Obituaries
Royall H. Miller
Royall H. Miller, 88 of St. Johns, MI passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor after a long illness. He was born February 10, 1931 to John F. and Martha B. (Sommers) Miller, of Fowler, MI. Royall was a member of Shepardsville United Methodist Church and a former UAW member. He was a retired GM Final Assembly employee with 30 years of service and managed his own farm. On May 12, 1951 he married Treva Rinckey and she preceded him in death in February of this year.
Surviving are two sons, Douglas (Susan) and Barry (Jan); daughter-in-law, Debra Miller; grandchildren, Amy Miller, Julie Metcalfe, Tracie Perkins, Troy Miller, Ryan Miller, Lindsay Miller, Sara Miller, Ben Miller, Amy Brudnyak, Lisa LeClair; 14 great grandchildren and one brother, Hugh Miller. He was also predeceased by one son, Curtis, 5 brothers, Vernon, Walter, Jack, Robert and Ernest and two sisters, Marie and Elaine.
A memorial service will be held for Royall at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Shepardsville United Methodist Church with Pastor Judy Hazle officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends from 10:30 AM until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Shepardsville United Methodist Church.
The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Arthur Clare Wood
Arthur Clare Wood passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019 in St. Johns, Michigan. Art was born to Myron and Jennie (Bollinger) Wood on January 10, 1932 on a farm near Vestaburg, Michigan. He loved being the youngest brother in this large, boisterous farm family and would tell stories of taking cows out to pasture, hunting with his brothers, tipping over outhouses, skating from pond to pond, and riding to Alma in a Model T, working the broken windshield wipers with string from the back seat. After high school graduation in 1950, he joined the Air Force to see the world (well, maybe not Korea). After completing initial training, he was stationed in Rapid City, South Dakota for four years, serving as a military policeman. While there, he was an extra in a Charlton Heston movie and served as honor guard for presidential candidate, Dwight Eisenhower. After completing his military service, he returned to Michigan.
As fate would have it, he met Arlene Steere, at the Crystal Roller Rink and they married on June 30, 1956 at the Crystal Congregational Church. Art and Arlene made their first home in Big Rapids, where Art attended Ferris State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Following college, Art and Arlene moved to St. Johns, Michigan where they made their home for the rest of their lives. He began his career as the head of accounting at Federal Mogul for a number of years. He also served as the business manager of St. Johns Public Schools, and finished his accomplished professional career as Vice President of F. C. Mason.
Art modeled the work ethic that he expected from his children, often repeating the phrase, “Always work more than you are paid for, and someday you will be paid more than you work.” Art was an active community member and served on the boards of Clinton Memorial Hospital and Hazel Findlay Manor. He also attended the First Congregational Church. Not only was Art a dedicated professional, but also a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. He was ever present in all of our lives attending everything from dance recitals to wrestling matches in support of his kids and grandkids. Art spent quality time with all of us and was responsible for organizing many family adventures. The Wood family enjoyed epic road trips, camping in Michigan and the western United States, and white water rafting in Colorado and West Virginia.
He is survived by his four children: Erin (Mark) Walling, Teresa (Larry) Zuker, Gregory (Kathy) Wood, and Cameron (Heather) Wood. He was an amazing grandfather to Christopher (Emily) Walling, Megan Walling, Zachary (Ursula) Zuker, Ian Wood, Nathan Wood, Liam Wood, and Evan Wood. In addition, he is survived by four siblings: Louis (Virginia) Wood, Velita St. Peter, Joyce (Dave) Bussema, and Betty Maxwell. Art is also survived by brother-in-law, Gary (Tammy) Steere, and sister-in-law Ardeth Steere. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, and wife of nearly 63 years, Arlene. Five brothers also passed before him: Mylon, James, George, Rex, and Donald, and brother-in-law, William Steere. He will also be greatly missed by a number of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
A celebration of Art’s life will be held Thursday, August 22, 2019 at the First Congregational Church in St. Johns at 11:30 AM. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. The address of the church is 100 Maple Avenue. Our family wishes to thank Dr. John MacDonald for his compassionate care and concern throughout Dad’s life, and ultimately through his final illness. His calm, reassuring presence made these last weeks easier for all of us. In lieu of flowers, please consider Sparrow Clinton Hospital Foundation as a memorial.The address for the foundation is 805 S. Oakland Street, St. Johns, MI 48879.
The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Virginia Lynn Seybert
Virginia Lynn “Lynn” Seybert, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend lost her courageous battle to cancer on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at her home at the age of 64.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 Bridge Street, Dewitt, MI, 48820 on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Robert Irish officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the church, with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 P.M. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 A.M. until time of the funeral mass on Monday.
Lynn was born on August 30, 1954 in Cheboygan, MI, the daughter of Leonard and Virginia (Starling) Proctor. She graduated from Hillman Junior and Senior High School, in Hillman MI, with the class of 1972. After graduation, she worked hard as a waitress, earning the first color TV set for her family.
On August 30, 1975, Lynn married Gregory Seybert, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Hillman, MI. They moved to Mt. Pleasant, MI, where they spent the next 24 years raising their children, Heather, Shane, and Samantha. Later they moved to DeWitt, MI, where they spent the last several years raising their youngest, Samantha. Three years ago, they moved to St. Johns with the plan to enjoy retirement. Lynn was a 12-year cancer survivor and with her faith and family, she fought and won her battle against cancer for the first time.
Lynn was an avid gardener, quilter, cook, knitter, and loved Christmas more than anyone. Her flower gardens and holiday decorations were often admired throughout the neighborhood. Disney World was Lynn’s favorite place to travel and she became a “kid” again. Lynn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; and loved to spoil others on their birthday and holidays. She worked hard raising her children and providing a loving home.
Lynn is survived by her loving husband, Greg Seybert; her children: Heather and Derek Sanders; Shane and Laurie Seybert; and Samantha Seybert; 5 grandchildren: Amyah, Tristyn, and Gregory Seybert; Madeline and Hayden Sanders. She is also survived by her siblings: John, Dick, Loretta and Dick, Sally and Pat, Donnie and Ken, and Tom; also, many beloved in-laws: Stuart and Betty, Terry and Barb, Mike, Cliff and Michelle, Phil and Kim, Chris and Betsy, Joe and Toni. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Virginia Proctor, father and mother-in-law Earl and Madeline Seybert; sisters in law: Judy Proctor, Pat Seybert, and Janette Proctor.
Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice or to Catholic Community of St. Jude. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Janice Marie Cook
Janice Marie Cook, 77, of Lyons, MI, passed away Monday, August 12, 2019, at Hospice House of Mid Michigan, Lansing, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI, on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Jessica Miller officiating. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Jan was born in Grand Rapids, MI on February 25, 1942, the daughter of Carleton Fred and Thelma Olive (Wolsheid) Kohagen. Jan graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1960. Janice married Raymond Duane Cook on August 7, 1965. She retired as a cook from the Lansing School District. Jan and Ray owned and operated the C and J Lounge in Saranac and the Brass Rail in Fowler. She worked at Hazel Findlay and also did in home care for many years. She loved photography, bowling, camping, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Ray Cook of Lyons, MI; daughter Tina Cook-Theis of Lyons, MI; son Kevin and Melody Cook of DeWitt, MI; brother Larry and Diane Kohagen of Fowler, MI; brother Jerry and Joyce Kohagen of St. Johns, MI; sister Cecile and Claude Feldpausch of Fowler, MI; and step daughters: Loreen Brown of St. Johns, MI; Connie Thelen of St. Johns, MI; Pam Cook of Iowa; and Lynnette Feldpausch of DeWitt, MI. She is also survived by many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Janice was preceded in death by her parents Carleton and Thelma Kohagen, daughter Mary Trent, son Jeff Cook and step son Craig Cook.
Memorials may be made to Sparrow St. Lawrence Campus Hospice, Lansing, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Joseph Halfmann
Joseph Halfmann, 94 of St. Johns, MI passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 10, 2019. He was born July 22, 1925 in Westphalia, MI the son of Anthony and Gertrude (Simon) Halfmann. He married Marjorie (Spitzley) Halfmann in 1953. Joe graduated from Westphalia High School in 1943 and retired from General Motors in 1985 with 36 years of service. An Army veteran, Joe served in Germany during the Korean War. He was a member of VFW Post 701 in Lansing where he enjoyed playing euchre every Monday afternoon. Joe was a volunteer for Ingham Medical Hospital, enjoyed fishing, coaching softball and was a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan.
Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Marjorie; his children, LuAnn (Charles) Therrian, Janet (James) Halfmann-Erickson, Roy (Deb) Halfmann; a son-in-law, Randy Dodge; thirteen grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren and a sister, Marie Thelen. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Leon and Allan, a sister, Joan Pohl and a daughter, Rita Dodge.
A memorial mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, August 15, 2019 at St. Casimir Catholic Church 815 Sparrow Ave. Lansing with Rev. Fr. Bill Lugger officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Lansing. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, August 14 from 4-8 PM at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. A rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.
Donald Michael Bradley
Donald Michael Bradley, age 79 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2019, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI. Donald was born in Wayne, MI on August 4, 1940 the son of Robert and Genevieve (Dowhan) Bradley. He was a graduate of West Bloomfield High School and attended Ferris State University. Donald married his High School sweetheart, Joanne Lobby on August 19, 1961 in West Bloomfield, MI. Donald resided most of his life in Oakland County and St. Johns.
Donald loved his grandkids and spending time with them. He enjoyed watching and attending every sporting event possible. Donald also enjoyed camping with his wife and many friends. He retired from General Motors after more than 30 years as a Journeyman Toolmaker and Welder. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed frequenting Soaring Eagle Casino. Donald was a member of the Elk’s Club, active with the UAW and the 59ers which was a group of graduates from West Bloomfield High School.
He is survived by his wife Joanne Bradley of St. Johns, MI; daughter Sheryl and Dave Onofrio of Highland, MI; son John and Terry Bonner of Keego Harbor, MI; daughter Dianne and James Zinkel of Frankfort, IL; 5 grandchildren David Onofrio, Hanna Zinkel, Daniel Onofrio, Isabelle Zinkel and Jolene Bonner; his sister Patricia and Joe Healy of Mt. Airy, MD. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert Bradley.
Memorials may be made to American Heart Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Gregg Alan Platte
Gregg Alan Platte, age 57 of Fowler, MI, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI on Saturday, August 17, 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 Friday, August 16, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
Gregg was born in Carson City, MI on July 30, 1962 the son of Stanley and Jane (Mathews) Platte. He was a graduate of Fowler High School and resided all of his life in Fowler. Gregg married Debbie Smith on May 23, 1987 at St. Mary’s Parish in Westphalia, MI.
Gregg served his country in the U.S. Marines. He enjoyed fishing, was an avid NASCAR fan and loved going to the drag strip. Gregg also enjoyed going to car shows and loved to play cards. He loved to play solitaire and listen to any kind of music. Halloween was his favorite holiday, and he will be remembered for dressing up for the occasion. He was also an avid U of M and Fowler Eagle fan. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his buddy Lincoln. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler and he was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
He is survived by his wife Debbie Platte of Fowler; 2 daughters: Brandy and Lee Pung; and Melissia Platte both of Fowler; brother Mark and Joy Platte, brother Dean and Lynette Platte, brother Adam and Laurie Platte, sister Joan Platte, brother Pete and Sheri Platte, and brother Nick and Gail Platte, all of Fowler; father and mother-in-law Jerome and Carlene Smith, sister-in-law Geralyn and Terry Trierweiler, sister-in-law Cheryl and Jack Smith, sister-in-law Denise Cook and Roger Rueckert, brother-in-law Jerry and Kim Smith, and sister-in-law Kathy and Ryan Channell; all of Westphalia; sister-in-law Shelly and Steve Spohn, brother-in-law Douglas and Brenda Smith, and sister-in-law Christine and Todd Smith, all of Lyons; sister-in-law Beth and Fran Thelen of Pewamo; and sister-in-law Mary Kay and Kurt Weber of Portland. Gregg is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Gregg was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Lee Platte, and godson Benjamin Platte.
Memorials may be made to the Wishes of the Platte Family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.