Obituaries
Susan L. Courtnage
Dr. Susan Louise Courtnage, age 71, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2021 after a brief illness. Born November 26, 1949 in Binghamton, NY to Dr. William H. and Marjorie L. (Hunter) Courtnage . Sue attended Carmi High School in Carmi, IL., After high school she attended the University of Illinois where she received her undergraduate, and then fulfilled her medical doctorate degree from the University of Illinois Champaign and Chicago. She became board certified in Internal Medicine in 1977. Dr. Courtnage opened her medical practice in Eaton Rapids, providing compassionate care for her patients and advocacy services for those with disabilities. She served Eaton Rapids and the surrounding community for her entire professional career until her retirement in 2019.
At a young age, Susan had a curious mind and developed a love for learning. During her school years she channeled this into music playing piano and the trumpet and art (painting). She loved the out of doors and achieved the First-Class Girl Scout award at a young age. She continued her scouting involvement with her sons in the Boy Scouts of America organization as a leader and a supportive volunteer.
Susan was an enthusiastic traveler, exploring all aspects of the food and culture of each destination whether in the U.S. or internationally. She was a tourist in her own state educating herself on Michigan native flowers and the beautiful state parks. Every roadside attraction or museum captured her interest and was a learning opportunity for her. Susan was also an avid card player, always armed with a deck of cards and prepared for a friendly, but competitive game.
She was interested in investing and became a founding member of the Golden Girls LLC Investment Club which she was the longest standing member and currently was serving as President and the Education Chairperson. Beyond retirement Susan continued learning by taking educational courses in the medical field, law, architecture, art, botany and many other areas. She was an active member of the Eaton Rapids Art Guild. Her many friends knew her as caring, independent, and always having a smile.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents and infant son Scott. Left to grieve her passing are her two sons, Brian Stipanuk of Holt, MI and Christopher (Jesica) Stipanuk of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Ethan, Ezra and Elias McNamara. Sisters, Margaret (Jeff) Burrell of Kansas City, MO; Christine Courtnage of Austin, TX; Gale Sipe of Irving, TX and Patricia (Todd) Sampsel of Wimberely, TX; nieces, nephews and many friends.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Rapids Women’s Shelter, ASPCA or Heifer International.
For online condolences please go to www.skinnerfuneralhome.com.
Carolyn L. Ballard
Carolyn Louise Ballard of Holland, formerly of Hamlin Twp., passed away May 10, 2021 at the age of 91. Carolyn was born in Dearborn, MI, May 27, 1929, the daughter of Walter and Flora (Roser) Kautz. She was a teacher, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids since 1954 and a member of the Square Dance Club. Carolyn was a farmer’s wife who worked very hard and was extremely proud of the 4 children she and her husband Jim raised. She loved to cook, sew, travel and winter in Texas and Florida. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her great joy.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jim; children, Ronald (Karen) Ballard of NC, Cathryn (Phillip) Bowen of Grand Rapids, David (Joanna) Ballard of Hamlin Twp, Bruce (Julie) Ballard of Holland; grandchildren, LaRona (Robert) Jones, Patrick (Aleaha) Bowen, Drew (Lisa) Bowen, Laura (Jaime Koopman) Steffens, Jeff (Melissa) Ballard, Meri (Kristi Kruppa) Ballard, Abbey Ballard, Brandon Ballard; 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. A second Celebration of Life will take place outdoors at Tunnel Park, 66 N. Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI 49424 on June 27, 2021 from 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church, the hospice of donor’s choice, or the Freedom Village Scholarship Fund, 145 Columbia Ave., Holland, MI 49423. To place online condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Douglas E. Koivu
Douglas E. Koivu, 77, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 in Lansing. He was born in Detroit on December 3, 1943 to the late William and Patricia (McGill) Koivu. Doug was a proud veteran of the US Army. After working much of his life in food services, in retirement Doug worked for Advanced Autoparts in Holt, delivering autoparts. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family including many grandchildren’s sporting events, although hunting, fishing, and the Thursday night man cave gathering were close seconds.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kristine Koivu; son, Aaron (Sheng) Koivu; daughters, Angie (Darren) Green and Michelle (Ben) Northrup; grandchildren, Jack and Julian Koivu, Anthony Freeman, Cody, Christie, and Zach Green, and Trenton Northrup; great-grandson, J.R. Freeman; brothers, Norman Koivu and William (Barbara) Koivu; sister, Lynne (Roger) Smith; extended family Gail (Dennis) Southward, Burt (Mary) Bentley, and Bonnie (Harv) Schroeder; and numerous treasured nieces and nephews.
According to his wishes, no services will be held.
In honor of Doug, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, an organization to which he donated his time for many years.
Jack W. Holbrook
Jack Wallace Holbrook, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the age of 82. Born July 9, 1938 to Gerald W. and Myrtle (Slayton) Holbrook in Eaton Rapids, Mich. Jack honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he became a pilot, owned his own airplane and did aerial photography for ASCS. Jack also purchased land, built his own house from the ground up with his loving wife, Gerry, and raised both animals and agriculture on his farm. He specialized in dairy farming for many years and later focused more on produce. His farm had all kinds of animals including Bison, where he had up to 21 at one time. Jack taught stain glass classes for adult education in Eaton Rapids for two years, and he was a 4-H Leader. He was the owner/ operator of Jack & Sons Garden Produce that started on the corner of Spicerville Highway and Royston Road, and more recently on the corner of M-99 and Columbia Road. This produce stand allowed him to showcase his produce, cheeses and his specialty homemade ice cream. Jack was a jack-of-all-trades and the guy that many would go to for help because he was very knowledgeable and wouldn’t turn anyone away. Most of all, Jack loved his family and the time he was able to spend with them all. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and passing along his knowledge to all of them. Jack was a beloved man who will be dearly missed by all who remember him. Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Judy Dowding; grandchildren, Gerald Holbrook II, Nicole Holbrook; great-grandchildren, Hunter Abbott, Hunter Holbrook and Cyrus Lea.
Surviving are his wife, Gerry Holbrook; their children, Connie Holbrook, Gerald Holbrook, Bart (Brenda) Holbrook, Stacy Holbrook; 13 grandchildren, Roberta (Scott) Bean, Nichelle Andrews, Autumn (Chris) Holbrook, Kendra (Chris) Holbrook, Matthew (Ashley) Kreis, Jack Holbrook, Dustin (Michelle) Holbrook, Mika Holbrook, William (Julie) Briggs, Leora (Chris) Lea, Megan Briggs, Donald (Naomi) Abbott, Johnathan Briggs; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Virginia McCarrick, JoAnne Holbrook, June (Buddy) Riley; brother-in-law Don Dowding; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many extended family and friends.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on May 28, 2021 at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamlin Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to the family to help defer costs, in care of Stacy Holbrook. To share memories and condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Sharon L. Satterlee
Sharon Lee Satterlee, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at the age of 82. Sharon was born on December 4, 1938 in Onondaga Township, the eighth of nine children born to Ermen and Ruth (Stevens) Satterlee. She attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools and graduated class of 1956. Sharon went to work for the State of Michigan in the Vital Records Department, retiring after 42 year of service, at the age of 60. She enjoyed trips to Firekeepers with the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, and was an avid bowler, bowling at Char Lanes in Charlotte.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Curtis, Harlan, L.C., Larry, Keith and Kenneth Satterlee; and sisters-in-law, Sherley Satterlee, Betty Satterlee, Sharon Satterlee, Norma Satterlee; and brother-in-law, Charley Lea.
Surviving are her sister, Shirley Lea; brother, Brent Satterlee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service took place on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Onondaga Cemetery. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Homes. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to A.S.C.P.A. in memory of Sharon. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Sharon L. Weaver
Sharon Lee Weaver, 73 of Olivet, a great mother, wife, and sister, a lady that others trusted their hair to for over 30 years, died at her home with family by her side on May 4, 2021. Born in Charlotte, Mich. on April 11, 1948, she was one of four children of John and Nona (Root) Brandon. Always a very pleasant and friendly lady, Sharon easily made friends when she played BINGO each week, and with her many clients that trusted her to make sure their cut and style was always well cared for. She volunteered at the Eaton Area Senior Center and enjoyed meeting people there too. Some of the activities she enjoyed included weekly trips to Firekeepers Casino, gardening, watching and feeding the birds at her home, and travel…especially trips to Florida and to Las Vegas. A proud mom, Sharon loved her children and often told them how proud she was of them and their successes.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 37 years, Edwin; children, Jodi (Joe) Waid, Tari (Bill) Connell, Ed (Yvonne) Weaver Jr., and Nick Weaver; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren (and one more on the way); siblings, Sally Porter, Bonnie Vincent, and John (Ann) Brandon. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Bill Porter and Bob Vincent; and mother-in-law, Peggy Weaver.
The family is planning a memorial at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Area Senior Center. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sharon on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
LeRoy R. Sedore
LeRoy R. Sedore, age 80, of Charlotte, Mich. passed way December 17, 2020. Born February 12, 1940 at home in Grand Ledge, Mich. to Harold Ezra and Dorothy May Sedore. LeRoy married Bonita (Bonny) McClure in 1961, preceded him death. They were married for 58 years, together being life residents of Charlotte, they raised three children, Harold, Christel, and Susan.
LeRoy was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He worked at Lyndell Drop Forge for 26 years until their closing in 1989; was the owner and operator of Sedore’s Body Shop from 1981 to 1986, and worked at Spartan Motors until his retirement in 2006. LeRoy loved to spend time with his family, also being the #1 fan at their sporting events, which he did not miss a one.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife Bonny, daughter Christel, brother Shirley Sedore, brothers-in-law Thomas Clay and Charles Wells, and his parents.
Surviving include son, Harold (Robin) Sedore; daughter Susan (Rick DeWolfe) Sedore; grandsons, Casey (Lupita) Sedore, Cody Sedore; granddaughters, Nicole Adams and Kayla Wright; and seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Leslie (Janice) Sedore, Michael (Mary) Sedore; sisters, Janet Clay and Jeanie Michaels.
Graveside service will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Cemetery, M-43, Mulliken, MI. The family has entrusted arrangements to Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be shared at petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Pamela M. Treat
Pamela “Pam” May Treat, 66, of Bellevue, Mich. passed away on April 29, 2021 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Pam was born on June 11, 1954 in Battle Creek, Mich. to Melvin “Bill” and Charlotte (Love) Swartz.
She was a 1972 graduate of Bellevue High School.
Pam spent most of her time working in the medical field. She worked at Fruin Pharmacy, DayOne Family Health Care, Bellevue Medical, Marshall Medical, retiring from the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2020 as an Advanced Medical Staff Assistant.
Pam’s family was her everything. She married her high school sweetheart, Jim Treat on August 25, 1972. They were married for 48 years. As they raised their boys, she loved spending time with them snowmobiling at the cabin, camping and being their biggest cheerleader at sporting events. She spent much of the last several years attending her grandchildren’s, great-nieces’ and great-nephews’ sporting events and other extracurricular activities. Being a kind and outgoing person, you could more than likely find her visiting with friends and family or spending time with Jim at their cottage, taking boat rides or out for a ride in their Mustang. While Pam didn’t spend much time at home as she was always on the go, when she did, she found special joy in baking with her mom or sitting down with a good book.
Pam is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Treat; her mother, Charlotte Swartz; her children, Chad (Jami) Treat of Bellevue, Mich. and Jeff (Natalie) Treat of Olivet, Mich.; her grandchildren, Gabrielle Higgins of Olivet, Mich., Jordyn Treat of Bellevue, Mich., Madelyn Treat of Olivet, Mich. and Carter Treat of Bellevue, Mich.; her siblings, Denny (Joyce) Swartz of Bellevue, Mich., Margie Coy of Bellevue, Mich. and her twin- sister Pat (Mary Goheen) Dowding of Battle Creek, Mich.; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father.
Funeral services for Pam were held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N., Marshall, Michigan with Pastor Jim Codde officiating. Interment took place at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Mich.
Memorial contributions are requested to Bellevue Good Samaritan.
Please visit kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook or to leave the family condolences.
Raymond D. Winters
Raymond D. Winters, age 88, of Charlotte, died on April 18, 2021. He was a line worker for Fisher Body.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by a memorial at 12 noon, at the South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte, Mich.
Teddy H. Whipple
Teddy “Ted” Harvey Whipple, age 89, of Charlotte, lost his battle with dementia and heart issues at his home on May 1, 2021. He was born in Mason, Mich. to Olive Whipple. He went on to graduate from DeWitt High School in 1952. Ted had varied work experiences throughout his life. They consisted of managing a horse-riding stable near Higgins Lake, working at the Ford garage in Grand Ledge and Charlotte, driving for Crandell Trucking where he became a broker and owner/operator, driving for Central Transport, Inspector and Assistant Show Manager for the Appaloosa Horse Association. He also traveled throughout the U.S. tattooing and identifying appaloosa horses and served as Director of the Michigan Appaloosa Horse Association for many years. Ted was well respected and enjoyed serving as a judge at many 4-H fairs across Michigan and bordering states. He enjoyed snowmobiling and was a charter member of the Charlotte Eagles Aerie 3552. Ted was a faithful Christian who accepted Christ as his Savior in March of 1968.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Marsha (Howe) Whipple; sons: Clayton (Ruth) Whipple of Charlotte, Kevin (Joy) Whipple of Charlotte; daughter, Brenda Whipple of Illinois; stepson, Randy (Kim) Howe of LaSalle; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters: Margie Lotre of DeWitt, Peggy Longcor of Dansville; sister-in-law, Lori (Rick) Olson; and brother-in-law, Tom Howe; and many nieces and nephews.
Ted was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Olive and Victor Ward; and two brothers, Jerry Ward and Rex Ward.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Lyle Robinette officiating.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ted’s honor to Hospice of Lansing.
To view Ted’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.