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Desiree Genevieve Rosner
Desiree Genevieve Rosner, of St. Johns, died unexpectedly on October 2, 2023 at the age of 39.
Desiree was born on January 25, 1984 in Lansing, Michigan, the oldest of three children and a 2002 graduate of St. Johns High School. Desiree enjoyed her work in the medical field as a medical assistant and was most recently working from home in the scheduling department for Sparrow Hospital.
Desiree loved people. She was extremely loyal, accepted everyone, loved to talk and was known for her tenacity and passion. Her love for her twin boys, Adon and Jonathon, was unparalleled and she was immensely proud of them. She was an avid reader, having read thousands of books in her lifetime, and was a good cook and baker, often experimenting with different recipes. She was the life of the party, her presence alone enough to change the entire mood of a room. And while she was known for being headstrong and feisty, she had a heart full of love for her family and friends, and her beloved dog, Opal.
From grilling out with loved ones, writing inspirational sticky notes, looking up your astrology sign and horoscope, to gambling at casinos with her mom and family, Desiree lived life to the fullest, embracing every moment with a zest and passion that was uniquely hers. Her loud and unique laugh was infectious and she found joy in the simplest moments. The epitome of laughter and love, Desiree will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved sons, Adon and Jonathon Blessing; their father, Raymond Blessing; her parents, the late Kelly Felzke, Rudy (Mary) Rosner and Jeffrey Felzke; her siblings, Jerry (Laura Turner) Felzke, Tawny Felzke and Ryan Rosner; nieces and nephews, Envyah, Jackson, Vincent and Ava; mother-in-law, Dianne (the late Tom) Blessing, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 3 – 7 PM at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns. Memorial contributions may be made to her sons, Adon and Jonathon, with checks made to Dianne Blessing.
Larry Lee Seibert
Larry Lee Seibert, age 77, of Ovid, MI passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
A Graveside Service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Larry was born in St. Johns, Michigan on March 13, 1946, the son of Carl and Mary (Warner) Seibert. Larry married Juliann Parks on October 16, 1993, in St. Johns.
Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy during Vietnam from 1963-1967. He served on the USS Buck DDS 761 as a 3rd class Gunners Mate and was an excellent marksman. Larry retired from MMPA in Ovid after 30 years of service. Larry enjoyed all things outdoors including camping, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He loved cooking and grilling with his family and he had a nick name for everyone. Above all he loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the VFW in Ovid and the NRA.
He is survived by his wife Juliann Seibert, children: Larry Jr. (Gaylynn) Seibert, Kirk (Carrie) Smith, Jodi Micka, Melanie (Tony) Hampton, Erika (Clyde) Oakes, Cheryl (Nathan) Smith, and Jessica (Gordon) Purchase; grandchildren: Joshua, Kirk Jr., Amanda, Ashlyn, Jacob, Tiffany, Samantha, Christopher, Brianna, Hunter, Thomas, Bryce, Jacey, Clyde, Scott, and Emily; many great-grandchildren and his sister Marlene Auten. He was preceded in death by his father Carl Seibert, mother Mary Prochazka, brothers: Joe Toth and David Toth, one sister Sharon Teelander, daughters: Alaina Longoria and Jennifer Garrod, and granddaughter Amanda.
Memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.
Kenneth Alexander Smith
Kenneth Alexander “Alex” “Big Al” Smith, a resident of DeWitt died on October 1, 2023 at the age of 35.
He leaves his parents, Leslie and Wade Williams; grandmother, Marilyn Ann Donaldson; uncles, aunts, and cousins, Kenneth (Heidi) Smith and their children, Colin and MacKenzie, Betsy Glannan and her children, Scott and Ryan, John Glannan, Kirsten (Paul) Heffernan, and many dear people in his life, including Chuck DeSander, Brandon Rico, Greg Decker, Kenway Hensley and his colleagues at Specialized Deer Processing.
Alex was a 2007 graduate of St. Johns High School. Following high school he worked with a local contracting firm and was instrumental in the estimating and bidding for several large construction projects in Lansing and DeWitt, and in growing the business. Alex later returned to his career with Specialized Deer Processing and Chuck DeSander, with whom he had begun working at a young age. His strong work ethic combined with his undeniable talent contributed to his successful career as a butcher. He was brilliant, dedicated, hard-working, thoughtful, caring, funny, always did his best, and he prided himself on perfection.
Outside of work he loved his pets and being in the out-of-doors, hunting, fishing, grilling for friends and family, and hanging out at campfires. Alex will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns on Friday, October 6,from 4-7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Pilgrim Global Methodist Church, 2965 W. Parks Road, St. Johns, on Saturday, October 7 at 11 AM with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, Specialized Deer Processing will accept donations for Helping Other People Eat (HOPE), providing meat to families within the community. Alex’s family would like to give a special thank you to those who have been a support to them this week.
Craig Lynn Boettger
Craig Lynn Boettger, age 56, of St. Johns, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 2, 2023 at his home.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time.
Craig was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 11, 1967, the son of Gary Lee and Diana Lynn (Harper) Boettger. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1985. Craig married Tina Lynn Putnam on September 30, 2011 in St. Johns, MI. Craig enjoyed being at home; watching TV, sports, and was an avid U of M fan. He liked spending time outdoors and hunting. Craig loved spending time with his family and cats Ivy and Taz. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and for his simple ways in life.
He is survived by his wife Tina Boettger of St. Johns, MI; stepsons: Bon Rulapaugh of Alma, MI; Zackary and Karmen Rulapaugh of Alma, MI; daughters: Angie and Torey; brother Todd Boettger of St. Johns; niece Ashleigh and Zach Curtis of Lansing, MI; aunt Kathy and Stan Hibbler of Ovid, MI; uncles: Allen Boettger, of St. Johns, MI; Denny Boettger of St. Johns, MI; and cousins: Chris and Michelle Smalley of Ithaca, MI; Jenny and Neil Bixby of Laingsburg, MI; Sarah and Jim Voisinet of St. Johns, MI. He is also survived by great-nephew ZJ Curtis and grandchildren: Zane and Zoey Rulapaugh, and many other grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents: Robert and Kay Harper and Don and Margaret Boettger.
Memorials may be made to the Basic Needs Center, St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Glenn Carl Whitford
Glenn Carl Whitford, age 91, farmer and life-long St. Johns resident, passed away September 27, 2023 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing.
Glenn was born November 3, 1931 to the late Carl and Eleanor (Rademacher) Whitford. He graduated from Rodney B Wilson High School in 1949 and served in the US Air Force during the Korean War, mostly stationed in remote bases in Japan.
Glenn and Lois enjoyed taking many driving trips around the country with their fifth wheel camper especially to the air show in Osh Kosh, WI, snowmobiling and vacationing at their cottage at Houghton Lake and spending time during winters in Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years Lois Whitford and children: Rick (Marilyn) Whitford of St Johns, MI, Liane (Lial) Knight of Marshall, WI, Mary (Al Dewey) Prowant of St Johns, MI, Paula (Bill) Curtis of Richland, MI, and Michelle (Berry) Roll of St Johns, MI; who will miss his quiet, unwavering love and support and good-natured sense of humor and easy laugh; also survived by grandchildren: Alison Swain, Kelly Lange, Jamie West, Britney Roll, Gavin Knight, Christin Ankney, Ryan Curtis, Alvin Dewey, Jeremiah Dewey, Becky Gott, Emily Dewey, Shannon Swanson, and Olivia Dewey; 27 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren; and special kitty Cali. He is also survived by sister-in-law Dorothy Scharnweber, brother-in-law Merritt Scharnweber, and brother-in- law Richard Smith, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, infant daughter, brothers: Gerald and Jack Whitford, sister Janet Smith, and sister-in-law Joan Rennells.
Special thanks to wonderful caregivers Erin Csapos, Karla Bradley, Lyla Zell, Tina Sawdy, Stacey Johnstone and Candace Cramer.
A service for the family will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial gifts in Glenn’s name are made to the Capital Area Humane Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.