Obituaries
Ronald Eugene Haigh
Ronald Eugene Haigh, 66, of Bellevue, a quiet, gentle-spirited, humble man that loved his family, died peacefully at his home in the early hours of Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ron was born August 4, 1957 in Charlotte, the son of Stanley George and Barbara Louise (Pratt) Haigh. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1975 and soon after married the love of his life, Linda Sue Newcomer on July 31, 1976. Ron and Linda happily raised a son and two daughters in Bellevue and enjoyed nearly 48 years of marriage. Ron held the position as FFA Sentinel in High School and was on the track team and a member of 4H. His passion and pride for Allis-Chalmers tractors held fast throughout his life as he admired and acquired the family tractors that he grew up farming with. In fact, Ron was set to be honored as the Grand Marshall of the Bellevue Antique Tractor Show this August.
Ron was a proud Spartan and Lions fan. Above all he was a dedicated family man who enjoyed fishing, campfires, cook-outs, and family gatherings. He was an avid player of the game “Sequence.” He would play almost daily with his family and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to play. He loved all types of homemade pie and was known to be constantly “tinkering.” Ron worked 23 years at Carefree in Charlotte and 18 years at Clariant in Albion before his retirement. Ron developed a keen sense of humor and was known for his “Dad Jokes.” He remained positive and never complained even in the face of his battle with Parkinson’s and Cancer over the last few years. Ron’s family and friends will remember and cherish his memory forever.
Ron is survived by his wife, Linda Haigh; son, Paul (Hiroko) Haigh of Hawaii; daughters, Crystal (Dale) Dowding and Laura Haigh; grandchildren, Jayden, Izabella, Emmarie, and Tyler; siblings, Marilyn (Clark) Hulliberger, Carolyn (Doug) Armstead, Evelyn (Don) Kunst, and Jackie (Jerry) Mire; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, July 24, 4-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial service was held Thursday, July 25, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home followed by procession to Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. 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 Ron’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 Elara Caring Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
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.