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Funeral Services:

Donis Ilene (Iauch) Whitaker, age 85, of Charlotte, Michigan and Brownsville, Texas, died in Webster, Texas on April 8, 2024.
She was born in Eaton County Michigan in 1939. Her parents were Harold Milford Iauch and Mildred E. (Gould) Campbell Iauch. Donis met the love of her life, George W. Whitaker, when she was just 17 years old. After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1957, she attended Western Michigan University.

Excited to start their new lives together, Donis and George were married at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte on June 27, 1959. Their first child, Julie Irene Whitaker, was born in 1960 while Donis was attending Michigan State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1961 and started teaching in Charlotte.

Tamara Ilene Whitaker was born in 1963. Donis worked towards her master’s degree, which she received in 1965 from Michigan State University. Their third child, Eric George Whitaker was born in 1968. Donis and George enjoyed weekend camping and summer vacation trips in their RV with their family.

Donis was a member of the teacher honorary, Delta Kappa Gamma, and had a lifetime membership in the National Education Association as well as the Michigan Education Association.

After 30 years of teaching in Charlotte, Donis retired in 1991 and she and George moved to River Bend Resort in Brownsville, Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren, who resided in the Houston area. Donis enjoyed making greeting cards, scrapbooking, quilting and various other crafts.

After George’s sudden passing in October 2023, Donis moved to a senior apartment community in Webster, Texas where she was near her daughter, Tamara. She will be greatly missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Donis is survived by her three children, two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two sisters and one brother. She is reunited in heaven with her loving and devoted husband, her parents, one sister and two brothers.

Burial of cremains will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte later in 2024. Date to be determined.

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Funeral Services:

Ronald Lee Place, 79, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2024. He was born in Eaton Rapids on December 3, 1944, to Howard and Twila (Greenslade) Place.

Ron graduated from Olivet High School in 1963. At OHS, he lettered in football, basketball, and track and met his wife-to-be, Laura Westgate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Olivet College in 1973, where he also participated on the football team as a tight end and kicker. He began his coaching and teaching career at Climax Scotts in 1973 as a JV football coach and an elementary physical education teacher. Soon after, in 1974, he began coaching and teaching at Bellevue Middle School and High School as a physical education teacher, assistant football coach, freshmen basketball coach, and assistant track coach. He went on to coach football, as an offensive line coach, for several years at Olivet College. He also coached freshmen football and girls track at Pennfield High School in the mid-1980’s. Most of his lifelong efforts went into the track program at Bellevue where he coached for a total of 26 years and where the track is named in his honor. He taught physical education, health, and government at Bellevue High School until his retirement in 2002.

In retirement, Ron loved cars and enjoyed working on his 1976 Chevy El Camino, which he liked to take to various car shows around southern Michigan. He also loved being with his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his wife, Laura (Westgate) Place; two sons and their wives, Tracy (Nena) Place and Troy (Nicole) Place; five grandchildren, Cody Place, Amara Place, Colton Place, Jasper Vera, and Jessie Vera; one great grandson, Torin Place; two brothers, Bob Place and Daryl (Shirley) Place; and one sister, Sheila (Richard) Heisler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Zelmadene and Norma Jean; and his brothers Herrold, Phillip, Merlyn, and Kevin.

At this time cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service in Battle Creek.

In lieu of flowers, Ron wished that memorial contributions would be made to the Fire Department of Pennfield Charter Township. Arrangements provided by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service.

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Funeral Services:

Thomas Irving Hansen of Eaton Rapids, passed away April 10, 2024, at the age of 91. Thomas was born in Douglass Township, Michigan on November 9, 1932, the son of Irving and Sada (Little) Hansen. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1951 and Michigan State University in 1958. Thomas was a proud Navy veteran who served during the Korean War. He and his wife were members of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. Thomas retired from teaching in 1990. He was a dedicated teacher for Laingsburg, Fremont and Lansing Schools. Thomas enjoyed farming, gardening, reading, storytelling, European travel and Civil War re-enactments.

He is survived by his children, Julia (Scott) Barningham, Eric (April) Hansen; grandchildren, Jenna (Shane) Schnepp, Mathew (Savahna) Hansen, Kaitlynn Hansen, Caleb Hansen, Bradley Barningham; great grandchildren, Cooper Echevarria, Laurelin Hansen, Adelaide Hansen. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; wife Judith Hansen in 2020; sisters, Marilyn Finnis and Alice Dausey.

Memorial Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St, Eaton Rapids MI 48827, in loving memory of Thomas Irving Hansen. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Randy Ward Johnson, 69, of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 27, 1955, in Jackson, MI, Randy was the son of Tom and Jacqueline (Bos) Johnson. He spent his formative years in Jackson, graduating from Jackson High School in 1973. Randy embarked on a 25-year career as a corrections officer at Jackson Prison before retiring.

In retirement, Randy pursued his passion for antiques, immersing himself in buying and selling goods for the past 25 years. He had a fervent enthusiasm for Mopar Classic Cars, enjoyed building model cars, indulged in garage sales, and was a devoted fan of WWE wrestling.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Jacqueline, and his brother, Terry Johnson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Judy Johnson; his children, Randy (Cindy) Johnson, Melissa Breese, Ben (Denae Baker) Johnson, and Elizabeth Bivins; his brother, Gerry (Linda) Johnson; a special friend, Rayette Ruoff; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held in the summer of 2024. For those who wish to honor his memory, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. To share memories or offer condolences online, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com

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Funeral Services:

Mary Lou Hill, age 89, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on April 5, 2024, in Tavares, FL. She was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on May 24, 1934, to Daniel P. And Mary E. Shinaver. She was preceded in death by four brothers and seven sisters and her husband, Dexter R. Hill, Sr. She is survived by her children, Dexter R. Hill, Jr., David (Debbie) Hill, Harvey Hill, Lori (Tommy) Rhodabeck, Patti (Robert) O’Neil, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary Lou went on to become a successful business owner, running LuLu’s Garden Restaurant in Eaton Rapids from 1974-1994. A celebration of life gathering will be planned in Mary Lou’s honor. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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Funeral Services:

Joyce Arleene (McIntyre) Middaugh, age 86, peacefully passed away, surrounded by her loving family in Lansing, MI, April 7, 2024. She was born May 14, 1937, in Mulliken, Michigan to Harley and Geraldine McIntyre.
On a beautiful summer day, July 16, 1955, Joyce married her soulmate Marion E. Middaugh, with whom she embarked on a life-long journey of companionship and devotion. Together, they raised a family, creating a home filled with laughter, delicious meals, and unconditional love.
As a passionate gardener, Joyce found solace and joy in the beauty of nature, tending to her plants with the same care she extended to all aspects of her life.  She delighted in the blooms and harvests that were the fruits of her labor.  As an enthusiastic sports fan she was always cheering on her favorite MSU Spartans. Joyce was sure each family member was given one of her handmade quilts, either knitted, crocheted, or embroidered, and each is a cherished heirloom.
Above all else, Joyce is celebrated as a perfect mother, not just in name but in every action and sacrifice.  She instilled love and kindness in her children: Julia Middaugh-McArthur, Michael Middaugh, and James E. (Rena) Middaugh. Her grandchildren: Tina Cole-Day, Rebecca Lobdell, Lisa (John) Warner, Michael Middaugh II (Katie Baum), Sheri (Jeff) Ide, Sheli Knott, Jaclyn (Tyler) Ripley, Janet (Matthew) Kruse, and James R. (Mikayla) Middaugh, knew her as a source of endless encouragement and wisdom.  She was a treasured matriarch to 23 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She is now reunited with her parents and her dear husband, Marion, who preceded her in death.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.  A graveside service will follow at the Delta Center Cemetery.  For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, in memory of Joyce Middaugh.

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Funeral Services:

Nyle Robert Weiler, a man known for his need for speed, died in his home on Sunday, April 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS. Nyle, 72, grew up on the family farm in Vermontville, Michigan, the son of Dick and Rachel (Viele) Weiler. After graduation from high school, he enrolled in trade school and became a carpenter. He started T&W Builders with his childhood friend, David Thrun. Together they installed many kitchens in the mid-Michigan area before he moved on to become a Union Carpenter. As an avid Spartan fan, he was especially happy to share that he installed the ceilings at the Jack Breslin Center on the campus of MSU. Nyle retired at the age of 49 from Bouma Corporation as a foreman who managed the remodels of countless Meijer stores. After his diagnosis, he conveyed how fortunate he felt to have enjoyed so many of his other hobbies while he was a healthy man. His passion for speed led to muscle cars, dune buggies, snowmobiles, and motorcycles, but his biggest love was his open-wheeled modified race cars. He was crowned the 1998 Michigan Modified Asphalt State Champion and won back-to-back Spartan Speedway track championships in 1997 and 1998. When Nyle was not racing he loved spending time with Kris at the cottage on Higgins Lake where he developed many great friendships. Nyle had a large circle of friends and he was known as one of the good guys. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, golfing, poker during the racing off-season, racquetball at the courts he helped build in Nashville, Michigan with ten other friends and traveling to many locations around the world; including riding his Harley to Alaska, visiting Italy with Kris’s family and three weeks in Hawaii with beloved friends Larry and Renee Lowrie. Some of his proudest accomplishments in life were his son, Zack and the home that he built on the family farm where he lived for over 50 years.
Nyle is survived by his life partner of 26 years, Kris Hudson; son, Zachary (Andrea) Weiler; grandson, Zane Weiler; mother, Rachel Weiler; twin sister, Nancy Weiler; sister, Susan (Paul) Trinklein; Kris’s family, Karen Hudson, Tom Hudson, Thomas (Sheila) Topham, Ryan (Anna Dematatis) Topham, Matthew (Kurt Lu) Topham; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Dick Weiler. Special thanks to the Sparrow Home Hospice Team for the support and care they provided.
Friends are encouraged to support Nyle’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, April 12, 2024, from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A funeral service followed at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Allison Ellsworth officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Nyle’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the family for his grandson Zane’s 529C College Fund or The Susan Mast ALS Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Grover “Gil” Gilbert Jessen, a jack of all trades, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Gil, 80, was born on May 26, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, the son of Clarence John and Dorothy (Harvey) Jessen. In 1965, Gil enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and he was awarded three Purple Hearts for his service towards his country. While at a party with his friend, Gil met Marilyn Bowden. His piercing blue eyes and being dressed in his military uniform won Marilyn’s heart. On April 12, 1969, the couple was married. Gil earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine from Duke University. To this day he was an avid Duke Blue Devils fan. He worked for 55 plus years in the medical field as a Nuclear Medicine Tech.
Family meant the world to Gil. He loved playing, coaching, and officiating hockey. The family spent their summers at the family cottage on Houghton Lake. Later in his life Gil took up a passion for cooking alongside his daughter Missy. His love for the outdoors led to countless fishing and hunting adventures. Gil had a strong respect for different genres of music. He was an active member of the New Hope Community Church, devoting his life to the Lord, and loved reading his bible. Above all his biggest joy in life was being with his family.
Gil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; children, John Jessen, and Melissa “Missy” Jessen; sister, Jan Marie Jessen. He was predeceased by his parents, and best friend, Joseph Schwartz.
Friends are encouraged to support Gil’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 12:00 Noon at the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte with Pastors Randy Royston and Victor Williams officiating. A visitation will be held just prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until noon. There will be a luncheon following the service for a time of continuing fellowship. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Jeffry Scott Stoecker, age 59 of Charlotte, Michigan, passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by family Friday April 5, 2024. Jeff was born May 1, 1964, to Donald and Patricia Stoecker. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1982. Jeff met the love of his life Norma June Stoecker in 1992 and began a long lasting and strong relationship in late April of the same year. The two were married June 29, 2001, and spent the years together building and nurturing a still growing family, that of which has become Jeff’s legacy. A soft-spoken man of wit, charm, and of the utmost integrity, possessing the biggest and warmest heart for all those he cared for would have done anything and everything to protect those he loved. Jeff chose to be a father where he was not obligated, ultimately adopting Norma’s two sons Michael and Levon later in their adult lives. Jeff and Norma also played a major role in the raising of their grandson Mathias. Jeff was an amazing father and loved raising the boys and teaching them to be men of integrity, kindness, and respect. He was so proud to give them his last name and provide the opportunities to continue his lineage and legacy, though not through heredity, but through the qualities he lovingly instilled in all three whom have and will continue to be the men he raised them to be.
Jeff worked at the Eaton County Governmental Complex in the Physical Plant as a master problem solver where there were few things he could not fix or issues he could not resolve. He enjoyed working with his hands and helping to keep the facilities operational and in tip top condition. Jeff retired from the county in 2019 and spent the years that followed gardening and helping with the educational development of his granddaughters Aubree, Emery, and Islie, of whom he utterly adored.
Jeff is survived by his life partner and wife of a combined total 32 years Norma Stoecker; parents, Donald and Patricia Stoecker; sister, Vicki (David) Wickens; sons, Michael (Karissa) Stoecker of Vermontville, Levon (Samantha Boucher, fiancé) Stoecker of Grand Ledge; grandsons, Mathias Stoecker and Roarke Hammond; granddaughters, Aubree Roth, Emery Stoecker, and Islie Stoecker; best furry friend “Cat” AKA Snickerdoodle; aunts, Cindy (Leonard) Maybee, Sharon (Doug) Hildreth; uncles Gerald (Denice) Stoecker, Cliff (Cathy) Carey II; cousins, Scott (Andrea) Stoecker and their daughter Elena, Debbie (Darrin) Gray, Cliff Carey III, Amy (Dave) Bowman, and Alex Hildreth; and many other friends and family members.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Theodore “Ted” and Alice Stoecker, Clifford and Esther Carey, and Agnes Carey; nephews, Curtis Harris and Cody Wickens; and cousin, Brian Hildreth.
The family would like to express a most sincere thank you to Dr. Weiss as well as the staff of the Oncology Department of 5 West at Sparrow Hospital of Lansing. Most specifically we owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Naomi, Jess, Jeanette, Alexa, Kelly, Desean, and Esha and Dr. Clouse whose combined kindnesses made our difficult journey as bearable and comfortable for Jeff and every one of us. He would have told you all that you were 5-star rockstars.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family received friends on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Needmore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or financial contributions, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Jeff’s name or a tree be planted in his memory.
To view Jeff’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

Gordon Karl Davis, a respected and beloved member of the Charlotte community, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 88. Gordon was born on November 6, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan.  Gordon loved to learn and was very creative.  He is Deeply Loved and Missed by his family and close friends.
He was very proud to have completed eight years of trade school.  He proudly served his country as a member of the United State Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.  His service was a testament to the values he held dear throughout his life.  Gordon also served his community through his career as the owner and operator of his own Auctioneer business.
Gordon’s involvement in his community was heartfelt and deeply important to him. He was a life member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America Chapter #13, the 1st Marine Division Association, the Marine Corp League of Lansing, D.A.V. Capital City Chapter #8, Charlotte American Legion Post #42, Charlotte VFW Post #2406, Eagles of Charlotte, and the Silver Star Member of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. He also supported the VFW National Home of Eaton Rapids, the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and the National Auctioneers Association #3551.
Gordon is survived by his children, Cindy Davis-Brown, son-in-law, Bob Brown, Teresa Brace and son-in-law Ken, and Richard Davis.  He was also blessed with one granddaughter, two grandsons, and one great grandson.  He is also survived by one brother, Fred and sister-in-law Katy.
Gordon is preceded in death by his mother, Alberta Davis and father Carl.  He is also preceded in death by three sisters, and one brother.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Grand Ledge on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.  Cremation has taken place.  The family has entrusted arrangements to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge.