Obituaries
Dorothy Sophie Wehr
Dorothy Sophie Wehr departed quietly for heaven on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 surrounded by family. Dorothy was born September 15, 1927 in Lansing, Michigan, to Karl and Sophie Wildeman. She graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing and worked at the Style Shop in East Lansing, where she met her husband, Max. They were married in 1947 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Lansing. She was a stay-at-home mom who was very involved in her children’s lives, serving as room mother and Girl Scout and Campfire Girls leader, having hot lunches ready when they came home from school at noon, and baking lots of homemade cookies. Family was everything to Mom. She was never happier than when her family could get together!
Max and Dot, as he called her, loved to travel. They visited nearly all of the 50 states in their motor home and went to Germany with a church group in 1996. Dorothy loved to paint and was an accomplished watercolor artist and past member of the Eaton Art League. Her children are the proud owners of many of her paintings, which hang in their homes. She was a faithful and active member of First Lutheran Church of Charlotte, having served on the altar guild and decorating committee. She also enjoyed golf and playing Scrabble, cards, and other games with family and friends.
She is survived by four daughters: Judith (Phil) Hooper of Big Rapids and Grand Haven, MI; Kay (Darwin) Mahar of Reed City, MI; Mary Jo (Brian) Huver of Charlotte; and Polly Burns of Reed City; six grandchildren: Erin Mahar, Matthew (Kim) Mahar, Dr. Gretchen (Hooper) (Dr. Jonathan) Winters, Ryan Converse, Elliana Burns, and Mason Huver, and six great-grandchildren: Taylor, Emily, Julian, Tristan, Drew, and Max, as well as four nieces and four nephews.
Dorothy was preceded to heaven by her husband of 71 years, Max, in 2019; son, Mark and son-in-law, Paul Burns in 2018, parents; brothers, Alfred and Ernest; and sister, Elsie.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813 with Rev. Mark Gawura officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte.
To view Dorothy’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.
Chester Binkowski
Chester O. Binkowski, age 80, of Charlotte peacefully passed away into the loving arms of his Savior on Monday, February 6, 2023. He was born September 26, 1942, in Charlotte the son of Martin and Anna (Poskarbiewicz) Binkowski. Chet graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1960. He then went on to work in the experimental engineering department at General Motors for 31 years. On December 7, 1991, he married Fay Maggard in Woodland. Chet had a passion for preparing magnificent food and baked goods. It was this passion that led him and Fay to open Fay’s Evelyn Bay in Charlotte. Together they enjoyed watching their business grow while serving the people of their hometown. Chet had a deep love for the land and was always a true farmer at heart. He enjoyed playing cards and working in his garden. Chet’s first love was always his family, and his grandchildren held a special place in his heart.
Chet is survived by his wife, Fay; children: Craig (Maureen “Moe”) Binkowski of Coldwater, Eric (Norma) Binkowski of Woodland, Steven (Michelle) Binkowski of White Lake, Erica (Omar) Limas of Olivet, Jessica Dunn of West Palm Beach, Florida; grandchildren: Clay (Alyssa) Binkowski, AJ (Nicole) Binkowski, Gretchen (Jody) Worona, Andrew (Jess Koah) Hinz, Allie (Bill) Hrit, Ikaika Binkowski, Anela Binkowski, Steven Binkowski, Michael Binkowski, Christina Binkowski, Isaac (Kathy) Nisse, Marquise (Isabel) Zendejas, Myia Limas, Grace Limas, Hayley McLeod, Chandler Morris; great grandchildren: Sophia, Lincoln, Dwayne, Shelby, Warren, Ashley, Natalie, Madison, Aiden, Ava, Ivy, Cairo, Elio; sisters-in-law: Joan Binkowski, Helen Binkowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Elizabeth, Paul, Carl, Tom, Irene, Russell, Tony, and Shirley.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastors John Bailey and Steve Byrens officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service.
Those desiring may make contributions in Chet’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Chester’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Kathy Isham
Kathy L. Isham, age 69, of Potterville, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, February 5, 2023. She was born September 23, 1953, in Lansing the daughter of William and Valez (Howard) Foley. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School. Kathy was a tremendous cook and candy maker. Her family was always eagerly awaiting her next culinary creation. She also worked countless hours in her garden. Her bountiful harvests were always properly preserved and canned for all to enjoy thorough the remainder of the year. Kathy was known for her unique sense of humor and it brought everyone together for many cherished memories.
Kathy is survived by her partner and best friend, Dan Clark; children: Raymond (Nicole) Ridge of Howell, Jason Ridge of Potterville, Danielle Clark of Potterville; grandchildren: Sean Ridge, Hollie Ridge, Tristan Ridge, Kayla Salek; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Kathy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org.
To view Kathy’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.
Max W. Sampsel
Max W. Sampsel, a devoted family man, died on Monday February 6, 2023. Max 74, of Charlotte, was born on December 25, 1948, at the family home in Charlotte, the son of Lloyd and Viola (Hall) Sampsel. In 1966 Max married Nancy Woodbury and together they started their life. He worked as a machinist for Masterbuilt Products in Olivet where he retired in 2011. He loved anything with an engine; working on cars, riding motorcycles, and 4x4ing on the sand dunes and trails in Grayling. His other hobbies were deer hunting, camping, and helping anyone in need. His biggest enjoyment in life was his family especially his grandchildren.
Max is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy; children, Anna (Luke) Hanson, Barbara (Mark) Wenger, Chad (Cheryl Norris) Sampsel; grandchildren, Ashley (Brian) Storh, Harry Osenbaugh Jr., Destiny (Slaid) Mead, Luke Hanson Jr., Bethany Williams, Sarah (Devaine Cowles) Wenger, Brandie (Andrew) Belen, Joshua (Amber Burhans) Wenger, Nathaniel Wenger, Brandon Sampsel, Raymond Sampsel, Brook, Britany, Dominik Sampsel, Jonah Proctor, Eddie Proctor, Maura Sampsel, Brianna Sampsel; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Lacey, Hanna, Wayne, Landan, Peyton, Kenny, Eddy, Trevor, Karlee, Malorie, Tyler, Denver, Paisley, Archer, Harper, Bentley, Shanell, Brandon Jr., and Arimina; siblings, Dennis (Sue) Lea, Pat Hynes, and Sue Thompson; cousins, Kathy Yeomans, and David Enquist. He was predeceased by his parents; infant grandson, Elijah Sampsel; and infant great-grandson, Brennin.
Friends are encouraged to support Max’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for the Spring of 2023. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Carl William McKiddie
Carl William McKiddie passed away at home Sunday, January 1, 2023. He was born in Sault Ste Marie on May 27, 1944 to William and Mary (Burt) McKiddie. He served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967. On September 10, 1983 he married Teresa Arrington.
Carl was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his granddaughters. He enjoyed attending the girls’ numerous sporting events over the years. He was a participating member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 3552, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 2565 and the American Legion Post 0042.
Carl is survived by his wife of 39 years, Teresa McKiddie; daughter, Mandy Toney; granddaughters McKenna, McKayla and MacKenzie Toney; mother-in-law, Barbara Arrington; and sisters, Shirley (John) Stites, Jeanette (Larry) Brown, Dorothy (Ken) Kavanaugh, and Lori (Mike) Lane.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.