Obituaries
Victor L Lootens Jr.
Victor L Lootens Jr., 75 years of age, of Saint Johns, went to be with the Lord on September 24th, 2019. He was born on July 12, 1944 in Munising, Michigan. He was the son of the late Victor L. Lootens, Sr and Marion Smith. Vic was a loving husband, cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Vic was charismatic and hard-working. He was a friend to everyone and a jack of all trades. He loved his dogs and caring for his fish. He loved to be outdoors and relaxing at their cottage, and for those who knew him well, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He put others above himself!
He is survived by 5 children; Vicki Lootens, Lea (Doug) Clingman, Tami (Eric) Dahl, Nicholas (Emily) Lootens and Brigette (Sam) Murray; 5 Step-children; 18 Grand children and 12 Great-Grand Children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Lootens.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Sunday, September 29, 2019, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, September 30, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Union Home Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Roger and Mary Dershem’s Hospital Equipment for Clinton county or contributions towards the service.
Frederick Olin Matice
Frederick Olin Matice of St. Johns formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 23, 2019 at the age of 85. He was born in St. Johns, MI, July 21, 1934, the son of William and Ruth (Rathbun) Matice. Fred worked for General Motors and retired after 30 years. He loved to fish, hunt and go to the casino. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and spent his winters in Newport Richey, Florida.
Fred is survived by his children, Ken (Maggie) Matice of Ovid, Dee (Tony) Nault of Eaton Rapids, David (DeAnn) Matice of Pewamo; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; son, Allan Matice; 2 sisters and 3 brothers.
A Funeral service will be held 12:00 pm Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
Kristin May Pohl
Kristin May “Kuna” Pohl, age 30, of Ovid, MI, passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 23, 2019, at her home.
Funeral services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 1:00 P.M., with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. and on Friday from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service.
Kristin was born in St. Johns, MI on October 7, 1988, the daughter of Allie and Christina (Martinez) Pohl. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 2007. On September 2, 2016, Kristin married Jacquelyn Ann Flanner in Charlotte, MI.
Kuna loved spending time with her step-son Bentlee, all of her nieces, nephews, family and friends. She enjoyed music, disc golfing, skateboarding, and BMX. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, her kind heart, and her smart remarks. Kristin enjoyed kayaking with Jacquelyn and friends.
Kristin loved her job as lead custodian at the Lansing Public Schools. She enjoyed working with the children and staff.
Kristin is survived by her wife Jacquelyn Pohl, step-son Bentlee Rademacher, parents Allie and Christina Pohl, siblings: Shasta Pohl, Amy Cook, Allie (Lisa) Pohl, and Stephanie Ordiway; sisters-in-law: Chyane (Robert) Quigley, and Kylee (Amir) Radmard; and mother-in-law Melissa (Jerry) Orweller. She is also survived by her grandmothers: Cecelia Martinez and Nancy (Terry Miller) Kingery; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Kristin was preceded in death by her grandfathers: Norm Pohl and Miguel Martinez; and uncles: Stormin Pohl, and Antonio Martinez.
Memorials may be made to the family for funeral expenses. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Donald William Pung
Donald William “Don” Pung, age 91, of Fowler, MI, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Hospice House of Mid Michigan, Lansing, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A rosary will be prayed at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Don was born in Fowler, MI on August 10, 1928, the son of Howard and Eleanor (Simon) Pung. Don married Bernadette Theis on February 15, 1950; Bernie passed away in 2010.
Don was a lifelong farmer. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. He loved playing cards with several different card groups, baking bread and cookies, cruising in his little blue truck, and riding his bike around town. Don’s faith and family were very important to him. He looked forward to visits from family and friends, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Orders of Foresters.
He is survived by his children: Dale (Linda) Pung, Randy (Deanna) Pung, Sue (Jim) Thelen, Sharon (Chris) Fink, sister Dorothy Jandernoa, 9 grandchildren, and 28 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Eleanor, wife Bernadette, son Gary, and brothers: Raymond, Vern, and Roy.
Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice House of Mid Michigan or to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Barbara Joan Horton
Barbara Joan Horton, 75, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2019. She was born March 3, 1944 in St. Johns, MI, daughter of Kenneth and Elaine (Kebler) Kruger. Barbara graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1962 and worked for the Michigan Department of Social Services for 40 years and retired in March of 2006. She was an avid gardener and maintained many beautiful flower arrangements at their home in St. Johns, MI.
She was survived by her husband of 54 years, Brian, daughter Kimberly Ann Horton of Morristown, NJ and sons, Bradley Horton of Portage, MI and Kevin Horton of St. Johns. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and sister Sharon Vaudry.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 26, 2019 – 11:00 a.m. at Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge, with interment to follow at North Eagle Cemetery, Eagle Twp., Clinton Co. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society.
Paul M. Eagle
Paul M. Eagle, 84, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, September 20, 2019, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, Michigan.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at 12:00 P.M., with Pastor Sharon Ketchum officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Paul was born in Highland Park, MI on November 21, 1934, the son of Pennie and Beulah (Martin) Eagle. Paul was raised in Detroit and graduated from Detroit Cooley High School. He was later drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Military Policeman. During his service, he spent two years at the Siegelsbach, Germany Army Depot and thoroughly enjoyed his time there – he especially loved playing baseball with his fellow servicemen.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, he pursued a pressman journeyman’s license and worked for Flint Ink, The Detroit News, The Detroit Free Press, and the Livonia Observer & Eccentric Newspapers from which he retired in 1996.
After dating Janet Stanfield for only six weeks in the fall of 1965, they became engaged and were married on June 25, 1966. Sadly, both of their mothers passed away before their wedding. Paul and Janet raised beagles together and Paul enjoyed taking the dogs small game hunting with his brother Raymond and his beagles.
Paul enjoyed the outdoors – camping, hunting, fishing and golfing. It was rare to find him indoors during the summer and you would often find him with his family somewhere up north camping. He loved to cook over an open fire and became locally famous for making the best peach cobbler slow cooked over a fire pit. He served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader for many years and spread his enthusiasm for the outdoors to many young men.
He was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions and took his children to many games. During his brief hospital stay before passing away, he insisted on listening to the Tigers game. Paul was a life member of the Plymouth Elks Lodge for 55 years and fully supported their mission to build stronger communities and in particular on teaching life skills to children in need. Paul lived a well-rounded life and is dearly missed by his children. They take comfort knowing that he has reunited with the love of his life, Janet, who passed away last October.
He is survived by his children: Julie and Michael Mosley, Paul M. Eagle II, Douglas Eagle, brother Ralph (Rhonda) Eagle, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Raymond Eagle, sister Carol LaFleur, niece Sherry Ritzenthaler, and nephew Norman LaFleur.
Memorials in honor of Paul may be made to Plymouth-Ann Arbor Elks Lodge #325, 41700 Ann Arbor Road, Plymouth, MI 48170. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Kendall E. Mohnke
Kendall E. Mohnke died Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the age of 74. Ken will be remembered by all for his fun loving attitude, zest for life, his graciousness in helping others at all times, and his devoted faith and love for his Lord.
He was born February 8, 1945 in St. Johns the son of Edwin and Melba (Ernst) Mohnke. Ken was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was baptized March 11, 1945; confirmed March 22, 1959, and served as an Elder in his church. He worked for General Motors as a Tool and Die Maker for 44 years, was a member of UAW Local # 652, and retired in 2007. He was married to Beverly (Dershem) for 54 years, who survives him.
Also surviving are three children, Kendra (Kevin) Weinberg of St. Johns; Dan (Lisa) Mohnke of Franklin, TN and Tim (fiancé Jami) Mohnke of Macomb, MI; eight grandchildren: Nathan, Josh, Adam, Jessica, Caden, Rachael, Colton and Nico;three siblings, Martha Finkbeiner of IL, Ann (Clare) Moritz of Grand Ledge and Dave (Dianne) Mohnke of DeWitt. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Dustin Robert Mohnke, and brother-in-law Robert Finkbeiner.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church 8990 Church Rd. St. Johns with Pastor Timothy A. Bayer officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 PM Monday, September 23 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Peter Lutheran Church and the family would like to thank in advance those who show their kindness.
Andreas H. Lange
Andreas H. Lange, 82, died suddenly as a result of an accident with his lawnmower on Friday, September 20, 2019. He was born February 8, 1937 in Olive Township, Clinton County, Michigan the son of Robert and Antonia (Riebe) Lange.
Andreas was a member of Emanuel First Lutheran Church in Lansing and enjoyed all types of hunting and riding snowmobile during the winter. He retired from General Motors in 1990 with 35 years of service and was a farmer also. On June 18, 1960 he married Bonnie Zell and she survives him.
Also surviving is a daughter, Brenda (Mike) Warr of DeWitt; two sons, Brent (Kathy) Lange of Leslie and Blain Lange of Chatham, MI; ten grandchildren, many great grandchildren and one brother, Wally (Gladys) Lange of Crystal, MI. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Hans, Robert and Gus.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Interment will follow at Wacousta Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Emanuel First Lutheran Church 1001 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48906 or Country Woods Archery 7360 S. Forest Hill Rd. St. Johns, MI 48879.
Julaine Agnes Snater
Julaine Agnes (Droste) Snater, 82, of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
In following Julaine’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Julaine was born in Fowler, MI on January 29, 1937, the daughter of Donald and Laurina C. (Werner) Droste. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns, MI with the class of 1955. On August 4, 1956, Julaine married Arthur Eldon Snater in Fowler, MI. They were blessed with 29 years of marriage prior to Arthur’s passing in 1985.
Julaine loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her family will miss all the baked goods she made for them. Julaine enjoyed traveling, gambling, playing cards with family and friends. She treasured her time with Donna and Lucille.
Julaine is survived by 6 children: Jeffery Snater, Julie (Kevin) Garvey, John (Deirdra) Snater, Janice (Bill) Wing, Jerry (Rosita) Snater, and Jody (Kendra) Snater; 13 grandchildren: Arthur Snater, Amber Snater, Kristi (Paul) Nelson, Kori (Anson) Martens, John Paul (Stephanie) Snater, Justin Snater, Steven Pittman, Stacy (Casey) Green, Austin (Miranda) Wing, Zachery Wing, Erika Snater, Derrick (Shelby) Snater, and Kyle Snater; 11 great granchildren: Hudson, Carter, Brayli, Kayden, Trace, Claire, Owen, Stevie, Presley, Hannah, and Brooklyne. She is also survived by 3 siblings: Lucille Howard, Richard (Cathy) Droste and James Droste. Julaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur, daughter-in-law Linda Snater, granddaughter Krista Garvey, siblings: Roy (Ruth) Droste, Donna (Richard) Karber, and Paul Droste. Her brother Arthur Droste followed her in death the same day.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Arthur Charles Droste
Arthur Charles Droste, 84, of St. Louis, and formerly of Ithaca, MI passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Masonic Pathways surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI on Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 3-7 P.M., and again on Monday, September 23, 2019, at the Doig Chapel – Masonic Pathways, Alma, MI at 10 A.M. with a Memorial Service at 11 A.M. with Pastor Steve Swem officiating.
Art was born September 21, 1934 in Fowler, MI to Donald and Laurina (Werner) Droste. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns, MI, with the class of 1953. On June 11, 1955, Art married Patricia Ann Holton, his dancing partner and love of his life for 64 years.
Art had 7 siblings: Lucille Howard, Jim Droste, Donna Karber, Roy Droste, Julaine Snater, Richard “Mick” Droste, and Paul Droste. Art and Pat have 7 children: Diane (David) Spieker, Laura (James) Hirschman, David (Trina) Droste, Donn Droste, Richard (Sheila) Droste, Darin (Karen) Droste, and Jayne Droste. Art had 14 grandchildren: Jacob (Stacy) Hirschman, Jessica (Kevin) Schubring, Luke (Taylor) Hirschman, Ho (Sarah) Choi, Nick Droste, Logan Droste, Garret (Jodi) Doyle, Curtis Doyle, Justin Doyle, Rachel Droste, Taylor Droste, Jenny (Jed) Carlson, Ivan Loviska, and Jack Loviska. Art had 5 great grandchildren: Andrew Hirschman, Henry Hirschman, Maggie Hirschman, Hannah Schubring, and Mason Loviska.
Art’s career began at Andy’s IGA in St. Johns as a meat cutter. He then moved to Ithaca as store manager at a new IGA supermarket. Art later purchased and operated the Mighty Midget Market in Merrill and IGA Supermarkets in Ithaca, Merrill, and Gladwin. After retiring, Art worked part time selling advertising for the Gratiot County Herald and sold cars for the Chevrolet dealer in Ithaca.
Art enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, snowmobiling, and playing cards with family and friends. His favorite times were spent watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports and spending time with his family at the lake. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the Ithaca Jaycees.
Art’s outgoing personality and sense of humor made him very popular among the staff at Masonic Pathways during his 2 1/2 year stay. The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Masonic Pathways and especially the 2-North nurses and CNAs for their dedicated and loving care. Art loved them like family! We also wish to thank Dr. Scott Strom, the staff at Alma Family Practice and Elara Hospice for their amazing and compassionate care.
Memorials may be made to Gratiot County Youth for Christ (2550 W. Cheeseman Rd., Alma, MI 48801) or Nativity of Our Lord Parish (510 Prospect Ave., The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.