Obituaries
Richard T. Cramer
Richard T. Cramer of St. Johns, Michigan passed at the age of 78 on June 26, 2019. He was born on July 28, 1940 in Royal Oak, Michigan and his family moved to Bath, Michigan in the mid 40s. He moved to St. Johns in 1971.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Judy, children Crystyne and Fred Wilson, Rich and LeAnn Cramer, Jerry and Tresa Malek, Jillene and Darryl David; Grandchildren Shanin and Tony Gillman, Robin Ewers, Jentry Malek, Trista and Todd Stoller, and Anika Cramer; Great Grandchildren Ella Beth Castleman, Hudson Gillman and 2 on the way; Siblings Pat and Stanley Baird, Connie Rice, and Sally Hartsuff and sister-in-law Marilyn Cramer. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Viola Cramer and brothers James, Ronald, and Jack Cramer.
He spent his life enjoying hunting, golfing, the great outdoors and going to church. The companionship of all his great friends and helping those in need have inspired many. Donations to the First Congregational Church of St. Johns, Michigan or Bay Cliff Health Camp of Big Bay, Michigan will be appreciated.
Friends and family please join us at a Memorial Service to be held Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Street, St. Johns Michigan. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
Joan M. Fox
Joan M. Fox died Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the age of 75. She was born May 5, 1944 in Ovid, MI the daughter of Robert and Agnes (Unterbrink) Klockziem. Joan was a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post # 4005 in Corunna and was a homemaker, providing loving care to all her family. On July 23, 1966 she married James C. Fox and he survives her.
Also surviving is one daughter, Julie Fox; one son, Jary (Erica) Fox; four grandchildren, Zachary (Josie) Fox, Madison Fox, Katelyn Fox and fiancée Justin Van Buskirk and Emma Fox; two brothers, Charlie (Barb) Klockziem, Phil (Debbie) Klockziem; one sister, Kristine Klockziem; three sisters – in – law, Pat, Brooke and Darlene Klockziem and many nieces and nephews. She was prececeded in death by a son Eric and three brothers, Ron, Tom and Bill Klockziem.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Ronald C. Miller
Ronald C. Miller, age 96 of rural Ovid passed away at Grace Haven Assisted Living on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Ron was born on June 16, 1923 in Watertown Twp., MI the son of Clare and E. Pearl (Moffatt) Miller. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1941. On April 18, 1951 he married Mary L. Maddern in Evart, MI. Ron was a farmer all of his life. He was a member of Grove Bible Church and Farm Bureau. Ron served on the Ovid Township Board for 34 years, Shepardsville School Board and was on the Clinton County Board of Appeals for many years.
Surviving are his wife, Mary, sons Jon (Lynette) Miller of Elsie and Douglas (Jillaine) Miller of Traverse City, MI; Grandchildren, Joshua (Leyna) Miller, Robin (Rory) McVay, Michelle (Bryan) Roberts, Shannon (Keith) Sheridan, Sarah (Jake) Perrin, Kristin (Todd) Kruse, Katherine (Matt) Kinney, Jared (Kaci) Miller, Jennifer Miller, Heather (Jon) Clapp, Heidi (Casey) Layer, Hanna (Jon) Brush and Heath Rushton and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, Chris and brother Jack Miller and sister Violet Curtis.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27, 2019, 5-8 P.M. and 1 hour prior to funeral services which will be held at Grove Bible Church on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Brendan Holmquist officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI. Memorials are asked to be made to Grove Bible Church, 6980 E. Price Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879 or to Care Team Hospice 5409 Gateway Center, Suite C, Flint, MI 48507.
Andrew F. Luttig
Andrew F. Luttig died Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at the age of 90. He was born December 11, 1928 in Fowler, MI to Leo and Catherine (Goodman) Luttig.
He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Andy retired from “The Olds” after 36 years of service. Andy married Margie (Cook) on June 13, 1953. They were married for over 60 years until Margie’s death in 2014.
Surviving are his children: Terry (Eileen), Kathy (Bill) Feldpausch, Ellen, Larry (Michele), his grandchildren: Rebecca (Mike) Hafner, Benjamin (Elise) Feldpausch, Emily (Josh) Blind, Eric Luttig, Amanda (Adam) Shinaver, great-grandchildren: Mason and Gavin Hafner, Alex and Max Feldpausch, Vera and Tessa Blind, brothers: Paul (Pat), Urbie (Shirley), sisters: Catherine (Bill) Heckman, Liz (Roger) Cook, Helen (Jerry) Stump, brothers-in-law: Peter Weber, Bruno (Mary Ann) Cook, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 4 infant children, and brothers: Norm and Ray, and sisters: Viola Koenigsknecht and Irene Weber.
Andy loved to talk about growing up on the farm. He served in the U.S. Army; was a volunteer fireman for many years and a school board member. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an innovative tinkerer. He loved spending time with family and being at his favorite place, the family cottage on Rose Lake.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. with a rosary being prayed at 5:30 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel 11112 W. Ionia Street, Fowler, MI.
Those wishing to make contributions in Andy’s memory may do so to the Dallas Township Fire and Rescue Department. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Marion Myron Walker
Marion Myron Walker, age 78 of Ovid, MI, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019 at his home.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Burial will take place at Oregon Township Cemetery, Lapeer. MI with graveside services Friday, June 28, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home and on Thursday from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service.
Marion was born in St. Johns, MI on May 28, 1941 the son of Kenneth and Maude (Sutherby) Walker. He was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School and resided most of his life in Ovid and St. Johns. Marion married Mary Jane (Hart) Tallieu on August 3, 1990.
Marion served his country in the U.S. Army and retired from General Motors. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. Marion also loved to bowl and shoot pool. His elk hunting trips with his best friend, Alan were some of his favorite times. Marion also loved to travel and spend time with his grandchildren. Marion made sure his Tuesdays were free for card playing.
Marion is survived by his wife Mary Jane Walker of Ovid, MI; son Wayne Walker of Eaton Rapids, MI; son James and Olga Walker of Lake Elmo, MN; step son Lewis Tallieu of Lapeer, MI; step son Phillip Tallieu of Lapeer, MI; 11 grandchildren: Luke, Aubrey, Aidan, Madelyn, Lewis, Ashley, Jake, Jason, Jon, Adam and Arianna; and 4 great-grandchildren: Noah, Kinsley, Amaya and Kolson. Marion was preceded in death by his parents, step son Timothy Tallieu, brother Benjamin Walker, sister Janet Bogan and brother Rodney Walker.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the Walker Family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.
Margaret Ann Hart
Margaret Ann Hart, 87, of Grand Ledge, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at StoryPoint of Grand Ledge.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lowe United Methodist Church, St. Johns, MI, on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.
Margaret was born in St. Johns, MI on March 5, 1932, the daughter of Clyde Victor and Marian Grace (Beck) Houser. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1950. On March 21, 1950, Margaret married Jack Duane Hart at St. Johns United Methodist Church. Jack and Margaret lived in St. Johns until 1990, then spent the next 27 years in Cottonwood, AZ returning to St. Johns in 2017. Margaret worked for St. Johns Public Schools many years.
Margaret loved painting and pottery. Including creating numerous paintings and pieces of pottery, she volunteered at an art gallery in AZ for over 10 years. Next to Jack and her family, the love of her life was her dog, Jake. Margaret enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Margaret is survived by her husband of 69 years Jack Hart of Grand Ledge, 3 children: Terry (Barbara) Hart of Lansing, MI; Deborah (Michael) McLeod of Powhatan, VA; David Hart of St. Johns, MI; 8 grandchildren: Aaron (Krista) LeVeck, Jessica Hart, Sarah (Brock) Randolph, Grace (Jason) Rodgers, John (Kelly) Hart, Mary (Ryan) Jackson, Paul (Natalie) Hart, and Erica (Mark) Pfeffer; plus 13 great-grandchildren, sister Janet (Dan) Foland of St. Johns, MI; and many nieces and nephews. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, sister Susan Lovegrove, and brother Allen Houser.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lowe United Methodist Church. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
June G. Hambleton
June G. Hambleton died Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the age of 93. She was born July 27, 1925 in Cumberland, MD the daughter of Harry and Elva (Grimm) Hershberger. June was a graduate of Allegany High School and has lived in the Lansing area since 1965. June worked for Kwast Bakery as a cake decorator for many years. She attended First United Methodist Church on Delta River Dr. in Lansing. On August 29, 1945 she married Donald Hambleton and he preceded her in death June 2, 2007. She was also predeceased by two brothers, one sister and a great granddaughter.
Surviving are two sons, David (Rose) Hambleton of Dimondale, William (Rhonda) Hambleton of Lansing; five daughters, Sharon (James) Seeley of Colorado, Nancy (Bruce) Marshall of Lansing, Susan Hambleton of Lansing, Pamela (Carl) Beach of Cape Coral, FL and Annette (Nick) Garland of Washington Court House, OH; 11 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Mower of MD.
Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Interment will follow at South Bingham Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 AM until service time on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.
Larry E. Martin
Larry E. Martin, age 84 of Ovid, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019 in St. Johns after a lengthy battle with ALS.
A memorial service will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Thursday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will also take place at Keck-Coleman on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m., and Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Larry was born on April 24, 1935, in Revere Missouri, son of Carl W. and Mary E. (Brown) Martin. The family moved to Michigan when Larry was two years old, eventually settling in a farm house on the current site of Sleepy Hollow State Park. He was a 1953 graduate of Ovid High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry from Michigan State University in 1963. Larry also served in the United States Army from 1954-56 with the 3rd Armored Division. Larry married Margo D. Sheldon on August 29, 1954 in Ovid. Larry and Margo purchased Sheldon’s Packing House from Margo’s father Dale Sheldon in 1967. Together they ran the meat packing business until its closing in 1998.
Larry was always a highly visible personality in the Ovid area and took on numerous leadership roles in the community. Some of the organizations he was involved with include Ovid Village Council, Ovid Little League, Ovid-Middlebury Fire Department – many years a fire chief, Ovid Lions Club, Ovid Community Food Basket Program, area meats judging teams as an advisor, and OvidElsie School Board. Larry also served as Clinton County Commissioner for twenty years, the last six as chairperson.
Larry was a proud MSU Spartan alumnus and held season tickets to football, basketball, and hockey since the 1970’s. He loved to host football tailgates, and also traveled to many Spartan away contests including bowl games and national tournament games. Taught by his father, Larry was an avid hunter from a very young age. He passed this love of the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren, not to mention countless other young people in the Ovid-Elsie area by teaching Hunter Safety class for nearly 50 years.
Larry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margo; four children: Gregg (Jennie), Leann, and Allen (Michele) all of Ovid, and Scott (Lisa Margaret) of Oakley; nine grandchildren: Dan (Jennifer), Sarah (Seth), Lukas, Alaina, Cal (Jackie), Mariel (Aaron), Brett, Nathan, and Traci; two greatgrandchildren: Dominic and Ariana; and brother Norman (Barbara) Martin of Ovid. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Mary, along with seven siblings: Darlene Hammond, Dennis, Warren, Gayle Pontius, and three who died in infancy: Harold, Mary, and Jack.
Memorial contributions are suggested to either the Ovid-Middlebury Fire Department or Ovid Lions Club.
Brian Dean Swatman
Brian Dean Swatman, age 70 of Owosso passed away Friday, June 21, 2019.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Nelson-House Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 3 p.m. to 8p.m.
Brian was born April 10, 1949 in St. Johns, the son of Forrest and Doris (Heathman) Swatman.
He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, class of 1967 and earned a degree from Ferris State College.
In his free time he loved to golf. Brian was a former member of the Owosso Country Club and a current member of the Glenbrier golf league in Perry. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and entertaining a house full of people. He loved boating and lake life, and people still miss the Memorial Day Challenges that Brian and Linda had for 35 years.
He married Linda Goldman at Congregational Church of St. Johns on September 20, 1969.
Brian was a skilled draftsman and builder. His first job was with Gene Terrell Architects in Flint. He designed and built his own home on Lake Manitou in Owosso in 1977. Over the years he was always helping family, friends and neighbors construct their dream homes. He leveraged his building talents and eye for design by creating his own company, Sascon, in 1990 until 2009. He grew the company and employed many in the area, contributing to the development and improvement of the Owosso and Mid-Michigan area. As he transitioned into retirement he worked alongside his son, Chad, at Mid-State construction for the past 10 years where he was able to continue to do what he loved.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Linda Goldman Swatman; son Chad (Shannon) Swatman; grandchildren Rachel and Tyler Swatman and Devin Swatman Stewart; father Forrest Swatman; sister Lexa (John) O’Brien; sister-in-law Anna (Todd) Ewing; many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many special friends. Brian was predeceased by his son Devin Swatman; mother Doris Swatman; sister-in-law Judy Barrett; brother-in-law Michael Barrett.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shiawassee Community Foundation-Devin Allen Swatman Memorial Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice in Brian’s honor.