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Funeral Services:

Dillard Dalmos Kratzer, ‘Dal’, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the young age of 87.

Dal is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Kate Ash (Legge); daughter, Deborah (Kris) Louden; son, Don (Ayako) Kratzer; two grandchildren, Jacob Louden, Nathan Louden; siblings, Barb and Becky; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Dillard and Helen; and sister Elaine.

Dal was born in Amazonia, Missouri on December 16, 1937, moving to Liberty, Missouri in 1938.

Dal graduated from Liberty High School in 1955. He then went on to study Animal Husbandry at the University of Missouri, graduating in 1959. But Dal, always inquisitive, wanted to know more. So, on he went to Iowa State university where he earned an M.S. in Animal Breeding. The science of animal breeding involves statistics and so began Dal’s journey with statistics. The pinnacle was a PhD in 1965 from Iowa State in Animal Breeding and Statistics studying under the renown Dr. Jay Lush. For a short time, Dal was an assistant professor at Iowa State University. In1968, Dal accepted a position at the University of Kentucky as a professor of Animal Science and Statistics; eventually becoming a full professor.

In 1977, Dal accepted a position as a biostatistician with the then Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, MI. Now the fun begins. His contribution to the company and the animal health industry is immeasurable. His penultimate dedication to excellence was respected by his industrial colleagues and regulatory officials alike. In development of animal health products, he was dedicated to excellence and was able to instill that belief in all who worked with him. He was awarded the Upjohn award in 1988, for making substantial contributions towards improving the efficiency of research studies while increasing the reliability of decisions from them. Dal organized and led a numerous of workshops on Experimentation Science both here and abroad, further exemplifying his commitment to excellence but with the added bonus of sharing his knowledge and ability. His legacy for animal health includes large animal and companion animal products still on the market and effective years after FDA approval. But that is only the tip of the iceberg when discussing Dal’s statistical career in animal health. For example, when Kate came to the Upjohn company as a fresh PhD in statistics, Dal took on the role of mentor and gently guided her, with wisdom and humor into practical, manageable but highly principled solutions. In this same way he mentored and guided his colleagues and had a profound impact on them. After Dal retired from the company, he continued an active statistical consulting business for a good number of years.

But what else of this man?

He loved soccer and was very active in the 80’s in AYSO (American Youth Soccer organization), both coaching and refereeing. Of course, he also played in various leagues. A highlight was a trip to the World Cup when held in the US.

The rest of the story began with a trip the Irish National Sheepdog Trial in 1990. Dal said ‘I can do that’. Kate and Dal purchased property and with a gift of a Border Collie from a dear friend, it starts to get real. Houses, barns, fences appeared as well as more dogs. Soon they were on the road to sheepdog trials and clinics. In 1999, a few years after buying the farm, Dal retired from full time statistical work and thus had the time to pour himself into his Border collies. His heart dog was Paddy and she took him many places. Another wonderful dog, Tib, took him to a placement in the National Final and was the dam of a 3-time national champion. Dal’s analytical nature earned him respect from the sheepdog community and he had the honor of judging a number of prestigious trials in this country. But it must also be said that people admired his kind nature, sense of humor, and fair play.

Of course, there were other dogs. In his later years, when he was unable to compete in sheepdog trials, he had a little rescue dog, Marti. Dal was frequently seen feeding her table food from his own spoon! She was his constant companion.

Another of Dal’s loves was single malt scotch. On a wonderful trip to Scotland, Kate and Dal visited many distilleries and thus he cultivated a taste for highland single malts. In point of fact, he was a Scotch snob! He loved nothing better than a ‘wee dram’.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, details to follow. Perhaps there we can all remember him with funny, strange or silly stories, over a ‘wee dram’.

That’ll do, Dal.

Those desiring may make contributions in Dal’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org

To view Dal’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.

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Funeral Services:

Gerald Lee Jones, age 84, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on Sunday May 11, 2025, at MediLodge Capital Area in Lansing. Gerald was born in Eldora, Iowa on May 23, 1940 to parents Mervyn and Ruth Jones, who have preceded him in death as well as his youngest brother Terry. Gerald graduated from Brooklyn High School and attended Jackson Junior College, now Jackson College. Gerald did many things and all with passion. He raced cars, built cars, raced snowmobiles, golf, and bowled achieving a number of 300 games. 

After retiring as Engineering Manager from Control Systems Integrators in Lansing, he continued to play golf and bowl and began building computers for friends and family. 

Gerlad continued to race, but this time it was on the internet, called I-Racing. Gerald is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jo Anne (Phelps); brother Larry (Nancy) Jones; daughter Jeri Lynn; and four grandchildren. There will be no visitation or services at this time.

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Funeral Services:

Judy Elaine Halsey, age 77, went to dance with the Lord on May 20, 2025. She was born April 14, 1948, to Theron and Wilma (Uhl) Chalender. Judy met the love of her life, Larry Halsey, at the age of 15. They married on March 21, 1965. Larry and Judy built an amazing life together raising three daughters, operating two different businesses, loving on four grandkids, and retiring into a life of camping and enjoying their time together.

Judy was always a light in the room, making people laugh, joking, and always willing to lend a hand or an ear. She was an example to her children and grandchildren on how to work hard, fight hard, and love even harder. She was always up for an adventure and loved to travel, camp, and most of all enjoy her time with family and friends.

Judy leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Larry Halsey; daughters, Vicki (Iris) Halsey, Lisa (Robert) Hiatt and Anne (Brian) Fuhr; her grandchildren and loves of her life, Karli and Kyan Hiatt, Shannon Fleming, and Zayne Fuhr; brother, Ronald (Sharon) Chalender; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Theron Chalender; mother and step-father, Wilma and Earl Bargy; and sister, Belinda K. Hadsell. 

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

Those desiring may make contributions in Judy’s memory to the Bellevue Fire Department, 115 E. Jackson Street, Bellevue, MI 49021. 

To view Judy’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. 

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Funeral Services:

William “Bill” Patrick O’Brien, 77, of Charlotte, a doting husband, loving compassionate father, and epic grandfather, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Bill was born March 20, 1948 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, New York the son of William and Catherine (Hogan) O’Brien. 

Bill O’Brien received his early education at St. Brigid Catholic School in Brooklyn, New York, and went on to graduate from St. John’s Preparatory High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in 1965. He continued his studies at the Academy of Aeronautics in LaGuardia, New York, graduating in 1968. In February 1969, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. It was during his time in the service that he met the love of his life, Catherine, on a blind date. Just six months later, the two were married on February 6, 1971 and returned to New York to begin their life together.  

After completing his military service, Bill began a long and dedicated career with Xerox, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring. Retirement, however, did not quite suit Bill’s active spirit, and he soon found himself back at work, this time with Delta Airlines, where he spent another decade doing what he loved: staying busy and connecting with people.

Bill was a man of many talents and boundless energy. He cherished time spent with his children, often leading by example as a Cub Scout leader and always ready with a laugh or a story. Never one to sit still, he also ran a nursery farm on the side and took pride in rebuilding a 1945 Minneapolis-Moline tractor from the ground up. Whether building, fixing, or inventing, Bill had a natural gift for solving problems and bringing ideas to life. Bill treasured the adventures he shared with his wife and family. He especially loved traveling, with cherished memories from vacations in Spain and an unforgettable African safari.

Bill was a devoted father who led by powerful example, instilling a strong work ethic in his children every day, not through lectures, but through his actions. He lived by principles that emphasized never complaining, a deep love for problem-solving, keeping life centered around family, and trusting that prayer is a steady companion through all seasons. Bill’s no-nonsense approach was rooted in love, discipline, humility, and deep integrity, values that shaped not only his children but all who had the privilege of knowing him. Bill will be remembered for his countless story sharing, ability to find common ground with anyone, his kindness, generosity and jovial spirit (especially his laugh), and the deep love he shared with those around him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Catherine Marie O’Brien; their children, Catherine Erin (Jason) Twizell, Michael Andrew (Tara) O’Brien, Amanda Marie (Harper) Wildern; and their grandchildren, Marilyn Lorraine Wildern, Catherine Elizabeth Wildern, Savannah Izabel O’Brien, Tyler James-Davis O’Brien, Lauren Catherine O’Brien, and Valerie Grace O’Brien. He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Bill’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00–8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop 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 Bill’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. Mary Catholic School in Charlotte.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Henry “Hank” Raymond Emenhiser, 64, of Charlotte, a hard-working family man, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at home on the family farm. Hank was born September 23, 1960 in Hammond, IN, the son of Carl Edward and Clara Velma (Armstrong) Emenhiser. Growing up on the family farm on Mills Highway in Charlotte instilled a lifelong love for raising cattle and the outdoors. In fact, Hank took over the farm and purchased all 96 acres from his parents. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1978, where he was active in FFA and 4H. After high school, he worked several years operating an excavator for Gale Briggs in Charlotte before going on to get his certification as an over-the-road truck driver. After driving independently for many years, he went to work driving truck for Meijer Warehouse in the early 2000s. Hank enjoyed fishing, camping, and was a member of a bow hunting club. He was also very active in helping his friends, family, and farming community. He would do anything for them, including making sure his best friend, Tony Martinez, could ride his bicycle for Make-A-Wish. Another example of Hank’s character was that even after a long night of driving truck, he would always stop to clear his daughter’s car of snow before stepping in the house.

Hank married the love of his life, Cynthia Ruth Davis on September 23, 1995 on the family farm, with the cattle lowing in the background. Together they raised their daughter, Sarah, and enjoyed nearly 27 years of marriage until Cindy’s passing in 2022. Along with Cindy, Hank is predeceased by his parents; brother, James (Marjie) Emenhiser; and brother-in-law, David Barnard. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Kerenza) Emenhiser; brother, Bill (Julee) Emenhiser; sister, Carla Barnard; and his nieces, nephews and extended family.

Friends are encouraged to support Hank’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. 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 Hank’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 the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Amy Jo Williamson, 50, of Battle Creek, passed away on May 13, 2025, unexpectedly at her home in Battle Creek, MI. She was born on August 15, 1974, to Max and Dena Ann (Duncan) Troutner in Charlotte, MI. On February 16, 2021, Amy married Brett D. Williamson in Odessa, Florida.

Amy graduated from Bellevue High School in 1992 and continued to go onto Olivet College to earn her degree in accounting. In her youth she was known for her love of dance, baton, and the many sports she was involved with. She always had a fondness and love of the water and sunshine. She enjoyed going kayaking, hiking and playing with her dogs. She also enjoyed watching movies, sunsets, and doing pranks on people. Amy would go for walks with Brett and the dogs around the lake they lived by. She loved to go fishing. She also loved to do her makeup and hair and looking her best if out in public. More importantly she always made sure everyone had what they needed, and loved every family gathering she could attend, she was always helping people in need. Amy will be forever loved and remembered by many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Amy is survived by her loving husband, Brett; son, Kobe Brennan Scears; father, Max Troutner; brother, Chad (Amie) Troutner.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dena Ann Troutner and son, Kyler Braxton Scears.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Amy on May 31, 2025, at 5063 Griffin Hwy., Olivet. from 4-7 p.m.

Amy will be laid to rest with her son Kyler at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery.

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Timothy Herbert Bates, age 47, of Mt. Pleasant passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Carson City. Tim was born on December 22, 1977, in Lansing to parents, Larry and Cory (Rogers) Bates. He grew up in Potterville, attending Potterville High School. Tim went on to become a jack-of-all-trades and the family go-to person for any building project. He was talented in many ways and willing to help anyone who needed it. On July 23, 2022, he took Shannon Valentine for his bride. They found great joy in caring for their fur baby, Remington. Remington was not just a pet but a cherished member of the family and Tim’s loyal service animal. Many memories of Tim will be about days spent hunting, walking the land, camping, kayaking, tubing, or fishing. He lived a big life, taking many adventures, from Caribbean cruises to parachute diving. His absence will be felt by many who loved and knew him. Tim will be missed dearly by his wife Shannon; children Trenton, Sedric, Paige, and Jordan; fur-baby Remington; granddaughter Paisley; grandmother Dorothy Bates; siblings Victoria, Ricky (Skylar); nieces Hunter, Ezzy, and Ella; nephews, Jeremiah and Logan; mother-in-law Sue Wardell; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Preceding Tim in death are his parents Larry and Cory, grandparents Jerry Bates and Ed and Marjorie Rogers. A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at a future date.

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Charles “Chuck” Arthur Grettenberger of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 21, 2025, at the age of 78. Chuck was born in Lansing, MI, on June 8, 1946, the son of Herman and Alice (Miller Cole) Grettenberger. He was a 1964 graduate of Okemos High School and attended MSU graduating with an Associates Degree in Agriculture. Chuck worked for Lindell Drop Forge in Lansing for 25 years and on his farm alongside his wife, Linda for 58 years. He did not have much spare time to enjoy life while raising four kids, farming, and a full time job, but he and his wife did sneak out once in a while to go square dancing and attended the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Linda Grettenberger; daughter, Brenda Grettenberger DVM; sons, Karl (Mary) Grettenberger, Kevin (Juli) Grettenberger, Herman (Samantha) Grettenberger; grandchildren, Ian, Emma Grace, Alissa, Sarah, Skye, Merrick, Brittnae and Jessica; great grandchildren, Kaeson, Rosalynne and Noah. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dale Grettenberger; sisters, Valda (Leo) Davidowicz, Doris (William) Kremer, Evelyn (Gerald) Horstman.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation will take place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Glendale Cemetery in Okemos. Memorial contributions may be made to FFA program in Eaton Rapids, 800 State St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2111 University Park Dr., Okemos, MI 48864. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com. 

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Mary Alice Rodriguez, 91, of Grand Ledge and formerly Vermontville and Gun Lake, Michigan, died peacefully with her family by her side on May 10, 2025. Mary was born in Vermontville and spent most of her early life there, enjoying small town life and the simple things. John and Mary moved to Gun Lake and spent 34 years together there. She turned her small-town life toward three important things: family, cooking, and gardening. As a mother of four boys, she had to be very organized, keeping life at home and the books running very smoothly for Johnny’s Food Mart in Vermontville. She was a self-less, humble woman enjoying lots of outdoor activities like horseback riding, snowmobiling, and laying in the sun at Gun Lake reading her books. A fabulous cook, Mary enjoyed canning from her garden, so she always had homemade foods, and baking including glazed donuts, strawberry rhubarb pie, peanut butter fudge, homemade bread, and a red velvet cake that kept everyone coming back for more.

With her organization skills, Mary was a wonderful bookkeeper. She kept the books for the family store, Johnny’s Food Mart in Vermontville, as well as J&R Party Mart, International Lock and Seal, and also worked for H&R Block in Charlotte during her working career. She demonstrated her love through the quilts she made for her family and special friends, baked goods, and gardening.

Mary is survived by her husband of 72 years, John Rodriguez; children, Fred (Lela) Rodriguez, Randy (Lori) Rodriguez, Doug (Christi Escher) Rodriguez; and Greg (Dionna) Rodriguez; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Ava May (Tubbs) Kroger; and sister, Marilyn Halas.

Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, May 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial services are Tuesday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Dan Beyer 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 Mary’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions Gun Lake Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jamie A. Tuckey, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, who departed from this world on February 25, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on February 9, 1944, in Charlotte, Michigan, Jamie lived a life marked by dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jamie was the cherished son of Duane and Hester (Farrier) Tuckey, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness. These values would guide him throughout his life and become the foundation upon which he would build his legacy. 

His childhood was filled with many loving family gatherings with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins. Jamie graduated from Charlotte High School in 1962. 

He was a proud soldier, serving briefly as a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces, where he demonstrated courage and commitment to his country.

After his military service, Jamie embarked on a career that would see him make significant contributions to the community. He led housing project developments and managed the physical renovation of the Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego, where his attention to detail and insistence on perfection were evident in every endeavor he undertook. He also played a vital role in the San Diego Surf Cup soccer tournament, helping to elevate the event and enhance its reputation.

Much more than his professional achievements, Jamie was known for his warm spirit and his ability to connect with others. He was an organized individual, always punctual, with a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him. His hobbies and interests reflected his craftsmanship; just like his father, he was great with his hands and took pride in every project he completed.

Jamie is survived by his loving son, Jamie Tuckey II; his two grandchildren, Charley and Dylan Tuckey; his dear brother, David D. Tuckey; nephews, Curtis, Chris, David A.

Tuckey and Jim Haviland; Tuckey and Farrier cousins. Together, they will carry forward his memory and the values he imparted to them. Jamie’s life was a testament to the beauty of kindness, the importance of family, and the pursuit of excellence.

In his final years, Jamie battled Parkinson’s Disease with the same strength and determination that characterized his life. His eight-year journey with the disease was not easy, but he faced each challenge with grace and dignity, inspiring those around him to remain positive and hopeful.

Private funeral services will be held to honor Jamie’s life and legacy, one in California and one Charlotte, MI.  Jamie will be buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Girard Twp., Coldwater, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Jamie to remember him through acts of kindness and service to others, reflecting the generous spirit he embodied throughout his life.

As we say goodbye to Jamie A. Tuckey, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, living on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.