Obituaries
Patricia Van Skike
Patricia Joan (Clemens) Van Skike, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2022, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis, MI. She joyfully entered the presence of her Savior. Pat was born February 5, 1932, in Sturgis, one of six children, to Vernon and Marjorie (King) Wallick.
She met and fell in love with a boy down the street; she married Richard Clemens on February 12, 1949. Pat was a homemaker, mother of three daughters, and was active in the early formation years of the Sturgis Wesleyan Church.
She wasn’t much of a traveler or adventurer, but in 1960, she traveled alone with the three girls to meet Richard in Tournata, Liberia, on Africa’s west coast, where they served for two years as lay missionaries. Upon their return to Sturgis, Pat began caring for children in her home, and ran a daycare for many years. Eventually, she helped to establish the Humpty Dumpty Nursery School at the Wesleyan Church. Her love of and devotion to children never wavered, and until her life’s end, she delighted in holding a baby in her arms.
In 1973, Richard died at age 47. On November 29, 1974, Pat married Bryan Van Skike, a longtime friend of the family and recent widower. Pat moved to his home in Charlotte, MI and established a new chapter with Bryan’s children. They were married for 46 years.
Pat continued to care for children in their home and they became “Grandma and Grandpa” to numerous children in this area. They were active members of First Baptist Church, where Pat taught Sunday School, volunteered in the nursery, and made many friends. In both Sturgis and Charlotte, family members were blessed to share life with a woman of unconditional love, strong faith, and an open heart. Pat’s life was one of praise and thanksgiving.
When it became evident that neither of them could no longer live on their own, Pat and Bryan returned to live in Sturgis in 2019. Bryan, age 93, passed away at Thurston Woods in 2020, and Pat entered Thurston Woods the following year. We thank the staff for their loving care.
She is survived by her Clemens children: Linda (Larry) Hahn, Mary (Joe) Schmitt, Katie Clemens; and her Van Skike children: Brynda Filkins, Penny Pickett, Nathan (Kathy) Van Skike. Pat leaves one brother, Vern Wallick; two sister, Beverly Fuller and Dixie DeHaan; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on November 12th at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI. Visitation with the family will be at 1:00 p.m.; the Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed at https://listentochurch.com/listen/bgk. Reception to follow at the funeral home.
If desired, memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, 1210 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI. Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Rosalie Sinko
Rosalie Ann Sinko, a jokester who always enjoyed a good laugh, died Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the Stoneleigh Hospice House in Lansing. Rosalie 89, of Charlotte, was born April 21, 1933, in Detroit, MI the daughter of Jerome Maurer and Helen (Gryble) Sharkey. She graduated from Resurrection High School in 1951. On October 23, 1954, Rosalie married Robert Sinko and for the next 66 years they created their legacy until his passing in 2020. She was very devoted in her Catholic faith; she was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She loved tending to her flower gardens, crafts, reading, watching Judge Judy, Sunday car rides, and most importantly spending time with her family.
Rosalie is survived by her children, Mark (Sherry) Sinko, Randi Sinko, Karen (Kris) Fase, and Kathy Sinko-Mills; daughter-in-law, Linda Sinko; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; and her son, Robert John Sinko in 2022.
Friends are encouraged to support Rosalie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A funeral mass was held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte on Thursday, November 3, 2022 with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Stoneleigh Hospice House in Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dennis Hamm
Dennis Gerald Hamm, age 69, of Olivet, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. He was born August 5, 1953, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan the son of Gerald and Norene (Farmer) Hamm. Dennis graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1973.
Dennis is survived by his daughter, Marie Ann Morrison; grandchildren: Tyler Vandlen, Brady Brisson, Samantha Hamm, Victoria Hamm; sisters: Linda Davis of Marshall, Judy (John) Clark of Holland, Debra (Rick) Slone of Olivet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Gerald Dennis Hamm.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with a reception to follow. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. just prior to the service. Burial will take place at Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in Dennis’s memory to the family to be used towards an education fund for his granddaughters.
To view Dennis’ obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Randy Serr
Randy Serr passed away October 25, 2022. He was born October 3, 1957, to parents, George Serr and Nancy Serr. Randy graduated from Everett High School. He was known for being a hard worker and retired from Oldsmobile. He based his life around his family. You could catch him doing many hobbies he enjoyed such as darts, race cars, hunting and watching his favorite sports on TV.
Randy is survived by his wife, Diane (Graham) Serr of 43 years; two beautiful daughters, Trisha Sentell (Jim Sentell) and Nicole Serr (Torrey Symonds); sister, Reta Alexnder (Bill Alexander); brothers, Brent Graham (Paulette Graham) and Tim Graham; four grandchildren: Jimmy, Austin, Mya and Mckenna; and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nancy; brother, Kenneth; his in-laws, Duane and Shirleen; nephews, Seth and Chris.
He will be missed by all his family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Charles Lewis “Chuck” Filbert
Charles Lewis “Chuck” Filbert, of Charlotte, MI, a man with a great sense of humor who could laugh at most anything, died Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born July 17, 1936 in Forman, North Dakota, the son of John and Edna Filbert. Chuck’s family moved to Michigan when he was only nine months old. In 1955, Chuck graduated from Charlotte High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was proud to be a veteran. On July 13, 1958 he married the love of his life, Glenda Stadel.
For many years, Chuck was a dairy farmer and contractor. He built and remodeled houses in the Charlotte area for many years. Chuck was a person who could fix most anything. If anything broke, his mantra was, “I’ll take care of it,” and he did. He and Glenda always did things together, they were inseparable. They enjoyed many things together; including riding motorcycles through the countryside, making trips as far as Sandusky and Traverse City. Glenda fondly remembers their fishing trips in the Canadian wilderness with friends. Chuck and Glenda were snowbirds to Florida and due to health problems had recently been living full-time in Zephyrhills.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 64 years, Glenda; brother-in-law, Dick Stadel; sister, Donna Tellas; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by their three sons, Tim, Mark and Chris; his parents, John and Edna; and two sisters, Dorothy and Evelyn.
Memorial services for Chuck will be conducted in the Spring in Charlotte, Michigan. Friends are encouraged to support Chuck’s family by attending services in the spring or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. His family is being served by Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte.