Obituaries
Arthur Jarve
Arthur “Art” E. Jarve, 79, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022, at home.
He was born on March 26, 1943, to Arthur and Marjorie (Schafer) Jarve in Highland Park, Michigan.
After graduating from Carleton Airport High School, he continued his education at Michigan State University and at Wayne State University, where he earned his B.S. in Business Administration.
On September 14, 1963, he married Sharon M. Wright in East Lansing, Michigan. Arthur worked for Rockwell International in Chelsea, Michigan for 12 years. He moved on to purchase his own business in Bellevue, Michigan. Along with his wife Sharon, they ran Bellevue Hardware, Inc. for 30 years and retired in 2008.
As an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Marshall, Arthur served in many ways, including being the chairperson of two building committees in Chelsea, Michigan and Charlotte, Michigan. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, camping and gardening. He took great joy in generously sharing his gladiola flowers that he grew with others.
Arthur “Art” is survived by his loving spouse Sharon: his two children, Patrick A. Jarve and Margery M. Szczerba; his five grandchildren, Katie M. Szczerba, Sarah A. Szczerba, Zane B, Szczerba, Effie G. Jarve and Amelia P. Jarve; his brother, Robert (Beth) C. Jarve; his two nieces, Erin Jarve and Kelly Naumes; and his two nephews, Dr. Robert (Amber) K. Jarve and Dr. Patrick (Dr. Nancy) O’Connor.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, William B. Jarve; his sister, Linda S. Jarve; his nephews, Daniel Jarve and Chris Naumes; and his son-in-law, Steve B. Szczerba.
Visitation and funeral services for Art were held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church (440 West Drive Marshall, Michigan 49068). Pastor Dave Moran officiated.
Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the charity of your choice, to the Bellevue Fire Department (115 E. Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021) or The Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund (201 West St., Bellevue, MI 49021).
Neil O. Dygert Jr.
Neil O. Dygert Jr., age 77, of Charlotte passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. He was born July 7, 1945, in Bellingham, Washington, the son of Neil and Kathryn (Freeberg) Dygert. When Neil was five years old, he and his family moved to Charlotte. He went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1963. Neil faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the 199th Light Infantry Division from 1968-1969. Soon after his return from Vietnam, Neil married Alice Fay Thomas on May 3, 1969, at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte. He was always a people person and enjoyed the company of others. He had a big heart and was always interested and ready for a meaningful conversation or just a lighthearted chat. Neil was a devoted Christian and taught Sunday School for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and bowling. Neil loved his family and cherished the many trips he and Alice took with the kids throughout the years.
Neil is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice; children, William Erik (Allison) Dygert of Vicksburg, Wendy Elizabeth (Allen) Jarvis of Charlotte, Michael Scott Dygert of Charlotte, Stephanie Lee (Mario) Sankis of Round Lake Beach, IL; grandchildren, Brennan Dygert, Sydney Taylor, Lincoln Taylor, Kaleb Jarvis, Kaitlyn Jarvis; sisters, Susan Farlin of Charlotte, and Ruth (Richard) Moody of Escanaba.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Edward Farlin.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Those desiring to make a contribution in Neil’s memory can make them to either the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
To view Neil’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Michael Eugene Appelman
Michael Eugene Appelman, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Nashville, MI, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. He was born to Ernest and Audrey (Hummel) Appelman on September 11, 1934, and was a founding father of the Main Street Gang in Nashville. Mike graduated from Nashville High School, Class of ‘53, and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1959. He married Yvonne Sauders in 1958, and she preceded him in death in 1970. Mike married Jean Hickey in 1983. Mike had fond memories working at Makers IGA, EW Bliss, and Carl’s Supermarket. He served as a volunteer fireman in Nashville for 31 years and had many great stories to share from that experience. Mike enjoyed doing carpenter work, wood working, garage sales, classic cars, country music, cooking out with family and friends, watching TV, and wintering in Jamaica and Florida. Mike is survived by his wife Jean. He is also survived by his children: Carol (Dale) Simon, Jamie (Mark) Hess, Sue (Dave) Fassett-Musser, Debbie (Jerry) Kemp, and Don (Karen) Hickey; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law Betty Appelman and Geri (Dick) Huckendubler; many nieces and nephews, including Bonnie (David) Otto, and Melinda Appelman. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne; son, Patrick; brother, Ernest; sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Farrell Babcock; and sister-in-law, Barbara Lamie. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in the spring. The family would like to acknowledge and thank his Caregiver Maryann Mead, Special Niece Melinda Appelman, faithful members of Castleton Maple Grove and Nashville EMS and Nashville Fire Department, and Spectrum Health Hospice & Palliative Care. Memorial donations may be made to the Castleton Maple Grove and Nashville EMS or the Nashville Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M-79 Highway, Nashville MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Emily Frances Hills Byrens
Emily Frances Hills Byrens passed away on Christmas Day, surrounded by family. She was born December 14, 1932, in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was the daughter of Helen Hope (Sackett) Hills and Dr. Carlon Russel Hills.
She grew up in Battle Creek and was very involved in music and the arts. She graduated from Michigan State College in 1953 and Union Theological Seminary in New York City two years later with a Master of Sacred Music degree.
While at Union, she met her future husband, Danford M. Byrens, who survives her after a marriage of sixty-seven years. Their shared love of music brought joy to their lives and the lives of those around them.
Emily and Dan had seven children who survive her: Margaret and Kent Kuiper of Bellevue, Dave and Kim Byrens of Marshall, Dan and Kim Byrens of Duck Lake, Robert Byrens and Jerome Nickels of Grand Rapids, Steve and Sonia Byrens of Marshall, Sue and Mike Wilson of Marshall, and Tracy and Rick Mulligan of Richmond, Virginia. They were blessed with thirty-two grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
Throughout the years, they brought their musical talents to churches around the state and the country, including: First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek, Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall, and Olivet Congregational Church. In addition, they joined the music faculty at Olivet College where they served for many years.
Emily returned to school in the 1960’s and earned a registered nursing degree from Kellogg Community College. Soon she was juggling three jobs to support her family while Dan worked two himself. However, she always found time to attend her children’s many sporting events and performances.
After retiring from Olivet College, they accepted teaching positions in the music department at Silliman University in the Philippines where they made many lifelong friends.
After spending several years and serving a variety of musical positions in a Tennessee retirement community, Emily and Dan returned to the Olivet/Marshall area where they were surrounded by family and friends, including her nephew, Mike Love, and his wife Karla.
Emily was a truly amazing woman: wife, mother, teacher and friend who will be missed by all.
The family will hold a celebration of her life in the spring. If you feel moved to celebrate her memory, please make a contribution to Olivet College in her name in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N., Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Richard A. Holz
Richard A. Holz, age 77 of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born August 16, 1945, in Mount Clemens, Michigan the son of Frederick and Virginia (Wilkinson) Holz. On May 14, 1967, he married Mary Alice Allen in Muskegon. Richard had a passion for landscaping. He made sure that all of the lawns he worked on were impeccably groomed and sculpted. He also worked as a truck driver and enjoyed it as well. In his spare time he liked to canoe, camp, and spend time with those he loved most.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; daughter, Christina Kay (James Yeomans) Holz of Olivet; son, Richard David Holz of Sunfield and special friend Autumn Osterman of Tennessee; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; sisters, Diane (Gary) Schwab of Hendersonville, NC and Deborah (Dennis) Pumford of Macdoel, CA.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Eugene and Irene (Wimberley) Allen; brothers-in-law, Larry Allen and Mike Carpenter.
Funeral services were held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Lansing Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5400 W. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917 with visitation being held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. just prior to the service. A graveside service followed at 1:30 p.m. at the Gresham Cemetery located in Chester Township, Eaton County, Michigan.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Greater Lansing Seventh Day Adventist School, 5330 W. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917.
To view Richard’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.