Obituaries
Jerry Hansbarger
Mr. Jerry Hansbarger, age 88, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024, at his home in Vermontville, MI. He was born in Hastings, MI, on June 12, 1935, to the late Lee and Elsie Hansbarger.
Jerry was raised in the Woodland area, graduating from Woodland High School in 1953. He continued his education at Michigan State where he studied Forestry before beginning a career at Fisher Body in Lansing, MI. Jerry had a passion for operating heavy equipment and after a short time, he left Fisher Body to pursue a career as a heavy equipment operator.
On February 8, 1958, Jerry married Anna Lou (Marcum) Hansbarger in Woodland MI. Jerry and Anna Lou began their lives together in the Vermontville area, then relocating to Colorado in 1982 where Jerry worked as a construction Superintendent. The family returned to Michigan in 1993 and Jerry began his own excavating company, Hansbarger Construction.
Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Jerry loved his children and grandchildren deeply and especially enjoyed attending their many sporting events whenever possible.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Lou; his two sons, Mike (Lorraine) Hansbarger, Doug (Kathy) Hansbarger; eight grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Ken Hansbarger; and his brother, Larry Hansbarger.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the following organizations: St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Foundation Fund, Maple Valley Schools – Maple Valley Athletics for Jerry Hansbarger.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Highway Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Mary Helen Marietta
Mary Helen Marietta, a beloved resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the age of 95. Born on March 20, 1928, in Eaton Rapids, MI, Mary was the daughter of a first-generation Irish immigrant, Margaret (Livingston) Puffenberger, and father, Fred Puffenberger. Following the untimely loss of her parents, Mary assumed the responsibility of raising her brother Henry from the tender age of 13 and maintained a close bond with him until his passing in 2019. In 1946, Mary married Richard Marietta, and together they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their lives.
Mary dedicated herself to various endeavors throughout her life. She spent many years working at Eaton Stamping and devoted over two decades to the Eaton Rapids Flower Garden. Mary and her husband shared a love for travel, often embarking on adventures in their motorhome to destinations such as Arizona and Mexico. Active in her community, Mary was a familiar face at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, where she organized events, sold fundraising tickets, and particularly enjoyed the Saturday evening dances.
Renowned for her strong will and spirited demeanor, Mary remained steadfast and directed until her final days. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister, cherishing the moments spent with her family.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Wyckoff; grandchildren, Angela (Dan) Kidder, Matthew Wyckoff; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Kidder, Carson (Maddy) Kidder; as well as special nieces and nephews, Fred Puffenberger, Randy Puffenberger, and Karen Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Richard Marietta; son-in-law, Don Wyckoff; and brother, Henry Puffenberger.
The family expresses profound gratitude to Dan Guy and Brian Ross, who provided care for Mary’s home over the past decade. Special appreciation is extended to Sharon Corbeil, Jill Skinner, Brenda and Allison Wineman, Diana, June, Kim, and Mary’s neighbors for their unwavering support. They also thank Dr. Marissa Miller, Paula, and other staff for their exceptional care. Samantha from Landmark and the compassionate team at Sparrow Eaton, particularly Dr. Hillman and the nurses in Comfort Care, provided compassion during Mary’s final hours.
A memorial gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Light refreshments will be served. Those wishing to honor Mary’s memory may contribute to the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids or a charity of their choice. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Kenneth L. Cleeves
Kenneth L. Cleeves was called to Heaven on Saturday, January 19, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born on the 7th of September 1927 to Frederick D. and Mary V. (Perrin) Cleeves.
Kenneth was a man who was very devoted to God, the Church and his wife of over 65 years, Geraldine P. Cleeves, who so sadly preceded him in death in 2013.
They were High School sweethearts that were married at Eaton Rapids Baptist Church on Nov. 26, 1947. They became active members of that very Church and raised their family together in Eaton Rapids. In their retirement, Kenneth and Geraldine had moved to Mesa, Arizona to enjoy the warmer weather and there became members of Calvary Baptist Church. They lived the rest of their lives together in Mesa.
Kenneth was also preceded in death by his loving eldest son, Thomas A. Cleeves, and is survived by his other two children, Catherine M. (Lon) Cook and Kenneth J. Cleeves. He was also blessed to have four Grandchildren, Kevin M. Cleeves, Lisa A. (Andrew) Thornsberry, Laura E. Cleeves, Jeremy T. Cook, and seven great-grandchildren, Coya, Leia, Hannah, Thomas, Cassandra, Timothy and Sebastian.
Kenneth’s siblings are all but one deceased, Robert E., Frederick O., Jack D., and Dorothy L. (King). He is survived by his sister, Ruth Ann Thuma of Eaton Rapids, and many nieces and nephews.
Kenneth Cleeves was retired from his career as a Die Designer at General Motors, which he proudly did after his service in the United States Navy, where he served as a Seaman 1st Class on the USS Princeton Aircraft Carrier, during WW2.
Kenneth and Geraldine, lovingly known by friends and family as, ‘Ken and Gerry’ shared a strong love of God, through the Son, Jesus Christ. They often expressed this love through music. Ken played Guitar and Gerry the mandolin, at family gatherings and reunions, churches, State and County Fairs, rest homes, hospitals and rescue missions. They often sang about the love and grace of God or vibrantly played country western and folk music. Their singing brought great joy to others, and we will now carry the sound of their voices in our hearts as we remember them.
Kenneth’s Military Memorial Service was held on February 8, 2024 at his place of burial. He was buried with his loving wife Geraldine at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, at Cave Creek.
A regular Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church: 3810 E. University Dr., Mesa Arizona 85205. The date and time will be announced at a later time. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Hal Gordon Zenker
Hal Gordon Zenker of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 3, 2024, at the age of 67. He was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on November 9, 1956, the son of Basil and Ella (Tompkins) Zenker. Hal proudly served with the Army National Guard for 16 years on the Sharpshooter Team. He devoted 22 years to his son Justin, caring for him until his passing in 2022. Hal had many hobbies: hunting, fishing, cooking, photography, traveling, working in the garden and planting flowers. He had a 1969 Mercury Cougar that he enjoyed working on as well.
Hal is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; children, Brandon (Katie) Zenker of Illinois, Mike Norton of Hastings, Dustin (Heather) Schlichter of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Aidan Zenker, Tyler Norton, Preston Schlichter, Blake Schlichter; in-laws, Dale (Jain) Brecht, Paulette Vance, Kathy Brecht; siblings, Lyle (Debbie) Zenker, Greg Zenker, Beth Moser. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Justin Zenker; brothers; Wade Zenker, and William Carother.
Funeral Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Thursday, February 8 at 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior as well as the night before. Interment followed the funeral service in Clarence Township Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Robert Floyd Burns
Robert Floyd Burns, 95, of Dowling, Michigan, passed away on January 24, 2024 at Corwell Pennock Hospital after a brief illness.
Bob was born on April 13, 1928 to Robert S. and Avis L. (Wolfersberger) Burns of Bellevue, Michigan. After graduating from Bellevue High in 1946, he served an 18-month enlistment in the US Army, stationed in Germany. Upon his return he attended Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo studying Commercial Art before marrying the love of his life, Patricia June Six, daughter of Donald C. and Betty K. (Siler) Six. Bob worked multiple jobs to support his family but was most proud of his 30 years at Post Cereals, where he retired as a shift production supervisor, and the nearly 28 years in the US Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Sergeant Major (E9).
While Bob’s family life was of utmost importance to him, he integrated many of his personal interests into supporting his four boys’ youth activities utilizing his calligraphy skills for Cub/Boy Scout honors and badges, managing little-league softball teams, and coaching bowling teams.
During their “empty-nester” years, both Bob and Pat enjoyed motorcycling and touring around the U.S. and Canada in addition to attending several national BMW rallies around the nation. He was a long-time member of the American Motorcycling Association, BMW Motorcycle Club of Battle Creek (for which he designed logos and flyers) and was the “Resident Celebrity” for BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids Dealer where he received a 700,000-mileage badge from corporate BMW Motorrad USA. As an avid bowler, Bob participated in many local leagues (high game 299), regional tournaments and a pro-am tournament where he teamed up with Buzz Fazio, a top pro bowler of his era.
Preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; and son Phillip (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), he is survived by his brother, Richard (Cleveland, TN); three sons: Robert (Judith Capper) Cocoa Beach, FL, David (Jerrie Smith) Glendale, AZ and Thomas (Natasha Euribe) of Deerfield Beach, FL; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
One of Bob’s favorite sayings was, “My wife raised five boys…our four children and me!”
A “Celebration of Life” service will be scheduled in the spring, officiated by Pastor Steve Olmstead at Pleasantview Family Church, 2601 Lacey Rd., Dowling, MI 49050, where Bob and his wife attended for many years.