Obituaries
Gary Phillip Wireman
Gary Phillip Wireman, age 68, of Olivet, MI passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was born on May 29, 1956 in Marshall, MI, the son of Homer and Barbara (Cousino) Wireman. On December 10, 1974 he married the love of his life, Kathi (Lambka) Wireman, and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage together. A one-of-a-kind husband, father, and papa to his grandkids, Gary enjoyed time spent with his family, farming, and riding his four-wheeler and side-by-side in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan and in West Virginia. After 30 years of employment at General Motors, he retired in 2006. Gary enjoyed auctions, rustic camping with his camping crew, and spending time outdoors.
Gary is survived by his wife Kathi; children, Mandi Slone, Kelly Wireman, and Hayli Warner; grandchildren; Conner and Andrew Slone, Kylie, Wyatt and Gracelynn Taylor and Levi, Elijah and Leah Warner; siblings, Bob Wireman, Cris (Larry) Rizzuto, Albert (Cathy) Wireman, Rick (Michelle) Wireman, Pam (Mark ) Wells, John (Lisa) Wireman, Jim (Kathy) Wireman, and Mike Wireman; sisters-in-law, Ann Wireman and Vicki Wireman; and special buddy, Charlie. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Barbara Wireman; his son, Andy; brothers, Don and Tim Wireman.
The family received friends on Tuesday, March 18 for a time of visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Service followed visitation at 2:00 p.m. Following the visitation a luncheon will be held at Clarence-Duck Lake Township Hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/0lTORw?vid=1i9yuh (Specify Rifle River, Trail Maintenance in memory of Gary Wireman) or there will be envelopes available at the funeral home for cash or check donations. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Connie Jo Franklin
Connie Jo Franklin, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 82. Known for her warm hugs, caring heart, and unwavering honesty, Connie lived a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born on January 12, 1943, to Fred and Leota (Spaulding) Goff, Connie grew up in Dimondale, Michigan, where she graduated from Dimondale High School in 1961. She raised two children, Melony and Michael. She reconnected with the love of her life, Jerry Franklin and he was her third husband.
Connie took pride in her work as a laboratory attendant for the State of Michigan until her well-earned retirement. She had a gift for keeping a tidy home, embracing what she fondly called “organized chaos.” Never one to leave things unsaid, Connie had a straightforward and loving nature, always sharing exactly what was on her mind.
Among her greatest joys in life was traveling with Jerry in their RV, with Gulf Shores, Alabama, being one of their favorite destinations. Closer to home, she delighted in riding her bicycle around Dimondale and later exploring the scenic trails of Houghton Lake, where they spent their golden years. But her absolute favorite place to be was on their pontoon boat, floating peacefully on Houghton Lake, soaking in the beauty of nature.
In her later years, Connie found deep fulfillment in helping raise her grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent with them. Fiercely independent, she devised clever ways to navigate life’s challenges, including her beloved system of post-it notes that helped her stay organized and self-sufficient.
Connie is survived by her daughter, Melony Ryan-Fronckel; her son, Michael (Melody) Sich; and her beloved grandchildren, Roxanna and Ryan Fronckel. She is also survived by her brother, Frederick (Sue) Goff. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, in 2021; as well as her parents, Fred and Leota.
Connie’s warmth, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and straight-talking honesty will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A celebration of Connie’s life will be held this summer, where family and friends will gather to share memories and honor the incredible woman she was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take a moment to hug a loved one in Connie’s memory, because if there was one thing she believed in, it was the power of a good hug. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Bonnie Lou Maker
Bonnie Lou Maker, 87, of Nashville, MI, peacefully passed away on March 10, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was eagerly anticipating being reunited with loved ones who had gone before her. She was born on January 19, 1938, in Hastings, MI, to Manley and Eleanor (Chaffee) Sherman. She shared a special connection with her sister, Arloa, as they were born exactly seven years apart, to the day.
A proud 1956 graduate of W.K. Kellogg High School, Bonnie married her high school sweetheart, Bill Maker, on September 22, 1957. Together, they built a loving home and raised their children, Billy Ray and Becky, in Nashville. Bonnie and Bill shared a passion for racing micro midgets, which sparked their lifelong love for classic cars and cruising.
Bonnie was a devoted homemaker who not only cared for her own children but also opened her heart to others. In 1975, she began a fulfilling 25-year career as the librarian at Fuller St. Elementary, where she was a beloved colleague. Outside of work, Bonnie had many interests, including bowling, playing cards, and being an avid reader. Above all, she treasured relationships, evident by planning annual high school reunions, enjoying lunch dates with friends, and spending cherished time with her family, including her 11 great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Becky (Bill) Wilson, and family: Kelly (Matt) Dunham, parents of Allyson, Waylon, Nora, and Wilson; Max (Lisa) Wilson, parents of Avery and Addy; and Katelyn (Dale) Laverty, parents of Maxton, Mayleigh, and Mason. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Bernice, and family: Ben (Melissa) Maker, parents of Hartley and Maddie. Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; son, Billy Ray; her parents, sister, and nephews.
A memorial service and celebration of Bonnie’s life was held on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville. For further information please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralcome.net.
Clarence Reed
With heavy hearts, we announce Clarence “Melvin” Reed passed away on March 10, 2025 after a short illness and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and was loved by all who knew him.
He was born the son of Glen and Helen (Miller) Reed on March 24, 1928. He was a happy-go-lucky soul, loved being around people, watching cowboy movies and eating chocolate of any kind. His smile would light up the room and he had a good sense of humor, which carried him through his good, long life.
He had many talents, held several positions and completed many goals in his lifetime. He retired from A.E. Hoover Universal in Charlotte, MI after 21 years. He was also especially proud of a sawmill that he built and operated. Melvin loved the simple life and lived his best life on the farm.
He married Theressa Reed in 1963 and they made a life together on the farm raising a bunch of kids, crops, and livestock. He had three children with his first wife and adopted five children after he married Theressa. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Theressa Reed, and his children, Glen (and Carole) Holevinski, Thomas Holevinski, Cathlene (and Rick) Vega Sr., Dwayne (and Laura) Reed, James (and Tracy) Reed, Brian (and Michelle) Reed and Lee (and Kay) Reed. He also has many grandchildren and great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death were his parents Glen and Helen Reed, his infant son Bobbie Reed, his uncle Clifford Reed, his granddaughter Samantha Reed and his daughter-in-law Candace Holevinski.
Funeral arrangements have been made at Kempf’s of Bellevue Celebration Center, 205 N. Elizabeth St., Bellevue, MI. Visitation was scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 2025 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Funeral services were Monday, March 17, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. and officiated by Pastor John Colegrove. A Luncheon is planned to follow the service.
Robert Justin Wood
Robert “Bob” Justin Wood, a great storyteller and very talented man, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Bob, 92, of Charlotte was born on July 16, 1932 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Thomas and Agnes Fern (Arnold) Wood. Bob married Karen Sederlund on July 16, 1966.
Bob grew up quickly; having lost his father when he was 12-years-old he quit school soon afterwards and was granted a hardship driver’s license at age 13. He worked three different jobs to help support his mother and younger siblings; he instilled this same work ethic and sense of responsibility in his children. Feeling that education is important he later finished his education and eventually worked for the State of Michigan as a surface water quality investigator, where he retired from the DNR in 1994.
Never a dull moment with Bob, his interests and hobbies were many, including antique tractor and car restoration, antique clock restoration, fishing, hunting, gardening, nurturing fruit trees, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. He passed down the enjoyment of many of his favorite pastimes to his children.
Bob and Karen owned a cabin within the Chippewa River Vista, where they could often be found over holidays and weekends enjoying and hosting family and friends. Bob loved all things nature and out-of-doors related.
Bob never slowed down after retirement, he loved to be busy and had an excellent work ethic. His religion was very important to him, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte where he enjoyed serving on numerous committee positions and special projects. He was also a lifelong member of the Kalamo Masonic Temple, a 3rd Degree Mason.
Antique tractor and car restoration was a passion, including the restoration of his 1941 Farmall BN, purchased in 1950 at the age of eighteen. He was a member of the Central Michigan Two-Cylinder Club. Bob and Karen enjoyed numerous trips in the MGB convertible that he diligently restored. Eventually, Bob and Karen started spending winters in Florida, making Englewood their home away from home where they quickly made new friends and became regular members of the Englewood Church of the Nazarene.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children, Mike Wood, Sherry Wood Copenhaver, Dana Wood, Terry Wood, and Jon (Kim) Wood; grandchildren, Troy (Tonya) Pitcher, Shawn (Mike) Miller, Kristine Latchaw, Mark (Laura) Wood, Ashton (Chelsey) Wood, Brennon Wood (engaged to Paige Bird), Alexus (Joe) Wood-Anzaldua, Brooke Wood (engaged to Nick Burzycki), Jordan Wood, and Katelyn Wood; 21 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lorna (Wood) Crawford; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, JulieAnna Wood; son, Matthew Wood; grandsons, Randy Pitcher and Skylar Wood; siblings, Dennis Wood, Larry Wood, Pauline (Wood) Webster, Sam Wood, and Thomas Wood Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 20, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll 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 Bob’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 First Baptist Church Jamaican Mission Trips. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.