Obituaries
Dillard Dalmos Kratzer
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.
Gerald Lee Jones
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.
Judy Elaine Halsey
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.
William Patrick O’Brien
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.
Henry Raymond Emenhiser
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.