Obituaries
John Appelman
John “Nelson” Appelman was the kind of man that would make anyone comfortable in a conversation. With many varied interests, there was always something to talk about and plenty of activities to keep him busy. Nelson was born April 30, 1949 in Lansing, MI to Nelson and Esther (Schmidt) Appelman. Growing up on a horse farm, they raised horses to race sulky carts. His love for animals continued into adulthood, as he raised Boxers with his all-time favorite rescue named Chance. All around town neighbors would often find him walking his dogs. His love for his kids and grandkids was evident as he was coaching little league, wrestling, baseball, football, and freestyle wrestling at Lakewood and Maple Valley Schools. He also served on the Lakewood Youth Wrestling board.
One of his greatest accomplishments was completing the DALMAC four times. He also collected many different things as an avid garage sale shopper with his wife. He was always looking for die-cast trucks and old signs. With a love of John Deere tractors, he found that a bigger yard meant he could get more and bigger tractors. Nelson worked as a food broker for C.E. Stehower, traveling to grocery stores throughout Michigan, and retired in 2015. He was an active member of Chester Gospel Church where he served on the board for many years. He also was a Sunday School Superintendent. He and his wife, Pam, along with his friends, Chris and Penny Brumm, were youth group leaders. Nelson and Chris also spent many evenings visiting those who were homebound.
Nelson died April 13, 2025 at the age of 75 from complications of a spinal cord injury from a slip and fall on ice January 11, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pam; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Shannon Appelman; daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Matt Heinze; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Madi, Andrew, Brock, Brandon, and Braxton; along with a sister, Karla Terpening. He was predeceased by twin infant daughters; grandson, Brenden Bell; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Appelman family by attending services or sharing memories on Nelson’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, April 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Weeks and Pastor Matt Rhody 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 Nelson’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 Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Diana Kay Gillean
Diana Kay Gillean, age 73, of Vermontville Township passed away on April 18, 2025. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 25, at the Bellevue Christian Church. Arrangements are by Pray Funeral Home Inc. 517-543-2950.
Judy Lynn Rehkopf
Judy Lynn Rehkopf, of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the age of 79.
Judy was born on April 13, 1946, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Robert and Juanita (Spence) Sheldon. She was a proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1964. Following high school, Judy dedicated 25 years of service to the State of Michigan, working as a secretary in the Department of Corrections before retiring in 1996. She later explored a new path as a real estate agent with Conner Realty in Eaton Rapids.
A true snowbird at heart, Judy cherished her time spent at Lettuce Lake Travel Resort in Punta Gorda, Florida, as well as her time in Michigan—between Eaton Rapids, Charlotte, and the log cabin she and her late husband, Chester, lovingly built at Sutherland Lake in Harrison.
Judy was known for her warm spirit and vibrant personality. A natural social butterfly, she treasured her friendships and remained closely connected with her classmates and lifelong companions. She found great joy in Michigan’s natural beauty and especially loved watching the sunsets over Lake Michigan. Above all, Judy cherished the time she spent with her family and friends creating cherished memories.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chester, and her parents.
Judy is survived by her daughters, Sheila (Brett) Ward and Kristina (Phil) Newsome; grandchildren, Nicholas Richards, Tyler (McKenzie) Newsome, Dylan (Angel Markle) Newsome, Maxie (Josh) Naramor, Samantha (Drew) Harding, and John (Bethany) Ward; great-grandchildren, Riley, Maddilynn, Chester, Arley, Weston, Nevaeh, Graden, Maeve, and Maryann. She is also survived by her sisters, Pat (John) Coy and Kay (Al) Redner, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Red Ribbon Hall in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross in Judy’s memory. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Donald Lynn Soule
Donald Lynn Soule of Mason, passed away peacefully in his home on April 18, 2025, at the age of 75. Don was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and a man of deep faith. He served his country honorably as a Vietnam veteran and was awarded the bronze star of valor. After his service, he earned an IT degree and dedicated many years of his life working for the State of Michigan, retiring in 1999. Don was also a faithful member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Holt, Michigan for over 50 years, volunteering weekly to count the congregation’s offerings. He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed golfing with his brother Ronald and family, and spending time with his family in Northern Michigan every summer. Don will be remembered for his quiet strength, quick wit, his deep love for his family, and his unwavering faith. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Don is survived by his four children; Tamara (Paul) Roush, Thomas Soule, Timothy (Heather) Soule, and Tiffany (William) Horton; grandchildren; Joshua (Stacey) Allen, Jeremiah (Kyle) Allen, Joel Allen, Abrianna Soule, Alexandria (Isaac) Evenson, Chloe Soule, Addison Soule, Wesley Horton, David Horton, and Grace Horton; great-grandchildren Eli and Isaiah Allen, with another great-grandchild expected this summer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Paulette Sue Soule (Merwin), with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Their love and commitment remain an enduring example to all who knew them.
A funeral service to celebrate his life was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday April 23, 2025, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2418 N. Aurelius Road, Holt, MI 48842. Visitation took place on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel and at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1530 Wilson Blvd., Suite 550 Arlington, VA 22209. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, ww.millsfuneral.com.
Barbara Alice Wells
Barbara Alice Wells, age 72, was born on November 21, 1952, in Charlotte, Michigan to Thomas and Agnes (Smith) Mills. She passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025 at her favorite time 4:20, surrounded by her loved ones. Barbara was a remarkable individual whose strong spirit and caring nature left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
Throughout her life, Barbara was known for her unwavering work ethic. A “tough as nails” worker, she dedicated herself to several manufacturing factories in Charlotte, with her favorite job being at Charlotte Art Glass, where she skillfully built stained glass windows. Her commitment to her work was matched only by her generosity. Barbara was a very giving lady, often making food and blankets that she lovingly gifted to her co-workers on their birthdays or other special occasions.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Barbara was a loving mother and a second mom to her children’s friends. She had a knack for nurturing those around her, setting boundaries with care while showering them with affection. Barbara was beloved for her straightforwardness; she felt free to express her thoughts openly, which endeared her to many. She was a loyal and hardworking mother who always placed her family’s needs before her own.
Barbara leaves behind a loving family, including her children Lisa and Kraig Bowen, Charlotte, MI; Tom and DeeAdra Wells, Greenwood, MO; Kitty and Bobby Butler, Bunker Hill, IL; and Krissy and John Hamilton, Edwardsville, IL. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and cherished her two great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Barbara is also survived by her sisters Vicki Ball and Jacque and Jeff Sage, along with her brother, Randy and Carla Mills.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Gary Wells, in 2024; her sister Dianna Webb; and her brothers Donny Mills, Douglas Mills and her loving dog Lucy.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at the Charlotte Eagles Club on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This gathering invites friends and loved ones to come together, share stories, and celebrate the beautiful life Barbara lived.
Those desiring to make contributions in Barbara’s memory may do so by donating to Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48910.
To view Barbara’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.