Obituaries
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
Kingsley Lemuel Church III
Kingsley Lemuel Church III of Eaton Rapids, passed away at home June 29, 2023, at the age of 68. Kingsley was born in Lansing, MI, October 13, 1954, the son of Kingsley and Lucille (Turpening) Church II. He was a 1973 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and retired as a corrections officer with the State of Michigan with 29 years of service. He enjoyed playing softball, watching MSU basketball and football, fishing, hunting, NASCAR, woodworking, and the family poker parties.
Kingsley is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pat Church; children, Kingsley (Maggie) Church IV, Kristopher (Courtney) Church, Kodee (Andy Adkins) Church; step-children, Scott (Kim) Felice, Joseph (Lindsay) Felice; 11 grandchildren; siblings, Pam (Bill) Amsdill, Toni (Jim) Nelson, Scott (Laura) Church. and his dog, Sadie Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Charyl and her husband, Ric Cervantes.
Cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Kingsley. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Jon P. Kaufmann Sr.
Jon P. Kaufmann Sr., age 77, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home, on June 29, 2023.
Jon was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on March 31, 1946, to the late Albert and Louise (Phillips) Kaufmann. He graduated from Climax High School. He served his country, serving in the United States Army. Jon was a true entrepreneur. After completing barber school in Hamtramck, MI, he worked in several barbershops in the Battle Creek area before returning to his hometown of Climax opening his own, The Climax Barber Shop. Jon then changed career paths, investing and working with what would become his family’s company to this day, Fun Services. Something he took great pride in, building a successful business with family, and wonderful employees that became a second family to him. He would often say, “It takes all of us.”
Jon found great interest in aviation and flying his own airplanes for many years, as well as hunting and fishing with “the kids,” he was a father figure to many. Jon found enjoyment in spending numerous holidays and family events in Germany with his wife Sabine and her family.
On January 19, 1976 he was united in marriage with Sabine (Kipp) Kaufmann.
He is survived by his loving wife Sabine; two sons, Jon (Wendy) Kaufmann Jr., and Robert (Holly) Kaufmann Sr.; three grandsons, Kurt Lee Kaufmann, Robert “Bobby” Kaufmann Jr., and Charles Paul Kaufmann; two brothers, Albert (Linda) Kaufmann Jr. and Michael (Priscilla) Kaufmann; three nieces, Michelle (Ted) Gostomski, Kelly (Shingo) Matsubara, and Kathryn (Jordan) Lerner; and a special cousin, Verna Beach. Jon was preceded in death by his son, Stephan Kaufmann.
Friends were welcokmed to visit with the family from 4 – 7 p.m. with a Rosary immediately following, on Friday, July 7, 2023, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 312 S Main St, Bellevue, MI 49021. A Funeral Mass will be held at the church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023, where friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Friends and family are invited to join the family for lunch at the church following the Mass and then a graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Ann Catholic Church or Oaklawn Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N Elizabeth St, Bellevue, MI 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.
Delmar Laverne Leffler Jr.
Delmar “Del” Laverne Leffler Jr. (a.k.a. Cookie Monster), the kindest and sweetest man ever known, died at his home surrounded by love on June 28, 2023. Del, 89 of Charlotte, MI, was born June 20, 1934 in DeWitt to Delmar and Pearl (Bliven) Leffler Sr. As a loving, Christian man, Del was always thinking of ways to help others. Singing with his son-in-law and in his church choir brought him great joy, and so did mowing and maintaining his yard, always making sure it was just perfect. With a love for sweets, especially chocolate chip cookies, he earned the nickname of Cookie Monster. Del was the voice on the radio for a while, with radio talking books, news and obituaries on WKAR radio. During his working career he worked at many different grocery stores, including Goodrich, Hammady’s, Tom’s Shopright (where he retired from), and at L&L after he retired and decided to go back to work part-time because he loved what he did so much. Del enjoyed being a Big Brother for many years.
While he will be dearly missed by those left behind, they are comforted to know that he is in Heaven singing. Del leaves behind a legacy of love, including his wife, Beverly; stepchildren, Cindy (Don) Hoffman and Tim (Debra) Julson; grandchildren, David, Kristina, Matt, Donald, Tommy, Victoria, Nichole, Alex, and Chase; four great-grandchildren; special nephew, Dee Wakefield and niece Marion Parsons; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Jacqueline Hastings; and stepson, Tom Julson.
Friends are encouraged to support the Leffler family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, July 2 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte and Monday, July 3 at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, July 3 at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Neil Brady 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 Del’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 Peace Lutheran Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donald Peter Colizzi
Donald Peter Colizzi, 85, of Charlotte, MI, a patriotic storyteller, proud Italian and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family. Don was born March 20, 1938, in Charlotte, the son of Pietro and Caterina (Capodiferro) Colizzi. In his younger years, he helped in the family business, Liberty Sweets, alongside his parents and siblings. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1956, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, where he attained the rank of Corporal. He remained on inactive reserve duty until 1962. Don attended Lansing Business University where he earned a diploma in accounting and Ferris Institute where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce. While at Ferris, he served as President of Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity, Delta Rho Chapter, was recognized as Who’s Who Among Students, and received the Annual Award from the Big Rapids Chamber of Commerce. After graduation, Don went to work for his then future father-in-law at Sackner Products in Grand Rapids. After moving back to Charlotte, he became the Director of Admissions for Lansing Business University, where he remained for 10 years and was awarded the Idea of the Year Award and Idea Exchange Award. In 1973, Don was selected as one of 75 students for the first class at Cooley Law School, where he attended for a year. In 1979, Don received a call from Davenport College where he would begin his most admired career journey. He was instrumental in starting the first branch campus of Davenport College and rose through the ranks of Associate Dean, Dean of the Lansing Campus, Vice President and, in 2003, retired as Senior Vice President, overseeing the Great Lakes operations. While at Davenport, Don started the Michigan National Guard Davenport Training Partnership and also received the Distinguished Alumni Award. One of his greatest achievements upon retirement was receiving the Distinguished Service Medal from the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Active in all things that aided in community, education and youth enrichment, Don was a member of Rotary Club of Lansing (1984-2023), served on the Boards for Junior Achievement, Lansing Safety Council, and Michigan Freedom Foundation (25 years), was President of Michigan Freedom Academy, President of the Charlotte High School Alumni Association, served as a mentor on the Ingham County Veterans Treatment Court, member of the “Has Beens” group, and was recognized by Charlotte Chamber of Commerce for his leadership in creating and dedicating a monument honoring Charlotte’s Medal of Honor recipient, Navy Ensign Francis C. Flaherty. Don also served as a consultant to the East Lansing Rotary Club for their project honoring Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Lieutenant Sherrod Skinner. Don’s patriotism remained a central part of his life. He was always willing to share historical stories and make public presentations to service clubs and military organizations (more than 30), throughout the tri-county area. Don was highly involved in bringing the remains of Francis Flaherty home to rest at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte in 2021, and organized the Medal of Honor ceremony for Flaherty at that time. Many would call Don a Medal of Honor scholar for his indepth knowledge.
His true loves were the Charlotte community and hot dogs! In addition, Don loved to research, label and date everything, was creative, a visionary, articulate and never far from his reach was a gadget of some sort, a remote, pen, note card, and yellow highlighter. He enjoyed nature, daily walks, hot dog roasts, traveling, playing the harmonica, as well as history, his family pets (goats and dogs), and taste testing baked goods. He loved hosting parties, organizing events and building indestructible woodwork masterpieces. As a father, Don was proud of his daughters throughout their years in 4-H showing horses and forming lasting friendships with the 4-H families. He enjoyed making people laugh and had the larger than life “Colizzi Smile.” Don appreciated life, valued family and cherished friends and was an adviser to many. He loved his grandchildren, was proud of their unique traits and talents, and they sure loved their Papa the same.
Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine M. (Tisch) Colizzi; daughters, Nikki Colizzi-Corr of Westport, CT, Monique T.K. Colizzi of Charlotte, Angelique T.M. Colizzi-McCrumb (Richard L. McCrumb, Jr.) of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Curtis G.P. Colizzi, Alexander F.D. Corr, Ashley N. Corr, Richard Owenn McCrumb and Donald Brogan McCrumb; nephews, Tony Colizzi, Greg (Jeannine) Colizzi, and Lenny Stango; nieces, Kristina Colizzi-Windom (Robert) and Neysa Colizzi; great-nephews and nieces, John Colizzi, Joseph Colizzi, Max Windom, Morgan Windom, and Arabella Colizzi. He is also survived by his loving and supportive brother John (Joy) Colizzi of Northville, MI; brother-in-law, Dan Stango of Fort Wayne, IN; many cousins; and extended family in Italy, France and the U.S., as well as special friends who he considered family, Pat Mahan, Neal Christiansen
and Lacey (Brumm) Johnson. He was predeceased by his father Pietro in 1979; sister, Anna Marie Colizzi Stango in 1990; mother, Caterina (Kate) in 1995; foster sister, Lucille LaPointe DeWitt in 2015; brother, Sam Colizzi in 2016; and sister-in-law, Marlene Colizzi in 2018.
Thank you to Sparrow Eaton Hospital, Sparrow Home Care, Mary Free Bed Rehab, Sparrow Main, Compass Health, Eaton Community Palliative Care and Hospice of Lansing for your unending compassion and care for this special and courageous man.
Friends are encouraged to support Don’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop 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 Don’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary School, Eaton County Fair Horse Program (checks made payable to Eaton County Agricultural Society) and Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte