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Eldon Norval Baese
Eldon Norval Baese, age 93, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
A Private Family Graveside Service with military honors will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI.
Eldon was born in Elsie, MI on November 9, 1926, the son of Onas Penn and Thelma Irene (Doten) Baese. He was raised in a family of 9 brothers and 3 sisters. Eldon graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1944. On October 25, 1947 he married Dolores Jeanne George in Elsie, MI; Jeanne passed away on March 15, 2012. Eldon served his country in the Army Air Corp during WWII.
Eldon worked at Federal Mogul for 35 years. He was one of the founders of Journey Federal Credit Union and served on the board for many years. He was dedicated to all Elsie and Ovid Elsie Sports. He was part of the chain gang and timing for football at Elsie and Ovid Elsie for 67 years and he was inducted into OE’s Hall of Fame.
During his life he was a member of the Elsie United Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion Post 502, Lions Club, he served as Mayor and council member for the village of Elsie, he was a Little League Coach and a dance dad. He enjoyed music of any kind, sang with siblings and sang even if he weren’t asked to. Eldon loved camping and traveling. He was a “people” person and talked to everyone he met. His knowledge of Elsie was appreciated by many.
He is survived by his sons: Dennis (Mary), and Kenneth (Mary Beth), and daughter Dawn; grandchildren: Dr. Melissa Baese-Berk (Peter), Matthew Jones (Mindy), Melissa Jones, Jenna Young (Tom), Jonathan Baese (friend Jessica Lewis), and Justine Paaske (Gordon); great grandchildren: Marcus, Maverick, Eloise and Dane; siblings: Mary Lou Hanold, Onalee Austin, Gale Baese, Merle Baese, Richard Baese and Diane Bates; and brother in law Albert Pontack. He is also is survived by many brothers and sisters in law and many loving nieces and nephews that he cherished. He was preceded in death by his parents Thelma and Onas, wife Dolores Jeanne, brothers: James Versil, Robert, Lewis, Raymond, Owen, and infant brother Kevin Bryce, and sister in law Daleta Pontack.
Memorials may be made to Ovid Elsie Sports Boosters or Elsie United Methodist Church. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.
Tina Marie Klein
Tina Marie Klein, 47, left us for heaven after a courageous battle with cancer, at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 23, 2020. She was born June 22, 1973 in Carson City, MI the daughter of David and Diane (Boak) Thurston. Tina was a graduate of Fowler High School, Class of 1991 and continued her education by attending Central Michigan University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Her true career passion was that as a professional photographer and owner of Klein Photography, creating memories for many. She willingly and happily worked to accommodate their special requests. Tina had a love for the arts; music, theater and literature which was reflected in her work and wonderful creative abilities.
Tina married Joseph Klein on November 18, 1995 and they would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year. Her most important and loved role was that of a loving wife to Joe and devoted mother to son, Nathaniel and daughter, Clara. Throughout her battle, Tina showed great courage and grace. Her unselfish character was no more evident than when she accepted her cancer diagnosis as “this is my cross to bear” and to her family “I’m sorry you have to bear this with me”.
Tina is survived by her husband, Joe; children, Nathaniel and Clara; her parents David (Rabbit) and Diane Thurston; brother, Robert (Jackie) Thurston; sister, Sara Thurston; in-laws, Charlie (Lisa) Klein, Terri (Alan) Gove, Diane (Lee) Zuker, Nancy (Charlie) Perkins and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Robert & Agnes Thurston, and Charlie and Edna Boak; parents-in-law, Lawrence and Carolyn Klein; uncle, Daniel Boak and uncle and aunt, William and Christine Thurston.
Funeral services for Tina will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. A private interment will follow. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26 at the funeral home. Those in attendance for the visitation and funeral service will be expected to follow current COVID-19 protocols and wear face coverings and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fowler Public Schools Education Foundation at http://fowlerschools.net/foundation.
Thad LeRoy Cartwright
Thad LeRoy Cartwright, age 79, of Ashley, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, August 23, 2020, at Ashley Care Center.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Burial will follow at Duplain Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 A.M.
Thad was born in Chapin, MI, on August 2, 1941, the son of Francis LeRoy and Gladys (Kidder) Cartwright. He attended Maple Rapids Schools. Thad worked for Federal Mogul for 41 years, retiring in 2003.
On January 10, 1980, Thad married Connie Marie Hufnagel in Ithaca, MI. They were blessed with 40 years of marriage. Together they attended First Baptist Church of St. Johns.
Thad enjoyed deer hunting, camping, and golf. He was a kind man who had a gift for making people laugh. Most of all, Thad loved his family and time spent together.
Thad is survived by his wife Connie, 6 children: Charles Cartwright of TX, Alan (Penny) Cartwright of St. Louis, Darren (Jennifer) Cartwright of TX, Luella Rosencrants of Adrian, Bradly (Cathy) Cartwright of TX, and Jaclyn (Cody) Priestley of Ovid; 6 grandchildren: Cody, Courtney, Wyatt, Jessica, Zach, Ryah, and one on the way; 4 step grandchildren, 3 siblings: Leonard “Bill” (Linda) Cartwright, Margaret Wise, and Mary Jo (Dave) Redman; and many nieces and nephews. Thad was preceded in death by his parents, and 4 siblings: Charles, Joann, Susan, and Jean Ann.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of St. Johns or Beacon of Hope – 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Norma Lynn Andrews
Norma Lynn Andrews, age 89, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020, at Ovid Healthcare Center, Ovid, MI.
A Graveside Service will be held at South Bingham Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor John James officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the cemetery from 12:00 P.M. until the time of the graveside service.
Norma was born in Marion, IN on February 20, 1931, the daughter of Howard and Edna (Ketrow) Hoover. On August 25, 1949 Norma married John Lawrence “Larry” Andrews in Vancouver, WA; Larry passed away on January 18, 2016.
Norma was a nurse’s aid at St. Johns Hospital for a few years. She enjoyed word searches, embroidery, planting and gardening. She loved camping with her family at Lake Margrethe and swimming and boating at Crystal Lake. Norma was an avid motorcycle rider many years ago. She attended Racy Free Methodist Church, Elsie, MI.
She is survived by her children: Jim and Diane Margaret Andrews of St. Johns, MI; Janet Lynn and David Nielsen of Fowler, MI; Gene and Juliane Andrews of St. Johns, MI; 8 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother Tom and Carolyn Hoover of St. Johns, MI; sisters in law: Doris Andrews of Dewitt, MI; Noreen Andrews of Lansing, MI; and Sharon Hoover of Dewitt, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Edna Hoover, husband Larry, brother Charles Hoover, granddaughter Mary Andrews, and great grandsons: Xander and Nathaniel Andrews.
Memorials may be made to Make a Wish Foundation. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Wilbur J. Sears
Wilbur J. Sears, age 84 passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2020. Wilbur was born in Mt. Victory, KY on May 29, 1936 the son of Albert and Bonnie (Stringfield) Sears. The family moved to Michigan in the 1940s to work in the automobile industry and he attended school in Sunfield and Lansing., MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served in the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY from 1953 to 1956. He married the love of his life, Margene Hultberg on January 18, 1958 at her family home in Mulliken, MI and they celebrated 62 years together earlier this year.
Together they were blessed with and raised three wonderful children in the St. Johns area, son David, and daughters Laura and Rebecca. Wilbur was employed by the East Lansing Post Office for 35 years, retiring in 1992 and made many good friends over the years on his routes. As a true “people person” it was said he never met a stranger. Most important to Wilbur was spending time with his family, whether camping, boating and snowmobiling in Michigan or enjoying sun activities in Florida. He enjoyed playing shuffle board both in Florida and Michigan. He and Margene spent 25 years after retirement spending their winters in Punta Gorda, FL and summers in their family home in Indian River, MI. They moved back to the DeWitt area in 2012 to be closed to their family. Wilbur was a lifetime member of the Order of Masons, as well as the Elks, Moose and the VFW, and he was a lifetime Spartan Fan, (GO GREEN).
He is survived by his wife, Margene, son David and daughter Laura (Don), Grandchildren, Lindsey (Doug), William (Paige), Elizabeth (Cody), and Kimberly (Tom). Great grandchildren, Koya, Braxton, Kaden, Hayden, Paityn, Ezra, Kinsley and Brady. Brother Doug and brother Albert Jr. (Cindy), brother and sister in law Don and Bonnie Hultberg, sisters in law, Terry Sears and Karen Corts, cousin Joyce Boom and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by daughter, Rebecca (1984) , his parents, sister Joyce, father and mother in law Erick and Bernice Hultberg, and brothers in law, Robert Corts and Russell Pollard.
Cremation has taken place and a graveside committal service will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery at a later date. The family is being served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI. Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Nancy Ann Myers
Nancy Ann Myers, age 80 passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, August 22, 2020. Nancy was born on June 24, 1940 in St. Johns, the daughter of Almond and Dorothy (Beck) Cressman. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1958. On November 28, 1959 she married Gerald A. Myers in St. Johns.
Nancy worked as a legal secretary and was a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church. She was a 4-H leader, was the co-founder and secretary for the local Cemetery Restoration Group, was instrumental in many Historical Society events and well as being the family historian. She was an active member of the Garden Club, three Red Hat Societies, and the Old Car Club. While Nancy and Gerald were raising their children they hosted 27 foreign exchange students. One of the greatest adventures of her lifetime was touring all 50 states with her husband, Gerald.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Gerald; children: Laura Myers, Betty (Randy Studaker) Myers, Ted (Lori) Myers, and Angela Myers; grandchildren: Brandon (Heather) Hiatt, Jeremy Myers, Sierra Sullivan, Danielle (Marc) Trieweiler, Natalie (Frank) Hudson, Allison (Keegan) Bengel, Quinn Myers, Elizabeth Doyle, Kelli Studaker, and Abigail Studaker; six great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and in-laws, along with many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Beth (William) Huss, sister Connie (Russel) Bauerle and brother Richard (Karen) Cressman.
Visitation will take place at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, Michigan on Tuesday, September 1, 3:00-7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns on Wednesday, September 2, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Pilgrim United Methodist Church, St. Johns, Michigan.
Ronald E. Foster
Ronald E. Foster died Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at the age of 76. He was born May 18, 1944 in Lansing, MI the son of Frederick (Fritz) and Thelma (Welton) Foster. Ron grew up in DeWitt during an idyllic period when it still was a small town and everyone knew everyone else. In 1947 he was baptized into the Christian faith by Rev. Bretz at the DeWitt Community Church. He graduated from DeWitt High School in 1962 and joined the U.S. Army in 1963 where he was stationed in Germany until 1966. Upon returning from Germany, Ron joined the Michigan National Guard as a full time soldier serving until his retirement in 1995. Ron was best known by friends as “Rooster” because a fellow soldier squished his name together and blotted out the N and F during roll call. The nickname stuck with him. Because of his easy going manner and quick wit, everyone who met him knew they had found a friend. He will be greatly missed by all, especially those who visited his home on Half Moon Lake in Harrison and were recipients of his famous country style breakfasts.
Surviving Ron is one brother, Roger (Judy) Foster; two sisters, Diane (Dave) Watts and Linda (Mike) Timmons; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Heidi Foster, brother-in-law, Harold (Pat) Graber, and his lifelong best friend Ron Fox, who he met when they started kindergarten together. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Marlene Graber and three brothers, Dale, Gary, and Dennis Foster.
Following Ron’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 7571 N. Scott Rd. St. Johns, MI 48879. A brief memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM and a light luncheon will be held at 2:30 PM. Those in attendance for the memorial service and luncheon will be expected to follow current COVID-19 protocols and wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Elara Home Health. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Linda Louise Palmer
Linda Louise Palmer, 65, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Linda was born in Owosso, MI, on July 13, 1955, the daughter of Harry L. and Elsie Marie (Devereaux) Blackmer. Linda graduated from Chesaning High School with the class of 1973.
On June 29, 1974, Linda married Daniel Louis Palmer at the Zion Lutheran Church, Chesaning. They recently celebrated their 46th anniversary.
Linda enjoyed going to the movies and shopping. She liked to knit. Linda loved to travel with her family. Most of all, Linda loved her family and spending time with them. Linda worked at Wal-Mart for over 15 years and enjoyed the friends she made there.
Linda is survived by her husband Dan, daughter Rachel (Anthony) Kappler of Weston, OH, son Kevin Palmer of St. Johns, 3 siblings: Ron Blackmer, Elaine (Gary) Krupp, and Joe Blackmer; and several nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Diane Blackmer.
Memorials may be made to The Sparrow Foundation for either Hospice or the Herbert Herman Cancer Center. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.