Obituaries
Steven Sung Min Ballou
Steven Sung Min Ballou, age 37, of Grand Ledge, passed away in the loving care of his family on July 5, 2023, as a result of a ruptured brain aneurysm. He was born October 2, 1985, in Taejeon, South Korea. Steve is the son of Blair and Martha (Young) Ballou and brother of Nick Sung Ho Ballou. He is survived by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Nick and Carley Ballou, devoted friend and co-conspirator Libby Klaiss (Tony Delreal), Honorary Grandfather Neil Klaiss, Aunt Barbara Collins, Uncle Jim Young (Margaret), Uncle Bob Young (Sandra), Aunt Michelle Ballou, Uncle Blaise Ballou, and many favorite cousins. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Rick Collins, and Grandparents Peg and Rhea Young and Ruth and Sullivan Ballou.
People who were influential in Steve’s life included many professionals who supported his development and health when others didn’t, including Dr. Ron Jacubiak, Dr. John Schuster, Dr. Hugh Culton, Dr. Jill England, Dr. Lauren Brown, Dr. Linda Chermak, Dr. Dan Derksen, Erin Dunbar, Adreena Nersesian, Cindy Edgerton, Shelly Stratz, and Justin Caughey. Educators who were instrumental in his development of skills were Ruthie Kamminga, Kathy Burt, Jan Baum, Mary Dama, Janet Shannon, and Karen Bergeron. He will be missed by his friends, Ann Roiter, Danny Ferris, Lee Weirich, Dawn, Chuck, and Charlie Vanneste, Elizabeth, Joe, and Audrey Siler, the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club and staff at the Cracker Barrel, and the many people he met in the communities of Grand Ledge and Charlotte.
Steve made great strides in life when people met him on his level, encouraged his interactions, and appreciated his sense of humor. After he left school, he had the opportunity to experience the community at his own pace and met many people through his engagement in local activities. Highlights of his weeks included breakfast at the Cracker Barrel, working at the Charlotte Farmers Market, music therapy with Erin at the MSU Community Music School, Monday morning movies at the Sun Theater, haircuts by Val Adams, exploring the community, and interacting with anyone who was willing to chat.
Steve’s favorite activities were sleeping in, eating, beach vacations, “road trips” with the family, extended family events, adventures with Libby, Disney World, roller coasters, music, and outings with his cousins. He was a great traveler and enjoyed reading road signs and mile markers along the way. He loved all types of music, reading, rhyming and language, numbers, singing, and the MSU Spartan Marching Band. He enjoyed learning with computer programs and electronics, sharing random funny facts with friends and family.
Over the years, Steve had many wonderful support people who helped him navigate and explore the community, including Nick Gleason, John Christensen, Mikel Kellogg, Dawn and Chuck Vanneste, Jackelyn Iorio, Erin Bobola, and many MSU students.
Many thanks to the nurses and staff of the Sparrow Neuro ICU and Sparrow LTACH, Dr. Galyna Clouse and Kathleen Naber, RN, of Sparrow Palliative Care, and the staff of Elara Caring Hospice, who put every effort into Steve and our family’s care. Many thanks to the neighbors, friends, and relatives who supported us through Steve’s illness.
In honor of Steve, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and the Celebration at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider contributions in Steve’s memory to the MSU Music Therapy Program at the Community Music School or the charity of their choice.
“To be nobody but yourself in a world that is doing its best, night and day, to make you everyone else – is to fight the hardest battle anyone can fight…” E.E.Cummings
To view Steve’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Carl Keith Miller
Carl Keith Miller, age 87, of Olivet, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023, at his home. He was born January 24, 1936, in Utica, Michigan, the son of George and Paula (Hafner) Miller. After high school he attended trade school for four years where he studied carpentry. On July 2, 1960, he married the love of his life, Joyce Webster. Together they proudly raised their family. Carl loved to work and was a skilled craftsman. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed just being together with his precious family.
Carl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce; son, Keith (Cheryl) Miller of Grand Rapids; daughters, Lynn (Stephen) Etson of Bellevue, Debra (Gregory) Etson of Olivet; grandchildren, Erica Etson, Abigail Sefcik, Calvin Carl Etson; sister, Anna (Don) Ouelette of Essex, Ontario, Canada; and sister-in-law, Alice Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David Miller, Glenn Miller; and Godchild, Christine Fleming.
In keeping with Carl’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
To view Carl’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.
Jeffrey Allan Hellrung
Jeffery Allan Hellrung, age 43, of Potterville, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was born March 5, 1980, in Lansing, the son of Kenneth and Alice (Conner) Hellrung. Jeff graduated from Lansing Everett High School. Jeff cherished his family and especially adored his son, Jeffery. He was known for his honesty, easy going personality, and willingness to help absolutely anyone who was in need. Jeff was the proud owner of a 2015 Dodge Challenger which he enjoyed driving and showing off to others. He also enjoyed shooting at the range with his father. Jeff worked for Kirchhoff Automotive in Lansing.
Jeff is survived by his son, Jeffery Hellrung II of Potterville; girlfriend, Jessica Dunn; parents, Ken and Alice Hellrung of Potterville; brother, Steve (Nichole Hall) Hellrung of Mason; sister, Michelle Hellrung of Potterville; and nephew, Jacob Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Hellrung II.
In keeping with Jeff’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jeff’s honor to the family to help with final expenses.
To view Jeff’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.
Darrell C. Kositzke
Darrell C. Kositzke, 65, passed away Friday, June 17, 2023, in a truck driving accident on I-69 N in Gaston, Indiana. He was born June 1, 1958, in Escanaba, Mich., and was the son of Charles Jeska and Flora (Nelson) Kositzke. Darrell served in the Navy then moved to Bellevue in 1994. Darrell, nicknamed “Teddy Bear,” was described as a loving, funny, kind, gentle giant by those who knew him and he was best friends with Jesus. Darrell is survived by his daughter, Rachel Herman of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and son, Jacob Kositzke of Nashville, Mich.; seven grandchildren; and his four siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. Kositzke and Flora L. Kositzke. A memorial service will be held for Darrell on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
Jeanne Cleta Wyckoff
Jeanne Cleta Wyckoff, age: 82 of Lansing passed away on July 7, 2023. Service will be held Monday, July 17, 2023 at 12 Noon at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Daniel Ray Greer
Daniel Ray Greer, age 72, from Charlotte passed away on July 9, 2023. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ruth Elaine Buffenbarger
Ruth Elaine Buffenbarger, famous for her chocolate chip cookies, passed away on July 5, 2023 in Traverse City, MI. She was born August 23, 1923 in Charlotte, MI to Percy and Grace (Linsley) Young. She led an active life as a child playing with her sister and friends, then fell in love as a young lady with Robert Buffenbarger, then waited 3½ years for his return from World War II. Their wedding was shortly after his safe return on June 26, 1945. Elaine worked for Michigan Bell Telephone company, Dr. Sevener, Dr. Demuth, and lastly for Dr. William Wright where she retired in 1986.
Elaine enjoyed dancing, reading, and doing word puzzles. With expertise in home management, she thrived on entertaining friends and family. To be at Elaine’s table was a pleasure as she was a wonderful cook. Hours, if possible, were then spent around the same table playing games. Time with family was important to Elaine and time outdoors camping and going on picnics were some of her favorite activities. Her apartment in Kalkaska, Michigan was a dear space for Elaine where she socialized with many friends. Pondering the highlights of her life as a child jumping rope with her sister, playing jacks with her best friend Doris, ice skating, bike riding, and going to Pine Lake. She was very devoted in her faith, after Elaine moved to Kalkaska she became a member of the Peoples Church. Above all her biggest passion in life was being married to her husband and the family it gave her.
Elaine is survived by her children, Robert (Pam) Buffenbarger, and Debra (Dion) Balliet; grandchildren, Jason (Jill) Balliet, Jeremy (Jana) Balliet, Josh (Janie) Balliet, and Todd (Stephanie) Buffenbarger; great-grandchildren, Eric, Leo, Mia, Josie, Ellie, Ethan, Paige, Matthew, and Chelsie. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Robert; siblings, Ailleen (Lawrence) Patterson, and Fred (Margaret) Young; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Elaine’s family sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, July 10, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Josh Guy officiating. 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 Elaine’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 Peoples Church in Kalkaska. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary Elizabeth Hunter
Mary Elizabeth Hunter, age 82, of Charlotte, died July 10, 2023. Mary was born December 28, 1940 in Lansing, Michigan, to Harold and Mary (Dane) Hunter. The family lived in Millett and owned the local grocery store. Mary was her dad’s right-hand, trusty helper growing up and she treasured those memories. After graduating high school, Mary attended MSU and received her Bachelor’s Degree in early elementary. She taught in the Olivet School District before stopping to once again help in the family market. Mary eventually took on the duties of caregiver as her parents’ health declined. When time allowed, Mary enjoyed riding horses and looked forward to vacationing on Drummond Island.
Fiercely independent, determined, humble, and kind, Mary could be seen ‘out and about’ on her bike from dawn to dusk in all seasons and all types of weather. She was well-known by countless community members as she collected bottles and cans to keep Charlotte ‘picked up.’ This activity gave her purpose, and it kept her in her happy place – the outdoors.
Mary enjoyed over two years as a resident of Sensations Memory Care, where she was free to walk as much as she liked and received exceptional care from the loving staff.
Mary is survived by her sister, Dorothea Sandin; her grand-nephew, John A. Sandin IV; and her dear friends, John and Carol Rossio. Mary was predeceased by her parents; her brother-in-law, John A. Sandin II; and her nephew, John A. Sandin III.
Graveside services will be held Friday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Delta Center Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Luke Eugene West
Mr. Luke Eugene West, age 71, passed away on July 1, 2023, at his home in Bellevue, MI.
Luke was born in Battle Creek, MI on April 6, 1952, the son of the late Roy and Marietta West.
He was raised in the Bellevue area, and attended local schools, completing his education at Springfield High School. Luke was united in marriage to Nancy Meinke and together they had three sons, Jim, Luke Jr. and John.
Luke began his working career at Fire Apparatus in Battle Creek, Mi where he painted trucks. In 1976 he joined the Grand Trunk Western Railroad where he worked as a carman. During his tenure at the railroad, Luke was responsible for repairing and maintaining box cars and was a part of the local derailment team. Luke retired after 37 years of faithful service.
On February 23, 1980, Luke married Patti (Sayles) and together they had three sons, Joseph, Dale and Jacob. Luke and Patti made their home and raised their family together in the Bellevue area.
During his spare time, Luke enjoyed spending time with his boys working on vintage automobiles and drag racing at the local tracks including Martin and Stanton Speedways. Luke was a family man in every sense of the term and took great pride in caring for and spending time with his boys. He was an avid softball player and used his knowledge of the sport to help coach the boys’ teams as they grew. During the summer months, Luke enjoyed spending an afternoon fishing the local lakes and working in the garden with his wife Patti.
Luke is survived by his beloved wife, Patti; his children, Jim (Heather) West, Luke (Rachel) West Jr., John (Andie) Ferree, Joseph (Ashley) West, Dale (Sarah Randall) West and Jacob (Casey) West; his siblings, Roy West, Sammy (Scott) Dorsey and Deana (Ron) Garrett; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service was held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville. Interment took place immediately following the funeral service at Needmore Cemetery in Chester Township.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family of Luke West via a GoFundMe account at this link: https://gofund.me/54ee351d.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
David Allen Frantzman, Sr.
David Allen Frantzman, Sr., 76, of Potterville, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, the Fourth of July 2023. David was born September 3, 1946, in Little Falls, NY, the son of Richard and Florence (Mingst) Frantzman, Sr. He spent his childhood on the farm. Following high school graduation, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Navy Electrician and as a member of the Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 2. Shortly after enlistment, he married the love of his life, Nancy on December 21, 1968, in Port Republic, NJ. Following his service, he started a career in the Ryder Truck rental business, retiring in 1998. David enjoyed time on the water boating and fishing, woodworking, computers, and tending to his numerous aquariums. He was also an avid model airplane builder and flyer; he was a member of the Capital Area Radio Drone Squadron. Above all, David loved and cherished his family.
David is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Nancy Frantzman; their children, Vickie (Tad Jonathan) Schultz and David Frantzman, Jr.; 5 grandchildren, Kara (Dan) Szubinski, Allison Schultz, Larissa (Dylan) Dotson, Nathaniel Fox, Abigail Frantzman, and Wesley Frantzman; great-grandsons, Maddox Szubinski, and Damian Dotson; brothers, Richard Frantzman, Jr., and Wayne Frantzman; sisters, Cyndi Green, and Debra Chappini; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Sandy Madsen and Judy Stern.
Friends are encouraged to support David’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 2-5:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home Funeral services are Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. 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 David’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 American Heart Association or the American Lung Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.