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Jonathon Briskie


Jonathon “Tyler” Briskie, a fun dad with a contagious smile, died unexpectedly March 15, 2024. His family and friends appreciate that he had a straightforward personality and was easy to connect with in conversation. Tyler was born to David and Tami (England) Briskie on May 11, 1983, in Marshall, Michigan.

Tyler developed a love of the woods from his father, who taught him to hunt at an early age. He had many adventures in the woods, Tyler was never afraid to get dirty, and enjoyed the serenity of nature. He developed a knack of hunting for mushrooms at an early age on a scavenger hunt with his mother, which developed into a passion he would follow throughout his life. Tyler earned a Certificate of Mycology (the study of mushrooms) from MSU in identifying many varieties of wild mushrooms. His favorite mushrooms were morels, and he would go to the end of the world to find them. His mushroom hunting grew into a small business for Tyler selling them to local restaurants and distributors.

Tyler was also a Certified Chimney Sweep and served his local community under the company name, Safety Sweep. Building things was a talent he shared with family members crafting furniture, forts and, a loft bed for his daughter, and rabbit cages for the many, many rabbits that he loved to raise. Above all, his greatest passion was his family whom he loved profoundly. He was a true man of God whom many leaned upon. His life motto: Jesus, family and fungi were what his life was all about. He was always willing to help his family, friends, and others, even the homeless around him. His strong-willed faith helped him to be content with what he had in life; his children, a walk in the woods to forage for his dinner, family, fungi, farming, and Jesus. You couldn’t sway him from his beliefs as he was well versed in scriptures from his Bible. Tyler will be truly missed as he naturally was able to take care of the details of so many things.

Jonathon Tyler Briskie is survived by the love of his life, Sarah Smith; children, Elijah Jonathon Briskie, Sofia May Briskie; his parents, David and Tami Briskie; brothers, Cody Briskie and Bobby Thomas; nephews, James Briskie, Luke Briskie, Nathan Briskie, and Jonah Briskie. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don and Darlene Briskie, and grandmother, Loretta England.

Friends were encouraged to support Jonathon’s family at visitation and funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Bellevue Christian Center. The family received visitors at the church from 12:00 noon Friday until the service time at 2:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bellevue Christian Church. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Jonathon’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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Darrin Martin


Darrin “Marty” Martin, age 59, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born March 7, 1965, in Harrisville, Michigan the son of Darwin and Janet (Blanford) Martin. Marty graduated from Swartz Creek High School with the class of 1983. On August 6, 2011, he married Dawn Sherman. Marty loved cooking and working as a welder. He owned and operated Truckin’ Awesome Food Truck in Olivet. Marty cherished the opportunity of serving his community and loved to see the smiles it brought to their faces. He had a heart of gold and was always ready to help anyone in need. Marty had the gift of gab and loved visiting with others and sharing stories. When Marty was not busy with the food truck you could find him tinkering around the house or outdoors hunting, fishing, or camping. He adored his family and loved spending time together with them.

Marty is survived by his wife, Dawn; children, Kayla (Nick Childs) Martin of Grand Rapids, Kelsi (Cody Fath) Martin of Lansing, Amber (Michael Jeanette) Sherman of Vicksburg, Bri (Chad) Cook of Charlotte; 8 grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Jodi Tate; and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Athena, who Marty affectionately referred to as “Waffles”.

In keeping with Marty’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions to Marty’s family.

To view Marty’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Carolyn June McConnell


Carolyn June McConnell, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 15, 2024. She was born February 21, 1942, in Belding, Michigan the daughter of Robert and Viola (Groom) McConnell. Carolyn went on to graduate from Potterville High School with the class of 1960. After high school she went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada for four years. Carolyn had a heart for mission work and spent the majority of her life serving others. She was a quiet lady with an adventurous personality. Carolyn was always up to trying new things. Whether it was white water rafting, parasailing, or some other daring feet she was always up for the challenge. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing with her brothers, completing puzzles, sewing, and building bird houses and planters out of stones.

Carolyn will be dearly missed by her siblings, Robert (Sally) McConnell of Potterville, Pat Koos of Charlotte, Lou (Salliann) McConnell of Big Spring, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Charlene Kay Hatcher, and brother-in-law, Merlin Koos.

In keeping with Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Carolyn’s memory to Sparrow Hospice at www.sparrow.org/give.

To view Carolyn’s obit online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Mary Elizabeth Mowrer


Mary Elizabeth Mowrer, 89, of Bellevue, passed away on March 14, 2024, at her home in Bellevue, MI. She was born on November 18, 1934, to John Henry and Margaret (Brock) Pritchett in Bedford, England. She married William Fredrick Mowrer, Jr. on March 17, 1962, in New Philadelphia, OH and he preceded her on October 27, 2021.

Mary loved to play bingo, go out to eat, knit, and do crossword puzzles from the newspapers. She also loved to order Tea and candy from her native England. Mary loved her family, she was a loving grandma, great grandma and great-great grandma and she loved her friends. Mary was the best Mom.

Mary is survived by her children, Kirt Mowrer, Melani Clemons, Tracy (Ronald) Weber, Bill (Amy) Mowrer, Valeri (Todd) Yates.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joan Bishop.

A private interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at Bellevue First Baptist Church, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021 at 4:00 p.m. on March 22, 2024.

Memorials are suggested to the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813. To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com

For further information contact Kempf’s of Bellevue at 269-763-9511. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

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Steven Randall


Steven “Steve” Randall, a gentle soul, died surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Steve, 68, of Olivet, was born July 12, 1955, in Charlotte, the son of Larry and Emajean (Roop) Randall. He graduated from Olivet high school and shortly after became a truck driver. Steve drove truck for 30 plus years and at one point owned and operated S and W Trucking. His biggest passion in life was blacksmithing. He owned Wolverine Blacksmith Shop and has sent his work all over the world and has a few pieces on display in museums. In December of 2002, Steve married Wilma McDaniel. When he was not busy with his work Steve enjoyed working in his blacksmith shop, talking politics, his German Shepherds, and most importantly spending time with his family.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Wilma; children, Scott (Kona) Randall, Jaime (Brett) Bain, Charity Ashby, and Ronnie (Jessica) Ashby; grandchildren, Emily, Steven, Aaron, Jacob, Addison, and RJ; 1 great-grandchild on the way; and his siblings, Phillip Randall, and Connie McCall. Steve was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Paul Randall.

Friends are encouraged to support Steve’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 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Convis Township Hall. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the National Rifle Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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