Obituaries
Denzel Wayne Mann
Denzel Wayne Mann of Vermontville was born on March 7, 1932 in Branch County to Leslie and Marie (George) Mann, and passed away May 26, 2023 at the age of 91. Denzel was a remarkable man known for his ambition, hard work, and passion for various hobbies. His gentle nature and willingness to join in conversations endeared him to many.
Denzel’s journey began as a lineman for his uncle’s local telephone company, after several other odd jobs. Denzel found employment as a final repairman at Fisher Body in Lansing, where he dedicated his skills until his retirement. Denzel possessed a quiet demeanor but was always ready to engage in conversations and connect with others.
In his leisure time, Denzel enjoyed reloading shells for his hunting trips, collecting clocks, and pursuing his love for photography. He even had his own darkroom at home, where he developed captivating photographs. His talent as a fabricator was highly sought after, and he often utilized his welding skills at the former Capital City Race Track, where he would weld competitors’ race cars and sometimes construct entire chassis. Denzel’s ability to analyze and solve problems, especially related to cars and other mechanical projects, was truly remarkable.
Denzel is survived by his children, Joyce (Joseph) Verbis, Leslie (Graciela) Mann, John (Mary) Hemstreet, Sharlene (Terry) Thuma, and Harry (Carol) Kelley. He also leaves behind his long-time companion, Pat Yost, along with 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Denzel was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (Barnard); second wife, Alice (Haynes); girlfriend, Pat O’Dell; stepson, James Hemstreet; and brother, Lavaun Mann.
Visitation to pay tribute to Denzel’s life will be at Pray Funeral Home on Monday, June 5 from 5 to 8:00 p.m.. The funeral service to celebrate his life will be Tuesday, June 6, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Following the service, interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Denzel on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Glenford R. Palmateer
Glenford R. “Bud” Palmateer, 80 years old, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully in his home on May 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Bud was born on January 14, 1943 to Glenford and Phyllis (Kalbfleisch) Palmateer and was raised on the family farm in Yale, Michigan with his seven siblings. He graduated from Yale High School in 1961 and attended Eastern Michigan University. He taught at Avoca Elementary for several years before starting a masonry business. Quite often he enjoyed reminiscing about building projects that he had been a part of. He was also very active at Trinity Missionary Church in Yale, fulfilling various roles.
In 1985, his career shifted to insurance. This change moved the family to Clare, Michigan where they lived for nearly 20 years. During that time, he donated many hours to the development of the Brookwood Athletic Complex and faithfully contributed to projects at Brown Corners Church. Bud and Marion returned to Yale in 2014, where he served again on the board at Trinity Church.
Bud experienced health challenges later in life but his will to live remained strong. Watching grandchildren compete and perform, connecting with family and friends, and socializing about antique cars and tractors were his favorite things. Despite chronic pain, he remained a farming buddy, tireless helper, and devoted friend to many. He had a servant’s heart patterned after his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Glen and Phyllis Palmateer, his sister Sharon (Palmateer) Gonzalez, his brother Chuck Palmateer, his father and mother-in-law James and Bettie (Sawdon) McAlpine, his sisters-in-law, Jane McAlpine and Mary Ann McAlpine, numerous extended family members, and most recently his Uncle Clarence Palmateer.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marion (McAlpine) Palmateer, his son Bill (Karen) Palmateer of Atlanta, Georgia, his daughter Mary (Palmateer) Standerfer of Elk Rapids, Michigan, and daughter Liz (Brock) Peters of Olivet, Michigan. Bud’s grandchildren are Adam and Luke Palmateer, Sydney and Sophie Standerfer, and Abbey, Taylor, Emily and Kendall Peters. His surviving siblings are Harold (Linda) Palmateer, Don (Rose) Palmateer, Jim (Pam) Palmateer, Tim (Traci) Palmateer, Tom Palmateer, sister-in-law Brenda Palmateer, brother-in-law Dave McAlpine, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bud’s life will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Missionary Church in Yale, Michigan, with Pastor Tom Knight officiating. Contributions can be made to any of the churches Bud loved and served: Trinity Missionary Church of Yale, Brown Corners Church of Clare, or City on a Hill Community Church of Olivet.
Vivian Louise Cortright
Vivian Louise (McMurtrie) Cortright, 89, of Olivet, Michigan died in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family on May 24, 2023. She was born in Spring Arbor, Michigan to Vance and Ruth McMurtrie on May 22, 1934. Vivian graduated from Parma High School in 1952. On Vivian’s 21st birthday she married the love of her life Neil T. Cortright, and the two just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. After having lived briefly in Georgia, Vivian and Neil returned to Michigan, where they lived happily on their family farm in Lee Township for the past 64 years. Vivian was a hard-working farmwife who took great joy in caring for her family. She was known for her canning abilities and could often be found hard at work in her kitchen, mason jars lined up and ready to be canned. Vivian was an active leader in 4-H, where she acted as a mentor and role model to many. In her free time Vivian enjoyed crocheting, she lovingly crocheted blankets for every member of her family, blankets that will be treasured for years to come. Vivian loved to travel, she traveled all over the United States with her husband and friends, taking in all the sights and experiences she could. She was a strong and loving woman who will be missed greatly by her family.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Vance I. and Ruth (Thorpe) McMurtrie; siblings, Mary, Donald, and Thomas. Those left to cherish Vivian’s memory include her husband, Neil T. Cortright; children, Ronald (Brenda) Cortright, Teresa (Jerry) Schneider, Rebecca Cortright-Brown, Pamela (Eric) Sawatzki; eight grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, brother, Duane McMurtrie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service honoring Vivian’s life was held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Vickers Springport Funeral Home with Linda Carmoney officiating. Vivian was laid to rest at Lee Center Cemetery following the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Neil Vitale, Julie Cortright, Jason Cortright, Trent Robertson, Faith Cortright, and Vincent Cortright. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Careline Hospice, 103 S. Jackson St. Ste 200, Jackson, Michigan 49201. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 129 Pearl St./P.O. Box 235 Springport, Michigan 49284. 517-857-4848.
Elizabeth Alice Fleming
Elizabeth Alice Fleming, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 24, 2023, in Olivet. Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Elizabeth Mansfield. After graduating from High School in South Haven, Michigan, she went on to get her bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University in education. After obtaining her degree, she married Richard Fleming on March 28, 1958, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Soon after their marriage the family moved to Olivet. To this union were born five children: Elizabeth, Rebecca, Robert, Agatha, and Thomas.
It’s hard to sum up Elizabeth’s life in just a few sentences. She was a master gardener taking great pride in her stunning flower gardens. Elizabeth was also a talented artist who produced award winning paintings. She had an eye for great works of art and loved attending art shows across Michigan. Elizabeth also had a real heart for children. She taught at the Elementary school in Olivet for many years. Her passion for teaching, learning, and equality led her to become the President of the Olivet Teachers’ Association for many years. She was always active in her community. She helped landscape the Olivet College grounds, served as treasurer of the college Womens’ Board and was always ready and willing to help in any capacity she could. Elizabeth always had a positive attitude, and this character trait was appreciated by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. In Elizabeth’s spare time or in the evenings, she could be found enjoying her other hobby of reading. She enjoyed mostly books on history and mysteries. Most of all Elizabeth loved her family. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were all a tremendous source of joy to her. She will be deeply missed.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard; her children, Elizabeth “Kitty” (Mike) Ingram of Olivet, Rebecca “Becky” (Rick) Britton of Olivet, Robert Fleming of Olivet, Agatha “Aggie” (Brian) Bowen of Sturgis, and Thomas “Tom” (Tami) Fleming of Olivet; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters.
She was preceded in death by her mother, one sister, and her mother-in-law, Helen Fleming.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will take place at the Olivet Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Elizabeth’s memory to the Women’s Board at Olivet College or the Food Pantry at the Olivet Congregational Church.
To view Elizabeth’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.
Hershel Copeland
On May 21, 2023, we lost a great man. Hershel Copeland was born on January 30, 1951, in Martin, KY to Walter and Avene (Mullins) Copeland.
Left behind to mourn him are his loving wife of 40 years, Connie; sons, Scott, Mike (Missy), Joe (Dawn), Jesse (Cathy), and Cody; grandchildren: Isabelle, Dylan, Tom, Mike, Lindsey Beaulieu, Tristian Roc, Shylo, Austin, Riley, Zoey and Ava; and great-granddaughter, Lakelynn Roc. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Danny (Sharon), Fred (April), Vivian, Vechel (Jim), Vicki; and sister-in-law, Sue. Hershel was preceded in death by his parents; son, Donnie; brother, Dwayne; and sister, Violet.
He left us far too soon, but we all feel incredibly grateful and blessed to have had him for as long as we did. He loved his wife, sons, and grandchildren with everything he had and then some, and we all knew it. We love you Daddy, Dad, Grandpa and Papa.