Obituaries
John Harry King
John “Jack” Harry King, age 87, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2025. He was born in Romeo, Michigan on June 21, 1938, to Henry and Irene King and at the age seven moved to Olivet, a place he would call home for the rest of his life.
After serving in the United States Air Force, he was honorably discharged and in 1960, married Laura Ernsberger. Together they raised five children, creating a lifetime of memories. Taking classes and becoming a skilled auto mechanic, Jack operated King’s Auto Service for 40 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter. He was a man who enjoyed the little things in life, morning coffee with friends, his bowling league, hunting, fishing, the thrill of a good hand at the blackjack table, but most of all traveling in his motorhome.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Laura; children, David (Patricia) King, Karen King, Judy King, Steve (Kathy) King, John King; grandchildren, Matthew, Miranda, Laura, Zachary, Evan; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Geneva, Raeya, Piper; as well as his brother and sister-in-law, James and Cleta King.
Jack leaves a legacy of kindness, integrity, quiet strength and a life well lived.
In keeping with his wish’s cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jack’s memory to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068.
Jack’s Final Journey
Jack wandered life on open roads
Where sunsets blaze and freedom flowed
From Mountain pass to ocean shore
Each mile he claimed, then sought one more
His home on wheels, his faithful guide
With dreams and stars along for the ride
No map could match his boundless zest
Each stop a place his soul could rest
Now wheels are still, but nor the flame
Jack’s spirit roams where skies proclaim
That journey’s end, but love goes on
In every dusk, in every dawn.
To view Jack’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.
Michael Allert Lokken
Michael Allert Lokken, age 69 of Eaton Rapids, died July 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born July 9, 1955, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to Allert Theodore and Doris J (Horning) Lokken. He worked as a machinist and maintenance director at several jobs, but for the last 25 years at Edgewater Apartments in Eaton Rapids until his health forced him into retirement. Michael was a true outdoorsman, he loved to fish in the morning, clean his catch in the afternoon and have it for dinner later that day. His wood carvings of canes were impressive, and he was known to be able to fix anything that was broken. He married Teresa Annette (Merriott) Menzer on July 30, 1997, at noon on a pontoon in the middle of Narrow Lake.
Michael is survived by his wife, Teresa Annette Menzer; children, Nicole Lokken, Michele Lokken, Erin Lokken, David Menzer, and Elizabeth Thornsbury; several grandchildren; brother, Timothy (Bonnie) Lokken. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Traci Underwood and Terri Bradley.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Michael Allert Lokken. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
John Daniel Creyts
John Daniel Creyts, age 51, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on June 30, 2025, due to heart failure and other ongoing health challenges.
John was born on August 2, 1973 and raised in Charlotte and spent his life surrounded by the places and people he loved most. He had a kind spirit, a unique sense of humor, and a deep appreciation for life’ s simple pleasures.
John had a lifelong love of music. He especially cherished the sounds of Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, and big band legends like Glenn Miller. He played the drums and other instruments with joy and enthusiasm, often filling his home with rhythm and song. His favorite shows included The Price Is Right, Sanford and Son, and Frasier, and he rarely missed an episode.
Every Saturday night was pizza night — a tradition he never grew tired of — and every Wednesday brought a trip to the bowling alley. John also had a soft spot for a chocolate Frosty from Wendy’ s and never passed up a chance to build something with his Lincoln Logs.
John attended Meadowview Eaton Intermediate School and he was a graduate of Grand Ledge High School, completing his education at age 26. He worked for several years at Pizza Hut and was a proud helper on the family farm, where his favorite task was driving the empty wagons back out to the hayfield — a job he approached with steady dedication.
He shared a deep bond with his beloved cat, Phineas-Jerry, and took great comfort in his companionship.
John is survived by his parents, Jean and Daniel Creyts; his sister, Ruth Creyts; his brother-in-law; and his niece, who all loved him dearly and will miss him.
A private family funeral will be held where he has been laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, Delta Twp., Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’ s honor to the University of Michigan-Sparrow Foundation, which is currently building a new mental health facility in Lansing — a cause close to the family’ s heart. To donate, please use the following link: uofmhealthsparrow.org/give and click on the “Behavioral Health Services” option. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
In tribute to John’ s wonderful life and spirit, the family shares the following poem by Kathy R. Wofford:
The Gift of Special Children
God Blesses some with Special Children…
Who with the magic of their smile…
Have the power to touch our souls…
And make our lives worthwhile.
Sometimes God in all His wisdom…
Fulfills our very lives…
With a child who’ll truly capture….
Our heart quite by surprise.
A child who is always giving
Such unconditional love…
Unique and oh so precious
A gift from God above.
Kathy R. Wofford
Thomas Patrick Kay
Thomas Patrick Kay, 78, of Wyoming, MI, formerly of Vermontville, died peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025 with his son by his side. Tom was born November 15, 1946 in Lansing, the son of Paul Thomas and Doris Elizabeth (Healy) Kay. Tom enjoyed a happy childhood, participating in Boy Scouts, delivering newspapers, and attending Catholic Schools. He graduated from Msgr. John A. Gabriels High School (Lansing Catholic) in 1965 and briefly attended the seminary before deciding on another course in life. He went on to earn a bachelor degree in Management of Human Resources from Spring Arbor University and settled in St. Ignace, MI, where he started his career in Community Mental Health and opened his own health food store.
Tom married the love of his life, Linda Sue Baird, on February 4, 1978. Together they raised two sons, Brandon and Jonathon in Vermontville, MI. Tom was active in his son’s lives, serving as Scout Master and assistant basketball coach for their teams. As a family, the Kay’s enjoyed time in the outdoors, especially camping trips to the Upper Peninsula. Tom and Linda opened Natural Living Health Food Store on the West side of Lansing, which they owned and operated for 19 years together. All the while, Tom worked training and supporting mentally and physically challenged adults for the State of Michigan Community Mental Health. He retired after nearly 30 years.
Tom lived a life full of compassion. Throughout the years, he dedicated much of his time to humanitarian work, including co-founding Students for Migrant Workers, working with the church in serving the poor and needy in the Lansing migrant population. Many will remember Tom as a strong but gentle man who loved his family and devoted his life to the well-being of others.
Tom is survived by his son, Jonathon (Robin Meester) Kay; two grandchildren, Lillian and Jackson Kay; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife, Linda Sue Kay in 2024; their beloved son, Brandon Kay in 2003; his brothers, Richard and Daniel Kay; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Tom’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. The service 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 Tom’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Community Mental Health Clinton Eaton Ingham at http://www.ceicmh.org/make-a-donation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cynthia Ann Hiser
Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Hiser, a woman who was always up for an adventure, died on Tuesday, June 24, 2025
after a courageous battle with cancer. Cindy, 65, of Charlotte, was born June 7, 1960, the daughter of Paul and Phyllis (Walter) Binkowski. After graduating from Charlotte High School, Cindy began working in Customer Service. She worked for General Aluminum, Felpausch Party Store, Admiral, and most recently Shell. Cindy greeted everyone with a big smile and always had a joke to share. Hobbies that she enjoyed included doing plastic canvas, cross-stitching, playing Backgammon, reading horror novels (especially Stephen King), camping, going to Rock and Roll concerts, trips to the sand dunes, and going putzing around town in her beloved ’78 blue Ford pickup. Above all, throughout her life, she loved the friendships she made and her daughter.
Cindy is survived by her daughter, Rachelle Hiser; sisters, Cathy Bennett, and Paula (Kelly) Naber; nephews, Brandon and Jeremy Truax; niece, Shawn (Josh) Hose; great-nephews, Aleks and Ethan; great-niece, Maddianna; and close friends, Rose and Kelli. She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother-in-law, Mike Bennett.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service from Noon until 2:00 p.m. 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 Cindy’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 family to help with funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.