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Margaret Ann Smoker
Margaret “Peggy” Ann Smoker, 86, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on April 29, 2020. She was peacefully at home and surrounded by her loving family. Peggy was born on January 24th, 1934 in Roseville, Michigan, the only child of Mary and Allen Johnson. She lived there until graduating high school, and then attended Michigan State University with a major in physical education and music.
Upon graduating college, Peggy took a teaching job at St. Johns High School in Michigan, where she met and fell in love with her fellow physical education coworker, Robert Smoker, at which time they decided to marry and move to Colorado. After teaching in Denver, Colorado for one year, Peggy became a homemaker and mother to three children; Julie, Daniel and Paul, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren all of which survive her, along with her loving husband, Robert.
Peggy will be remembered for her many contributions to Christian life, to include Communion Minister, Rosary Maker, visiting nursing home patients and mentoring individuals in Christianity. Her unforgettable love and care will remain forever with her family and friends.
George Vincent Sakalas
George Vincent Sakalas passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at the Hazel Findlay Country Manor after a long illness. Born July 19, 1930 in Dayton, Ohio, George came to St. Johns with his wife, Dora (Weimer) to be near their daughter Melody and grandson Lucas Saltman.
George and Dora were both accomplished professional performers and music instructors. In St. Johns Dora gave private piano and organ lessons. George, however, found his niche by helping customers with their home projects and repairs while working at Gill-Roy’s Hardware. George’s cheerful nature and friendly knowledge endeared him to customers and friends alike.
George is survived by his wife Dora, grandson Lucas Saltman, sister Marcella Wells, nephew Alan Sakalas (Sally), niece Robin Holt (John), their families and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Houston and Julia (Stulgaitis) Sakalas, daughter Melody Saltman, brother Leo and sister-in-law Margaret (List) Sakalas.
A Military Burial will be held at a later date at the Dayton (Ohio) National Cemetery. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Robert William Zuker
Robert William Zuker, surrounded by Family, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 27, 2020. “Friendly Bob”, (as he called himself), was born May 06, 1924 to William John and Gertrude Marie (Henning) Zuker in Clinton County MI. He was raised on the local family farm along with his four brothers and foster siblings. Bob graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1941. He served as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps in the CBI Theatre from 1943 to 1946 during World War II.
In 1948 being Friendly Bob, he offered Mary Louise Hammond a ride to work. Love happened! They were married on September 03, 1949. Together they raised 9 children: Kathleen, Patricia, Lawrence (Teresa Wood), Daniel (Cindy Lanterman), Elizabeth (David Vogel), Mary (Rick Blackmer), Cecilia (Steve Southard), Linda (Bob Karek) and Martin (Rose Sayles). Adding to his joy of life, were his grandchildren: Jony (Jon) Labrado, Zachary (Ursula) Zuker, Emily Zuker, Adrian Green, Amanda (fiancé Chris Emery) Zuker, Sean (Kim) Vogel, Ryan (Sarah) Vogel, Nick (Lindsay) Blackmer, Courtney (Joseph) Pontack, Kathleen (Devin) Reitz, Lucas (fiancé Thao Ha) Southard, Andrea (fiancé Austin Wilson) Southard, Matt (Stephanie) Karek, Andy (Jamie) Karek, Ben (Erica) Karek, Will Zuker, Jess Zuker and Jake Zuker. Increasing his circle of love, 17 great grandchildren were added: Jade, Liam, Sigrid, Hayden, Cooper, Isabelle, Caiden, Logan, Beckett, Caitlyn, Elijah, Vivian, Harrison, Emerson, Carter, Brayden and Jack.
Following his return from the service, with his brother, he co-owned and operated Russ Zuker Tire Service in Lansing MI from 1956 through his retirement in 1985. Following his retirement, he worked seasonally for Bees Sports in St Johns. Bob has been a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years. Bob was a member of the Lansing Kiwanis Club, and often worked with the Volunteers of America. He was also involved with the Old NewsBoys for more than 40 years, as “executive volunteer” in St. Johns. He was especially proud to serve for many years, as a volunteer at St Vincent DePaul and to deliver for Meals on Wheels.
In addition to the family listed above, Bob is survived by sisters-in-law, Peg, Pat and Elsie Zuker, and nieces, nephews, and cousins far too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Russ, Leon, Ken and Clare (aka Cub), foster-sisters, Cecilia (Joe) Kuripla and Frances Barrett, in-laws, Ken and Mable Hammond, Charline (Lloyd Wieber and Ken Blizzard), Jean (Fred Green), son-in-law, Jim Jarzabkowski, daughter-in-law, Joanie (Idzkowski) Zuker, and granddaughter, Mariah Southard.
Friendly Bob also leaves behind a multitude of business, church and community friends. Bob never met a stranger.
He will be missed by many. Bob’s other loves included fishing, hiking, walking his two best dogs (Fifi and El Bandito), music, dancing, gardening, rock hounding, traveling, sitting on the deck watching this wonderful world and “general geezering”.
There will be a Celebration of Life to take place at a later date. Those wishing, may consider a donation in Bob’s name to St. Joseph School’s Scholarship Fund or the St. Johns Area Community Fund or Sparrow Hospice. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
John R. Love
John R. Love, age 62 passed away at Hospice House on Monday, September 28, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. John was born on June 24, 1958 in St. Johns the son of Lloyd C. and Donna (Clark) Love. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the Class of 1976 and had worked as a mechanic all of his life, most notable as a motorcycle mechanic.
On September 29, 1979 he married Kathy Griffith in St. Johns and she survives him. John was extremely dedicated and passionate about off-road motorcycling: motocross, Enduros, Hare Scrambles, flat track, Supermoto, organized road racing and ice racing. He was a thrill seeker but also practical. He never jumped the triple, instead settling for a double & a single. He also enjoyed mountain biking and cross-country snow skiing.
John is also survived by son, Erik (Kasey) Love of Lansing and daughter, Kaitlyn (Josh) Love of North Carolina. He has one grandchild, Dean Sickelka, and an expected granddaughter in November. There are three brothers, Kenneth Love of St. Johns, Norman (Lila) Love of Jackson and Keith (Becky) Love of Ovid, as well as, cousins, nieces and nephews, including his nephew and riding buddy Chad. He was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be no services at this time, but a memorial service will be held in the Spring. Contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan and Road2Recovery. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
Paul Mathew Kostamo
Paul Mathew Kostamo passed away on September 26, 2020, at the age of 82. Paul was born on June 13, 1938, in Pelkie, Michigan, the son of Paul J. and Bertha (Kemppianen) Kostamo. He was a graduate of Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, Michigan, Class of 1956. After high school Paul served in the Air Force and upon returning home continued his education at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. Paul furthered his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1965.
After college Paul worked at Chrysler in the Parts Division and the Marine Industrial Division. He also worked at Merck Pharmaceuticals for a short time and then served eight years with the State Department in Vietnam during the war. It was while in Vietnam he met his wife Linh.
Returning to the United States they were married in February, 1975. In 1977 Paul and Linh opened Paul’s Party Shoppe in historic downtown Saint Johns. In 1996 they opened the Country and Garden Shoppe on the east edge of town. Paul was a loyal member of the former Clinton County Country Club for many years. Paul loved billiards and bowling, and was a member of the Saint Johns Pool League for 40 plus years. Paul was always an avid sports fan; especially his beloved Spartans. In later years, he enjoyed the casinos.
Paul is survived by his wife, Linh, daughters Lisa of Chicago, IL and Jennifer of Brooklyn, NY, and his granddaughter, Janette. Paul was also loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at a later date. Fond memories and messages of condolence and support for the family can be shared online on Paul’s obituary page at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, or to the family’s home at 1008 E. Walker St, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Harry J. DeVore, D.O.
Harry J. DeVore, D.O., age 92, passed away at Hazel Findlay Country Manor on Friday, September 25, 2020. He was born on August 1, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois the son of Harry L. and Z. Marie (Thompson) DeVore. Harry graduated from Hoopeston High School in Illinois, graduated from Purdue University with a degree in pharmacy and then from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (MO). On February 1, 1950 he married W. Jeanne Cline in Hoopeston, IL.
Dr. DeVore was in medical practice in St. Johns for over 52 years, delivering over 4,000 babies in his career, and he was the first Medical Director at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, as well as serving on their board for 16 years.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, daughter Linda DeVore of AZ and son Stephen DeVore of Allegan, MI. There are 4 grandchildren, Karri (Ed) Perry, Todd DeVore, Amanda (Jason) Gaffney, and Michael DeVore; 7 great grandchildren, Chelsea, Sydney, Lynsey, Rachel and Braelin Perry, Cameron and Austin DeVore. There are 3 great great-grandchildren Avery, Chad, and Amil Perry.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, 3-8 P.M. Private funeral services will be held later. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Roger Lane Glumm
Roger Lane Glumm, December 2, 1942 – September 20, 2020. He attended Lansing Schools: Stoner Grade School, West Jr. High School, J.W. Sexton and Lansing Community College, graduating from all including Michigan State University. He had worked for the state of Michigan, Rodney B. Middle School in St. John and retired from Fisher Body. He was founder of Michigan Filmmakers Forum and was a film screener for local film talent for East Lansing Film Festival. He was 77 and had lived in Michigan his whole life.
He is survived by brother, Randall G. and wife Karala Kay Glumm nee Tuttle; nephews, Maxwell William Glumm and Nathaniel Carl Glumm; great niece, Evelynn Glumm; cousins, Linda nee Glumm, husband Dave Schepis, Seth Waxman, David and Kim Schepis, and Rose Schepis. Roger was preceded in death by Carl W. and Betty Glumm nee Gilman.
A memorial will be held in the future due to Covid-19. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to East Lansing Film Festival or St. Lawrence Hospice House.
Frank Martemucci
Frank Martemucci, age 97 passed away peacefully at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan on Thursday, September 24, 2020. He was born on July 24, 1923 in Rochester New York the son of Angelo and Antoinetta (Maddelena) Martemucci. He was the 4th child in the family. Frank graduated from high school and married Evelyn G. Wonnacott in 1950.
Frank worked for General Motors at Fisher Body for over 44 years and served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII and was a POW for 6 months. He was a member of Morley Oates, VFW Post 701 in Lansing.
Frank is survived by his son Don (Cindy) Martemucci, grandchildren, Joel (Lan) Peterman, Bryan (Stacey) Johnstone and Lisa Ruble. There are 7 great grandchildren. His wife preceded him in death as did his parents, sisters Mary and Ceilia and brothers Dan and Mike.
There will be no services at this time. In his honor please donate gifts to a Humane Society of your choice. Cards and other condolences may be mailed to Don Martemucci, 3945 N. Watson Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.