.
Robert Lee Sheldon
Robert Lee Sheldon, age 76, of St. Johns, MI passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Robert was born in Lansing, MI on July 10, 1947, the son of James and Betty Sheldon but was raised by Henry and Gene Sheldon in Shepardsville, MI. Robert married Dorothy Jean Ike on January 20, 1970. Dorothy passed away on May 3, 1995.
Robert was a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed watching sports, especially football and basketball. Robert was a Michigan State fan. Spending time with his family brought him the greatest joy.
He is survived by his son Scott Sheldon; daughter Melissa and Wally Emmer; daughter Gina, and Mike Noble; son Greg and Julie Sheldon; daughter Rhonda; 9 grandchildren: Lorraine Sheldon; Hannah Emmer; Andrew, Aaron, Amber, and Adam Sheldon; Nate, Amanda, and Zachary Borema; several great-grandchildren; siblings: Joyce, Susan and Kenny. Robert was preceded death by his parents, Henry and Gene Sheldon, wife Dorothy Jean Sheldon, son Daniel Marek, Jr., and brother Wayne.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Michael Allen Birdsley
Michael Allen Birdsley (Mike) was born in St. Johns on Christmas Eve 1949 to Arden Earl (Jack) and Bonna (Rahl) Birdsley. He passed peacefully on November 3, 2023, at the age of 73 with Sandi, his wife of 30 years and two of his daughters present.
He loved St Johns. He enjoyed long walks, local history, working with his hands and spending time with his family. After serving in the Army, he worked as a Porsche mechanic for 36 years and taught mechanics at Baker College for 10.
Mike had a deep, quiet voice and a calming presence. April Fools and Halloween were among his favorite holidays as he loved playing pranks on his family and friends. He was a private, dedicated and responsible man who gave everything he had to others. He took pride in his work, meticulous even when finding the details tedious. An accomplished chef, he liked watching cooking shows and frequently made healthy and yummy meals for his family. At 6 feet tall he could command a situation easily when needed, being also very articulate and disciplined.
He is survived by his Aunt Carol, Aunt Shirley, sister Donna, brother Terry, wife Sandi, 5 daughters: Jessie Krebs, Becki Johnson, Anna Caldwell, Sarah Diehl-Wood, and Felicia Sorge and 12 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the the Main Street Cafe in St. Johns in the back room on Saturday, April 132024 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. All friends and relatives are welcome, and bring stories to share, but please no gifts or flowers. He was a good man who loved and gave with gentle fortitude. He will be remembered and missed by numerous family members and friends.
Hilary John Schmitz
Hilary John Schmitz, age 91, of Fowler, MI, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023.
A Graveside Service for family and friends will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Fowler, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock officiating. For those wishing to process to the cemetery with the family please plan on arriving at Smith Family Funeral Homes-Goerge Chapel Fowler between 10-10:30 A.M.
Hilary was born to Peter and Catherine (Feldpausch) Schmitz on December 20, 1931 at the homestead in Bengal Township. Hilary married Marcia Plumstead on April 12, 1958. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 retiring as a corporal. Hilary farmed and became a journeyman millwright at General Motors for over 30 years, retiring in 1995. Hilary was a lifelong member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Marcia Schmitz; son Darryl (Rose) Schmitz; four daughters: Julie (Steve) Erbe, Diane (Brian) Simon, Denice (Jim) Schultheisis, and Gail (Steve) Lane; 15 grandchildren: Hilary, Christopher, Greg (Chelsea), Michael (Brittney), Scott (Holly), Jennifer, Tony, and Elizabeth, Eric (Elizabeth), Kurt (Michelle), Kara (Altin), Oriana (Thibauld), Zoe, Hannah, and Quinn; 13 great-grandchildren. Hilary is also survived by a brother Maurice (Darlene) Schmitz, a sister Eunice (Clare) Pung, and sisters-in-law Fay Schmitz and Marcia Schmitz also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his twin grandsons: Alex and Aaron Fedewa, his sisters and brothers: Freda (Ed) Bauer, Stella (Tom) Kinney, Agnes (Tom) Faivor, Stanley (Pat) Schmitz, Donald (Mary Lou) Schmitz, Richard Schmitz, Justin (Sharon) Schmitz, Eletha Schmitz, and Peter Schmitz.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Cheryl Jeane Tickner
Cheryl Jeane Tickner, age 70, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023 at her home.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, 104 East Cass Street St. Johns, Michigan 48879 on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 12:00 (noon). Burial will take place at Deepdale Cemetery, Lansing, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the Funeral Home.
Cheryl was born in Lansing, MI on January 29, 1953, the daughter of Jack Francis and Marjorie Jean (Hilliker) Brown. She graduated from Sexton High School in Lansing, MI. Cheryl married Terry Eugene Tickner on November 29, 1976 in Lansing, MI. Terry passed away in 2010. She worked for CATA and Dean Transportation in Lansing. Cheryl enjoyed playing guitar, solitaire and doing word searching puzzles.
Cheryl is survived by her daughter Marci and Chris Applegate; 3 grandchildren: Alyssa Tickner, Jesse Timmerman, and Bella Applegate; 4 great grandchildren: Christopher, Adalynn, Remington, and Sophia; her sister Judy Fish; 3 brothers: Rodger and Debbie Brown, Gary Brown, and Russell and Vivian Brown. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, husband Terry, and son Donald Tickner.
The Tickner Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cheryl’s caregivers for 9 years, Marlene and Diana.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Carol Ann Eldridge
Carol Ann Eldridge, age 79, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023, at her home with her family by her side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 9, 2023, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 and Wednesday, November 8, 2023 with a Rosary being prayed both evenings at 7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Carol was born in Fowler, Michigan on August 4, 1944, the daughter of Alfred Jacob and Annie Rose (Simon) Koenigsknecht. She graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1963.
On November 21, 1989 Carol married Douglas Paul Eldridge in St. Johns, MI. They were married nearly twenty years prior to his death on April 2, 2009.
Carol’s top priority was her family. She was always present at the family events. She enjoyed her summers at Pleasure Point. Carol was a great cook; the family will miss her delicious Christmas Cookies. Her love and support was felt by all.
Carol loved people; her laughter and wit brought joy to everyone. She liked traveling, playing cards and going to the casino with her brothers. She was very close with her classmates from the class of 1963. Carol loved the holidays, especially Halloween.
Carol eagerly embraced being a farmer and loved working on the farm driving all the equipment and having family ride with her.
Carol is survived by three children: Bryon (Roxanne) Antes of Edmore, Pam (Dave) Keesaer of Williamston, and Randy (Brenda) Antes of Fowler; four grandchildren: Dylan Antes, Harleigh Antes, Erin (Mark) Higgins, and Briana (Kevin) Herzog; and three great grandchildren: Lennon Herzog, Zoie Brandt, and Mya Montroy. She is also survived by four siblings: Tom (Jacque) Koenigsknecht, Mike (Diane) Koenigsknecht, Dale (Therese) Koenigsknecht, and Diane Hulliberger; sisters-in-law: Marsha Koenigsknecht, Jean Koenigsknecht, Eva Koenigsknecht, and Sharon Worrall; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Doug, in-laws Paul and Pansy (Hearl) Eldridge, 3 brothers: Jim, Ken, and Larry Koenigsknecht; and brother-in-law Dean Worrall.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Daniel Lyle Van Etten
Daniel Lyle Van Etten, age 69, of Fowler, went to meet the Lord on November 2, 2023, surrounded by his family at home.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns with Pastor John Gosslin officiating. Burial will follow at Payne Cemetery, Perrinton, MI. Visitation will be 4-8 P.M. on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the funeral home.
Daniel was born August 10, 1954 to Sam and Mary Ellen (Stambersky) Van Etten and grew up in Eureka, Michigan. He married Elaine Underwood Kupiec on November 6, 1976 in Maple Rapids, MI. He became father to Cindy, Mollie and Joel. Together they welcomed two sons: Abraham and Jesse.
Dan owned and operated Van Etten Masonry for many decades and taught all three of his sons the family trade. All three boys worked alongside Dan for many years, along with nephew Phillip. They had many stories to tell and many years of laughter to go along with the hard work. When Dan retired, Jesse and Abe took over the family business. In retirement, Dan and Elaine enjoyed many years vacationing in Montana on their property together.
Dan enjoyed buying and restoring old trucks. He was an avid sportsman, who loved the great outdoors. He spent many years in Montana and Wyoming. All three sons share his love of the outdoors and were blessed with many hunting and fishing trips together along with Dan’s brother Tom.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Elaine of 47 years, five children: Cindy (Andy) Stephens, Mollie (Pete) Leahy, Joel (Kim) Kupiec, Abraham Van Etten, and Jesse (Samantha) Van Etten; grandchildren: Jacob Stephens, Luke (Emily) Stephens, Josh Stephens, Elijah (Emily) Stephens, Zak (Leah) Leahy, Noah (Madison) Leahy, Nathaniel Leahy, Lainey (Cody) Kupiec, Clint (Sydney) Kupiec, Cole Van Etten, Ellie Van Etten, Bronson Van Etten, Hudson Van Etten, and Annabelle Van Etten; and great grandson Drew Stephens. He is also survived by sisters: Joy (John) Jelinek, Jo (Jim) Wheeler and Jane Marek; and sister-in-law Sandy Van Etten. Dan was blessed with a large extended family and many close friends. Dan was preceeded in death by his parents, brother Tom, and in-laws Oak and Evelyn Underwood.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.