Obituaries
Richard Dart Otto
Richard (Dick) Dart Otto, age 76, of Olivet, was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, December 21, 2024 unexpectedly. He was born July 12, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan the son of Thomas and Doris (Schultz) Otto. Richard graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit with the class of 1967. On March 29, 1969, Richard married Lynda E. Jones in Detroit, Michigan. Soon after their marriage, Richard was drafted and was stationed in Dover, Delaware, but his favorite assignment was in Anchorage, Alaska where he served his country in the United States Air Force. After Richard was honorably discharged from the Air Force he decided to stay in Alaska. He went to a trade school for the next four years and became a Plumber/Pipefitter with the UA Local 367 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Anchorage, Alaska.
Richard worked in many different areas of Alaska servicing remote Native villages. He also worked on the Alaska Pipeline. Richard was a man of great integrity and was blessed with a contagious smile, robust laugh, and a unique sense of humor. He was an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. He started and ran many different businesses throughout the years. He also had a passion for fishing- especially in Alaska on the Kenai River. But what brought him the most joy in his life was his family. He cherished each and every one of them in his own special way. Richard loved spending time together with those that he loved most, including his dog Cooper.
Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynda; children, Heath (Melinda) Otto of Olivet, Timothy (Kimberly) Otto of Chelsea, Laura (William) Hessert of Bellevue; grandchildren, Payton Otto, Cooper Otto, Teegan Otto, Nolan Otto, Grady Otto; sister, Patricia (Albert) Young of Commerce Township; and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John (Nancy) Otto; nephew, Alan Otto; and grandson, Oliver Hessert.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will received friends on Friday, January 3 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to collect funds to put towards the beautification or improvement of his favorite fishing place where he spent countless hours and made many memories in Soldotna, Alaska. Funds can be sent to the following Venmo account: @laurahessert. The ability to give cash or a check will also be available at the times of visitations and service.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Cynthia Sue Burns
Cynthia “Cindy” Sue Burns, a God-fearing woman, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 16, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Cindy, 65, of Charlotte, was born on Christmas Eve 1958 in Lansing, the daughter of Rex and Martha (Linden) Henderson. Upon graduating from Sexton High School in 1977, Cindy attended college for a short time before beginning her career with GM. Cindy worked on the assembly line at GM for 30 plus years before her retirement. After retirement she worked as a CNA at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility. Family meant the world to Cindy. They have endless memories of their travels together around Michigan, checking out the lighthouses, taking in the views of the Great Lakes, or just driving in the country taking in the scenery. Cindy was a movie and TV show buff, she enjoyed all the classics from Indiana Jones to Golden Girls, and Murder She Wrote. The holidays meant a lot to Cindy, she always loved spreading joy to those in need. Cindy was an active member of the Charlotte Assembly of God church in Charlotte. She loved Jesus and was very devoted in her faith. Above all she was proud of her family and all the memories that they share.
Cindy is survived by her children, Traci Zdenahlik, and John Porter; grandchildren, Alizia, Trinidy, and Xavier; mother, Martha Henderson; siblings, Annette (Joe) Cardenas, and Lucy (Brad) Jackson; niece, Kara; and nephew, Kyle. She was predeceased by her father, Rex Henderson; granddaughter, Angelina; and her beloved fur babies.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 2-5:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, December 23, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at Charlotte Assembly of God with Pastor Shane Bryant 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 Cindy’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 Charlotte Assembly of God Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Theron Hicks
Theron “Jack” Hicks, the light of any room he entered, passed away in his home on December 14, 2024. Jack, 68, of Olivet was born July 20, 1956, in Lansing to Jack Hicks and Donna (Post) Hicks. Jack filled our lives with adventure, laughter, and boundless joy. As a child, Jack treasured times spent on the lake at his grandfather’s home in Trufant, Michigan. Those sun-soaked days kindled his lifelong love for the outdoors. Whether it was an annual sports fishing outing in Ludington, traveling across northern Michigan, or celebrating the Detroit Lions as a “true fan”, Jack embraced every life experience with enthusiasm.
Jack graduated high school early and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, deploying to Okinawa during his service. Following his honorable discharge, Jack was employed by Consumers Energy, beginning his early days as a Meter Reader and working his way up to Control Room Technician. Though Jack came to fatherhood later in life, he embraced it wholeheartedly, becoming a pillar of strength and love. He was most proud of being a father, a partner to the love of his life, a Marine, and his home in the country.
Jack’s clever wit and warm embrace linger in the hearts of those who knew him. His big joyful voice and constant smile reflected a man who was always happy and never said no to helping others. Jack embraced life fully, and his legacy of kind gestures and unwavering support will continue to inspire us.
Jack leaves behind his love, Elizabeth Mach; daughters, Angelina Mach, Alixandra Mach, and Bailey Spare; mother, Donna Mather; stepbrother Lyle (Mary) Forcia; step-sister Linda (Art) Giffen; sister-in-law Terry Barner; and honorary sister-in-law Deborah Ries. He was preceded in death by his brother, Scott David Barner; stepsister Rosetta “Chi” Zeeb; and step-father Duane Mather.
As we look toward the horizon where the sky meets the water, we find comfort in knowing that Jack’s light continues to shine, guiding us to embrace each moment with the same joy and love he so generously shared.
Friends are encouraged to support Jack’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 6 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services were Friday, December 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice in Jack’s name. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Walter Arnold Hayward
Walter “Walt” Arnold Hayward, a man who was always willing to help those in need, died on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Walt, 85, of Charlotte, was born on April 24, 1939, in Muskegon, the son of William and Marion (DeJohn) Hayward. On December 22, 1960, Walt married Arlene Hultgren and they would spend 55 wonderful years creating lasting memories until her passing in 2015. Walt worked for General Motors for 31 years, where he retired as a supervisor in 1995. Following his retirement Walt and Arlene moved to Cadillac. In his younger years Walt loved coaching his boys’ sports teams, serving as a boy scouts’ leader, and was very active with the athletic boosters.
Walt had a heart for service, early in life he was a Lions Club member, and later was very involved with the Elks Lodge in Cadillac. In the lodge he held countless positions, serving alongside his wife, they were able to make a difference for those in need. He was a devoted member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte, where he was very active in the church, serving on church council for several years. Walt as a kid spent his summers in the UP at 16 Mile Lake where he helped his father build the family cottage, and other cottages around the lake. Once he had children, his children spent a week in the summer enjoying the lake as well. In his younger years Walt enjoyed fishing, hunting, family camping trips to Cadillac, where the boys would pile into their 12-foot fishing boat and fish for hours. Walt loved to travel, he and Arlene traveled to numerous places over the years and loved seeing new places. He was also an avid golfer, and Michigan State Spartan fan. Later in life Walt loved being able to watch his grandchildren play sports. Above all Walt was proud of his work for General Motors and his family.
Walt is survived by his sons, Scott (Julie) Hayward, and Rick (Jennifer) Hayward; grandchildren, Joshua Daniels, Austin (Anna) Hayward, Meghan (Jesse) Seibert, Lance Hayward, and Nicholas Hayward; great-granddaughter, Charlotte; and nephew, Daniel Hayward. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Arlene; brother, William Charles Hayward Jr.; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Walt’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Neil Brady officiating. Visitation was held at the church just prior to the service from 10-11:30 a.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 Walts’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 Elks Lodge #680 in Cadillac. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Ivan Parish Sr.
James ‘Jim’ Ivan Parish Sr., age 73 of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away December 9, 2024. He was born April 22, 1951, to Jack and MaryLee Parish.
Jim was an avid golfer and bowler who spent more than his fair share on the course and on the lanes, enjoying the game and challenge it brought. He also had a love for motorcycles, often hitting the road for long rides, taking trips across the country. Jim also had a passion for classic cars and photography.
He is survived by his children Jimmy, Zach, and Jessica Parish. His siblings; Elaine (Dave) Martin, Sandy (Butch) Craven, and sister-in-law Patty Parish. Step- family; Max and Randy Rodeman. Grandchildren; Jacob Parish, Makayla (Norm) Hardy, Dakota Parish, Austin Parish, Katelynn (Brendan) Cowee, Danae Parish (Lance Tucker), Dayson, Danyil, Mason, and Maddox Parish. Jim is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Jack and MaryLee, his step- father Gus Rodeman and brothers; Mike and Jack Parish, and sister in law Betsy Parish.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in the spring.
The family is being served by Lauer Family Funeral Home of Jackson.