Obituaries
John A. Evanson
John A. Evanson, age 63, of Brownton, Minnesota, formerly of Mason, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at his home. Memorial Service was held Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, Minnesota with Pastor Allen Gislason officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery in Brownton.
John Allen Evanson was the devoted father of Anna and Nic, the center and loves of his life. He was a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher and coach. Two of his sixth graders were rewarded in Washington DC for their creative history projects and his wrestling team celebrated their success by shaving John’s head!
John was compassionate, sweet, and fun-loving, with a hearty laugh and a zest for living. He loved his family and friends and was a passionate advocate for others, often expressed in his political beliefs. John was forced to retire early and relocate to live with his mother in Minnesota. His medical condition required dialysis treatments three times a week and he was blessed with excellent care at the Fresenius Medical Center in Hutchinson. Thanks to all their wonderful staff!
Relocation also meant that John would reconnect with many of his college rugby teammates and friends from his years at Mankato State University (now known as University of Minnesota, Mankato). Their friendship sustained and supported him through his medical challenges. Thanks to each and every one of you!
Olive and Robert feel blessed to have had the past six years with John. The brothers would spend the day together, often searching for unique ethnic restauranteurs where they could laugh and talk together. John was a loving son, a challenging cribbage player, a creative woodworker and stain glass artist, an adventurous cook, as well as Olive’s computer guru and encyclopedic resource of information (historical, scientific, and trivial!). John, you will be missed! May you rest in peace.
John is survived by his daughter, Anna; son, Nic (Emma); three grandchildren, Sara, Everett, and Alice; mother, Olive Evanson; brother, Robert (Sheila); three nieces and nephews, James, Tara, and Ross; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John is preceded in death by his father, Everett Evanson; and grandparents.
Our thanks to the Brownton Rescue Squad for their excellent care, to the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel, and to the wonderful persons who have sent their condolence.
Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com.
Boyd M. Crannell
Boyd M. Crannell, age 83, formerly of Charlotte, Michigan passed away March 2, 2023. Visitation is Sunday, March 12 from 3-6 p.m. at Henry’s Funeral Home, Battle Creek, Mich. Military honors at Ft. Custer in Augusta, Mich. on Monday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m. Further details may be found online at www.henryfuneralhome.org.
James (Bud) Martin Haley
A good man died this week.
James (Bud) Martin Haley of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully at the age of 101, March 8, 2023. Bud was born in Detroit, MI, January 10, 1922, the son of John and Emily (Stewart) Haley. He was an Army Veteran during WWII, earning three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. Bud was a hunter, a laborer, a merchant, a soldier, a skilled tradesman, a card player, a square dancer, a shoe repair man and a million other things. Most of all, he was a family man, a good neighbor, and a real friend to those who knew him well. The family would like to thank the staff at Island City Assisted Living for the love and care that they showed to Bud for the past ten and a half years.
Bud is survived by his son, Jerry (Kristine) Haley of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Nancy Haley of Springport; grandchildren, Kevin (Kelly) Haley, Karen (Brian) Lantz, Fonda Byer, James Haley, Tony Haley, James Terry and Stephen Terry; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, John Haley Jr., Michael Haley; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Haley; son, Richard Haley; brothers, Bill Haley and Louis Haley; sisters, Doris Gordon, Eleanor Spotts, JoAnne Justvig and Josephine Roberts.
Funeral services with military honors will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with interment following in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Kevin Duane DeFrates
Kevin Duane DeFrates of Ionia, age 71, passed away on February 28, 2023. Service will be on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Wanona E. Hathcox
Wanona E. Hathcox, age 94, of Peoria, Arizona passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023. She was born in Charlotte, Michigan on January 15, 1929 to the late Myrl and Effie (Shumaker) Dillon of Olivet/Charlotte and Grayling, Michigan.
Buriel took place at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.