Obituaries
Richard Van Fossen
Richard “Rick” Eugene Van Fossen, II, a man who strived to make something he was proud of, died April 14, 2022. Rick, 74, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Potterville was born April 11, 1948 in Flint to Richard and Evelyn (Petherbridge) Van Fossen, Sr. Rick was a proud father who supported his children in whatever goals they set for themselves and whenever they did something wrong, he would smile to himself as he thought, “I did that once.” He was a natural leader and teacher. Rick coached baseball, softball, basketball, and wrestling, and all of the kids he coached were “his kids.” After he stopped coaching, he could be found in the stands cheering them on. Building a successful construction company of over 40 years was one of Rick’s many talents. He couldn’t have done it without Bill Bill and LeRoy, among others. People trusted him to do it right and he did! Rick was an outdoorsman. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and golfing were some of his favorite hobbies. You could catch him taking pot-shots at squirrels off the deck as his orange pellets were left standing everywhere. As a story teller people were drawn to him. He would fill their lives with jokes and an infectious laugh that you couldn’t get enough of. Rick served his country as a Airborne Ranger in the Army, he was loving, always happy (well, most of the time) and will be missed by many.
Rick is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughter, Jen (Chuck) Sesniak; son, Josh (Ashley) Van Fossen; grandchildren; Izzy Sesniak; Evan, Mason and Roman Van Fossen; brother, Mike Van Fossen. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard (Dick) and Evelyn (Petherbridge) Van Fossen, Sr.; sister, Diane Van Fossen Paine and niece, Kelly Van Fossen.
Friends and family are encouraged to support his family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte.
Marjorie Kay Bensinger
Marjorie Kay Bensinger, of Olivet, passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones Wednesday, April 6, 2022, having bravely fought end-stage renal disease for much longer than doctors predicted anyone could.
She was born on October 26, 1942, to Floyd and Gertrude Wyrick of Olivet. They owned a small farm west of town where she grew up with siblings Joyce and Pete. There she learned to be strong and resourceful as well as kind and loving. At school, she was a cheerleader, class secretary, actress in school plays, and created friendships that would last a lifetime.
She navigated raising two boys, through occasionally rough seas, by herself. Her sons Greg and Mark were still miraculously provided everything they could want from a mother; without fail. She did this by selflessly putting them before herself.
After her sons became independent, she was able to declare independence as well. She began truly living when she began traveling and working with Hartzler tours, playing Bridge with close friends, many memorable moments with Maureen and the girls at the Koyl cottage, spending more time with her sister Joyce, camping with neighbors Sharon and Dave, and touring Europe with Jane O’Brien, her dear friend since kindergarten. Sometimes what she needed most was lunch with a friend and she didn’t have to ask neighbor Judy twice to make that happen. She treated every moment with her grandchildren as a gift and always wanted more.
The people in her life blurred the lines between friends and family. Towards the end, she needed more and more help. More than her independent spirit would admit. Neighbors Mary and Sharon exceeded any definition of friendship daily as her health became worse. Her sister Joyce never missed an opportunity to make sure her little sister was okay. Lisa Fox began helping Marge as an employee but within days became family. So many people did so much for her in so many ways and so willingly that to witness it was to witness what it must be like to have lived life right.
“You shall know the person by their company.”
Marge is survived by her siblings, Joyce Beadle of Battle Creek and Duane ‘Pete” Wyrick of Olivet; her sons, Greg of Lansing and Mark (Margot) of Dimondale; her grandchildren, Ethan, Molly, Brett and McKenna; and Molly and Ethan’s mother, Connie, who provided years of invaluable nursing advice along the way.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home for a time of sharing memories and stories together.
To view Marge’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jacqueline Kosh
Jacqueline H. Kosh passed away April 10, 2022, in Leesburg, Florida. She was born to Otis and Winifred (Holbrook) Hopingardner on April 18, 1930. She and Joseph Kosh were married February 14, 1970.
Jackie lavished love on her pets and family. She hosted a reunion at her home on Lake Columbia in Jackson County for many years.
Jackie and Joe loved to travel and took several cruises and a trip to Germany. They had a motor home and belonged to a weekend travel club.
She was a car/truck saleslady and took pride in always brushing the snow off of the vehicles she was going to show.
Her parents preceded Jackie in death and her husband of over 50 years, her special friend Dee Geho, and many cousins survive her.