{"id":1370,"date":"2018-06-28T20:56:07","date_gmt":"2018-06-29T00:56:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=1370"},"modified":"2018-06-28T20:56:07","modified_gmt":"2018-06-29T00:56:07","slug":"transitions-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=1370","title":{"rendered":"Transitions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Obituaries<\/strong><\/p>\n

Helen Louise Jackson<\/strong><\/p>\n

Helen Louise Jackson, age 92, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.<\/p>\n

Helen was born on May 3, 1926 the daughter of Robert and Maddie Sue (Bell) Jorgensen. Helen married Robert B. Jackson in August of 1942. He passed away in April of 2005. Helen was a homemaker and resided most of her life in Richland, MI.<\/p>\n

She is survived by her children: Pamela and Daniel Hamilton of Sparta, TN; Bruce and Monet Jackson of Cape Coral, FL; William and Yvonne Jackson of St. Johns, MI; and 4 grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her 2 sisters: Lillian and Patricia.<\/p>\n

The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. There will be no services.<\/p>\n

\n

Ermaline F. Fedewa<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Ermaline F. Fedewa, age 92 of Pewamo, MI, passed away Monday, June 25, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.<\/p>\n

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, MI, on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Darrel Kempf and Rev. Fr. Charles Mason co-officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pewamo, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed Friday at 3 P.M. and a Vigil Service will be held at 7 P.M. at the funeral home.<\/p>\n

Ermaline was born in Westphalia, MI on February 13, 1926, the daughter of Edward and Clotilda (Miller) Thelen. Ermaline married Ralph Schafer on August 20, 1946 and he passed away on May 9, 1963. She married Edwin Fedewa on April 24, 1982 and he passed away on December 19, 1994. Ermaline resided most of her life in Pewamo.<\/p>\n

Ermaline was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo where she was an active member of the Altar Society. She was a Life Member of the Fowler VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #3733. Ermaline was a talented quilter. She made many quilts for her family and parish community over the years. She enjoyed playing cards in many different groups. The Bear’s Den on Guthrie Lake in Northern Michigan was her favorite place for family gatherings.<\/p>\n

Ermaline is survived by her son Bruce and Dianne Schafer of Phoenix, AZ; son Glenn and Susan Schafer of Dana Point, CA; daughter Colleen and Donald Koenigsknecht of St. Johns, MI; son Randy and Carol Schafer of Williamston, MI; daughter Therese and Larry Simon of Westphalia, MI; son Keith and Virginia Schafer of Bradenton, FL; son Douglas Schafer and fianc\u00e9e Cynthia Stuteville of Newburgh, IN; daughter Yvonne and David Prouty, of Ada, MI; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and brothers: Eugene and Margaret Thelen of Fowler, MI; Kenneth and Charlene Thelen of Eaton Rapids, MI. She is also survived by many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.<\/p>\n

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph Catholic School in her memory. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.<\/p>\n

\n

Daniel A. Sandahl<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Daniel A. Sandahl died Friday, June 22, 2018 at the age of 67, surrounded by his family, after a seven-year fight with early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Dan was born April 14, 1951 in Allegan, Michigan to Elmer and Frances (Miks) Sandahl. He spoke fondly of spending his youth working with his father in construction and baking cookies with his mother. He graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Forestry and Soil Science.<\/p>\n

After meeting and falling in love with Maureen (Midge) Darin in Dayton, Ohio they married in 1981. Together, they felt the pull to move back to Michigan in 1984 and settled in St. Johns. Dan worked for the Mid-Michigan District Health Department for 15 years, finishing as the Director of Environmental Health. He later moved to the Department of Environmental Quality in the water division until his retirement in 2012.<\/p>\n

Dan was active in St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Yet, Dan gained the most satisfaction from coaching his children in soccer and traveling the world with his family. He will be remembered for his undying humor, his love and devotion to his wife and family, and his many meaningful and personal conversations.<\/p>\n

Daniel is survived by his wife of 37 years, Midge; his four treasured children, Greg, Marisa, David and Caryn and his grandchildren, Liam and Lydia who love him dearly.<\/p>\n

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Dan will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 109 Linden St. St. Johns with Msgr. Robert Lunsford as Celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>, St. Johns. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.<\/p>\n

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association 2111 University Park Dr. Suite 200 Okemos, MI 48864.<\/p>\n

\n

Irene E. Langlois Brooks Jakovac<\/strong><\/p>\n

Irene E. Langlois Brooks Jakovac, age 95 of Beaverton, MI and formerly of St. Johns received her wings on Friday, June 22, 2018 at her home.<\/p>\n

A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes \u2013 Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, June 29, 2018. Visitation with family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.<\/p>\n

Irene was born in Rogers City, Michigan on September 7, 1922, the daughter of Francis Albert and Emma Rose (McGinty) Langlois. Irene married John F. Jakovac on March 5, 1967 in DeWitt, MI and was a devoted wife of 52 years. John passed away on April 5, 2018. She resided most of her life in St. Johns.<\/p>\n

Irene was a Blue Star Mother for several years, a devoted Catholic and a Eucharist Priest helper for the homebound and sick. She also drove for Meals on Wheels for 26 years. She worked at Sealed Power in St. Johns until she retired. Irene was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and St. Anne\u2019s Catholic Church Sanford, MI. Her family was an important part of her life.<\/p>\n

Irene is survived by her daughter, Nadine Jones of Beaverton, MI; son, Morris C. and Rebecca Brooks of Texas; daughter-in-law, Linda Brooks of St. Johns, MI; 9 grandchildren, Rene\u2019 and Ted VanOtteren, Jon and Donna Geller, Rich and Tina Geller, Troy Brooks, Dennis and Kelly Dick, Coty Brooks, Dylan Brooks, John, Hannah, and Jessica Brush; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by two nephews: David and Cathy Ewald and Lee Langlois; also her nieces, Judy Hoeve and Barb Hayes. She was predeceased by her parents, first husband, Morris C. Brooks, second husband, John Jakovac, a son, Tim Brooks, 2 daughters, Janice Brush and Penny Dick, grandson, Gerald Brush, Jr. and great-granddaughter, Jessica Geller. Irene was the last survivor of four brothers and a sister.<\/p>\n

She will be greatly missed by her family and everyone that knew her. Irene will be remembered for her kindness, love, charity, faith, and her smile.<\/p>\n

Memorials may be made to the wishes of Irene\u2019s Family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> \u2013 Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.<\/p>\n

\n

Rev. Gerald Melvin Sever<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Rev. Gerald Melvin Sever, Jr. passed away on June 19, 2018. He was born on September 1, 1946, Detroit, MI at Grace Hospital to Gerald Melvin Sever, Sr. and Joyce Arlene Epps. He and his identical twin were the first twins born at the hospital.<\/p>\n

He graduated from Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Canada and served as Minister in the Village Missions and United Methodist Churches. Rev. Sever dearly loved sharing his love of the Lord and exemplified that love in all that he did. He especially enjoyed working in small, rural churches helping them to grow. He ministered for 46 years in New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan. In addition to his ministerial duties, Rev. Sever also served as a volunteer fire fighter and as chaplain for the fire departments and hospitals in the communities where he served.
\nHe is survived by his wife, Dianne Waltz Gearhart Sever; daughters Kimberly Marie Goodband (Jeffrey) of Tonawanda, New York; Heidi Ann Wachtel (Braden) of Hordville, Nebraska; Kaylene Marie Graham of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren: Garreth Wachtel, Marcus Wachtel, Jacob Wachtel; Ethan Goodband, Lucas Goodband, Soulymane Goodman; Gunner Graham, Brielle Graham; Helen (Kenneth) Miller of Pasadena, Texas; Janet (Mark) Biegle of Moreno Valley, CA; Terry (Linda) Sever of White Lake, MI; Dawn (Robert) Wood of Fenton, MI; Cheryl (Gary) Lorts of Durand, MI; Kenneth (Barbara) Sever of Walled Lake, MI; Susan Sever of Montgomery, TX ; sister-in-law: Donna Sever of Goshen, IN.<\/p>\n

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday June 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Vernon United Methodist Church, 202 East Main St., Vernon, MI. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East FL8, Philadelphia, PA, 19106-2155. Burial will take place at a later date, following cremation.<\/p>\n

\n

Marta Jean Giesecke<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Marta Jean (Swanson) Giesecke, 78, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2018, with family by her side. She was born June 8, 1940, in Grand Ledge, Michigan, the daughter of Stanley and Doris (Smith) Swanson and grew up in Grand Ledge surrounded by a large and loving extended family. As a child, she was active in their church, Girl Scouts, was a GLHS cheerleader, and loved spending time at the family farm in Morley, Michigan. She had many adventures with her two sisters and The Swanson Girls remained close throughout their lives. She married John R. \u201cJack\u201d Giesecke on April 27, 1968, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He survives her.<\/p>\n

Marta held a variety of jobs throughout her life, including at the First Congregational Church, Bee\u2019s Chevy Olds, and Beck\u2019s Orchard. However, she considered her most important roles to be wife, homemaker, and mother. She delighted in raising their three children and was a faithful supporter at band concerts, Sea Lions meets, various sporting events, and a myriad of other activities that the kids enjoyed over the years. She opened their home to swim team dinners, Lions Band events, slumber parties, and family celebrations. As grandchildren arrived, she took equal joy in watching them grow and participate in various activities, earn good grades, and often said how proud she was that they were \u201csuch nice kids.\u201d She was very supportive of Jack\u2019s business, The Stereo Shoppe, and hosted many store parties, both at Christmas and in the summer.<\/p>\n

She loved summer vacations at family cottages on Morrison Lake in Michigan and on Big Sand Lake in Wisconsin. These were great places for making family memories, the love of which has been passed to her children and grandchildren. Avid Spartan fans, she and Jack held season tickets for MSU football and basketball for 40+ years and many great times were had cheering on the Spartans and following them to Tournament games. Marta loved adventure and she and Jack enjoyed traveling, trying new restaurants, piling the family into the station wagon for Sunday drives, and organizing friends for a fun night out.<\/p>\n

She was an avid gardener and loved tending to her flowers. She was active in the Mint Country Garden Club and served as past President, was a co-founder of the Mint City Investment Club, and past President of the St. Johns Women\u2019s Club. Marta especially loved to decorate their old Victorian home on State Street, taking special joy in doing so at Christmas-time. She and Jack enjoyed auctions and collecting antiques, and she refinished many pieces which were used to furnish their home. She always had a project and could often be found quilting, wallpapering, painting, making her famous chocolate chip cookies, and working hard to make their house a home. She loved to read; the kitchen lights were always on, and the coffee was always ready.<\/p>\n

Even with all of these activities, Marta will be most remembered for her love of family and friends, her strong faith, easy laugh, happy disposition, and always optimistic outlook. She was there for anyone who needed her and her glass was always \u201cfull.\u201d She could chat easily with all kinds of people and made friends wherever she went. In recent years, as her health declined, she handled the transition with her usual grace and good humor.<\/p>\n

In addition to her husband, Jack, surviving Marta are her children, Jennifer (Jim) Beagle of St. Johns, Michigan; Michael (Laura) Giesecke of Scottsdale, Arizona; and Betsy (Brandon) Chaffee of Granville, Ohio. Also surviving Marta are her much-loved grandchildren, Andy, Sam, Nicholas, Regan, Parker, McKenna, Evan, Matthew and Henry; her sister, Kathy (Jeff) Jackson of Grand Ledge; sister-in-law, Nancy (Stu) Greene of Auburn, Maine; sister-in-law, Sally (Bill) Giese of Hudson, Wisconsin; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and special family friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Mary Jane Northrup; brother-in-law, Dick Northrup; and parents-in-law, Ray and Marie Giesecke.<\/p>\n

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns, 200 E. State St., at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Private interment will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018, at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a> in St. Johns. Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice Services, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Obituaries Helen Louise Jackson Helen Louise Jackson, age 92, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI. Helen was born on May 3, 1926 the daughter of Robert and Maddie Sue (Bell) Jorgensen. Helen married Robert B. Jackson in August of 1942. He passed away Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-transitions"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1370"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1370\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1370"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1370"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}