Obituaries
Thomas R. Krycinski
Thomas R. Krycinski of Dimondale, Tom was born January 23, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late John and Ann Krycinski. He passed away peacefully at Sparrow Hospital on Monday, July 22, 2024, at age 84.
Tom was a civil engineer and retired from the State of Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning after 25 years of service. He went on to become an instructor at Michigan State University until his final retirement. Tom enjoyed going to the casino, camping, watching football and baseball, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Tom is survived by his four cherished children, Thomas (Teresa), Matthew (Tracey), Amy (Scott), and Tamma (Troy); grandchildren, Tommy, Anna (Brad), Alyssa (Jordan), Megan (Zach), and Sarah (Luke); great grandchildren, Ashton, Emillio, Taylin, Sawyer, Easton, Parker, and Olivia; and cousins, Stanwood and Kris. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annette, his parents, brother, Jack, and special grandson, Tristan, who blessed his life for a year.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 345 Edwards Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Father James Eisele officiating. A luncheon will take place after the service at the church and interment will follow at the Dimondale Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Mills Funeral Home – Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 East Jefferson Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837 on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the funeral service at the Church.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Tom’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan.
Richard Albert
Richard Albert, a beloved grandfather, father, husband, brother and friend, passed away on July 21, 2024, at the age of 93.
Born on September 16, 1930, in Port Huron, Michigan, Richard was the eldest of three boys. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Army and served bravely in the Korean War as a member of the 60th Signal Corps, which was awarded a Purple Heart.
After his military service, Richard dedicated over 30 years to Bell Phone Company as a cable technician. He later pursued his passion for adventure by chartering his boat, Dick’s Dream, and scuba diving with groups in Alpena and the Florida Keys. An accomplished builder, Richard was known for his resourcefulness and ingenuity, most notably in remodeling a old barn into a dream house and surrounding property into an oasis along the Grand River.
Above all else, he was a God-fearing Christian who served the Lord and exemplified the truth that God loves us so much that he sent his son to die for us and rise again so that we might join him.
He was an actively dedicated member of Grace Bible Church for 16 years and later, the Riverview Church, both communities of which he cherished. He lived with the conviction that God’s love is profound, as demonstrated through the sacrifice and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Deborah; his children, Alec (Alexis) Albert, Drew (Amber) Albert, David Albert, Laura Maze, Linda King, Susan (Leonard) Hafner, his brother Leo (Sandy) Albert, and his sister-in-law Lolly Albert; and their families including ten grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ester (Martin) Albert, his son Richard, his brother Herman Albert,
Richard’s legacy of service, faith, and love will be cherished by all who knew him.
A Funeral Service was held Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Riverview Church, 7533 W St Joseph Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Richard Albert to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Jerry Lee Case
Jerry Lee Case of Charlotte, MI, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 54. He was born on August 7, 1969, in Hastings, MI, to Clayton and Vivian (Benton) Case. Jerry grew up in Hastings and graduated with the class of 1987. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marines, where he served with dedication until a motorcycle accident ended his military career. Jerry was a devoted soldier who took immense pride in his service to the country.
Jerry spent his professional career at Pro Tech Manufacturing, where he worked as a welder, later becoming a supervisor, and eventually concluded his career in maintenance. Jerry had a talent for making things and loved building and remodeling. He was passionate about the outdoors and cherished every moment he could spend outside. Jerry enjoyed camping, tending to his lawn, and finding peace while riding his lawnmower. In his youth, he loved taking trips with friends to the sand dunes at Crystal Lake, where he would ride his quad. Above all, Jerry was a devoted husband and son who was very loving.
Jerry was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, grandparents; father, Bud Case; sister-in-law, Stacey Holt; mother-in-law, Mary Holt; and his beloved dogs, Bailey and Rusty. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn “Nicky” Case; sisters, Pam (Michael) Wireman, Linda Smith, and Sue Dryer; in-laws, Scott Holt, Sherry (William Stayley) Holt, Kenny Holt, Jerry (Lori) Meredith, and Vicky Benning; his dogs, Griffith, Rippley, and Tobey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At this time, no services are scheduled for Jerry. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Veteran Foundation or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his memory. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
James Henry Noyes II
James Henry Noyes II of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 15, 2024, at the age of 82. Jim was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 14, 1941, the son of Robert Verrel and Retha (Magnusson) Noyes. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, class of 1960, attended Ferris State in Commercial Art, and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1972. He later went on to obtain his master’s in education from Michigan State University. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 in the Berlin buildup. He was a member of the Kalamazoo County Water Safety and Recovery Association as well as the Kalamazoo Scuba Diving Denizens who volunteered for the county. Jim was a Commercial Artist for Clearwater Associates in Kalamazoo and Perrigo Company in Allegan before becoming the woodshop teacher at Eaton Rapids Middle School. He is remembered for teaching students how to read a ruler and for establishing Noyes’ Knotheads, a group of outstanding students who helped maintain and improve the school by building benches, display cases, shelving, repairing desks and chairs, and paneling the conference room. During his time at Eaton Rapids Public Schools he led the Middle School Cross-Country Ski Club, co-founded the Middle School Space Camp program, was a Boy Scout leader, and soccer coach. Jim’s love for aviation led him to fulfill his dream of owning a hot air balloon and becoming a Balloon Pilot. Once he retired, Jim volunteered for the Kalamazoo Air Zoo in the aircraft Restoration Department. He was a member of the St. Peter Catholic Church, he sang in the choir and was a religious education teacher. One of Jim’s greatest gifts was his artistic talent. He loved to paint, draw, and build beautiful furniture and woodworkings. Jim was also a passionate photographer and could always be seen with a camera in his hand. He loved to gift his creations to his friends, family and community. He created the wooden Oakwood Cemetery sign and Welcome to Eaton Rapids signs that can be found on the boundaries of town.
Jim’s most precious joy was his family. The love he had for his wife, children and grandchildren surpassed all else. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara (Curran) Noyes of Eaton Rapids; sons, Jon (Yu Man Lee) Noyes, Jerry (Chrissie) Noyes; grandchildren, Keenan (Taylor), Connor, Caitlyn, Robert and Caylee Noyes, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Curran clan. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Robert William and Marie Noyes.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Alan Wakefield presiding. Visitation was held at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Friday July 26, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the mass at St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery immediately following the mass. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans or St. Vincent de Paul of Eaton Rapids in loving memory of James Henry Noyes. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Percy Harold Watson
Percy Harold Watson, a beloved resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on May 24, 1933, in Marion, MI, Percy was the son of James and Fayetta (Oles) Watson. He grew up in Marion, graduating with the class of 1951.
Percy began his career as a meat cutter in Marion before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served as a cook during the Korean War. His dedication to service spanned 44 years, encompassing both active duty and reserve roles. Professionally, Percy spent the majority of his life as a pipe fitter for Consumers Power, working in the oil fields. His industrious nature was evident when he built his own home in Hamilton, MI, handling all aspects of construction, including plumbing and electrical work.
In addition to his full-time job, Percy founded Watson Aviation, where he taught aspiring pilots and managed several rental properties over the years. He was also a passionate musician, teaching polka dancing and playing the harmonica with the Rose City Harmonica Club, performing at numerous community centers and living facilities.
Percy was deeply involved in his community, often assuming leadership roles in various organizations. He cherished vacationing, spending summers at Lake McCoy in Leroy, MI, and winters in Zephyrhills, FL. Percy was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Eaton Rapids Fourth of July and Memorial Day parades five times.
Known for his outgoing personality, Percy had a unique ability to connect with people everywhere he went. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 months, Dorrie (Joslin) Watson; his daughters, Diane (Mark) Maxey and Donna (Randy) Newsome; his son, Danny (Natashia) Watson; and his grandchildren, Travis Newsome, Danial Watson, and Jake Watson. He is also survived by four stepchildren, 15 step-grandchildren, and 13 step-great-grandchildren. Percy was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda Watson; his grandson, Jeremiah Newsome; and his sister, Blanch Loebrick.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in memory of Percy. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.