Obituaries
On November 27, 2024, we unexpectedly lost the rock of our family. Linda Tokar, age 74, passed away peacefully in her sleep. She is survived by her four children who made the entirety of her world; Marcie (Jeff Stombaugh) Tokar, Chris (Kristie) Tokar, Steve (Tammy) Tokar and Jim Tokar. Eight grandchildren; Jena Stombaugh (Jim Stanley), Lauryn Stombaugh, Christine Tokar, Bailey Tokar, Brooke Tokar, Audrey Tokar, Val Tokar, and Hunter Tokar. She is also survived by her siblings; Gary Pentecost, Terry (Holly) Pentecost, and Cindy (Joe) Leimback and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Betty Pentecost; brother, Jim Pentecost; sister, Sharon (Pentecost) Smith; and her beloved dog, Molly.
There is so much we can say about our mother but there aren’t enough words and too many memories. The most important thing in her life was her children and grandchildren. She once told me that if she would have known how much fun her grandchildren were, she would have skipped her kids. She loved our family picnics and holidays. Those were her favorite.
If we had one more time to talk to her, we would tell her this, “Thank you for all the times you supported us throughout our lives. Whether it be our good choices or bad and for loving us all unconditionally. For giving us so many awesome memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. You weren’t just a great mom; you were also the coolest mom. You relax and enjoy your eternal pain free life. Until we meet again, we love you, Mama.”
We will be having a celebration of her life on May 31, 2025. The time and place will be announced at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Linda’s memory to the family to assist with her final expenses.
To view Linda’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.
Mark Joseph Boehmer
Mark Joseph Boehmer, age 61, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on December 7, 2024. Mark was born on August 31, 1963, in Charlotte, Michigan to Earl W. and Thela A. (DeLong) Boehmer. He was a loving husband and devoted father to Kevin Boehmer and Ashley (Max) Neubauer, and a proud grandfather to Brantley.
Mark graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of ’81 and worked many years at Tenneco until he retired in 2020. He was a man of grit and was incredibly hard-working. Mark had a great sense of humor, and his laughter and lighthearted spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Mark enjoyed golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends.
Mark leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Debora; children, Kevin Boehmer and Ashley (Max) Neubauer; grandson, Brantley; siblings, Mary (John) Gehrig, Bob (Mary) Boehmer; sister-in-law, Spring Boehmer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jim Boehmer and Earl Boehmer.
A celebration of Mark’s life was held at the Lee Township Hall, 23045 21 Mile Road, Olivet, MI 49076 on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice in Mark’s honor.
To view Mark’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.
Alana Deann Vedder-Lord
Alana Deann Vedder-Lord, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday November 27, 2024. She was lovingly surrounded by family and friends.
Alana was born in Lansing, Michigan on February 13, 1947, the oldest of three children, to Lyle and Segrid (Simon) Vedder. She attended Needmore Country School through sixth grade, graduating from Charlotte High School in 1965.
She raised three children, the pride and joy of her life, and returned to the workforce working for Wright Plastics and then the federal government. After 29 years, she retired in 2008 as a Contract Specialist for the United States Property and Fiscal Office of the Michigan National Guard.
Alana enjoyed traveling to The Big Water (Lake Superior), as she fondly called it. She enjoyed just being by the water and watching ship traffic. She loved to cook and garden; she had a lot of horticultural knowledge. She also enjoyed bird watching and taught her family how to identify them.
A generous and forgiving person by nature, she exemplified the love of Christ in her everyday life. The Lord was by far Alana’s greatest pursuit, and she touched many lives with His love and kindness. She was a member of First Lutheran Church for over 40 years and greatly valued the worship, teaching and friendships she enjoyed there.
Although we know Alana is now healed and with her Lord, she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Alana is survived by her children Todd (Kaleigh) Lord, Joelle (Broc) Burgess, and Danielle (Bob) Roodvoets; grandchildren Spencer, Skylar, and Pierce Lord; Levi, Brennyn (Sean McPhee), and Raegan (Kyle Franklin) Hebekeuser, and Janna, Amelia, Silas, and Robbie Roodvoets; six great-grandchildren; sister, Marlene Siefert; brother, Rod Vedder; beloved nieces and nephew; special cousins Paula McCloy, Pam Wilson, and Cheryl Roll; special friends Tessa Stoltzfus, Marlene Smith, and Bob Lord.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial service was held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church of Charlotte with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Burkhead-Green Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.
If desired, memorial contributions can be sent to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte 550 W. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Alana’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Margaret Evelin Jones
Margaret Evelin (Mason) Jones, 95, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25. She was born on September 28, 1929, to Frank and Pauline (Scholl) Mason. She attended St. Johns High School where she graduated in 1947.
She married William (Bill) Jones in May of 1949 in Muncie, Indiana. Together they enjoyed traveling the United States throughout the years. Margaret was a cashier at Kroger store and in her free time she loved to crochet. She was a life member of the Potterville Order of Eastern Star.
Margaret is survived by her son Thomas (Kathy) Jones; grandchildren Bill (Erica) Jones, Brandy (Mark) Bishop, Michelle (Lenny) Cruz, Jim (Kara) Jones; and several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; sons James H. Jones, Timmerman J. Jones; and seven siblings.
In keeping with Margaret’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
To view Margaret’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family you can visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Kathleen Dornan
Kathleen Dornan, 89, of Traverse City, joined her husband Victor Dornan in Heaven. He passed away in 2015.
Kathleen was born on September 15, 1935 to Gerald and Ina (Hoke) Shumaker in Vermontville. On June 14, 1952 she and Vic married, and they shared many wonderful times together.
For many years, Kathleen loved working in retail, first at Millikens and later at Pranges/Younkers.
She was a member of Living Hope Church in Traverse City. Her faith was always very important to her. She was passionate about her love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23, and it gave her great comfort in her final days.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patrice; and siblings, Bob Shumaker, Gerald “Junior” Shumaker, Elaine Harmon, and Carol Ann Landes. She was also preceded in death by her little dog, Sophie, whom she loved very much.
She is survived by her children: Michael (Paula) of Louisiana, Gregory (Carol) of North Carolina, Victoria (Bruce) Brown of Traverse City, and Susan (Michael) Stacey of Mississippi; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to Samaritans Purse. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with her family.