Obituaries
John R. Efaw
John Richard Efaw of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 14, 2021 at the age of 90. John was born in Marion County, W. VA, June 25, 1931, the son of John and Mary (King) Efaw. He worked for Owens Illinois in Charlotte for over 30 years before retiring. John was a former member of the Eaton Rapids Nazarene Church and the Charlotte Church of God. His hobbies included reading, attending church activities and tin working.
John is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Schrum of GA, Anita Mire of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Lucas, and Chanda Schrum, Cassondra Mire; five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; son-in-law, Eli Mire; four brothers and one sister.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, at Perry Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
Linda M. Walker
Linda Mae Walker, of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 11, 2021 at the age of 60. Linda was born in Chicago, Ill. November 17, 1960, the daughter of Edwardo and Caroline Valin. She worked for ROI Group Home as a caregiver for 35 years before retiring. Linda enjoyed reading, walking, riding her bicycle, listening to Christian music, and loving on her dogs, Sadie and Kuddles.
Linda is survived by her husband, Mark Walker; daughters, Shelley (Mark) Lewis of South Haven, Mich., Heidi (David Berg) Klug of Bangor, Mich.; six grandchildren, Heather, Autumn, Kristie, Star, Sierra and Mikey; two great-grandchildren, Landon and Courtney; siblings, Lyle Fredrickson of Eaton Rapids, Robert (Evelyn) Westfall of Hastings, Cindy (Bobby) Landry of Holt, Valerie (Mark) Burgess of Eaton Rapids, Carol Rattigan of Oklahoma City, Mary Leffel of Wis., Brycella (Allen) Roth of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents and first husband, Gary Reeder.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Kevin D. Darnell
Kevin Daniel Darnell, of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 9, 2021, at the age of 61. Kevin was born in Howell, Mich., August 1, 1959, the son of Clarence and Lillian (Bunker) Darnell. He was a 1978 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Kevin worked with Farm Bureau for four years and Decra-Loc for nine years as a paving stone strapper. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, collecting toy tractors, farm scenery and model cars. He loved the time he was able to spend with his family and friends.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Paula Darnell; daughter, Clarice Glennie of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Tiffini (Jeramy Smith) Darnell, Samantha (Thomas Belcher) Holbrook, Nicole (Michael Richards) Holbrook, Shannon Holbrook; five great-grandchildren, with another on the way; brothers, Ronald and Ray Darnell; sisters, Lois (Dave) Clark, Karen Roebuck and Ila (Larry) Collins; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Clarence, Terry and Lyle Darnell.
No services are planned at this time. For those desiring to make a memorial contribution, they may be sent to the family in care of the Mills Funeral Home. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit MillsFuneral.com to place online condolences.
Shirley J. Campbell
Shirley Jean Campbell, loved and cherished by many, passed away on July 6, 2021. Shirley, 83, was born on April 15, 1938, in Olivet, Michigan to Leslie and Wilma (Oteney) Mott. Shirley attended Olivet High School and met her lifelong sweetheart, Gerry Campbell. The two married young and would be celebrating their 66th anniversary this August. The young couple had four boys in rapid succession and were involved in their many sporting and school activities. Shirley was a den mother for Cub Scouts, as well as her career working for the state/county for 24 years. She was a natural at so many things; fly fishing, golfing, and card playing. Once their sons grew and their family expanded, to welcome daughters (never in-laws), she was also a wonderful and loving grandma. She enjoyed camping, campfires in the back-yard, and spending winters in Florida, even though she hated being away from her Michigan family.
Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Gerry; sons, Leslie (Rebecca), Randy (Marilyn), Lonn (Tina), Doug (Mary); 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Anthony (Doris Graul) Mott, Laurel Mott; sisters-in-law, Susan Mott, Wilma Campbell; brothers-in-law, George David Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell; and so very many nieces and nephews that she had the talent to make them feel as though they were her favorite.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents; her husband’s parents, George and Beatrice Campbell; brother, Richard “Dick” Mott; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Mott, Sheila Mott, Judy Campbell, and Edna Spaulding Campbell; brothers-in-law, Norman and Daniel Campbell.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Lee Center Township Hall, 23045 21 Mile Road, Olivet, MI 49076. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Oaklawn Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roberta Jane Johnson
Funeral and burial services for Roberta “Bobbie” Jane (Ammon) Johnson, age 86, formerly of Charlotte, Mich. are planned for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 10 at Center Eaton Community Center, 2000-2224 Narrow Lake Road, Charlotte, Mich. Burial will follow at Center Eaton Cemetery. A celebration of life lunch will be held at the conclusion of the services in the fellowship hall at the Center Eaton Community Center.
Robert E. Hildebrand
Robert Eugene Hildebrand, age 89, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. He was born March 16, 1932, in Berrien Springs, Mich., the son of Adolph and Alma (Fiege) Hildebrand. He graduated from Berrien Springs High School with the Class of 1950. Bob faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home from his military service, Bob attended Michigan State College where he studied agriculture and horticulture. On November 10, 1956, he married Kay F. Kebler in Lansing.
Bob worked most of his life as a farmer and carpenter. He found fulfillment in life passing along his vast knowledge to others. Bob worked for the Burkhead-Green Funeral Home as a funeral director’s assistant for 25 years. He was a patient and kind man who always looked for the best in others. He was a devoted Christian and enjoyed spending time studying the Bible. Bob was an active member of First Lutheran Church where he served as Elder and sang in the choir. He was an extremely hard-working man and was always busy working on the farm or helping others.
Bob is survived by his long-time partner, Shirley Lea; his children, Garth (Ahmed Alehremi) Hildebrand of Stone Mountain, Ga., Sarah (Gary) Kanan of Little Mountain, S.C., Amy (Bill) Maas of Olivet; grandchildren; Mindy (Wesley) Bagley, Megan (Sam) Jordan, Brooke Lahr, Amanda (Mark) Wallis; and great-granddaughter, Myah Robert Wallis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay; and seven siblings.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 9, 2021, at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Gawura officiating, followed with burial at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bob’s honor to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813 or to the Lutheran Hour Ministries.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Joseph A. Jager
Joseph “Joe” Augusto Jager, a man who took care of others and lived for other people, of Charlotte, passed away July 3, 2021. Joseph, 74, was born September 16, 1946, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Joseph and Inez (Martini) Jager. Joseph earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University and special accident reconstruction training. He had 32 years of service at the Eaton County Sheriff Department, retiring as a Chief Deputy. He was also a teacher. Joseph was a practical, thoughtful, and intelligent man who enjoyed Michigan State University sports, cooking, family, and an occasional trip to the casino. He was very proud of his master’s degree and his 32 years served at the Eaton County Sheriff Department.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Catherine; sons, Ken (Bonna) Jager and Ryan (Adena) Hankins; grandson, Joseph S. Jager; sister, Delores Mize; and close friends, Rick Jones and Dan Lee. He was predeceased by his wife, Sandra; son, Kevin; his parents; and sisters, Inez K. Kitchen and Joan S. Jusko.
Friends are encouraged to support Joseph’s family. Funeral services were Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place at Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Joseph on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Keith A. Kleinfelt
Keith Alan Kleinfelt, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2021 in Winchester, Ky. He was affectionately known to many as Bully or Moose. He was born on January 9, 1956, in Charlotte, Mich., the son of William and Dolores (Crilly) Kleinfelt. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1974. During high school he worked at Airway Manufacturing in Olivet, approximately 1976 to 1980, at Carefree General Aluminum in Charlotte, approximately 1980 to 2007, at Kleinfelt Well Drilling in Charlotte, and retired from Goodwill Industries in 2018 in Charlotte.
He was an easy going, quiet man, but was always up for conversation if you stopped by. He was always willing to help you out with any task and let you do it your way, as long as the job got done. “Whatever works,” he would say. He was also a man who would always have your back in any situation. He was at his happiest working on anything mechanical and he could fix anything. It didn’t matter if it was a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn mower or household appliance, he could make it work. He loved to tinker with all his treasures in his garage and over the last few years he enjoyed traveling to Kentucky to help his daughter Kali on her horse farm.
He is survived by his wife, Kelli (Morgan) Kleinfelt of 30 years; children, Kali Kleinfelt (Justyn Harper) of Mt. Sterling, Ky., Liesl Hansen-Spence (Steve) of San Diego, Calif.; his grandchildren, Sean, Isaac and Phillip Spence; brother, Bryan Kleinfelt (Wanda); and sister, Jane Sobleskey (Steve); in-laws, Leo and Virgilene “Sue” Morgan; brother-in-law, Greg Morgan; sisters-in-law, Trina Clark and Vicki Mitchell; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother in 2019 and his father in 2021.
There will be a private family viewing and a public memorial service held on July 10 at 11 a.m. at Celebration Church, formerly Five Corners Church, Charlotte. A luncheon will follow the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Keith on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
James D. Emery
James Delbert Emery, 68, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in Corbin, Kentucky on his way home to Michigan. He was born February 21, 1953 in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Thomas Alva and Geraldine Evelyn (Grundstrom) Emery.
James was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a hard worker, a ‘jack of all trades,’ and always kept busy. He worked for Owen Illinois, Dowding Industries, and finished his working career with his passion at Netterfields P&L. He loved to play his guitar and serenade his friends and family. He was always in for a night at the casino or bingo and loved watching Christmas and Hallmark movies (especially Christmas in July) with his family. James was only a phone call away when it came to helping his friends, family, and co-workers for troubleshooting any issues that they came across.
James is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy Emery (Norris); mother in-law, Mary Norris; children, Vanessa (Caroyll) Camp, Justin (Lacie) Emery, Jesse (Cassie) Emery, Virginia Norris; siblings, Gerald Lewis, Thomas Emery, Kathi (Tom) Dominguez, Eugene Emery, Carmen Harris, James Norris, Joe (Shirley)Norris; 15 beloved grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; all his Netterfield family and Mia Emery the cat.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Geraldine Emery; father in-law, Max Norris; sister, Charlene Vaughn; sister-in-law, Barb Emery and Linda Emery; grandson, Benjamin Emery; and Hallmark Emery the cat.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 2:00-5:00pm at the Charlotte American Legion, 1000 W. Lawrence Hwy, Charlotte MI 48813.
Donations can be made, in his name to one of his two favorite charities: Charlotte Christmas Kiddies (mail or drop off a check at the Charlotte Fire Department. Make checks payable to: Charlotte Fire Christmas Kiddies), or Shriners Hospitals for Children – www.lovetotherescue.org.
Chase D. Jesse
Chase Dylan Jesse, age 20, died unexpectedly in a kayaking/drowning accident on July 5, 2021 while vacationing in Mackinaw City with family. Chase was born on February 26, 2001 to Jack and Elizabeth Jesse at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. Chase grew up in Eaton Rapids and graduated from Eaton Rapids Public Schools in May of 2019. Early in 2021, Chase moved to Canton, with his brother, Cody Jesse, and took a full-time job with Fuyao Glass America, where he worked hard and received several promotions.
Chase loved all different music genres. The music relaxed his gentle spirit and inspired him to learn to play the piano and guitar. Chase also loved playing video games with his friends online and was rumored to be quite a good gamer, too! Chase was a huge help to his parents and enjoyed helping out the neighbors by shoveling their walks in winter with no expectation of praise. He just wanted to be a nice guy. Chase was such a good son, brother, uncle, nephew, neighbor and friend, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Chase had a beautiful soul, and his life here ended much too soon, but his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now in Heaven, with his dad, who passed away earlier this year, in March.
Chase is survived by: his mother, Elizabeth Jesse; his brother, Cody Jesse; and by his half brothers, Michael, Andy, Jaremy, and Andrew; and by his half-sisters, Heather and Heidi; as well as his nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He was preceded in death by his dad, Jack Jesse.
Chase will be cremated and his memorial service is being planned. Contributions in memory of Chase may be made to the charity of your choice. To share memories of Chase or for updates on service date and time, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com