Obituaries
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.