{"id":4354,"date":"2019-04-25T20:56:42","date_gmt":"2019-04-26T00:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=4354"},"modified":"2019-04-25T20:56:42","modified_gmt":"2019-04-26T00:56:42","slug":"transitions-59","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=4354","title":{"rendered":"Transitions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

\n
\n

Janet Kay Bird<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Janet Kay Bird, age 81, of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.<\/p>\n

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Burial will follow at Sowle Cemetery, Essex Township, MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.<\/p>\n

Janet was born in Lansing, MI on January 8, 1938, the daughter of Gale W. and Lena May (Barton) Antes the first born of ten children. She attended Fulton High School. Janet married Jerry Lee Bird on June 30, 1954 in Maple Rapids at Jerry’s parents’ home. Jerry passed away on August 26, 2017.<\/p>\n

Janet and Jerry loved to spend time camping at Manistee for over 35 years creating many family memories. Janet enjoyed knitting and crocheting and made slippers for everyone. She loved to play BINGO, in fact “BINGO” was her C.B. handle. Janet was known as “The Card Lady” because of her love of writing and sending cards to people.<\/p>\n

Janet is survived by 4 daughters: Brenda Coffin of Maple Rapids, Cindy (Deryl) Brunner of Perrinton, Cathy (Rodney) Barrett of Gladwin, Sara (Dennis) Mills of Hubbardston; 2 sons: William (Sandy) Bird of Portland, and Jeremy Bird of St. Johns; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 8 siblings: Jack (Shirley) Antes, David (Mary) Antes, Fred (Jean) Antes, Linda (Bob) Byrd, Becky (Walt) Lang, Denny Antes, Rod Antes, and Doug (Cena) Antes; and many nieces and nephews. Janet was preceded in death her parents, husband Jerry, son Jerry Lee “Buster” Bird, son-in-law Rex Coffin, great-grandson Dakota Coffin, and brother Richard Antes.<\/p>\n

In lieu of flowers, Janet’s family requests memorials may be made to VFW Post #4113, 2497 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.<\/p>\n

\n

Gale Ann Schmitz<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Gale Ann Schmitz, 62, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.<\/p>\n

Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be announced.<\/p>\n

Gale was born in Lansing, MI on March 22, 1957, the daughter of Richard and Jean (Damrell) Ruthruff. She married Frederick Schmitz on June 5, 1982. Gale loved working at the Clinton County Senior Center. She enjoyed the Spartans, playing computer games, crafting and gardening. She loved spending time with her grandbabies, family, and friends.<\/p>\n

Gale is survived by her husband Frederick Schmitz, mother Jean Ruthruff, children: Theresa Schmitz (Shaun), Frederick Schmitz Jr., Amber Pearce (JR), grandkids: Kyra, Sasha, Sierra, Zander, Kal-El, and Zeak. She is also survived by her siblings: Terry Ruthruff (Judy), Deborah Cornell, and Dawn Ruthruff as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and family. She was preceded in death by her father Richard, grandchild Payton Reese Axtell, and brother in law Rick Cornell.<\/p>\n

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

\n

Dale Eldred Feldpausch, Sr.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Dale Eldred Feldpausch Sr., age 72 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, April 22, 2019 at his home.<\/p>\n

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M at Smith Family Funeral Homes \u2013 Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Vigil and Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.<\/p>\n

Dale was born in Portland, MI on November 5, 1946 the son of James A. and Agatha M. (Rademacher) Feldpausch. Dale married Mary Jane Thelen on September 13, 1969 in St. Johns, MI. He resided most of his life in St. Johns and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Dale was a dedicated family man; his wife, children, and grandchildren meant the world to him. Dale retired from the State of Michigan Department of Corrections. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved being outdoors, and he loved playing cards. Dale was a devout Michigan State fan.<\/p>\n

He is survived by his wife Mary Jane Feldpausch of St. Johns, MI; son Dale Jr., M.D. and Ginger Feldpausch of Mebane, NC; daughter Jennifer and William Brewbaker of St. Johns, MI; son Cary and Alicia Feldpausch of St. Johns, MI; 13 grandchildren: Aimee, Andrew, Ashley, Amber, Taylor, Danielle, Thomas, Rhonda, Joni, Christopher, Erica, Sydney and Leah; sister Cheryl and Frank Rademacher, brother Clare and Bernadette Feldpausch, sister Corinne and Robert Sackrider, sister Lucy and Luke Witgen, sister Kay and Mark Fletcher, sisters-in-law: Carlene and Jerome Smith, Joyce and Joe Houska, Diane and John Kusnier, Donna Seay, Eileen Schneider, Judy and Bruce Cameron, and brother-in-law Lynn and Janet Thelen. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Carl and Laurene Thelen, and brothers-in-law: John Seay and Ron Schneider.<\/p>\n

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.<\/p>\n

\n

Shirley Ann Palatka<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Shirley Ann Palatka age 79, of Elsie, MI, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Lansing, MI.<\/p>\n

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ovid, MI, on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev Fr. Robert C. Bacik officiating. Burial will take place at Fairfield Township Cemetery, Fairfield Township, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 6-8 P.M. and Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes-Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI. A Rosary Service will be prayed at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.<\/p>\n

Shirley was born in Laingsburg, MI on July 28, 1939, the daughter of Cecil “Pete” and Doris (Miller) Thompson. She graduated from Ovid High School with the class of 1958.<\/p>\n

Shirley married Steven V. Palatka, Sr. on October 3, 1959 at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Bannister, MI; Steve passed away on June 30, 2004. Shirley was a homemaker who enjoyed canning, baking and doing arts and crafts. Shirley and Steve enjoyed traveling. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church Ovid, MI.<\/p>\n

She is survived by 3 daughters: Brenda and Rick Burkett of Elsie, MI; Lisa and Bob Cunningham of Onsted, MI; Christine and Michael Phillips II, of Owosso, MI; 2 sons: Steven and Sherry Palatka Jr.; of St. Johns, MI; Rodney and Joanie Palatka of Elsie, MI; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Sharon and Dave Zell and Cinda and Karl Vincent; 1 brother Paul and Sandie Thompson; and her Aunt Hazel and Don Seelhoff. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Steve.<\/p>\n

Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or a charity of the donor\u2019s choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.<\/p>\n

\n

Thomas P. Strgar<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Thomas P. Strgar went to be with his Lord on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the age of 95. He was born December 4, 1923 in Youngstown, Ohio the son of Stephen and Barbara (Cvetnic) Strgar. Thomas was a member of St. John\u2019s Lutheran Church and he loved gardening and working in his flower beds around the house. He served in the Army during WWII where he was a bomb salvage technician. He excavated and exploded demolition and fragmentation bombs and used bomb disposal equipment to neutralize bombs. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing.<\/p>\n

On October 11, 1952 he married Alvena Wright and she preceded him in death in July of 2013. He was also predeceased by a sister, Catherine Wilson and a brother, Matthew Strgar.<\/p>\n

Surviving is a daughter, Anita (Russell) Hicks; a niece, Barbara Morey and two nephews, James and Thomas Wilson.<\/p>\n

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, April 26, 2019 at St. John\u2019s Lutheran Church 511 E. Sturgis, St. Johns with Pastor Paul Clark officiating. Interment will take place at 1:30 PM at Mt. Rest Cemetery with military honors provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard. The family will receive relatives and friends 4-7 PM on Thursday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice or the American Legion Post #153 Cemetery Flag Project.<\/p>\n

\n

Frances M. Mazzolini<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Frances M. Mazzolini, age 94 passed away on April 20, 2019 at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Owosso. She was born on May 18, 1924 in Lansing, MI the daughter of Ford and Angelina Martelli. Fran graduated from Lansing Business College with a certificate for secretarial work. She worked as secretary of the Dean of Veterinary Medicine at MSU for 19 years then moved to Europe where she worked as secretary to the General in charge of English Speaking schools in Europe at an Air Force Base there. Later when she returned to the US she worked as a secretary at Meadowbrook Theater at Oakland University.<\/p>\n

On October 10, 1963 she was married to Joseph E. Mazzolini and he passed in 2010. She loved musicals and the theatre. She is survived by nieces and nephews.<\/p>\n

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ovid. The family will receive friends and relatives at the church one hour prior to services. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Johns Meals on Wheels. The family is being served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

John Henry Mueller<\/strong><\/p>\n

John Henry Mueller, 61, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at his home in Cape Coral Florida. John was born on December 30, 1957 in St. Johns, Michigan to Henry and Lucille Mueller of Fowler. John moved to Florida in 2014 where he met the love of his life, Rosemary Rose. He served three years in the United States Army with an honorable discharge. John was a big fan of Michigan State University and the Detroit Lions.<\/p>\n

He is survived by his two loving daughters, Stefanie (Nicholas) Tucker, and Danielle Mueller; brothers and sisters: Mary Lou Smith, Steve (Ronda) Mueller, Pat (Tom) Kremenski, Sue (Joe) Schafer, and Gary Mueller; and numerous nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents, step-daughter Kristina Austin, and brother-in-law Michael Smith. John had a heart of gold and will be missed by many.<\/p>\n

To respect John’s wishes, a cremation has taken place. A memorial service to honor John will be held at a later date.<\/p>\n

\n

James Arthur Cornell Service<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"A memorial service will be held April 27, 2019 at Trinity UCC in Northport at 1 PM.<\/p>\n

Memorials may be directed to Trinity UCC, PO Box 156, Northport, MI, 49670 and\/or any of these nonprofits that are special to the family: daveroever.org<\/font><\/a>, buckleyoldengineshow.org<\/font><\/a>, midmichiganhonorflight.com<\/font><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services<\/font><\/a> of Leelanau.<\/p>\n

\n

Janell M. Barber<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Janell M. Barber, 59, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, Christian and animal lover passed away suddenly Wednesday, April 17, 2019. She was born July 30, 1959 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Lyle and Janice (Witt) Auten. Janell was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and a graduate of St. Johns High School, Class of 1977. She recently retired from St. Johns Public Schools where she worked as a paraprofessional. Janell was also very active with the St. Johns Public Schools Athletic Department.<\/p>\n

She spent her days on this earth, living to serve others and making their days brighter \u2013 mostly through hugs and chocolate chip cookies. She loved nothing more than to have her entire family around so she could serve them gigantic home cooked meals celebrating life together. On January 20, 1979 she married Bob Barber and it became her primary focus to ensure her husband Bob was keeping out of trouble and that he was well fed.<\/p>\n

Surviving is her husband, Bob; two sons, Robert (Alisha) Barber of Lowell and Justin (Tracy) Barber of St. Johns; two grandchildren, Conner and Dakota; her father, Lyle Auten; two sisters, Kris (James) Teelander and Lynda (Kevin) Kissane and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Auten less than a year ago.<\/p>\n

She was a model mother, that would have done anything for the two sons she raised; but where she really found her calling is in being a grandmother \u2013 showing more love than humanly possible to her grandchildren. Some of the things that Janell loved was, travel with her husband Bob and their friends, cooking meals for her family, spending time at home surrounded by family, traditions and holidays, her cats and granddogs, driving around looking for deer, popcorn, board game nights, hanging out with the Babes, quad rides, growing flowers and her garden, crafting and buying gifts for everyone.<\/p>\n

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church 8990 Church Rd. St. Johns with Rev. Randall Glander officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 3-8 PM on Monday, April 22 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to the St. Johns High School Football Program 501 W. Sickels, St. Johns, MI 48879 or St. Peter Lutheran Church.<\/p>\n

\n

Divorce decrees filed April 15, 2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Noell, Dustin Gavin and Ashley Nicole<\/p>\n

Tkaczyk, Leah Marie and David John<\/p>\n

Williams, Stephen James and Tammy Marie <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Obituaries Janet Kay Bird Janet Kay Bird, age 81, of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI. Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Burial will 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-4354","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-transitions"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4354","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=4354"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4354\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4354"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4354"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4354"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}