{"id":5747,"date":"2019-09-05T20:56:49","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T00:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=5747"},"modified":"2019-09-05T20:56:49","modified_gmt":"2019-09-06T00:56:49","slug":"transitions-76","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=5747","title":{"rendered":"Transitions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

\n
\n

Robert Edward Fedewa<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Robert Fedewa, 84 years old, was born in the farm home in Riley Township, Clinton County, Michigan on April 26, 1935 to Robert and Theresa (Sohn) Fedewa. He passed away at home on August 31, 2019 after an extended illness. He attended schools in Westphalia, St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids and MSU, graduating with a BA degree in Agriculture Journalism.<\/p>\n

On October 1, 1958 he married Julie Cook in Pewamo, Michigan. Together they raised five children, all of whom survive. They are Jeanne (Bill) Simon, Janet (Steve) Tokarz, Michael (Deb) Fedewa, Kurt (Kelly) Fedewa, and Timothy Fedewa. Bob’s first job was with Massey-Ferguson as a technical writer, then he worked for Michigan Farmer and the Clinton County Republican News as a farm editor. He switched careers to construction after building his first house with Julie. Through the years he and his partner built hundreds of houses and apartments. He and Julie built and ran Town and Country Grocery Store in Westphalia for several years. Julie passed away on February 4, 1992.<\/p>\n

A few years later Bob married Clarita Goerge and moved to DeWitt. During their 25 years of marriage they traveled extensively and wintered in Florida until his illness made that impossible any more. Bob was an optimist and firmly believed in the will of God, which helped him through his difficulties. He also loved spending time at Houghton Lake fishing, boating and being with family and friends up there.<\/p>\n

Surviving are his wife, Clarita; his 5 children; his brothers; Bill, Don (Bev), Dick, Stan (Bernie), Tom, and Ben (Mary) Fedewa. Also surviving are stepchildren, Ellen Puetz, Debra (Dan) Smith, Anne Schafer, Linda (Kevin) Rodeman, Larry Goerge and Ronald Goerge; 11 grandchildren, 15 step-grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren between the two of them. Preceding him in death were his parents and twin grandsons, Aaron and Alexander Fedewa.<\/p>\n

Please join his family for visitation on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 from 5 to 8 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a>, 205 E Washington, DeWitt, MI 48820 with a scripture service at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 5, 2019 beginning at 11 AM at The Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge St., DeWitt, MI 48820 with Rev. Fr. Robert L. Irish. Additional visitation will begin at the Church on Thursday at 10 AM. Interment at St. Joseph \/ Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Pewamo.<\/p>\n

A special thank you to Chris from Sparrow Hospice and caregiver Russell Henry for all the care and compassion.<\/p>\n

If desired, donations may be made to St. Vincent\u2019s Catholic Charities, Bob\u2019s favorite charity.<\/p>\n

\n

Karen M. Messmer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Karen M. Messmer died as a result of an automobile accident Friday, August 30, 2019. She was born May 24, 1946 in Essex Township, Clinton County, MI the daughter of Lloyd and Beverly (Blemaster) Baker.<\/p>\n

Karen was active in several groups and community activities. She was a member of the Eureka Christian Church where she was currently serving as secretary\/treasurer for the church. Karen was a member of Truth Rebekah Lodge # 157 where she currently was serving as Grand Treasurer of Michigan plus was the Co-Advisor of Lamplighters United Youth Groups and was also Past Assembly President. She retired from General Motors in 2005 with 38 years of service. After her retirement from GM she became an ordained minister and was currently working on her Masters Degree in Theology. She along with her husband owned and operated Ivy Ridge Tax and Accounting.<\/p>\n

Surviving are her husband, Terry; children, Terry Jr. of Nashville, TN, Casandra (Ed) Starback of Dexter, MI, Traci (Scott) Klisch of Kentwood; grandchildren, Amara and Nolan Klisch and Isak and Zakary Starback; three sisters-in-law, Charyl Turner, Linda (Tom) Dobbrastine and Jannine (John) Singer. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Tom Turner.<\/p>\n

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Eureka Christian Church 2619 Maple Rapids Rd. Eureka, MI with Pastor Keith Whipple officiating. Interment will follow at Sowle Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-8 PM on Friday, September 6 at Eureka Christian Church. A Rebekah service will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to Rebekah Assembly at 405 Walnut Drive, South Lyon, MI 48178. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>, St. Johns.<\/p>\n

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Susan K. Bunge<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Susan K. Bunge, age 73, passed away at her home on Monday, September 2, 2019.<\/p>\n

Sue was born on November 3, 1945 in St. Johns, MI; the daughter of Joseph and Violet (Welling) Paksi. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1964 and then received her LPN degree from Lansing Community College and later her RN degree from Michigan State University. She worked at Clinton Memorial Hospital and then Sparrow Hospice for over 40 years, retiring in 2008. On July 25, 1964 she married her high school sweetheart, Kerry L. Bunge in St. Johns, MI. Sue loved taking walks, quilting, making pies and jam, canning, watching the birds and deer in her back yard and wintering in Florida.<\/p>\n

She is survived by her husband, Kerry, daughters, Cheryl (David) Berry of Freeland, MI and Debbie (Shamondo Sharpless) Bunge of Cary, NC and son Scott (Tricia Cooper) Bunge of St. Johns, grandchildren Stephen Berry, Emma Groth, Samone (Tim) Toth, Ashley Berry and Joseph (Megan Ruff) Bunge; siblings Robert (Joyce) Paksi, Larry (Judy) Paksi, Ruth Powers, Carol (Pat) Foltz, Janet (Harold) Heath, James Paksi, David (Sue) Paksi, Nancy Webster and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by parents Joe and Violet Paksi, brother Richard and his wife Patricia Paksi; in-laws Ken Bunge, Faye and Herman Brink, Steve Powers and Larry and his wife Judy Bunge; nieces Kim Paksi, Kendra Mahar and Kim Bunge.<\/p>\n

The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a> on Thursday, September 5, 2019, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 6, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice or the Clinton County Relay for Life (MI).<\/p>\n

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Sharon Lee Harlow<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Sharon Lee Harlow, age 54, of St. Johns, MI, passed away at her home Friday, August 30, 2019, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.<\/p>\n

A Memorial Service at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2019, with Nancy Woodcock officiating. Visitation will be held on 5-8 P.M. Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Smith Family Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service.<\/p>\n

Sharon was born in St. Johns, Michigan on December 26, 1964, the daughter of Clarence Edward and Joyce Ann (Kirvan) Stoddard. Sharon graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1983. On February 23, 1991, Sharon married Ross Harlow in Carbondale, CO. and he survives her.<\/p>\n

Sharon’s family was her life, especially her granddaughter. She enjoyed shopping with her sisters and spending time with her favorite brother Tim. Sharon was an excellent cook and loved family dinners. She was an avid bird watcher and liked mushroom hunting with her husband. Sharon loved taking care of her family, making the perfect Halloween costumes for her girls, and tending to her roses and other flowers. Sharon was a loyal and devoted friend to many. Sharon was a loyal Spartan fan and worked for MSU for 17 years. She was a member of Moose Lodge #1388.<\/p>\n

Sharon is survived by her husband of 28 years, Ross Harlow of St. Johns, MI, daughters: Meagan Harlow of Lansing, MI and Gina Harlow of St. Johns, MI; and her pride and joy, granddaughter Hayden Richards. She is also survived by 6 siblings: Diane Cunningham, Barbara (John) Sougstad, Colleen (Jon) Riley, Clarence Stoddard, Beverly (Mark) Hoyler, and Timothy Stoddard; sister-in-law Vicki (Chuck) Krasinski, sister-in-law Rachel (Jon) Berkhousen, brother-in-law Roy (Lois) Harlow, and brother-in-law Bob (Heidi) Leslie. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Daniel Cunningham, husband’s parents Ivan and Jean Harlow, sister-in-law Yvonne Leslie, and nephew Joel Hollingsworth.<\/p>\n

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Mother Teresa House, 308 N Walnut St, Lansing, MI 48933. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.<\/p>\n

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Nelson J Keys<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Nelson J Keys died Friday August 30, 2019 at the age of 78. He was born June 24, 1941 in Fowler, Michigan to Donald and Norma (Martin) Keys. Nelson retired after 38 plus years with General Motors as a Pipefitter. He enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing as a member of the Spur 75 Hunting Club in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula. In his younger years Nelson was an avid motorcycle rider and pool player.<\/p>\n

He is survived by his three children; daughters, Rhonda Carman (Glenn Geirland), Andrea (Andrew) Piper and son, Rodney Keys, their mother Elodia Keys, four grandchildren: Heaven Piper (Nic Hiner), Ashley (Matt) Boucher, Alicia Carman and Adison Carman and one great grandson, Kade; his sister Judy (Gus) Grieves, brothers; Fred (Nancy) Barnes, Roger (Carol) Keys, as well as brother-in-law Pete Goodman. Nelson was preceded in death by sisters and brother-in-laws Dorothy and Donald Shaffer, Barbara and Kenneth Petersen as well as his brother Leonard Barnes.<\/p>\n

A memorial visitation will be held from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a> 1500 Waterford Parkway St. Johns, MI<\/p>\n

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society Mid-Michigan Office 1755 Abbey Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823.<\/p>\n

\n

Sylvester Debassige<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Sylvester \u201cJohn\u201d Debassige died Thursday, August 29, 2019 at the age of 74. He was born October 1, 1944 in West Bay Reserve, Ontario, Canada, the son of Frank and Charlotte (Migawins) Debassige and was a member of the M\u2019Chigeeng First Nation Tribe in M\u2019Chigeeng, Ontario, Canada. John came to the United States at a young age, became a US citizen and served in the Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War. He was a member of VFW Post # 701 in Lansing, serving as Post Commander from 1999 to 2000.<\/p>\n

John enjoyed hunting, bird watching and Sunday drives. John was a retired General Motors employee with 30 years of service, retiring in 2002 and was a member of UAW Local #602.<\/p>\n

He is survived by Frank (Tanya) Robinson and their daughter, Emmalyn of Laingsburg, David (Alex) Franz-Robinson of Henderson, NV, and friend, Mary Malusek of Laingsburg. He was preceded in death by his wife Charlene Debassige and loving best friend Patricia Robinson.<\/p>\n

Funeral Services will be held 4:00 PM Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>, St. Johns. Visitation will be from 2:00PM until service time on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society.<\/p>\n

\n

Kay Bee (Munro) Winslow-Stockfisch<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Kay B. Winslow-Stockfisch of Eaton Rapids, passed away August 8, 2019 at the age of 77. Kay was born in St. Johns on February 21, 1942, the daughter of Arthur and Beatrice (Rowe) Munro. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1960.<\/p>\n

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.<\/p>\n

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center, 8601 Houston Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or to a charity of choice.<\/p>\n

Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>, Shelly-Odell Chapel.<\/p>\n

\n

Divorce decrees filed August 20, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thomas, Emma Jean and Julius Boston<\/p>\n

Crosby, Linda and Robert<\/p>\n

Chesney, Randy Joe and Dorothy Mae <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Obituaries Robert Edward Fedewa Robert Fedewa, 84 years old, was born in the farm home in Riley Township, Clinton County, Michigan on April 26, 1935 to Robert and Theresa (Sohn) Fedewa. He passed away at home on August 31, 2019 after an extended illness. He attended schools in Westphalia, St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids 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-5747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-transitions"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5747","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=5747"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5747\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}