Obituaries
David Wendell Strank
David Wendell Strank passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on January 17, 1949, in Eaton Rapids, MI, David was the beloved son of Wendell and Barbara (Myers) Strank. A lifelong resident of Eaton Rapids, he graduated with the class of 1967 and continued his studies at Lansing Community College.
David was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. His career began in road construction, eventually earning his journeyman certification as a machinist. He worked with Lee Powers and Express Machines before becoming the proud owner and operator of Pressman. Alongside his professional work, David had a lifelong love for farming and often found solace in tending the land.
An exceptionally skilled woodworker, David enjoyed crafting beautiful bowls on his lathe and fixing cherished items for family and friends. His passion for the outdoors led him to many memorable hunting and fishing trips, and he delighted in traveling with his wife in their fifth wheel to various campgrounds and casinos.
David is preceded in death by his parents; his children, Wayne David and Wendy Ann Strank; and his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Carol Strank. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Gail (Reese) Strank; daughter, Laura (Jeff) Sweet; son, Peter Strank; grandson, Adam David Sweet; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vicki (Marvin) Ellsworth, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. For those wishing to honor David’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the U of M Sparrow Home Hospice. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Patricia Anne Slentz
Patricia Anne (Long) Slentz, age 83, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on October 29, 2024. She was born on December 30, 1940, to George and Beatrice Long. Pat was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Eaton Rapids, where she taught Sunday School and served on many Boards and Committees during her 57 years of membership. She put on funeral luncheons at the church, knowing how important it was for families and friends to have a place to come together. Pat was one of the original members of the “Upstairs Quilters”, a group that meets weekly to make and give away hundreds of quilts each year. She was President of the Community Christian Action Group for 30 years, doing her part to make sure families had a good Christmas. With all of her community service, Pat was awarded the Ted Oliver Community Service Award. She had a special talent for sewing and enjoyed altering clothes for her many clients. Pat was also a gifted cake decorator, and she provided hundreds of graduation, birthday, and wedding cakes.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathy Bennett, and brother Dean Long.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jerry, sons Mark (Tammy), Jason, daughter Sheila, grandchildren Frostie and Stormy Russell, Grace Ella, and Seren Slentz, and Brandan, Ashley and Rocky Wilson, brother Victor Long, and numerous great grandchildren, extended family and friends that will all miss her dearly.
A memorial service was held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, at the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church in memory of Pat. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Jon Reid
Jon Reid, age 32, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, with his family at his side after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Jon was born in Ionia, MI, on June 24, 1992, the son of Debra Villanueva and Matthew Reid. He was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools, graduating from Maple Valley High School in 2010. After completing his education, he began working at Roadrunner’s in Vermontville, primarily so he could play pool anytime he wanted! In 2014 Jon began working as a pizza chef at Goodtime Pizza in Nashville. It was during this time that he met the love of his life Kayla Thornton while she was dining with friends. Jon & Kayla’s relationship spanned 10 years before the couple was married on April 11, 2024. They made their home together in the Vermontville area where they welcomed their new son Alejandro Reid on October 20, 2022. Jon loved being a father, and when Kayla returned to work, Jon altered his work schedule to make sure they never had to use daycare. He was an incredible father and loved taking care of Alejandro.
In 2018 Jon joined H&L Manufacturing in Middleville where he worked faithfully until receiving his cancer diagnosis on December 18, 2023.
Jon’s diagnosis never took his grateful heart and beautiful spirit, which was evident throughout his treatment as he thanked his caregivers for everything they were doing, and had a reputation at the hospital as an incredibly kind patient.
Jon and Kayla loved to travel, especially “cruising” the Caribbean oceans. Over years they have enjoyed several destinations including Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. During their spare time, Jon enjoyed watching all types of sports, and become an expert on several different sports analyzing statistics, as well as different aspects of each sport. He has been a lifelong Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines fan, and helped Kayla embrace the game by attending several games in person over the years.
Jon was so proud of his family, loved watching his brothers play high school sports. He eagerly volunteered to several different assistant coaching positions so he could have a front row seat to his brothers’ athletic success. Jon rarely talked about his time playing sports, but rather, bragged continuously about his brothers performances.
He is survived by his beloved wife Kayla, son Alejandro, his siblings Alejandro (Savanna Seavolt) Reid, Matthew (Jessica Breidenbaugh) Reid, Mother Debbie Villanueva, Father Matthew (Bethany Harris) Reid, his grandmothers Sue Villanueva, and Mary Reid, several aunts, uncles and many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Alejandro Villanueva, and Floyd Reid, his uncles John Reid, and Dion Villanueva and his cousin Trayce White.
Jon’s goal when he returned home from his final cancer treatment was to attend the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packer football game on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Although Jon fell short of this goal, the family invites you to a memorial “Tailgate Party” on Sunday, November 3, 2024, beginning at kick off (approximately 4:30 p.m.) at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville.
We will welcome guests with the game being aired on our “game sized” televisions throughout the funeral home, with plenty of “tailgate food favorites,” and of course the Detroit Lions spirit that Jonny loved. Please be sure to bring a winning attitude, wear your Lions gear and help us celebrate the life and the last game for our beloved husband, father, brother and friend.
There will be a brief time of sharing and remembrance during halftime, with the day concluding with another Lions victory.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution at https://gofund.me/b545bfc0 to help Kayla with ongoing expenses and care of Alejandro.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Highway Nashville MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Jack Allen Caughey
Jack Allen Caughey, a loving husband, father, and dedicated community member, died October 25, 2024. Jack, 71, of Charlotte was born January 6, 1953 in Charlotte to John Allen and Donna (Sutherland) Caughey. Jack was a farmer and had an extensive career as a Mechanical/Agricultural Engineer. He had an innate understanding of how things worked. Jack was a third-generation Michigan farmer who followed in his father’s footsteps on the farm as well as serving on the Benton Township Planning Commission as the Chair. He was a strong advocate for preserving farmland, and his agricultural community. Jack loved drafting and design, had a great memory for details, and had a special interest in history, especially Naval history. He held a pilot’s license and loved flying for most of his life. Jack was an MSU alum and avid Spartan fan.
Jack was very proud of his son, Justin’s 26-year service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack was proud of his family’s Irish heritage, and with his sister Nancy, recently researched and recorded the family history and lineage. In 2023, Jack had the opportunity to visit Ireland with his family, a trip that he remembered fondly. Jack was a man who believed in tradition, loyalty, and modeled a strong work ethic. His family and friends saw this in his steadfast and loving care of his wife Tina, in her final years.
Jack is survived by son, Justin (Katusha Galitzine); daughter, Ericah Mahabir; and sister Nancy (James) Caughey Gensel. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Tina.
Friends are encouraged to support Jack’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Life Celebration at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper as celebrant. Interment will take place at a later date at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. 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 Jack’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 the Benton Township Fire Deparment. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lori Ann Briggs
Lori Ann (Rockafellow) Briggs, an extraordinary warrior in the fight against cancer for the last three years, left the pain of her earthly body and went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 14, 2024. Lori was born January 12, 1962 in Eaton Rapids, MI to Donald and Paula (Pattenaude) Rockafellow. She was such a positive person and always drew people to her with her amazing attitude and beautiful smile, even from a very young age. After ten years of dating, in May of 1997 Lori married Jason Briggs and they had lots of fun and adventures as a family together with the children that Lori had with Philip Branch. She loved being a mom and was very proud of her children, and was very excited when she became a grandma, a title she cherished which gave her more chance to show her love for her family.
Working at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in the dietary department for 27 years, Lori touched many lives from patients to co-workers. She volunteered for numerous committees, helped plan events, and was honored for her dedicated service with several awards over the years. A talented person in many ways, Lori enjoyed crafting, making greeting cards, scrapbooking, and tending to her flower garden. Cardinals held a special meaning for Lori, and she enjoyed watching them and knew they were visitors from Heaven. A proud member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, Lori knew that while her time on earth was coming to an end, her soul would be at rest.
Lori is survived by her husband, Jason; children, Stephanie (Michael) Terpstra and Greg (Amanda) Branch; grandchildren, Summer, Kevin, Brennan, Cameron, Delia, Frankie, and Axel; siblings, Cathy (Don) DeGraffenreid, Ron (Cathy) Rockafellow, Don Rockafellow, and David (Rachel) Rockafellow; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Larry Rockafellow.
Family and friends are encouraged to share with one another the wonderful person that Lori was by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, October 17, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, October 18, at First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids with Pastor Melany Chalker officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Lori’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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.