Obituaries
Michael Henry Mosko
Michael Henry Mosko of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 18, 2023, at the age of 78. Mike was born in Detroit, MI on April 20, 1945, to John and Helen Mosko. He would never pass up an opportunity to be outdoors. Some of his favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Bethel (Rodgers) Mosko of Eaton Rapids; daughter, Darlene (Cory) Monroe of Howell; brother, John (Kathy) Mosko of Mesick; grandchildren, Justin Taulbee, Victoria Tinsley, Dominick Tinsley; great-grandchild, Savannah Campbell. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerry Mosko.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
James Earl Harding
James Earl Harding, went to be with his Lord on July 17, 2023, at the age of 76. James was born May 2, 1947, in Lansing, MI to Milford and Ann Marie (Elsenheimer) Harding. He was one of the original founders and Captain for Hamlin Township Fire Department and was also a volunteer for the City of Eaton Rapids Fire Department. James retired from Consumers Energy in 1996 after 30 years of service.
James is survived by his loving wife, Kerin (Beteau) Harding of Eaton Rapids; children, Todd (Salli) Harding of Eaton Rapids, Krista (Jason) Lipp of Mason; grandchildren, Jacob Lipp of Michigan, Rebecca (Brent Desgrange) Harding of Florida, Brendin (Ellie McGarry) Lipp of Eaton Rapids, Alexandra (Matthew Maurer) Harding of Eaton Rapids; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Lipp, Nolan Lipp and Oliver Jakeman; sister, Judith Hasenick of Arizona and several nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Naomi Harding; biological mother, Ann Marie Harding; sister, Nancy Rynard.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church of Eaton Rapids. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Kristine Marie Pohlman
Kristine Marie Pohlman of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the age of 75. Born on June 8, 1948, in Ishpeming, MI, the daughter of Frederick and Audrey Pohlman. Kristine was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated from high school in the class of 1966. She worked for Eaton Stamping in her early years but spent much of her professional career as an apartment manager for senior living in Holt and Lansing, MI. She enjoyed a good romantic movie, working on puzzles or playing cribbage and online card games. Kristine was mostly proud of being a mother and of the wonderful men that her sons became.
She is survived by her sons, David (Claudia) Lynch, Chad (Kara) Getter; stepdaughter, Carrie (Rick) Brock; special friend, Ruth Bradley and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the McLaren Hospice or any substance abuse program in her name. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Donald Arthur DeLong Jr.
Donald Arthur DeLong Jr. of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 10, 2023, at the age of 85 surrounded by his family after a long illness. Donald was born in Lansing, MI on October 2, 1937, to Donald and Verla (Premoe) DeLong Sr. Donald retired from Eckrich after 29 years and worked as a Machine Repairman in the Navy for four years.
Donald is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Fuchs) DeLong of Eaton Rapids; children, Jeffrey (Barb) DeLong of Eaton Rapids, Laura (Scott) Church of Rossford, OH, Michael (Laura) DeLong of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Amanda (Rob) Dubois, Heather (Brandon Williams) DeLong, Ainslie (Allen) Mathews, Brittany (Christopher) McKinnon, Dustin (Stephanie Scherer) Dean, Sierra (Chris Segura) Church, Cody (Mable Henrick) Church, Joshua (Georggia) DeLong, Kyle (Chelsie) DeLong; brother, George (Marlene) DeLong of Lansing; 20 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, Memorial Contributions can be made to Eaton Rapids Athletic Boosters or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in loving memory of Donald Arthur DeLong Jr. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Jay Alan Fink
Jay Alan Fink, beloved husband, father and papa, joined his Heavenly Father on Monday, the 10th of July 2023 at the age of 75.
Jay was born December 10, 1947 and has lived his entire life in Eaton Rapids. The son of a dairy farmer, Jay grew up raising and caring for cows and helping out on the family farm. He learned about life, work ethic, and the value of family from his father who was his hero. He spent time building a network of friends and neighbors that has lasted a lifetime. He enjoyed playing baseball for Eaton Rapids High School, continuing for many years playing on local softball leagues, coaching church softball, listening to the Tigers games, and of course, rooting on his beloved Spartans.
Jay was very entrepreneurial – at a young age he earned money from the cows he raised and sold. He proudly purchased his first car at 16, the first of many sweet rides with speakers in the back. Afterall, music was Jay’s passion. He was known to have had the best selection of 45s including his favorites: The Beach Boys and The Four Seasons.
Jay received his enlistment papers from Uncle Sam in 1968 and served in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was a patriot all his life and loved his country. After his tour, Jay returned to Eaton Rapids and began his 47-year career at Commercial Blueprint in Lansing.
Little did Jay know that on a blind date in 1969, he’d meet the love of his life. From that first date, he was smitten and married Beverly Bennett on June 25, 1971. As Bev would later recount, Jay was the spitting image of Robert Redford and so, as she puts it, “I really didn’t have a choice.” Together, they enjoyed a marriage of true friendship, laughter, and fun and raised three loving daughters who were his pride and joy.
He treated everyone he met as a friend. He filled his life with service to others, dispensing wisdom, good cheer, kindness and fun to everyone. The bank teller, the cashier, and always the salesperson would get an unsolicited dose of Jay’s charm. He had a gift of gab and loved hearing and sharing a good story. He never let a day go by without laughter and a hug. His kindness, sincere interest, and warmth touched everyone he met, and he will be greatly missed.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, June and Norman Fink. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly (Bennett) Fink; daughters, Rachelle (Jon) LoDuca, Kari (Jeff) Panse, and Stacey (Joe) Shemanski; his brothers, Dan (Sarah) Fink and Tom (Dianne) Hagren; his cherished nine grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church in Mason. The family will receive friends at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.