, August 2 from 5pm-7:30 p.m. Guests will also be received at Pilgrim Global Methodist Church, 2965 W. Parks Road, St. Johns, on Thursday, August 3, at 10 a.m, with a celebration of life to follow at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church. Following the luncheon burial will be in Payne Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of Linda’s favorite charities: Samaritan’s Purse or Gideons International Auxiliary.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. -John 5:24
Walter S. Pierce
Walter S. Pierce, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, died on July 30, 2023 at the age of 88.
Walt was born on May 21, 1935 in St. Johns, Michigan, one of three children born to Walter H. and Helen L. (Davis) Pierce. Following graduation from Rodney B. High School in 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1955-1957. While in the service he wed his high school sweetheart, Barbara Carroll, on July 23, 1955 in St. Joseph Catholic Church.
When he returned from service, he joined his parents at the family bakery, Pierce Bakery, on Clinton Avenue in downtown St. Johns. In 1959 Walt and Barb took over the bakery which they lovingly operated for over twenty years. They have made their home on the corner of Clinton and McConnell streets for many years. After closing the bakery Walt worked as a food service supervisor for the Ionia County Correctional Facility.
Walt was very active in the community over the years. He was a member of the Clinton County Boys Club, the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club. He helped promote the Soap Box Derby, took care of preparing the ice pond at the park, was a member of the antique tractor club and was a regular at local car racing tracks. Walt was a beloved fixture, neighbor, and friend to many in the St. Johns community, always there with great conversations, stories, and a wave to passersby from his porch swing.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Pierce; his son, Eugene (Becky) Pierce; grandchildren, Dr. Brett (Jennifer) Pierce, Brian (Carly) Pierce, Callie (Tim) Weist, Casie (Daniel) Wright; great-grandchildren, Joel Pierce, Krystal Snyder, Trinity Weist, and Mara Wright; sister, Jane (Ben) Swanchara; in-laws, Margaret Yurek and Jim (Cathy) Carroll, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcia “Marcie” Snyder in 2008; his sister, Betty (John) Bennett and parents.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 4-7 PM, with Scripture Service at 7 PM.
A Funeral Service will be held at the McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11 AM. Military honors and a luncheon will follow at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Johns Area Community Fund, PO Box 33, St. Johns, MI, 48879.