Obituaries
Danford Murray Byrens, Jr.
Danford Murray Byrens Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27 at the home of his daughter Sue who lovingly cared for both Dan and his wife, Emily, for nearly two years. Dan was born on November 13, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, to his parents, Gladys Evelyn Wade Byrens and Danford Murray Byrens, Sr.
His was an athletic family with both his parents working as gym teachers and coaches and his brother David excelled in several sports. Dan generally pursued other interests, but he was, at one point, the backstroke champion of his school. He also achieved the lifelong goal of obtaining his pilot’s license in the mid 1970’s.
Dan lived his life surrounded by music, a love that he shared with his late wife, Emily Frances Hills Byrens who passed away Christmas Day, 2022. He started taking organ lessons in high school and obtained an undergraduate degree in Organ Performance from Oberlin College in 1954. He then moved to New York City where he attended Union Theological Seminary and met his future wife, Emily. Both received their Master of Music degrees in Sacred Music.
Dan is survived by his brother, David and Paula Byrens of Oakland, California, seven children: Margaret and Kent Kuiper of Bellevue, Dr. David and Kim Byrens of Marshall, Dan and Kim Byrens of Duck Lake, Robert Byrens and Jerome Nickels of Grand Rapids, Steve and Sonia Byrens of Marshall, Sue and Mike Wilson of Marshall, and Tracy Byrens of Hampton, Virginia. Dan and Emily found tremendous joy in their extended family of 32 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Dan and Emily shared their musical talents with many church congregations around the country including Olivet Congregational Church, The First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, Saint Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek, Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall, as well as churches in Tennessee and Alabama.
Dan was a much-beloved professor at both Kalamazoo and Olivet Colleges, where he directed choral ensembles as well as teaching organ, music history and theory. He and Emily also led vocal student ensembles that performed in various churches throughout Europe. After retiring from Olivet College, they accepted positions at Silliman University in the Philippines where they taught sacred music. Upon returning to the states, they relocated to the Uplands Retirement Community in Tennessee. There, they continued their legacy of performing sacred music in the Congregational Church, as well as conducting and playing for both church and community choirs. They eventually returned to Marshall to be near family.
Dan was a gifted yet humble man, a gentle soul and a servant leader who was admired by many and deeply loved by his family, friends and students. Dan’s family will hold a private celebration at a later date. If you feel moved to honor his memory, please make a contribution to The University of Olivet in his name.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.
Frederick Dale Bannister
Frederick “Fred” Dale Bannister of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 80. Fred was born on July 4, 1943, in Seymour, Indiana. He was the son of Lloyd and Evelyn “Ellin” (né Engel) Bannister. He and his younger brothers were raised at the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1961, then extended his education through a trade school to become a mechanical engineer.
Fred began his professional journey with Ream Manufacturing, later joining Gilbert Commonwealth; ultimately concluding his career in 2010 as an engineer with the Board of Water and Light. He traveled to various states throughout his career, and even lived in Egypt for a few months.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Fred was known for his vibrant social spirit. He relished the camaraderie of his friends over morning coffee at McDonald’s. He was an enthusiastic golfer, and also found joy in fishing during his leisurely moments. He loved visits from his family on the weekends.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Sam and Lloyd Bannister, and his sister, Nettie Bannister.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Josephine “Jo” Bannister; his sons and their wives, Fred (Jr.) and Lisa Bannister, Craig and Dawn Bannister; and his daughter and her husband, Cathy and Craig McManus; as well as his grandchildren Craig Bannister, Jr., Cassie and husband Brandon Wheeler, Caroline McManus, Carmella McManus, Nathan Bannister, Justin Bannister; and great grandchildren, Jonathan and Michael Wheeler. He is also survived by one brother, Kenny Bannister and his wife Dede.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date, for information contact Jo Bannister. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Wanda Ann Higdon
Wanda Ann Higdon of Eaton Rapids passed away September 1, 2023, at the age of 80. Wanda was born in Carson City, MI, June 9, 1943, to Roy S. and Vera M. (Bohen) Lauer. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Carson City in 1961. Wanda was a member of and worked as the church secretary for the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids for 15 years, sending out the thank you notes for donations. She was a Friend of the Library member and was treasurer for two years. Wanda enjoyed traveling, reading and gardening.
Wanda is survived by her children, Christine (Danny) Olson-DeLaVergne of Fowlerville, Mark Higdon of Dimondale, and Greg (Ann) Higdon of Columbia, TN; grandchildren, Madeleine, Olivia, and Grant; brothers, William (Shelba) Lauer of Perrinton and John (Carol) Lauer of Alma; sister, Rosemary Bernard of FL. She was preceded in death by, parents and brother, Leon Lauer.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation was Friday, September 8, from 6-8 p.m. and the hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or the Eaton Rapids Library, 220 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 in memory of Wanda. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Joan Lockwood
We are sad to announce our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away September 2, 2023, at the age of 88.
Born Joan Lamie in Eaton County November 30, 1934, she was the second oldest of six siblings. Growing up on a farm in Vermontville, MI, she developed a love for animals – including her favorite cow Chester – and always had a penchant for hard work. She helped raise her siblings, including her twin sisters who were 10 years younger than she.
At age 18, she met and married the love of her life, Donald C. Lockwood. Two years later they began to raise their family. These were the best years of her life!
Mom was a huge supporter of her husband Don as he made his school principal career in Eaton Rapids. Til the end, she would light up when anyone shared memories and stories of his many wonderful ways with the school children and their families.
Their tremendous love and commitment to each other set a great example of what love could be. People still comment on how they were always holding hands when they were out and about.
This great love for each other helped them through the tremendous loss of their son Jim in 1977.
Joan loved her family and was thrilled when her children started having children of their own, and then when her grandchildren started having children! She thoroughly enjoyed hosting the many special holidays, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. When their children were quite young, she and Don built a cottage on Horsehead Lake and treasured their many moments there, including teaching the kids how to water ski and fish.
She was devastated by the loss of her husband in 2002, but continued to be a trooper and take care of their lifetime family home, almost to the very end.
A true Spartan fan, she was pleased to learn her football team won their recent season opener.
She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star, Brookfield Chapter #352.
She wanted all her caregivers to know how much she loved and appreciated their help and support with her ailments these last few years, including Khristina Coker, Amanda, and Cheryl at the Eaton Rapids Medical Clinic, and Sam, Pamela, and the gang at Rottenbucher Pharmacy. She also wanted to acknowledge her hairdresser Katie at It’s Your Hair, who became like a third daughter to her.
She is survived by her daughters Cathie (Larry Webb) and Kristi (Greg Hampton), her grandchildren Shannon Flattley (Carman), Jeremy Webb (Taylor), and Julie Bolitho (Antonio Celotto), her great-grandchildren Nathan Bence, Savannah Flattley, Chase Wells, Deacon Wells, Hazel Webb, and Giada Celotto, her sister Charlene Young, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Sunday, September 10, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and the service will take place Monday, September 11 at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.
If you wish to make a memorial contribution towards a Donald C. Lockwood Elementary School Sign Lighting Fund, please make checks payable to Cathie Webb. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Robert William Fischer
Robert William “Bob” Fischer, 81, of Naples, Florida, passed away on August 19 at the Avow Hospice House in Naples surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on May 16, 1942 in Charlotte, Michigan, the oldest child of William and Evelyn Fischer. He was raised on an active farm that is still owned by his family. He attended K-8th grade in a one-room schoolhouse in Charlotte and then attended Charlotte High School where he was named prom king and Mayor in his Senior Year. Bob graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Albion College in 1964 and was a proud member of Sigma Chi. He received his masters degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Michigan in 1966. He remained an avid supporter of University of Michigan athletics. He didn’t wear one article of clothing that did not have a blue M on the pocket and his cell phone ring tone was set to “The Victors.”
Bob served in the Navy for three years as an officer in the Key West Naval Hospital. He began his career in hospital administration at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. His ability to transform hospitals to stability and profitability took him and his family throughout the United States, settling in nine states and the island of Antigua. Bob’s longest and most fulfilling position was as President and CEO of Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, Maryland. Upon retirement, Bob settled in Fort Myers, Florida to be closer to his parents. He most recently resided in Naples with his wife Marianne.
Bob was married to Marianne Stevens in 1965. They were divorced after 31 years of marriage and found each other again after 17 years of separation. They were remarried in 2017 and had a beautiful and unique love story to share with everyone that they met. Bob is survived by his wife, Marianne St. Johns and his three children, all of whom claim to be his favorite, Shelly Murray (Michael), Robert Fischer (Christie), and Ryan Fischer (Angela); his grandchildren Brenna Gneo (Vinny), Brady Murray, Jackson Fischer, and Reese Fischer. He is also survived by his sister Sherry Myers (Fred); niece Samantha Myers and nephew Paul Myers (Melissa). Bob was extremely proud of his children’s accomplishments, their families, and the close bond that they share.
Bob has a rich history of travel and a large circle of friends. In his later years, he enjoyed dining and playing cards with friends and neighbors. He was funny, yet competitive and loved nothing more than winning back the trophy at weekly card games. Through COVID and beyond, Bob looked forward to his monthly Zoom calls with his high school friends from Charlotte. He enjoyed participating in events as a member of the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club. He utilized and appreciated the services of the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida. Throughout his decline with Parkinson’s Disease, Bob’s goldendoodle, “Sir William” remained by his side.
Bob will be remembered as a kind, giving, and loving husband and father. He instilled the values of independence, motivation, and generosity in his children. He was a thoughtful and generous “Pop-Pop” and “Pop twice” to his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club, that supports children in need in Collier County (PO Box 110333, Naples, FL 34108). Separate memorial services will be planned for the near future both in Naples, and with the spreading of ashes at the family farm in Charlotte.
Emmett Gooch
Emmett “Joe” Gooch, a proud father and even more proud grandfather, passed away on August 25, 2023, at the age of 75, surrounded by his family at his home in Vermontville, Michigan. He attended Midland High School and was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War after graduation. After returning from the war, he worked for General Motors before starting his career as a Deputy for the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. He retired after 25 years as a Deputy and went on to serve as a District Court Bailiff for several years.
Joe’s pride and joy in life was his family, and he spent the last several years teaching his grandsons Will and Levi to hunt, fish, play baseball, and enjoy the property they all shared. He also enjoyed camping with them at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground on Lake Huron or the Jellystone Campground in Angola, Indiana.
Joe is survived by his wife of over 39 years, Teresa; children, Allie (Jon) Whitford, and Kim (Bill) Fillmore; grandchildren, William and Levi Whitford, Sean Carter, and Joel Engel.
At Joe’s request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Back-to-School Event at the Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center or Compassus Lansing Michigan Hospice Care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Highway in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Cindy Lee Herlein
Cindy Lee Herlein, a strong-willed wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and Christian, died surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 24, 2023, after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Cindy, 60, of Olivet was born on June 7, 1963, in Hastings, the daughter of Roland “Bud” and Joan (Hummell) Bair. She graduated college from the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, and later graduated from Argubright Business College earning a Business Degree. On September 30, 1989, Cindy married the love of her life, Phil Herlein, and together they spent the next 34 years creating lasting memories. Cindy worked for Northwestern Michigan College for 10 years until she and Phil moved to Olivet. She then began working for the Olivet Public Schools where she has worked for the last 16 years. Cindy was all about education and being able to work with children. Her devotion to the Lord was very important to Cindy, she attended the First Baptist Church in Charlotte and the Leslie First Baptist Church.
Cindy loved making trips to Shipshewana and to different garage sales around the country. She was a very frugal person and always looked for the best deal. Cindy was a Master Couponer and would spend her Sunday clipping out coupons from the newspaper. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were feeding the birds, reading, baking, cooking, tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, and most importantly helping people in need. Above all Cindy loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Phil; children, Kurtis (Felicia) Herlein, Alex (Rachel) Herlein, Tyler Canterbury; grandchildren, Eloise, Dawson, and Theo; mother, Joan Bair; siblings, Jody (Dan) Bivens, Earl (Jenny) Bair, Renee (Glen) Creek; dear friends, Deb Schwab, and Jeanna Ruthruff. She was predeceased by her father, Bud Bair.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Youth Haven Camp in Rives Junction. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert Floyd Raymer
Robert Floyd Raymer, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was born February 10, 1939, in Eaton Rapids the son of George and Miriam (Warner) Raymer. On May 10, 1959, Bob married Darlene Baker at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family with a deep devotion and always saw to it that they were well cared for. After high school, Bob was drafted into the US Army where he faithfully served his country. Bob began working as a meat cutter when he was a teenager and upon his return from the Army, he made it his life-long career. This was not just a job to Bob but it was a passion. He was a perfectionist and every job that he did was done right.
He worked cutting meat at Carter’s IGA for many years and in later years he began cutting deer with George DeVres for many local customers. Bob enjoyed working on his pristine lawn and gardens. His vehicles were always kept in tip top shape and no dirt could be found inside or out.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Darlene; sons, Russ (Julie) Raymer of Eaton Rapids, Rick Raymer of Charlotte; grandchildren, Zach Raymer, Shelby (Jake) Skelton; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Rhys, Rozlynn, Sawyer, Jonah; sister-in-law, Joyce Raymer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan (Ralph) Shaw, and brother, George Raymer.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Duane Royston and Tom Surdenik officiating. The family received friends at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bob’s memory to Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or New Faith Church of the Nazarene 302 E. Lovett St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Shawn Lee Lake
Shawn Lee Lake, a big teddy bear, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Shawn, 52, of Charlotte, was born on June 2, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Benjamin and Helen (Lawson) Lake. He graduated from Charlotte High School the class of 1989. The love of his life was his daughter, Alexis, and granddaughter, Evelyn-Rae. Shawn had a passion for music, whether it was playing his bass or writing songs, he enjoyed letting loose in the beat of a song. Other hobbies that he found enjoyment in were writing poems, riding his bike, and tinkering on his Cadillac.
Shawn is survived by his children, Destiny Holcomb, Michael Cooper, and Alexis Lake; five grandchildren; parents, Benjamin, and Helen Lake; girlfriend, Angie Yerke; and brother, Chad (Sylvie) Lake. He was predeceased by both his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Shawn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Shawn’s family is planning a Celebration of Life for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Daniel Scott Rugg
Daniel Scott Rugg, 58, died peacefully August 19, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer. Dan was born on September 2, 1964 in Rockland, Massachusetts, the son of Fred and Sheila Rugg. He graduated with his GED from Charlotte High School where he studied building trades. He worked in construction and most recently was employed for the last 13 years with Hosford Brothers Concrete. His strong work ethic was always evident wherever he worked.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kim Rugg; children, Kisha Wallace, Fred Baker, Patrick (Amanda) Baker, Garrick (Rachel Baker), Michaella Baker (Ryan Callahan), and Matthew Rugg; grandchildren: Brandon Wallace, Charles Wallace, Damien Wallace, Haley Wallace, Jacqueline Baker, Hailey Baker, Amelia Baker, Aiden Baker; mother, Sheila Rugg; sisters, Shanna Moran, Stacy (Guy) Badger, Mary (David) Christensen, Christy (Fred) Long; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special thanks to his cousin, Melinda Ward. He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Rugg.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to offset funeral costs. Dan led a simple life and requested that his celebration of life be kept simple. His family will lay him to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville at a future date.