Obituaries
Sherwood Conrad
Sherwood Ray Conrad, of Charlotte, a guy who could build anything, died May 3, 2022, at the age of 83. Born October 9, 1938, in Lansing, to Sherwood Franklin and Helen (Farr) Conrad, he grew up in the Mid-Michigan area and graduated from Sexton High School in 1956. Sherwood started working in building construction, and later retired as a handyman for Hudgins Realty. He showed his skills in construction when he helped build his son John and Deb’s home and deer camp, and many other projects that made his family very proud.
With a love for the outdoors, Sherwood enjoyed hunting and fishing, often getting deer or fish when no one else could. His favorite fishing destination was Cloverdale Lake in Michigan and Rice Lake in Canada, where there were many fishing trips over the years. He was also a treasure hunter, finding many treasures each year as students at MSU moved out each spring. Another pastime that he enjoyed was jigsaw puzzles, always working on the next big puzzle in a room dedicated for that.
Sherwood is survived by his son, James Sherwood (Helen) Conrad, daughter-in-law, Debbie Conrad; grandchildren, John Sherwood Conrad, Kayla Conrad, Brandon (Laura) Conrad, Jacob Conrad, Madelyn Conrad, and Chelsey (Ashton) Wood; step-granddaughters, Sheri Collins and Kristy Wilmath; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sisters, Jeanette Reynolds and Marilyn (Chuck) Bleisch; and former wife, Kathryn Conrad. He was predeceased by his son, John Joseph Conrad; sister, Barbara Reedy; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Sherwood’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, May 6, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services followed at 6:00 p.m. Interment will be 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Deepdale Memorial Park in Lansing. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ivan King
Ivan Junior King, age 93, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on April 26, 2022, in Hastings, Michigan.
Ivan was born in Charlotte, Michigan on July 2, 1928, the son of Harvey and Winifred (Sanford) King. He was a 1945 graduate of Charlotte High School and attended Michigan Tech University, Michigan State University, and Texas A&M studying Civil Engineering. Ivan proudly served his country during World War II in the US Army. In 1947 he married Melody Hussey, and they enjoyed 65 years together until her passing in 2012.
Ivan was an entrepreneur, working as a receiver for a number of businesses. He is one of the founding owners of Flexfab, and he owned and operated King’s Appliance. He was previously a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Elks.
Ivan enjoyed his farm, gardening, traveling with his wife, and spending time in his home in Florida. He liked carving and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Ivan is preceded in death by his wife Melody King, his son Curtis King, and brothers Richard and Robert King.
He is survived by his sons Tim (Jackie) King, Mike (Jeanne) King, Dan (Tammi) King, Brad King; grandchildren Beau King, Jennifer (King) Barrett, Jessica (King) Murphy, Brenda (Vrooman) Hubbell, Elizabeth (King) Whittle, Curtis King, Jr., Ashtin, Bradan and Carson King, Danielle (King) Nurenberg; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers Vincent and Tom King; and several nieces and nephews.
A private family memorial service has been planned. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
James Polhamus, Jr.
James Polhamus, Jr., age 87, of Lansing (formerly of Charlotte) passed away peacefully on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan with family by his side. He was born August 6, 1934, in Windsor Township, Michigan, the son of James and Mary (Salter) Polhamus. He graduated from Howell High School in 1952. Jim served in the Army and later worked for GM for over 30 years. His lifelong joy was his farm; he loved walking the fields and forest there, and watching the crops grow to harvest.
Jim was affectionally known as Pops by his children, Junior by his siblings, and Uncle Junior by his nieces and nephews. Jim was very devoted to his family, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a man with many interests, including fishing, puzzles, and bowling, and was always tinkering with something around the house. He volunteered at the Eaton County Genealogical Society indexing record books. He was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, and rarely missed a game.
Jim is survived by: his children Pam Robinson, Jeff MacGuinness and Mark (Lori) MacGuinness; grandchildren McClay, Andrew, Steven, Brendan and Connor; great-grandchildren Sophie and Aiden; siblings John (Ruth) Polhamus, Mary Heath, and Jay (Marsha) Homan; sisters-in-law Virginia Polhamus and Janet Homan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; siblings Robert (Martha) Polhamus, Eugene Polhamus, Arlene (Earl) Frith, Betty Polhamus, Esther (Charles Clark) Homan, Theresa Homan, and Thomas Homan; nieces and nephews Joel Homan, Julie Clark, David Polhamus, Jimmy Polhamus, Robert Polhamus, and Danny Clark.
Services were held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 12 P.M. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte MI 48813. Burial took place at Millerburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to the Sparrow Foundation Foundation@sparrow.org.
Mortimer McKillop
Mortimer John McKillop, 82, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022, at The Flower House. He was born on May 16, 1939, the son of Mortimer D. McKillop and Neurldean (Miller) McKillop.
Mortimer graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing, MI with the Class of 1957. He dedicated 35 years of work to Felpausch Foods, from where he retired. Mortimer was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Ann and St. Mary’s and also sang in the choir at St. Ann Catholic Church. He was a lifelong Eagles member, member of the Battle Creek Barber Shoppers, the Bellevue Village Players and the Bellevue Lions Club. His hobbies included fishing, playing golf and bowling.
Mortimer is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy (Nobach) McKillop; daughter, Karen (Tim) Olmstead; sons, Jeff (Mary) McKillop, Dennis (Renea) McKillop; grandchildren, Casey (Kenneth) Smith, TJ (Allyce) Olmstead, Brian (Bess Ann) McKillop, Greg (Jessica) McKillop, Nathan (Marina) McKillop, Amanda (Brent) Boyer; 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marlene (Joe) Stubblefield.
Visitation will be held at the St. Ann Catholic Church in Bellevue, MI on Friday, May 13, 2022, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., with the rosary service at 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church or The AFC Flower House. Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com
Betty Kinzler
The world is a little less bright.
Betty J. Kinzler released herself from this world, May 2, 2022.
She will be remembered for her style, spunkiness, sparkle and quick smile. Betty was always a busy gal. She was a woman ahead of her time. When most women were relegated to the home, she was a business woman. Through the years she was co-owner of the Featherette Salon, the Palace Cafe’ and the Hillsdale Motel in Hillsdale, Michigan. In 1969 she fulfilled her dream and became an LPN. She enjoyed working with people at the end of life. Later, Betty also co-owned Mr. C’s Shoes in Charlotte, Michigan. Perfection was her motto and it showed in all she did. She had impeccable taste in fashion, decorating and keeping a home. She enjoyed playing the piano, cooking and adored quilting. Just a few days before passing, she commented, “I’m missing making quilts. One needs to keep creating.” When Betty married Dale Kinzler, she was introduced to a musician’s life. She loved traveling with him to “gigs” and dancing the night away. Dale brought a lightness to her and a new zest for life.
The family will be forever grateful for Dale’s constant love and care of Betty. Their love carried them through.
Betty is survived by her husband, Dale Kinzler, daughters Kathy Goldstein (Pete Rumsey), Debbie Baker (Mike), her bother Don DuDeVoire (Joan), Grandson Travis Goldstein (Liz Sanz) and good friends Sue Spicknell, Lois & Walter Green, along with her beloved dog, Buffy.
The family wants to thank Hospice of Lansing. In lieu of flowers, donate to Hospice. There is no service at this time