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Thomas Melvin Ripley, 73, of Osage City passed away on January 29, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City with his family at his side.

Tom, known as “Shorty” by family and friends, was born February 3, 1950 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Robert and Genita (Brooker) Ripley.

Tom grew up in Vermontville, Michigan and as a young man worked with his dad at General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Lansing, Michigan until in August of 1969 when he joined the United State Air Force. Tom went to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base and attended Technical Training School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas before being stationed in Taiwan. He was later stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka and at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. Tom served his country in the Air Force until July of 1977, then settled in Overbrook, Kansas. More recently, Tom made Osage City his home. Tom married Cathy Downs in September of 1971. They were later divorced.

Tom spent most of his life as a truck driver, working for several different trucking companies and hauling a variety of products. Recently, Tom had been employed at the Osage City Golf Course, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman, and later in his life took up the sport of golf.

In 2002, Tom received a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He opted for chemotherapy and an experimental drug treatment, with the intention of benefiting others facing the same disease. Unfortunately, his choice contributed to acute heart failure and the necessity of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs).

Tom’s recent battle with his health saw him hospitalized for the past five months but he always kept his sense of humor and was a staff favorite at St. Luke’s.

Tom will be remembered for his enjoyable sense of humor and as he put it, “I never knew a stranger, they were just a friend I hadn’t met yet.”

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Stacy (Joel) Kahnt of Ellinwood, KS and Nancy (Nick) Sholander of Rose Hill, KS; a son, Kevin (Davon Jackson) Ripley of Aubrey, TX; his grandchildren, Alexis Kahnt of Houston, TX, Madison Kahnt of Lawrence, KS, Tyeler Sholander of Topeka, KS, Blake Sholander of Rose Hill, KS and Payton Sholander of Rose Hill, KS along with many other relatives and a host of friends.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made to the Tom Ripley Memorial and sent to the VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 North Sixth, Osage City, KS 66523 or to the Lyndon State Bank P.O. Box 518, Lyndon, KS 66451. Memorial contributions can also be made to the St. Luke Foundation, which aids families of heart patients at St. Luke’s Hospital. Donate directly at https://saintlukesgiving.givevirtuous.org/Donate.

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Shirley Grace Brangenberg, 87, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2023. Shirley was born September 7, 1936, in Illinois, the daughter of Henry and Very Esther (Newsome) Oller. A few years after high school graduation, she married the love of her life, Everett “Clem” Brangenberg on June 3, 1960. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2016. Clem and Shirley both worked long careers with Owens-Illinois. They initially transferred to Louisiana for a few years before moving to the plant in Charlotte, MI, where they raised their family. Shirley retired as an inspector, and enjoyed time spent with her family. She and Clem enjoyed their walks all over town, and she also looked forward to trips to the Casino, where she was often very lucky.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Tina (Kent) Romanczuk of Bellevue, MI; sons, Eric Brangenberg of Charlotte, and Todd Brangenberg of Kalamazoo; stepdaughter, Kathy Stiles; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Clem in 2016; her parents; 12 siblings; and her stepdaughter, Karen Warren.

Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Cremation, followed by private burial at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte will take place. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Parkinson Disease Foundation or Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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John Leo Dean, 78, of Charlotte, died peacefully with his sons by his side on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Charlotte. John was born November 16, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Leo and Betty Dean. At an early age, the family moved to Charlotte, MI, where he graduated in the CHS Class of 1964 before enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1965. John worked a few odd jobs before settling into his life-long career as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Charlotte Department of Public Works. He enjoyed his time working at the city and retired in 2003. He loved riding his Honda motorcycle, often with a group of other bike enthusiast. He rode until he no longer could. John also loved Poker night with his “Poker Boys,” and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered as an upstanding, trustworthy, hardworking man.

John is survived by his sons, Shawn (Mindy) Dean and Brian (Heide) Dean; grandchildren, Korey Berg, Kyle (Bonnie) Berg, Dawson Dean, and Josie (Adam) Alcala; great-grandchildren, Alanzo, Elias and Jayden Alcala; former spouses, Kathy Trungrin, Joyce Davidson, Karen Kator, and Linda Rushing; and his nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his sister, Roseanne Dean; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Merlin Elmer Moon, age 96, of Olivet, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024. He was born June 30, 1927, in Olivet, the son of Clarence and Arlie (Weeks) Moon. Merlin attended Olivet School when he was a boy. He was raised on the farm and it was there he developed a tremendous work ethic that he would carry with him the remainder of his life. In 1953, he married Patricia Ross. Together they raised four children on the family dairy on Cochran Road. Merlin was proud of his herd of registered Holstein cows and won numerous awards throughout the years. In the late 1960’s he owned and operated Moon Bulldozing for several years. One day he decided he was going to move out west and found himself in Denver, Colorado and later Phoenix, Arizona. He then moved to Florida and worked for Bergeron Land Development and Mycon Corporation before retiring. Upon his retirement he returned to Olivet to farm with his son, Mark, on the Moon family farm. Merlin was a true farmer at heart and farmed well into his 90’s. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida and happy hour with his many friends.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark; grandchildren, Alicia Busick, Joslin Moon, Broc Howard; great grandson, Ean Davis; and siblings, Alton Moon, Kenny Moon, and Dorothy (Had) Mellor.

He is survived by his children, Julie (Michael) Runyan of Lighthouse Point, Florida, Marcia (Patrick) Frost of Olivet, Renee (Paul) Moon of Battle Creek; nephew, Tom (Kathy) Moon; grandchildren, Brad (Ashley) Runyan, Mykl (Stefanie) Howard, Tara Howard, Dustin (Megan) Moon, Eric (Amanda) Davis, Kenton Moon, Soyer Moon; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Merlin’s memory to the Olivet Fire Department, 117 East Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Merlin’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Roger William Wickerham, 70, of Charlotte, MI, passed away from a short illness of lung cancer on February 20, 2024. Born in St. Johns, Michigan, on April 14, 1953, to Alferd and Bonnie (Westmoreland) Wickerham, Roger’s warmth and jovial spirit brought light and laughter into the lives of all who knew him.

Roger dedicated 29 years of service as an accountant for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Roger’s commitment to public service extended into his role as the Supervisor of Benton Charter Township, where he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of residents.

In 2002, Roger retired, yet he remained active and engaged in the lives of his loved ones and the community. His wife, Barbara Wickerham, shared in the joys and adventures of life together.

Roger’s legacy lives on through his children, Amanda (Josh Allen) Wickerham, Roxanne (Lucas) Merrick, and Gustav (Melissa) Ramirez. His grandchildren, Corina (Alex), Emma, Caitlyn, Cecelia, Samara, Carter, Bentley, and Roman, were the apples of his eye. He reveled in their achievements and milestones, and his stories and laughter will echo in their hearts forever.

He is survived by his sister, Susan Blizzard; sisters-in-law Sharon (Richard) Catey, Carolyn Drown, Kristine Hernden, and Constance Teddy; and his special friend/brother, William Dewitt. Roger’s life was enriched by the company of his numerous nieces and nephews, whose lives he touched with his humor and friendship.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Alferd and Bonnie Wickerham, and brothers-in-law Bruce Blizzard, James Drown, Jack Hernden, and Kevin Teddy.

An avid player of cards and games, Roger found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a regular on the bowling alleys, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, where his friendly competitiveness and sportsmanship were always on display.
Roger’s friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure in his community, and his absence will be deeply felt by those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

A visitation took place Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St, Grand Ledge. A Funeral Service was held Monday, February 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 517 S. Clinton St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Roger to the American Cancer Society or the Benton Township Fire Department in Potterville. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.

For online streaming of the service please visit this link https://youtube.com/live/eG_GV3ULXc8.

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John P. Kuch, 85, of Hickory Corners, died February 14, 2024. John was born September 21, 1938 in Ann Arbor and was raised by John and Josephine Kuch. He graduated from Kalamazoo College and worked as an insurance adjuster in the local area for many years before his retirement.

John, along with his wife Martha, traveled to the Evart Music Festival every summer where they performed and presented workshops. He liked sailing, planes and was an avid model railroader. John enjoyed building railroad layouts in his basement.
John married the former Martha Walters. She sadly preceded him in death in 2022. John is survived by his two sons, James “Jaime” (Deborah) Kuch and Matt (Belinda) Kuch; grandchildren, David Kuch, Justin and Jessica McGinty, Paul and Samantha Smith, Quinn and Alyson Kuch-D’Ascenzo, Lorraine Kuch and Celia Kuch and a great-granddaughter, Hanna McGinty.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Gull Lake United Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow. A private interment will be held at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland at a later date. Those wishing to make memorial donations are asked to consider Gull Lake United Methodist Church. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

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Leroy Jackson, 77, of Winthrop Harbor, IL passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024, at Grande Prairie Care and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving family.

Leroy was born on August 28, 1946, in Michigan, the son of the late Herbert and Marian (Tomlinson) Jackson. He was educated in the schools of Michigan where he graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1964. Leroy married Karen Rickett on April 6, 1979, in Waukegan, Illinois. He was a member of the United States Navy for 20 years working as a Navy Electronics Technician. He loved growing up on the farm, working/providing for his family, and coin collecting. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife/family, especially with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, Scott (Christopher Remy) Rickett of IL, Gina (Patrick) Cross of IL, Kathleen (Armando) Castillo of WI; brothers, Wayne (Karen) Jackson, Dean (Marsha) Jackson; sister, Linda (Glen) Meyer; also included are his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Marian; wife, Karen; daughter, Amanda; brother, David and his sisters, Ilene, Thelma Joan.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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Roxanne Louise Gaedert, a sweet, caring woman who enjoyed making everyone around her laugh, died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, February 16. She was born March 29, 1949 in Charlotte to Dale and Dolores (Johnson) Cloar. Roxanne married an adventurous, witty man, John R. Gaedert, in April 1973, and together they loved to travel, entertain others, and enjoy their family. With a wonderful, off the top of her head sort of wit, Roxanne always got everyone around her smiling and laughing at the silliest things. Family was the center of her world, she loved taking care of her husband, children, and grandchildren, but also entertaining and hosting special events like 4th of July celebrations for their entire neighborhood. Knowing how hard loss was on families, Roxanne was always compassionate to others during these difficult times and made special efforts to cook and bring them meals.

Roxanne wouldn’t want anyone to whine about missing her, just enjoy a glass of wine and enjoy good memories of her. She is survived by her children, Brinda (Gary) Ridenour, Cindy Gaedert-Gearhart (Tal Gearhart), and Johnny Gaedert; grandchildren, Gary (Shelby) Ridenour Jr., Carter Wing, Jersey Gaedert, Dawson Wing, Che Woods, and CJ Brown; two great-grandchildren, Tucker and Sage Ridenour; and sister, Annette Bruce; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by the love of her life, John Gaedert in 2012; stepdaughter, Rebecca; and brother-in-law, Mike Bruce.

Friends are encouraged to support Roxanne’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, March 3, 2-5:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial Services are Monday, March 4, 11:00 AM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Roxanne’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 Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Janet Marie Brown, a woman of faith who overcame so much over her lifetime, died on Friday, February 16, 2024. Janet, 83, of Charlotte, was born on June 23, 1940, in Ferndale, MI. the daughter of Clyde and Bertha (Bass) Ford. In the 8th grade Janet met Larry Brown Jr. and on November 14, 1959, she married her childhood sweetheart. They moved from Royal Oak to Gladwin where they lived for 30-plus years, where she worked for 26 years as an Office Administrator for the Gladwin Community Schools. Following the death of her husband in 2007 Janet moved to Charlotte. Janet devoted her life to volunteering around her community. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Charlotte, where she was involved in Wrapped-in-Love-Quilters and they made quilts for the local pregnancy center and local senior living centers. The biggest joy in her life was her granddaughters. They referred to her as “Nama” and she loved to be in the front row at all of their events. The family loved spending their summers at the family condo in Suttons Bay. Hobbies that Janet enjoyed were sewing, quilting, baking her amazing apple pies, shopping, an occasional trip to the casino, and watching The Young and the Restless. Janet hoped that her job once she gets to heaven was something that involved working with children or animals. She was selfless and had a heart of gold.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Kelly Friar; granddaughters. Emily and Ashley Friar; sister-in-law, Rolland Ford; brother-in-law, Larry Sauers; and several nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Larry; son, Kirk Brown; sister, Linda Sauers; and brother, Keith Ford; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Janet’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte. A funeral was held on February 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. With an internment to take place at 3:30 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Gladwin, MI. 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 Janet’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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Ronald Lee Potter, 75, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan, stepped into Heaven to be with his Savior and Lord on February 11, 2024. Ron’s life was guided by his faith and propelled by an intense curiosity about the world, a love and empathy for others, and an unwavering sense of humor. Ron was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on March 26, 1948, the son of Charles Lee Potter and Elsie Geraldine (Babcock) Potter. He grew up in Bellevue, Michigan and attended Bellevue Community Schools. In his senior year of high school, he went on a blind date with Jill Van Dyke from the neighboring farm community of Olivet. They continued dating and married on July 19, 1969, in Charlotte, Michigan. Ron enrolled at Central Michigan University in a joint program with the University of Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1971. Ron pursued a fascinating career which took him to various parts of the U.S. and around the world. He nurtured many lifelong friendships along the way. During the 1970s, Ron built a foundation in project management on large engineering and construction projects. In the 1980s, he founded a firm specializing in project management software. He later served as chief executive officer at a software development firm. Meeting many groundbreaking consultants during the first two phases of his career sparked Ron’s desire to shift into the consulting business. Beginning in the 1990s until his retirement in 2019, Ron focused on executive teams, executive leadership, and corporate culture, through his company: Team Leadership Culture, LLC (teamleadershipculture.com). In 2004, Ron and his friend Wayne Hastings cowrote the book Trust Me: Developing a Leadership Style People Will Follow. It centered around leadership principles based on the Beatitudes. Above his devotion to U of M football and his passion for golf, Ron’s faith was the abiding factor in his life. Ron taught adult Sunday School classes, led small groups, sang in church choirs and served in church leadership positions in various churches. His highest honor was sharing his faith. In 2019, Ron and Jill celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with a family gathering on Mackinac Island. Ron is survived by his wife, Jill; his daughters, Amy (Andrew) Hetletvedt and Lindsay (Scott) Gustafson; four grandchildren: Judah Gustafson, Ella Gustafson, Charles Hetletvedt and Greta Hetletvedt; two sisters: Dena (James) Miller and Nancy (Jimmie) Hughes; one brother, C. Edwin Potter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, with Rev. Paul Arnold officiating. A private burial was held at Riverside Cemetery, in Bellevue, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, Ron requested donations to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (give.intervarsity.org) or the Jerusalem Project at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan (calvarygr.org/next-steps/giving/). Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.