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Charles Allen Cooper


Charles Allen Cooper of Eaton Rapids, MI peacefully passed away on May 30, 2023, at the age of 73. Born on September 21, 1949, in Jackson, MI, Chuck spent his formative years in Eaton Rapids, where he attended Eaton Rapids High School class of 1967.
Chuck’s passion for music led him to become a member of the bands Paupers and the Illusionists. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served from 1969 until 1971 and was a member of the Marine Corps football team.
After his military tenure, Chuck embarked on a 30- year career with General Motors. He was active with the Springport youth football program where he made a memorable impact on numerous kids throughout his time there.
During his retirement years, Chuck embraced the community of Kissimmee, FL. He actively participated in the local VFW, lending his support through funeral honors and volunteering for parade detail.
Chuck leaves behind his wife of nine years, Penny Cooper; his daughter, Nikki Cooper; his son, Gabe (Crystal) Cooper; one granddaughter, Hannah Jolls; brother, Lyle “Frank” (Lou) Cooper; sister, Patricia Andrews; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever treasure his memory.
A memorial visitation was held on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family plans to organize a celebration of life in early July, with a specific date and time to be announced. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids VFW Home in honor of Chuck. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Kenneth Gene Kowalk


Kenneth Gene Kowalk of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 30, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born in Lansing, MI, December 9, 1944. Ken retired from GM in 2004 after 37 years, and was a master of all trades, including building houses and restoring cars. He was a member of the Falcon Club of America and the Fairlane Club of America.
Ken is survived by his wife, Dorothea Kowalk; son, Kenneth Kowalk of Waldorf, MD; siblings, Gretchen (Roy) Kunkel of Eaton Rapids, Brian Miller of Eaton Rapids, James (Carol) Miller of Eaton Rapids, Deborah Miller of Charlotte, Kurt Miller of Springport, Barrie (Stan) Latoski of Eaton Rapids, Yolanda Anicola of AL; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Anicola and stepfather, Clare Miller.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday one hour prior to the service. Burial of cremated remains with full Military Honors will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, Mi 48813. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Martha Alice Proteau


Martha “Marti” Alice (Powers) Proteau, 81, of Charlotte, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Marti was born August 15, 1941, in a neighbor’s house in Lee Township, MI, the daughter of Lansing Ray and Jennovee (Williams) Powers. Martha grew up on Duck Lake, where she met the love her life at 10 years old, a boy named Robert Gene Proteau, who lived on the other side of the lake. They attended Olivet High School together as sweethearts, and after graduating in 1960 they married a few months later on July 17. They enjoyed 49 years together before he passed in 2009. Bob and “Myrtle Mae” (as Bob affectionately called her) raised four children, all of who survive her: Luann Shepherd, Debbra Heinze, Alan Proteau, and Peggy (Ray) Needham. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Jacki, Kimi, Sara, DJ, Samantha, and Jayde; and six great-grandchildren, Josh, Aiden, Lilly, Lorelei, Sawyer, and Ty. She is also survived by her special in-laws, Jim and Sheryl Proteau; special niece who took care of her, Janice Powers; and many other nieces and nephews.
Marti worked at Walmart in Charlotte for 28 ½ years before retiring a few years ago. “Miss Martha,” as she was affectionately known to shoppers and staff alike, served in many roles throughout her tenure, including Cashier and Customer Service Manager. She loved getting to go to work every day and shared her joy with all who encountered her. Many believed her to be the most hugged employee in the history of Walmart.
“Mom” made all of her family feel like the most import people in the world, a kindness that acquired her many additional honorary kids and grandkids who she loved unconditionally. She was one of ten children born to her parents, all of who predeceased her: Bethel, Gloria, Wayne, Melvin “Bub,” Betty Lou, Goldie, Lansing, Jakie, and Christina. She was also predeceased by her parents and her parents-in-law, Al and Marjorie Proteau.
Friends are encouraged to support Marti’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Pray Funearl Home. Funeral services were on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. 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 Marti’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Debbra Heinze. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Eric Flancher


Eric Flancher passed away on May 22, 2023, as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident with another vehicle. Born November 23, 1989, in Crystal Fall, Michigan, Eric grew up in Eaton Rapids and spent his early days equally involved in both academics and athletics – you would never know whether to look for him in the weight room or the library. He played varsity football in addition to running cross country and track (2008 state runner-up in the 4x800m relay). After graduating from ERHS top-10 in his class, Eric elected to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. A member of the Lava Dogs (1st Battalion, 3rd Marines), his four years of service as a Machine Gunner included two combat tours in Afghanistan. Following his honorable discharge in 2012, Eric returned to the Lansing area to spend time with family and began working as a security guard at Sparrow Hospital. Having previously received his Associate Degree from Lansing Community College, Eric graduated with honors from Davenport University in December 2022, obtaining his Bachelor of Business Administration. He will be remembered as funny, charming, humble, and well-liked by all who knew him. Ever the ambassador of physical fitness, self-discipline, and education, Eric was a role model not only to all his siblings, but to everyone he met. If he wasn’t working out, you could find Eric reading a book, taking his cat Jameson for a walk, or playing Old School Runescape. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, hanging out with his many friends, and watching his favorite shows and streamers.
Eric leaves behind his mother, Jane (Scott) Paradis; father, Steven (Isabelle) Flancher; older sister, Stefanie; younger brothers, Jonathon (Samantha) and Nathan; step-siblings, Zach (Morgan) and Raquel Ray; uncles, Jim (Lori) Busakowski and Chet Busakowski; maternal grandmother, Carol Busakowski; and good friend, John (Kate) Szafranski.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Chester Busakowski and his paternal grandparents, Bruce and Theodora “Cookie” Flancher.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, with a Rosary prayed at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Thursday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Capital Area Humane Society. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Sharon Jeanne Williams


Sharon Jeanne Williams of Eaton Rapids passed away April 21, 2023 at the age of 88. She was born in Lansing, Michigan, September 3, 1934, the daughter of Harold and Marion Owen. Sharon lived in Eaton Rapids, Michigan until she married the love of her life, Richard Williams, in 1951.
She attended Lansing Community College where she earned her nursing degree as an LPN in 1972. She was employed by Sparrow where she retired in 1996.
She was a devout Christian attending Pennway Church of God in Lansing until she moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, in 1998. There she attend3ed and was very active at Christian Community Church and Family of Faith Bible Church.
Sharon loved traveling, golf, bowling, singing in the church choir, crocheting, and last but not least, baseball.
She is survived by her children: son, Michael (Angela) Williams of Montrose, CO; daughter, Cheryl (Roger) Morrison of Eaton Rapids, MI; four grandchildren: Chad, Chelsea, Jessica, and Trisha; six great-grandchildren: Zach, Kensley, Lilly, Skylar, Harley, and Everly; brother, Tom Owen of Eaton Rapids; and many extended families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Williams; sister, Shari Clough; brothers, William Owen and David Owen; and granddaughter, Shena Esper.
A Graveside Memorial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt, Michigan.

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