Obituaries
Mary Elizabeth Hunter
Mary Elizabeth Hunter, age 82, of Charlotte, died July 10, 2023. Mary was born December 28, 1940 in Lansing, Michigan, to Harold and Mary (Dane) Hunter. The family lived in Millett and owned the local grocery store. Mary was her dad’s right-hand, trusty helper growing up and she treasured those memories. After graduating high school, Mary attended MSU and received her Bachelor’s Degree in early elementary. She taught in the Olivet School District before stopping to once again help in the family market. Mary eventually took on the duties of caregiver as her parents’ health declined. When time allowed, Mary enjoyed riding horses and looked forward to vacationing on Drummond Island.
Fiercely independent, determined, humble, and kind, Mary could be seen ‘out and about’ on her bike from dawn to dusk in all seasons and all types of weather. She was well-known by countless community members as she collected bottles and cans to keep Charlotte ‘picked up.’ This activity gave her purpose, and it kept her in her happy place – the outdoors.
Mary enjoyed over two years as a resident of Sensations Memory Care, where she was free to walk as much as she liked and received exceptional care from the loving staff.
Mary is survived by her sister, Dorothea Sandin; her grand-nephew, John A. Sandin IV; and her dear friends, John and Carol Rossio. Mary was predeceased by her parents; her brother-in-law, John A. Sandin II; and her nephew, John A. Sandin III.
Graveside services will be held Friday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Delta Center Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Luke Eugene West
Mr. Luke Eugene West, age 71, passed away on July 1, 2023, at his home in Bellevue, MI.
Luke was born in Battle Creek, MI on April 6, 1952, the son of the late Roy and Marietta West.
He was raised in the Bellevue area, and attended local schools, completing his education at Springfield High School. Luke was united in marriage to Nancy Meinke and together they had three sons, Jim, Luke Jr. and John.
Luke began his working career at Fire Apparatus in Battle Creek, Mi where he painted trucks. In 1976 he joined the Grand Trunk Western Railroad where he worked as a carman. During his tenure at the railroad, Luke was responsible for repairing and maintaining box cars and was a part of the local derailment team. Luke retired after 37 years of faithful service.
On February 23, 1980, Luke married Patti (Sayles) and together they had three sons, Joseph, Dale and Jacob. Luke and Patti made their home and raised their family together in the Bellevue area.
During his spare time, Luke enjoyed spending time with his boys working on vintage automobiles and drag racing at the local tracks including Martin and Stanton Speedways. Luke was a family man in every sense of the term and took great pride in caring for and spending time with his boys. He was an avid softball player and used his knowledge of the sport to help coach the boys’ teams as they grew. During the summer months, Luke enjoyed spending an afternoon fishing the local lakes and working in the garden with his wife Patti.
Luke is survived by his beloved wife, Patti; his children, Jim (Heather) West, Luke (Rachel) West Jr., John (Andie) Ferree, Joseph (Ashley) West, Dale (Sarah Randall) West and Jacob (Casey) West; his siblings, Roy West, Sammy (Scott) Dorsey and Deana (Ron) Garrett; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service was held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville. Interment took place immediately following the funeral service at Needmore Cemetery in Chester Township.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family of Luke West via a GoFundMe account at this link: https://gofund.me/54ee351d.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
David Allen Frantzman, Sr.
David Allen Frantzman, Sr., 76, of Potterville, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, the Fourth of July 2023. David was born September 3, 1946, in Little Falls, NY, the son of Richard and Florence (Mingst) Frantzman, Sr. He spent his childhood on the farm. Following high school graduation, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Navy Electrician and as a member of the Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 2. Shortly after enlistment, he married the love of his life, Nancy on December 21, 1968, in Port Republic, NJ. Following his service, he started a career in the Ryder Truck rental business, retiring in 1998. David enjoyed time on the water boating and fishing, woodworking, computers, and tending to his numerous aquariums. He was also an avid model airplane builder and flyer; he was a member of the Capital Area Radio Drone Squadron. Above all, David loved and cherished his family.
David is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Nancy Frantzman; their children, Vickie (Tad Jonathan) Schultz and David Frantzman, Jr.; 5 grandchildren, Kara (Dan) Szubinski, Allison Schultz, Larissa (Dylan) Dotson, Nathaniel Fox, Abigail Frantzman, and Wesley Frantzman; great-grandsons, Maddox Szubinski, and Damian Dotson; brothers, Richard Frantzman, Jr., and Wayne Frantzman; sisters, Cyndi Green, and Debra Chappini; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Sandy Madsen and Judy Stern.
Friends are encouraged to support David’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 2-5:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home Funeral services are Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey 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 David’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 American Heart Association or the American Lung Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William Nelson Connelly
William Nelson Connelly, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2023, in Alpena, MI, just five days shy of his 85th birthday. Born on June 23, 1938, in Columbiaville, MI, Bill was the son of the late Nicholas and Florence (Pollard) Connelly.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley (Moran) Connelly, whom he married on March 15, 1963. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including their daughters Cherie (Glen) Gilbert and Cathy Harrington. Bill took great pride in his eight grandchildren: Heidi (Jon) Heinl, Paul Gilbert, Kyle Harrington, Chad Harrington, Evan Harrington, T.J. (Katie) Colgan, and Andrew Colgan, as well as his eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his immediate family, Bill is survived by his brother Charles (Judy) Connelly, sister Liz Jenkins, several nieces and nephews, and his close feline companion, Sammy the cat. He was preceded in death by his sons Timothy Colgan and Nicholas Connelly, his sister Pat Shaw, and his brother-in-law Lloyd Shaw.
A high school graduate, Bill enlisted in the US Navy shortly after completing his education. Following his time in the service, he began his career as an orthotist, working alongside his father in the Eaton Rapids area. Eventually, Bill made his way north to work for Wright and Filippis and later retired from Teter Orthotics in Alpena. Throughout his career, Bill was known for his dedication, professionalism, and the genuine care he provided to his patients.
Bill was a man of many interests and talents. He was an avid hunter and a proud member of the National Rifle Association. His love for the outdoors extended to his passion for gardening, where he cultivated beautiful flowers and bountiful vegetables each year. Bill was an accomplished woodworker, crafting stunning jewelry boxes that will be cherished by those lucky enough to possess one. He also had a creative side, often expressing himself through poetry. Bill’s curiosity led him to become an avid camera collector, always excited to find a new addition to his collection.
Above all else, Bill was a loving, handy, and kind man. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word to those in need. His love for his family was evident in the time and care he devoted to them, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
Bill’s family and friends will remember him as a man who could do anything he set his mind to, a testament to his determination and resourcefulness. They will miss his warm smile, gentle nature, and unwavering love. The world is a little less bright without Bill in it, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive Bill’s family and friends one hour prior to the service to gather, share stories, laughter, and tears in honor of a life well-lived. Following the service, a memorial reception will be held at Skinner Funeral Home.
Walter A. Bellows
Walter A. Bellows of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born on April 13, 1940, as the eldest of three children to Bernard and Ellen (Field) Bellows. Growing up on the family farm in rural Eaton Rapids, Walter graduated from high school in the class of 1958.
Walter’s sense of duty led him to proudly serve in the Air Force National Guard. Following his honorable discharge, he entered into a lifelong commitment with Kayleen Thorburn, marrying her in 1962. While Walter dedicated his life primarily to crop farming and dairy farming and later ventured into cattle farming for a period of time. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Walter made a significant impact as a firefighter in Lansing Township. He dedicated himself to this noble profession and retired as a lieutenant. Walter’s love for horses and harness racing fueled his competitive spirit, driving him to participate in races across the Midwest.
Walter actively contributed to the Special Olympics, where he coached handball, basketball, and volleyball. His dedication to helping others thrive through sports showcased his caring nature. During his leisure time, Walter found joy in playing golf, bowling, and engaging in pheasant hunting. Recently, he developed an interest in jewelry making.
His commitment to community extended beyond his personal pursuits. He served on the Eaton Rapids Township Planning Commission, actively contributing to the betterment of his community. Preceding him in death were his parents, Bernard and Ellen (Field) Bellows, and sister-in-law, Patty (Husbeck) Bellows.
Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Kayleen Bellows; children, Carmen (Mike) Ells, Coreen (Larry) Strzalka, Connie (Mark) Klaisner, Kyle Bellows; grandchildren, Cannon (Bonnie) Strzalka, Carolyn (Luke) Lofgren, Claire (Reda Koraichi) Klaisner, Sydney Klaisner; great grandchildren, Kenton Strzalka, Ben Lofgren, Jack Strzalka; siblings, Carol (Eldon) Wright, Nick Bellows; sister-in-law, Jeannine (Dick) Baylis and numerous nieces, nephews extended family and friends.
A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family received friends starting at 10:00 a.m. and hosted a luncheon immediately following the committal service at Munger Cemetery. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics Area 8 or House of Ruth in memory of Walter. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com