Obituaries
Patrick Michael O’Brien
Patrick Michael O’Brien, better known as OB, a true patriot and loving family man, died peacefully surrounded by his wife, brother, sister-in-law, and children at home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. OB, 75, of Plainwell, formerly of Charlotte, was born March 8, 1949, in Detroit, the son of Dennis Joseph and Elizabeth Louise (Merritt) O’Brien. Growing up in Dearborn, OB learned the value of hard work pumping gas and working on cars at his father’s service station. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School but was drafted into the U.S. Army before graduating. OB’s talents in mechanical problem-solving and innovative thinking landed him a role as a helicopter mechanic and door gunner aboard a Huey Helicopter in the thick of the Vietnam War. Upon his return from the war, OB found the disarray and chaos of the 1960s American homeland unbearable and volunteered immediately for a second tour of duty. He returned to the Vietnam jungles only to find his former base abandoned. He foraged his way to a new base, where he once again served his country with valor and distinction, earning countless decorations, including a Bronze Star.
Upon returning home, OB had several unusual jobs during these years, including training security dogs, going undercover for his father’s Fairlane Detective Agency, working as a bouncer and steel truck driver, and earning his welding certification to construct dune buggies. He finished his G.E.D. and went on to earn two associate degrees. He eventually found his calling, enlisting with the Army Air National Guard, where he remained for nearly forty years. He married the love of his life, Sherry Lynn Murrell, affectionately known to OB as Margaret, on October 16, 1976. A few years into their marriage, Sherry and OB welcomed their son, Shaun Patrick O’Brien, and soon after, their daughter, Tara Elizabeth O’Brien. They moved their young family to Charlotte, MI, where they would reside for 40 years.
OB continued his service as a career helicopter mechanic with the Air National Guard in Grand Ledge, eventually attaining the rank of First Sergeant. His unit was deployed to Iraq, where he served his final tour of active combat duty at Camp Anaconda in Balad. His troops trusted his combat experience and leadership, and he commanded respect from all who worked alongside him, including his superiors. OB was always known to stand up for what is right and never back down. His humility wouldn’t allow him to admit it, but to all who knew him, he was the true definition of an honorable man and a hero.
OB organized the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the armory in Grand Ledge for many years, complete with corned beef and cabbage, serving over 100 servicemen and their families. His innate ability and natural God-given intelligence allowed him to solve problems many others couldn’t, a trait he passed on to his children. Patriotism was a top priority in OB’s life. To him, “Country is Family.” He organized and led the construction of the Memorial Wall in Grand Ledge and served as a Mercy Pilot for those in need of transportation for long-distance medical care.
Above all, OB will be remembered for his dependability, courage, and love for his family.
OB is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Sherry O’Brien; their son, Shaun (Lara) O’Brien; their daughter, Tara (Aaron) McCullough; three grandsons, Beckett and Colin McCullough, and Logan O’Brien; sister, Beth (Ron) Clark; brother, Kevin (Fran) O’Brien; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Timmy O’Brien and Dennis O’Brien.
Friends are encouraged to support OB’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church and in the Parish Hall after completing military honors. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device with internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on OB’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Elizabeth Leslie Spaeth
Elizabeth “Liz” Leslie Spaeth, a woman known for being a vibrant Jesus Freak which led to her fierce love of others, died on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. Liz, 71, of Charlotte, was born on January 8, 1953, in Arlington, MA, the daughter of Ralph and Anne (Stanley) Scribner. She graduated from Waverly High School and later earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. On June 8, 1974, she married Hal Spaeth and together they spent the next 50 years creating their legacy. Liz was known as a Triple Threat as a homemaker, accountant, and a talented seamstress. Over the years Liz ran a sewing and alterations business out of her home. She made her own wedding gown and the bridesmaids dresses. Liz devoted her life to the Lord. She was a self-proclaimed Jesus Hippie. With her love for others she cared for lots of children, and helped several troubled young adults over the years. She was an avid swimmer and taught her children and grandchildren how to swim. For over 20 years she and her husband went to serve at the Jamaican Deaf Village where she set up a profitable sewing business that the residents could run themselves. Hobbies that she enjoyed included playing classical guitar, collecting rocks and fossils, camping, reading, and anything hummingbirds. Liz was an adjunct Judo instructor at Michigan State University and was a Women’s Masters World Judo Champion, National Champion, and Kata Master. Above all Liz was very thankful for the family God blessed her with.
Liz is survived by her husband, Hal; children, Rachel (Rob) Wood, Chris (Jenny) Spaeth, and Rosemary Neumeister; grandchildren, Youngju, Ace, Grace, Kelvin, Ellie, Cassie, Donna, Kallie, Alex, Emma, Sophia, Livie, and Daryl; sisters, Judy Scribner, Elaine (Steve) Scribner-Wagner, and Katey (Scott) Van Allsburg; niece and nephews, Ian (Melanie), Everett, and Jessica (Tim); and several extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; and son-in-law, Ben Neumeister.
Friends are encouraged to support Liz’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 4-5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Pete Kroll officiating, with a dinner following the service. 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 Liz’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 Answers in Genesis. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Virginia May Burlison
Virginia “Jenny” May Burlison, 68 of Eaton Rapids, an extraordinarily proud grandma and caring individual, died September 23, 2024. Jenny was born February 4, 1956 in Hastings. She was an on-site manager for the Barry County Commission on Aging. Some of the activities she enjoyed include knitting, going to the casino, and bowling on a Sunday night bowling league called “Holy Rollers.” Many activities were centered around her grandchildren, including weekly trips to McDonalds for chicken nuggets, making cookies and rock candy.
Virginia is survived by her sons, Nickolas Wolf and Carl “CJ” Wolf; grandchildren, Carter, Haellie, and Miranda Wolf; siblings, Norma (Roger) Claypool, Sandy (Harry) Rollins, and Steve Reid; many nieces and nephews; many “adopted” grandbabies, including Isaac Snyed; her fur babies, Fumble and Chloe; and her fur grandbabies. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Burlison; parents, Lyle Reid, and Jean and Ernest Withey; and fur babies, Bobby Jo and Daisy Mae.
Friends are encouraged to support Virginia’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, September 30, 3-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. Funeral services are Tuesday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. at Charlotte Church of Christ 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 Virginia’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests contributions to Potterville Athletics “Youth Wrestling Club” or Crosswalk Teen Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Scott Bernheisel
James “Jim” “Jimmy” Scott Bernheisel, a man who lived his life to the fullest even with all odds against him at birth, died on Friday, September 20, 2024. Jim 52 was born on September 27, 1971 in Charlotte, the son of Arthur Bernheisel and JoAnn (VanDorpe) Lefever. He was a 1991 graduate of Charlotte High School, and after began working at different places around town. Many will remember Jim as being a people person and a ladies’ man. If there was Bingo around town Jim was there. He played every week at the Senior Center and was a caller at the American Legion. Jim also enjoyed trips to baseball games, bowling, and skydiving with his buddy Stewart. He was also very lucky when it came to trips to the casino. Above all Jim was very proud that he was able to live the life that he did with the cards he was dealt.
Jim is survived by his mother, JoAnn Lefever; siblings, John (Candace) Bernheisel, and Betty Jo Adams; special friends, Pat Yockey, and the entire Osier Family; and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Bernheisel; and brother, Jeffery Lynn Bernheisel.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 4-6:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dena J. Cowick
Dena J Cowick (Potter), age 52, of Jackson, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. She was born March 2, 1972, in Charlotte, the daughter of Reginald and Virginia (Brandon) Potter. Dena loved her family with a deep devotion. She adored her son, Brody, and always beamed when he was the topic of conversation. Dena had a huge heart for others. Her loss will be keenly felt by her precious family and friends.
Dena is survived by her son, Brody Boone; father, Reginald Potter; brother Jason (Lindsay) Potter; brother Adam (Jill) Potter, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her second son Dillon Boone; husband Robert Cowick; and mother Virginia Potter.
In keeping with the wishes of her family, cremation has taken place.