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Kevin Wayne Heisler


Kevin Wayne Heisler, 52, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 22, 1971, to Larry and Sherry (Whitney) Smith in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Kevin was a graduate of Bellevue High School. He was a longtime meat cutter and deer processor in the Bellevue area. Kevin’s favorite place to be, was outdoors, especially hunting and he also enjoyed watching television.

Kevin is survived by his parents, Larry (Eleanor) Heisler of Nashville, Michigan and Sherry Smith of Bellevue, Michigan; his daughter, Mackenzie Heisler of Grand Ledge, Michigan; his brothers, Daniel Smith of Bellevue, Michigan and Jordan Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan; his sister, Lori (Jake) Herr of Nashville, Michigan and his stepsister, Barb (Dave) Hyatt of E. Leroy, Michigan, He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his stepsister, Terri Conroy and grandparents Kenneth and Marian Heisler.
Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, Michigan.

Memorials are suggested to the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth St. Bellevue, Michigan 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.

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Russell Lyle Whitney


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


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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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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