Obituaries

Search Obituaries:

Submit an Obituary >

William Nelson Connelly


William Nelson Connelly, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2023, in Alpena, MI, just five days shy of his 85th birthday. Born on June 23, 1938, in Columbiaville, MI, Bill was the son of the late Nicholas and Florence (Pollard) Connelly.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley (Moran) Connelly, whom he married on March 15, 1963. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including their daughters Cherie (Glen) Gilbert and Cathy Harrington. Bill took great pride in his eight grandchildren: Heidi (Jon) Heinl, Paul Gilbert, Kyle Harrington, Chad Harrington, Evan Harrington, T.J. (Katie) Colgan, and Andrew Colgan, as well as his eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his immediate family, Bill is survived by his brother Charles (Judy) Connelly, sister Liz Jenkins, several nieces and nephews, and his close feline companion, Sammy the cat. He was preceded in death by his sons Timothy Colgan and Nicholas Connelly, his sister Pat Shaw, and his brother-in-law Lloyd Shaw.

A high school graduate, Bill enlisted in the US Navy shortly after completing his education. Following his time in the service, he began his career as an orthotist, working alongside his father in the Eaton Rapids area. Eventually, Bill made his way north to work for Wright and Filippis and later retired from Teter Orthotics in Alpena. Throughout his career, Bill was known for his dedication, professionalism, and the genuine care he provided to his patients.

Bill was a man of many interests and talents. He was an avid hunter and a proud member of the National Rifle Association. His love for the outdoors extended to his passion for gardening, where he cultivated beautiful flowers and bountiful vegetables each year. Bill was an accomplished woodworker, crafting stunning jewelry boxes that will be cherished by those lucky enough to possess one. He also had a creative side, often expressing himself through poetry. Bill’s curiosity led him to become an avid camera collector, always excited to find a new addition to his collection.

Above all else, Bill was a loving, handy, and kind man. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word to those in need. His love for his family was evident in the time and care he devoted to them, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

Bill’s family and friends will remember him as a man who could do anything he set his mind to, a testament to his determination and resourcefulness. They will miss his warm smile, gentle nature, and unwavering love. The world is a little less bright without Bill in it, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive Bill’s family and friends one hour prior to the service to gather, share stories, laughter, and tears in honor of a life well-lived. Following the service, a memorial reception will be held at Skinner Funeral Home.

Read more

Walter A. Bellows


Walter A. Bellows of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born on April 13, 1940, as the eldest of three children to Bernard and Ellen (Field) Bellows. Growing up on the family farm in rural Eaton Rapids, Walter graduated from high school in the class of 1958.

Walter’s sense of duty led him to proudly serve in the Air Force National Guard. Following his honorable discharge, he entered into a lifelong commitment with Kayleen Thorburn, marrying her in 1962. While Walter dedicated his life primarily to crop farming and dairy farming and later ventured into cattle farming for a period of time. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Walter made a significant impact as a firefighter in Lansing Township. He dedicated himself to this noble profession and retired as a lieutenant. Walter’s love for horses and harness racing fueled his competitive spirit, driving him to participate in races across the Midwest.

Walter actively contributed to the Special Olympics, where he coached handball, basketball, and volleyball. His dedication to helping others thrive through sports showcased his caring nature. During his leisure time, Walter found joy in playing golf, bowling, and engaging in pheasant hunting. Recently, he developed an interest in jewelry making.

His commitment to community extended beyond his personal pursuits. He served on the Eaton Rapids Township Planning Commission, actively contributing to the betterment of his community. Preceding him in death were his parents, Bernard and Ellen (Field) Bellows, and sister-in-law, Patty (Husbeck) Bellows.
Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Kayleen Bellows; children, Carmen (Mike) Ells, Coreen (Larry) Strzalka, Connie (Mark) Klaisner, Kyle Bellows; grandchildren, Cannon (Bonnie) Strzalka, Carolyn (Luke) Lofgren, Claire (Reda Koraichi) Klaisner, Sydney Klaisner; great grandchildren, Kenton Strzalka, Ben Lofgren, Jack Strzalka; siblings, Carol (Eldon) Wright, Nick Bellows; sister-in-law, Jeannine (Dick) Baylis and numerous nieces, nephews extended family and friends.

A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family received friends starting at 10:00 a.m. and hosted a luncheon immediately following the committal service at Munger Cemetery. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics Area 8 or House of Ruth in memory of Walter. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com

Read more

Kingsley Lemuel Church III


Kingsley Lemuel Church III of Eaton Rapids, passed away at home June 29, 2023, at the age of 68. Kingsley was born in Lansing, MI, October 13, 1954, the son of Kingsley and Lucille (Turpening) Church II. He was a 1973 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and retired as a corrections officer with the State of Michigan with 29 years of service. He enjoyed playing softball, watching MSU basketball and football, fishing, hunting, NASCAR, woodworking, and the family poker parties.

Kingsley is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pat Church; children, Kingsley (Maggie) Church IV, Kristopher (Courtney) Church, Kodee (Andy Adkins) Church; step-children, Scott (Kim) Felice, Joseph (Lindsay) Felice; 11 grandchildren; siblings, Pam (Bill) Amsdill, Toni (Jim) Nelson, Scott (Laura) Church. and his dog, Sadie Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Charyl and her husband, Ric Cervantes.

Cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Kingsley. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

Read more

Jon P. Kaufmann Sr.


Jon P. Kaufmann Sr., age 77, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home, on June 29, 2023.
Jon was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on March 31, 1946, to the late Albert and Louise (Phillips) Kaufmann. He graduated from Climax High School. He served his country, serving in the United States Army. Jon was a true entrepreneur. After completing barber school in Hamtramck, MI, he worked in several barbershops in the Battle Creek area before returning to his hometown of Climax opening his own, The Climax Barber Shop. Jon then changed career paths, investing and working with what would become his family’s company to this day, Fun Services. Something he took great pride in, building a successful business with family, and wonderful employees that became a second family to him. He would often say, “It takes all of us.”

Jon found great interest in aviation and flying his own airplanes for many years, as well as hunting and fishing with “the kids,” he was a father figure to many. Jon found enjoyment in spending numerous holidays and family events in Germany with his wife Sabine and her family.

On January 19, 1976 he was united in marriage with Sabine (Kipp) Kaufmann.

He is survived by his loving wife Sabine; two sons, Jon (Wendy) Kaufmann Jr., and Robert (Holly) Kaufmann Sr.; three grandsons, Kurt Lee Kaufmann, Robert “Bobby” Kaufmann Jr., and Charles Paul Kaufmann; two brothers, Albert (Linda) Kaufmann Jr. and Michael (Priscilla) Kaufmann; three nieces, Michelle (Ted) Gostomski, Kelly (Shingo) Matsubara, and Kathryn (Jordan) Lerner; and a special cousin, Verna Beach. Jon was preceded in death by his son, Stephan Kaufmann.

Friends were welcokmed to visit with the family from 4 – 7 p.m. with a Rosary immediately following, on Friday, July 7, 2023, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 312 S Main St, Bellevue, MI 49021. A Funeral Mass will be held at the church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023, where friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Friends and family are invited to join the family for lunch at the church following the Mass and then a graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Ann Catholic Church or Oaklawn Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N Elizabeth St, Bellevue, MI 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.

Read more

Delmar Laverne Leffler Jr.


Delmar “Del” Laverne Leffler Jr. (a.k.a. Cookie Monster), the kindest and sweetest man ever known, died at his home surrounded by love on June 28, 2023. Del, 89 of Charlotte, MI, was born June 20, 1934 in DeWitt to Delmar and Pearl (Bliven) Leffler Sr. As a loving, Christian man, Del was always thinking of ways to help others. Singing with his son-in-law and in his church choir brought him great joy, and so did mowing and maintaining his yard, always making sure it was just perfect. With a love for sweets, especially chocolate chip cookies, he earned the nickname of Cookie Monster. Del was the voice on the radio for a while, with radio talking books, news and obituaries on WKAR radio. During his working career he worked at many different grocery stores, including Goodrich, Hammady’s, Tom’s Shopright (where he retired from), and at L&L after he retired and decided to go back to work part-time because he loved what he did so much. Del enjoyed being a Big Brother for many years.

While he will be dearly missed by those left behind, they are comforted to know that he is in Heaven singing. Del leaves behind a legacy of love, including his wife, Beverly; stepchildren, Cindy (Don) Hoffman and Tim (Debra) Julson; grandchildren, David, Kristina, Matt, Donald, Tommy, Victoria, Nichole, Alex, and Chase; four great-grandchildren; special nephew, Dee Wakefield and niece Marion Parsons; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Jacqueline Hastings; and stepson, Tom Julson.

Friends are encouraged to support the Leffler family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, July 2 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte and Monday, July 3 at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, July 3 at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Neil Brady 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 Del’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 Peace Lutheran Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Read more

ADVERTISEMENT:

READERS: SINCE MANY ADS ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE LOCAL AREA, PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING BEFORE SENDING MONEY.

ADVERTISEMENT:

READERS: SINCE MANY ADS ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE LOCAL AREA, PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING BEFORE SENDING MONEY.

Pin It on Pinterest