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Dr. Edwin R. Larkin


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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Douglas Max Sherman


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


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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Kevin John Monaghan


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.


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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