Obituaries
Bruce Hamilton Wakeman
Bruce Hamilton Wakeman, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on January 25, 2026, at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. He was born on April 3, 1951, the son of Arnold and Georgian (Hamilton) Wakeman.
Bruce married Charlene Anne Armstrong on February 15, 1975, at the Methodist Church in Charlotte, Michigan. Bruce retired from Pioneer Foundry Co., Inc. in Jackson, Michigan in 2014. He had a real love of cars; he did drag racing in his younger years. Bruce enjoyed putting together model cars throughout his life and later in life he would take Charlene for drives in his 94 Camaro z28 convertible. Bruce’s model cars were so finely detailed that when he took them to model car shows, he would often win awards for them.
Bruce will be mostly remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall for the wonderful care that he received while he was in their care and a special thank you to Morgan for the care she provided.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Charlene A. Wakeman, children, Kristin Wakeman, Scott (Allison) Wakeman; grandchildren, William (Natsumi) Wakeman, Ruby Wakeman, Sofia Beukema; great grandchildren, Kingston and Rua Wakeman; sister, Leslie Wakeman and brothers, Scott and Sean Wakeman.
In keeping with Bruce’s wishes, there are no services at this time, his family is planning on having a barbecue this summer to honor him. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, and to share memories and pictures with the family.
Neil Edward Klaiss
Neil Edward Klaiss, beloved father, husband, and community pillar, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, in his hometown of Charlotte, Michigan. Surrounded by the love of his daughters, Neil’s departure marks the end of a life dedicated to service, family, and friendship.
Neil was born on April 8, 1941, in Charlotte. Neil went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1959 and later earned an Associate’s Degree at Western Michigan University. His thirst for knowledge was complemented by a deep commitment to his community, where he not only made a living but truly made a difference. A proud veteran, Neil served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His experiences shaped him into the compassionate and steadfast man he became, as he listened to the stories and hardships of others, always providing support and camaraderie.
One of Neil’s proudest accomplishments was marrying the love of his life, Leila Noah, on June 19, 1965, at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. He often remarked that the smartest decision he ever made was choosing her as his partner, a testament to a bond that exemplified love and commitment. Neil owned and operated Klaiss TV in Charlotte for many years. He spent 34 years serving with the Charlotte Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT, earning the love and respect of many.
His dedication extended beyond the firehouse, as he later worked at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home after retirement. He possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people, and his love for visiting and chatting enriched the lives of those around him. Neil was also the President of Kiwanis Manor for 27 years here in Charlotte.
Neil is survived by daughters, Melissa (Paul) Martino of Port Orange, Florida, Libby (Tony Delreal) Klaiss of Charlotte; grandchildren: Noah (Macinley Chastain) Martino of Alabama, Victoria Martino of Alabama; sister-in-law, Claudia Bartlett; brother-in-law, Tony Hain; numerous nieces, nephews, and honorary daughters: Ann Roiter and Elizabeth Siler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ila (Shumaker) Klaiss; wife, Leila; brother, Charles “Charlie” Klaiss; sister, Joyce Elaine Klaiss; and sister-in-law, Kathy Hain.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Inurnment with military honors will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.
Those desiring may make contributions in Neil’s honor to the Charlotte Christmas Kiddies 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813, Court House Square Association 100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813, or Kiwanis Manor 430 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Neil’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.bukhead-green-kilgo.com.
Thelma Ruiz
Thelma Ruiz of Potterville passed away January 28, 2026, at the age of 86. Thelma was born in Chihuahua, Mexico on May 5, 1939, the daughter of Julio and Francisca (Maesse) Madero. As a cherished member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Thelma’s dedication to her faith and community was evident in both her involvement and her service. She found joy in life’s simple, meaningful pleasures.
A talented baker, Thelma loved making homemade bread and cookies to share with others. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and painting, as well as working on crossword puzzles. Thelma was also an avid reader; she enjoyed westerns and history.
She is survived by her children, George Ruiz, Beatriz Popp, Carlos Ruiz, Joel Ruiz; six grandchildren and one great grandchild; brother, Reynaldo (Elsa) Madero. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Laurencio Ruiz in 2021.
A private family service will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids in loving memory of Thelma Ruiz. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Judith Arden Babbitt
Judith Arden Babbitt, age 94, passed February 2, 2026. Judy was born August 18, 1931 to Dr. Bert and Thelma (McCall) Van Ark.
Judy went to Eaton Rapids Public Schools and graduated in 1949. She attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, until returning to Michigan to marry the love of her life and soulmate, Bill Babbitt. They were married in 1951 and enjoyed 74 glorious and blessed years together. She and Bill moved back to Eaton Rapids from Ann Arbor after Bill completed his degree from the University of Michigan. Bill loves telling the story of how Judy would occasionally attend classes with him at U of M and was once given an “A+” from a professor on his blue book exam (Bill only earned an “A”).
During WWII Judy spent time in Missoula, Montana, while her father served as a physician at a POW camp for German prisoners. Later, Judy worked briefly at J.I. Case Company while Bill was finishing his degree.
Bill and Judy spent many happy days together at their summer home on Lake Louise in northern Michigan, and at their winter home on Captiva Island in Florida. In addition, they travelled extensively by motorhome, including 12 round-trips to Alaska. Bill and Judy were accomplished and avid boaters and enjoyed cruising the Great Lakes, the North Channel, and the Georgian Bay in Canada. One of their greatest cruising accomplishments was an extended trip from Florida to Michigan on the Inland Waterway.
Judy survived childhood polio, in no small part due to her being the daughter of a physician.
She is survived by her husband Bill; her six children Becky (Carl) Davis, Rick (Pam) Babbitt, David (Jeannie) Babbitt, Steve (Sandy) Babbitt, Dan (Shari) Babbitt, and Sally (Dan Cortright) Babbitt, 19 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Jeanne Sherman, niece Mindy Sherman, and grandsons Brandon and Aaron Babbitt.
Judy truly loved and cherished in life. Her love, affection, and generosity was well known to all who knew her.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions are suggested to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation in her memory. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Luella Marie Dassance
Luella Marie (Eash) Dassance, of Eaton Rapids and formerly of the Cadillac area, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her home with family by her side. She was 95.
Luella was born on June 21, 1930, in LaGrange County, Indiana to parents Carl and Mary (Yoder) Eash. She grew up in the Cadillac/Manton area where she was introduced to Levi by her brother Bob.
On October 15, 1949, she married Levi Stephen Dassance in Angola, Indiana. They spent over 62 years together until Levi passed on November 2, 2011. Luella was a domestic engineer (housewife), while Levi was at work and they both were raising seven children.
The family lived on a 40-acre farm in Eaton Rapids, with numerous animals. Their home was filled with love, hard work and devotion. The children didn’t always have what they wanted but always had what they needed.
Luella along with Levi raised Christmas trees in Cadillac for over 30 years. They were quite a team along with help from the kids. Luella loved horses and rode all the work horses while growing up. Her parents would cringe when, starting at about 5 years old, Luella came out of the barn on the horse with just a bridle to go get the cows. Luella took pride in working with young people, especially through her years of leading 4-H groups. She found purpose in teaching, encouraging and passing along her knowledge. Our home was the place neighborhood kids would always come to hang out and play. Luella didn’t mind as long as they behaved. Above all, she will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence and the love she gave so freely to her family.
Luella is survived by her children, Arlene Dassance of Dimondale, Diana Bunker of Eaton Rapids, Barbara (Ron) Adleman of Eaton Rapids, Paul (Connie) Dassance of Cadillac, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews; and many other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Levi Dassance; daughter, Patricia, sons, Gerold and Michael; her parents, Carl and Mary Eash; brothers, Richard, Junior, Lloyd, Stewart, Robert, Charlie and George Eash.; and a grandson, Creig Adleman.
A memorial service will be held later in spring 2026.
Special thanks to hospice and McLaren Hospital for the great care given to Luella Dassance. Thank you to Onondaga Fire who came in to assist until the ambulance arrived. Four great people who serve our township. Shout out to CJ for putting up with our mom and her flirting with him. You people are all great and we appreciate you.
Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hall-Holdship.com.
The family is being served by Hall-Holdship Funeral Home.
Forest Oral Ripley
Forest Oral Ripley, 80, of Marshall, a man with a love for the open road, died peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Friday, January 23, 2026. Forest was born on October 31, 1945, in Homer, the son of Oral and Dorthy (Conley) Ripley of Marshall, Michigan. He grew up in Lee Township in the farming community and remained a lifelong farmer. Forest graduated from Olivet High School in 1964 and went to work in various trades before settling into becoming a professional truck driver. He retired from Holland Motor Freight, where he earned his over a million-mile accident free jacket. He married the love of his life, Karen Sue Kunkel on November 23, 1968, and the two settled into family life in Lee Township.
Forest loved being with his family. Growing up his son and daughter enjoyed when they were able to go on a trip with dad. His great-grandchildren loved visiting for tractor rides and the candy treats that were also always involved. His dedication to farming came with a passion for Ford tractors and trucks. He was especially fond of his 1956 Victoria and candy apple red 1967 Fairlane. Forest loved the outdoors as well, especially hunting and fishing, and traveling the road to various flea markets and auction sales.
Forest is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen Ripley; daughter, Tammey Wine; son, Tony Ripley; grandchildren, April “Nikki” (Gage) Mingus and David (Hannah) Wine; and great-grandchildren, Karlee Cotter, Izayah Mingus, Dominic Mingus, Lyla Wine and Mia Wine. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Tracy and Trixie Ripley.
Friends are encouraged to support Forest’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eaton Rapids with Pastor Mark Eckert officiating. Visitation and refreshments will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church just prior to the service. Visitation will also take place from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Interment will follow in Lee Center Cemetery. 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 Fores’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 Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eaton Rapids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Joan Elaine Brownell
Joan Elaine (Francisco) Brownell, age 84, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Bellevue, Michigan. Joan was born on June 17, 1941, in Delton, Michigan, to parents Frank William and Ila May (Munger) Francisco. She married the love of her life, Jerome “Jerry” Brownell, on December 12, 1959, and the two of them had many wonderful years together before his passing in 2018.
Joan worked as a nurse for many years, going from working with babies all the way to helping people with end of life care. She was sweet and caring by nature and she spent her life serving others – both human and furry. She volunteered at Companion Cats, helping to tame spicy tempered cats, and she doted on her rescue donkeys and Belgian horses. She also enjoyed the cattle that was out on the farm. When she wasn’t outside with the animals, she was outside in her garden. Joan was known for her love of her roses, but she also tended to the crops they grew.
She and Jerry went camping often, though once they settled into their later years in life, they took to traveling more. They went out to Alaska and also made the trip with family to visit their son, Randy, in Georgia.
Joan was also very patient with children, teaching them how to sew and knit. She was a Campfire Scout Leader when her daughters were younger and was also involved with 4-H with her children. She positively adored her grandchildren and loved every moment she got to spend with them.
Joan was an avid reader, enjoying true crime and mystery novels. When she wasn’t immersed in a story, she was working on tracing back her family’s genealogy- she traced the Brownell side of the family back to 1271 and the Francisco side back to 1732! She was known for making the most divine tasting pies, but her peach pie was especially wonderful.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Ila and Frank Francisco, her husband, Jerome Brownell, and her siblings, Jim (Lilah) Francisco, Betty Francisco, and her brother-in-law, Don Mohn.
Joan is survived by her children, Frank (Karen) Brownell, Sheri (John) Britton, Randy (Marie) Brownell, Karen (Steve) Rutenber, her grandchildren, JT (Ashley) Britton, Chad (Carrie) Britton, Brad (Amanda) Brownell, Chelsey (Matt) Kirby, Ellen (Jake) Brownell, Scott (Ashley) Brownell, Melissa Ostrander, Mike Walters, Amanda (Cam) Robinson, many beloved great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, her sister, Dee Mohn, her brother, Jerry (Karen) Francisco, a close family friend, Joani See, and her devoted black lab, Pepper Brownell.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 13, 2026, at 1 pm at Washington Park in Bellevue, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to Oaklawn Hospice and to Companion Cats. The Kempf Family Funeral Home is honored to care for the Brownell family in their time of need.
Frederick W. Kracker
Fredrick W. Kracker, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at age 85, on January 25, 2026. He was born on July 17, 1940, in Newberry, Michigan, to Walter and Caroline (Mahlo) Kracker. Fred was a graduate of Ferris State University. He found employment at Aluminum Extrusion and later at the Barry-Eaton Health Department. He enjoyed attending antique steam engine shows, car museums and playing euchre, volleyball, and various types of puzzles.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Laura (Peter) Kracker; sons, Thomas (Jacque) Kracker and Michael (Lynn) Kracker; grandchildren, Trinity, Ava, Jayden, Viktorija, and Alexander; brothers, Ernest Kracker, William (Rebecca) Kracker; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter (Caroline) Kracker; sisters, Lillie Kracker, Jane Bradshaw, and Louise Kracker; sister-in-law, Diana Kracker; and brother-in-law, Melvin Bradshaw.
Friends are encouraged to support Fredrick’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. No services will be held at this time. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William Dennis Swartz
William Dennis (Denny) Swartz, 78, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital surrounded by his family. Denny was born on August 23, 1947, to Melvin Roy (Bill) Swartz and Charlotte Ann Swartz (Love) in Battle Creek.
Denny was a giving, caring, and proud husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-uncle, great grandfather and friend to many. He’d help anyone, anytime, anywhere with anything and everything he could. He loved when his kids, sons-in-law, or grandkids called him or stopped by just to chat or asked him to teach them how to do something, which he was amazing at. Growing up, Denny loved spending time on the farm with his uncles, playing sports, and being outside. As a teenager, he not only went to school, but worked many hours at the American Legion Club House where his mother and sister also worked.
He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1966. Shortly after graduation, Denny was drafted into the Vietnam War, where he served as a Sargent E5 filling an E6 Staff Sargent position in the United States Army. On August 2, 1969, he married the first love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Ruth Trott in North Ridgeville, Ohio. For the next 25 and half years, they made a home and had two daughters. While his daughters were growing up, he was often seen coaching one or both of them in softball or at a sporting event cheering on his hometown. He was employed at a full service Marathon gas station for a short time before being hired into Fisher Body (GM) in Lansing.
Denny was a Mason for over 50 years and a lifetime member. He began his time as a Mason at the Climax Lodge. He was proud to be a Mason and held many seats in several lodges over the years, including Past Master of the Kalamo Lodge. He also often attended Lodge in Dayton, Tennessee, when visiting friends.
Once he retired after 31 years from GM, he spent a lot of time fishing, visiting friends in Tennessee, and picked up a part-time job driving truck for Gould’s Trucking in Olivet for several years.
Denny was lucky enough to find the second love of his life, Joyce Bernheisel, and they were married on May 14, 2005. Joyce had two grown children that Denny embraced as his own. Together they shared four kids, four granddaughters, and two great granddaughters. In later years, he was the biggest fan in the crowd and a proud Papa as he watched at least one, if not two or three playing or performing at the same time. He and Joyce spent many years taking care of each of them before they reached school age. Papa and Grandma were often seen at softball, volleyball and soccer games, dance recitals and band concerts.
Denny was preceded in death by his father, mother, first wife, and sister. He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters Shannon (Tony) Bass and Michelle (Doug) Pennington, both of Bellevue, step-daughter Anne (John) Swanson of Portland, Oregon, step-son Chris Pillars of Vicksburg, sisters Marjorie Coy of Bellevue, Pat Dowding (Mary) of Battle Creek, brother-in-law Jim Treat of Bellevue, grandchildren, MaKenna Pillars and Kyle Colwell, Kayden and Karley Bass and Willow Pennington, great-granddaughters, Loreli and Mallori Colwell and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a visitation on February 12, 4 to 7 p.m. at Rhe North End, 232 N. Main St., Bellevue.
A Military and Masonic grave side service will be held on April 24, 2026 ,at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Masonic Home in Alma, 1200 Wright Ave. Alma, MI 48801.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, and to share memories and pictures with the family.
James Michael Shaver
James Michael Shaver, a hardworking man who provided for his family, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026. James, 77, of Charlotte, was born on July 16, 1948, in Lansing, the son of John and Catherine (O’Dell) Shaver. Shortly after graduating from high school, James married Cindy Lou Priesman, they were married for 58 wonderful years until her passing on July 30, 2025. James worked as a pipefitter for General Motors, retiring after 30 plus years in 2001. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed the thrill of the hunt and the zip of each cast fishing. His favorite memory was when he tagged his first buck and fishing on the Looking Glass River in his youth. James was active in the National Rifle Association, Pheasants Forever, Quality Deer Management, and the Chief Okemos Sportsman Club. James was a man who could fix anything, he also enjoyed watching sports, especially MSU.
James is survived by his children, Donna Lynn Zaluga and James Michael Shaver Jr.; grandchildren, Eric Batt, Joshua Zaluga, and Dalton Zaluga; seven great-grandchildren, Joey, Jackson, Emberlynn, Brooklynn, Nathaniel, Emmett, and Gracelynn; siblings, Patricia Darby, John E. (Charlotte) Shaver Jr., and Thomas (Martha) Shaver. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Cindy Lou Shaver; his parents; and brother-in-law, Dave Darby.
Friends are encouraged to support James’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services are Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 9 to 11 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.