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Russell Lyle Whitney, 93, of Potterville, formerly of Traverse City, died peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Russell was born June 8, 1930, at home in Windsor Township, the son of Sylvester Clark and Vera Mae (Getter) Whitney. He attended Potterville Schools before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952. He married his life-long love, Mary Lou Page in Angola, IN, and the two started their family. Russell worked for Fisher Body and Aluminum Extrusion before the family moved to Traverse City, MI in 1970. Russell worked as a custodian for Traverse City Public Schools for 17 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, both in Traverse City. He enjoyed singing and dancing, especially to his own rendition of Jerry Reed’s “The Preacher and the Bear.” Russell loved rat pack music, as well as country music, particularly Conway Twitty. He danced the jitterbug three times a week and played horseshoes and enjoyed biking and walking until he no longer could do so. Above all, Russell loved his family.

Russell is survived by his three sons, Daniel (Mary) Whitney, David Whitney, and Rusty (Marcia Casey-Cole) Whitney; five grandchildren, Danielle, Brandon, Ian, Brent, and Debbie Whitney; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou in 2007; grandson, Danny Whitney; brothers, Donald, Wayne, and Robert Whitney; and sisters, Gloria Hickox, Orpha Hayden, Verda Nightengale, and Maxine Cady.

Friends are encouraged to support Russell’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Graveside Service will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, with Kathy Dobie officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Marilyn Jean Stiles, 75 of Mason, a feisty and very good-hearted lady, died October 13, 2023. She was born to Otto and Mary Lou (Waite) Heikkila on May 31, 1948 in Midland, MI. With a very kind heart, it was no surprise that Marilyn was an animal lover, she loved every kind of furry friend, but dogs held a special place in her heart. Never one to sit still for long, Marilyn was always busy taking care of her family and working for 30 years as the Manager at QD in Mason, loving and adopting as her own all of her “QD Children.” She was a proud mom, grandma, great-grandma, daughter, and sister, always doing little things for her family to show them how much she cared. It’s no surprise that she was an Elvis fan, because everyone that knew her couldn’t help falling in love with her.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Larry (Janet) Davids, Connie (John) Hong, Ricky Davids, Chad (Heather) Stiles, and Chantell (Frank) Bonila; 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marjorie McKenzie, Joseph (Karen) Heikkila, Huey (Savonya) Heikkila, and Marie (Wayne) Myer; and her beloved dog, Ivy. She was predeceased by her son, Jerry Davids; parents; and siblings, Barbara Heikkila, Rebecca Perrne, and Richard Heikkila.

Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, October 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, October 20 at Mason Community Church with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Marilyn’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Capitol Area Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Dr. Edwin R. Larkin, 87, a pillar of public health in Wisconsin/mid-Michigan and a preventative healthcare pioneer, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 17, 2023, in Lansing, Michigan.

Ed was a man of deep thought and many gifts. An avid reader, his passion for knowledge and intellectual curiosity was infinite. Conversations with Ed were often an adventure unto themselves venturing across the great expanse of current events, science, politics, sports, et plus. Without much notice, you might find yourself knee deep in a discussion about quantum physics and the origins of the universe.

He cared deeply about his family and friends, his neighbors, and his community. He took great care with the younger generations to share his world with them. He encouraged and mentored them to think bigger and think beyond. He enriched the lives of those he loved with books and sweets. You never knew what thoughtful token you might find delivered to your doorstep.

A prolific writer, he captured his thoughts, feelings, observations and marked special moments and occasions in his life with words and verse amassing a lifetime of poetry that is treasured beyond measure.

Ed is the son of Roland and Helen (neé Krismer) Larkin born September 3, 1936, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He grew up with a great group of friends that sparked a love of sports and a sense of mischief that continued throughout his life. Ed spoke of his years as an altar boy at St John’s Parish in La Crosse with particular reverence, often pondering the intersect of faith and science. The passing of his younger brother, Donnie, from polio at the age of six deeply impacted Ed and, in part, inspired his pursuit of medicine and public health.

He graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School in 1954 and pursued a Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Ed graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health in Madison in 1962.

Ed married the love-of-his-life, Janice Laylan, on June 9, 1962, at Aquinas Catholic Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She brought spirited fun to Ed’s serious nature. Together, they created a rich, beautiful life full of family, great friendships, music, travel, and adventure.

He completed his medical residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 1963 and served in the U.S. Army as a Preventative Medicine Officer and physician in Vietnam from 1963-1966. He was awarded three medals of commendation for his service.

After the Army, he continued with a two-year Preventative Medicine Residency at the Division of Health in Wisconsin and completed his formal education with a Master of Public Health from the University of California Berkeley in 1971. He described this time at Berkeley as wild and ‘totally out there’.

Ed and Jan moved to Hawaii where Ed was an Associate Professor in Public Health at the University of Hawaii Manoa. The family returned to the mainland in 1973 when Ed became the Assistant State Health Officer in Madison, Wisconsin. After seven years in Wisconsin, the family moved to Charlotte, Michigan, where Ed served as the Barry-Eaton District Health Officer. Throughout his tenure, Ed specialized in the health of individuals and communities focusing on how to protect and maintain health as well as prevent disease. When he retired in 1996, Ed and Jan settled in Lansing, Michigan.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 61-years, Janice, and their two children, Erin (Karen) Larkin of Charlotte, MI, and Curtis (Jayne) Larkin of Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren, Skyler (Cambria) Larkin, Jenna (Jared) Burzan and Gillian Larkin; two great-grandchildren, Addy and Julian; along with his sisters, Mary Evans of Tucson, AZ, and Sue Gilbert of La Crosse, WI; 10 nieces and nephews and wonderful friends & neighbors who were like family. He left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Helen Larkin, and his younger brother, Donnie.
Funeral Mass will be Saturday, April 27, 2024, 1 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte, MI. There will be a celebration of life luau following the service. In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Ed’s name. Ed believed in helping others by providing opportunity through education. Please share your stories and memories of Ed with a video tribute here: https://www.tribute.co/dred-larkin/

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Funeral Services:

Douglas Max Sherman, age 91 of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023. He was born October 14, 1932, in Danby Township. When he turned 91 this year, he would laugh when you told him he was that old. Doug had an entrepreneurial spirit which contributed to his many careers including brick mason, car dealer, mobile home salesman, realtor, party store owner, dress shop owner, real estate landlord, and flipper. He also served his country in the United States Army in the Korean Conflict. Doug enjoyed golf, bowling, snow skiing, wood working, stained glass making, and carving wood figures.

Doug was preceded in death by his first wife of 60 years, Clarene Suzanne Sherman; and two brothers, Kenyon Sherman, and Bruce Sherman.

He is survived by his second wife of 10 years, Deanna Sherman; son, Bryan (Stephanie) Sherman; and their sons, Trevor, Lucas, and Carter; daughter, Amy (James) Stephens; and children, Avery and Arianna Vanderwal; brothers, Duane (Bobbie) Sherman, Dennis (Tawni) Sherman; and sister, Joy Hunt.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church, 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 with Pastor Tim Potter and Pastor Mark Booth officiating. The family received friends during a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment with military honors followed at Millerburg Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church.

To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Charles Joseph Compliment of Brooklyn, Michigan, died October 19, 2023. He was born February 17, 1939. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Kevin John Monaghan, a man known for having the kindest heart, died on Saturday, October 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Kevin, 30, was born on May 20, 1993 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Jason Monaghan and Amy (Emerson) Williams. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 2011. On June 27, 2021, Kevin married Briana Pendell. His greatest passion was his two-year-old son Max. Kevin loved spending time with Max and taking him to the park, fishing, camping, and just spending every minute possible with him. In school he played hockey, golf, and baseball. Kevin had a strong passion for hockey, from an early age you could find him skating on the ice. In recent years you could find him in the stands supporting his siblings.

Kevin loved cooking; he worked as the head chef at the Dimondale Nursing Care Center for several years. Most recently he was employed as a Line worker for the Shyft Group in Charlotte. Other hobbies that Kevin enjoyed were tent camping with his family, fishing, trips to the UP to visit cousins, playing video games, and anything sports rooting for Michigan State, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Blue Jays. Kevin would do anything for those in need from family members, strangers, to animals he was always there to lend a hand in need.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Briana; son, Maximus; parents, Jason (Heather) Monaghan, and Amy Williams; siblings, Jack Monaghan, Brett Monaghan, Blake Smith, Taylor Williams, and Abigail Williams; grandparents, Barry Monaghan, Spencer (Sally) Emerson, and Susan Graham; aunt, Lisa (Zac) Powell; uncles, Allen (Heidi) Emerson, and Charles (Courtney) Emerson; father and mother-in-law, Russell Gleason Jr., and Michelle Pendell; grandparents-in-law, Keith (Sue) Pendell, Dayle and Russell Gleason Sr. He was predeceased by grandparents, Jean Monaghan, and Darian Graham.

Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids with Pastor Melany Chalker officiating. A visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The family has requested memorial contributions for the benefit of Max Monaghan (payable to Jason Monaghan, or Venmo @Monj55) would be appreciated. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Fred McCoy Fox, Jr. of Eaton Rapids, MI peacefully passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the age of 82. Fred was born on July 2, 1941, in Nashville, TN the son of Fred and Sarah (Tidwell) Fox. At the age of six, the Fox family relocated to Michigan, where Fred was raised in Eaton Rapids, ultimately graduating with the class of 1959.

Fred’s path led him to serve in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1962, stationed in San Diego, CA. Upon his honorable discharge, he embarked on a lifelong journey with the love of his life, Mary Lou Essig, whom he wed in 1963.

During his working years, Fred dedicated himself to a career as a pipefitter and later as a supervisor at Oldsmobile Plant 3 in Lansing, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred McCoy Fox, and Sarah Jane (Tidwell, Fox) Stokes. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Fox; his loving daughters, Patricia Jane (Fred) Lankton, Kimberly Lynn (Ken) McElroy; and his son, Fred McCoy Fox, III (Eric Scheuering). His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Zachary Allen (Angela) Lankton, Valerie Nicole (Nathan) Schwinnen, Alicia Marie McElroy (Eric Ward), Alexus Rae McElroy, and Miles Scheuering; as well as three adoring great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his sister, Nancy Jean Wireman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred will forever be etched in our hearts for his immense kindness, charismatic personality, and, above all, his unwavering dedication as a role model for what it means to be a loving family man. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, regardless of whether their time was long or short.

In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held for Fred. To share your memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

John Frederick Oatley, Sr., of Eaton Rapids and Holt, Michigan, passed into the arms of Jesus on October 22, 2023 at the age of 91.

John was born to Chester and Jennie (Farnam) Oatley on November 27, 1931 in beautiful Frankfort, Michigan. John grew up with a large family and learned the values of hard work. Frankfort would be where John met the love of his life, Helen Katrine Bloom. They were married on March 8, 1952. They shared 67 wonderful years together.

John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. John would later go to school on the GI Bill. He attended Dental School in Elkhart, Indiana to become a dental technician. John settled in Lansing, Michigan. He first worked for Dr. Nolan and later Dr. Larry Stone for over 30 years until his retirement in 1992.

John and Katrine raised five children and lead a very busy life. Together they enjoyed family vacations, lots of camping, trips up north to visit family and countless activities. John loved working around the house and yard, tinkering in his garage, feeding the birds. John also had a special knack for fixing the impossible, where it may have taken some time for him to think on it, but he would always come up with a solution to get it fixed. John was an avid deer hunter, loved the outdoors, swimming in Lake Michigan and loved his country dearly.
John was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church of Lansing for over 60 years. He also was a volunteer for meals on Wheels along with his wife, Katrine for many years.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Katrine Oatley; sons, John Oatley, Jr. and Dean Oatley; granddaughters, Diana Cuatt and Shannon Sharp; grandson, Dean A. Oatley; daughter-in-law, Linda Oatley; sisters, Betty Shattuck, Dixie Buehrer and Dorothy Round; and brother, Ted Oatley. He is survived by his children: David Oatley of Mason, Brenda (Tom) Cuatt of Springport, Brian (Karen) Oatley of Eaton Rapids, Sonja Oatley of Eaton Rapids, and Carleen Oatley of Alabama; sister-in-law, Jeanette Oatley of Texas; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

A Funeral Service to remember and celebrate John’s life was held Friday, October 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Holt Chapel with Pastor Peter Robinson officiating. Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family received relatives and friends Friday, October 27, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing, Michigan.

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Funeral Services:

James Vincent Brinker, age 29, of Lansing, Michigan, died unexpectedly in his sleep October 15, 2023. He was born June 18, 1994 in Lansing to John and Jennette (Guy) Brinker, the youngest of five children and an identical twin. He grew up in Charlotte, MI, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 2012, and later Spring Arbor University in 2016, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. He worked at Auto Owners Insurance in Lansing as a Predictive Modeler since 2016. He will be missed by all who called him husband, dad, brother, son, uncle, and friend, and will be remembered for his service, thoughtfulness, and love for others.

In 2014 he married Alana Ann Retzer, his high school sweetheart, and they enjoyed a wonderful life together traveling, making a home in their Lansing neighborhood, practicing their Christian faith, and eventually growing their family. Their son, Sage William, was born in March of 2022, and immediately became James’ pride and joy. James was a devoted, enthusiastic, and nurturing parent, taking on many of the responsibilities of raising Sage. He and Alana were excited to welcome their second child, a girl, this December.

James was devoted to his family, immediate and extended, as well as his church family, and was proud to be a member of Lansing Central Free Methodist Church. Volunteering on the board of the church as well as wherever he was needed, James loved to serve and cherished the faith community his church provided.

James’ lifelong favorite hobby was long-distance running, and he especially valued his participation on track and cross-country teams from middle school through college. Fall was his favorite season and best time to go for a run; he so enjoyed the smell and feel of the crisp Autumn air. James also enjoyed cooking and baking for his family and friends; he was known for his ginger molasses Christmas cookies and was working on making the perfect gluten free chocolate chip cookie (and many say he already did!). James also greatly enjoyed films, podcasts, and listening to music.

James is survived by his wife, Alana; son, Sage (19 months old); a daughter due to arrive in December; mother, Jennette (Donald) Stahelin; father, John Brinker; siblings, April (Adam) Gibbs, Kayla Denton, John (Marina) Brinker, and Jared (Janelle) Brinker; mother-in-law, Patricia Retzer; grandmothers, Francine Swisher and Marjorie Morris; brother-in-law, Patrick (Jessica) Retzer; and his beloved nieces and nephews Xander (18), Phoenix (17), Haven (16), Lilith (7), Sailor (3), Ember (1), Lucas (8), Isabella (6), Oliver (5); and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Ronald Brinker and Bill Morris; and father-in-law, Gerard Retzer.

Friends are encouraged to support James’ family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, October 20, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, October 21, 10:00 a.m. at Central Free Methodist Church in Lansing with Pastor Joanna DeWolf officiating. The funeral will be webcast from the church’s YouTube page at the following link here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOHjAThthao. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to James’s favorite charities: Partners in Health International or Family and Child Charities of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Sandra Kay Borseth, a feisty, loving, and witty mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Friday, October 13, 2023. Sandra, 78, of Lansing, MI. the daughter of Kenneth and Mary (Stillwell) Smith was born on July 30, 1945. She worked as a secretary for several companies over the years, most recently and where she retired is the State of Michigan with the Department of Corrections. Anyone that knew Sandra knew that she loved her Bingo. She could be found most days at the Carousel Bingo Hall. It was at the Bingo Hall where she was given the nickname “Buny.” Other hobbies she enjoyed were watching the Game Show Network, fishing, spending time at the family cottage on Bass Lake, sewing, knitting, cooking, and baking. In October of 1995 Sandra married Ronald Borseth. They were married for a short time before his passing. Sandra was strong with her Catholic faith; she attended St. Gerard Catholic Church. Above all, her family was the most important thing to her, with her Bingo winnings a close second. In a letter Sandra wrote to her children she said, “Don’t cry and don’t mourn my death. Instead, be happy that I have gone to be with my family that is already there.”

Sandra is survived by her children, Gerald (Wendy) Heppe II, and Melinda (Jeffrey) Wood; grandchildren, Devon (Macy) Wood, Bailey (Peter Rice) Wood, Diedrich Heppe, Marissa (Jared Martin) Wood, and Broch Heppe; 1 great-grandson, Mason, with another on the way; and dear friend, Denny Hardin. She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Borseth; the father to her children, Gerald Heppe; sisters, Winonna Dyer, and Loretta Nead; and her parents.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Moores AFC Home for the loving care provided. Specifically, Shelby, Paula, Cindy, Ashley, and Kim. The family is forever grateful. Friends are encouraged to support Sandra’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family will be planning a Celebration of Life for Sandra for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Harmony Cares Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.