Obituaries
Larry Leo Weicht (Poppa Leo), a beloved, caring and generous father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away from a lengthy illness while surrounded by his family on June 6, 2020. Larry, age 75, was born in Kendallville, Indiana, the son of Leo and Lucille (Weimer) Weicht on December 12, 1944.
Larry served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked at General Motors for 37 years while raising his family, retiring in 2006.
Larry was known for being someone that liked to make the best out of every situation and enjoyed joking with people and having fun. He was a kid at heart, definitely the joker of the family. He enjoyed meeting new people and could make anyone feel like they had known him for years. He was very generous with his family and could always be counted on if someone needed a hand.
Larry enjoyed spending time with family and friends, classic cars (especially Mustangs), Harley Davidson Motorcycles, good music and movies. He enjoyed holidays (especially Christmas) and special occasions, often being the “life of the party.”
Larry is survived by his sons, Steve (Patti) Weicht of Charlotte, David (John Dortch) Weicht of Cape Coral, Florida, Shawn (Kim) Weicht of Charlotte; daughter, Robin (Denny) Watson of Lansing; brother, Lynn (Sue) Weicht of Grand Ledge; grandchildren, Tori Weicht, Hunter Weicht, Logan Weicht, Chad Petersen, Ashley Eaton, Shauna Yon, Keeley Coon, Aiden Myers; former spouses, Janet Weicht and Lauraine Paladino; life-long friends, Don (Sally) Strouse, Bob (Martha) Geyer and Larry Mason, and many more friends and extended family. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Lucille Weicht; son, Mike Weicht; infant daughter, Lucy Weicht; and grandson, Liam Myers.
Funeral services for Larry were held Wednesday, June 10, 2020 with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery following the funeral service.
Friends and family are invited to share memories or Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
As one of the granddaughters said, “Rest easy now, Poppa Leo. This world was so much better with you in it, but I’m so relieved you are at peace now. I love and miss you now and always. We all do.”
Jeane E. Burt
Jeane Elaine Burt, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Sunday, March 22, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jeane, 87, of Charlotte, was born August 23, 1932 in Spring Arbor, Mich. the daughter of Edward and Neita (Alldaffer) Hillis. Jeane married her sweetheart Leo Clifford Burt and created their legacy together for 39 years until his passing in 1988. She was a provider for her family, and she devoted her early years as a homemaker for her family. Later she worked at Dicks Restaurant, the Medical Care Facility and most recently at Galewood Elementary as a Lunch Lady. Jeane was one who will be remembered for being social and being able to strike up a conversation with anyone that she crossed paths with. Her smile could brighten a whole room. Her hobbies included attending blue grass festivals, dancing at senior centers, wintering in Florida and having card parties.
Jeane is survived by her children, David (Pam) Burt, Rose Broskey, Linda (Harold) Carpenter, Ed (Gerrie) Burt; she had 50 plus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo; her first husband, Richard Bauer; son, Lynn Burt; son-in-law, Roger Broskey; siblings, Wayne Hillis, Catherine Jardot, and Grace Wood.
Friends are encouraged to support Jeane’s family through calls, letters, and through Jeane’s Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. Private graveside services will be held. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mae Lorene Clouse
Mae Lorene Clouse, a loving mother, grandmother and friend, who was always laughing and smiling, died Saturday, August 15, 2020. Lorene, 61, of Lansing, was born March 14, 1959, in Lansing the daughter of Ray and Maudie (Fulcher) Dunn. Many will remember Lorene loved her Coca-Cola, Lays potato chips, dancing and watching Jerry Springer on TV. Most importantly Lorene loved spending time with her family. Being a mother and grandmother was her biggest enjoyment in life. Her family is at peace knowing that she spent the final years of her life in a loving home with the care of her significant other, Dave Lauer.
Lorene is survived by her son, Dustin (Amanda Jones) Clouse; favorite granddaughter, Avry; best grandson, Skyler; significant other, Dave Lauer; siblings, Ray Dunn and Danielle (Rob) Gillentine; and step-father, Ron Crook. She was predeceased by her daughter, Ileta Zank; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Lorene’s family. A graveside service was held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Glendale Cemetery in Okemos with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lorene on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Betty Louise Hendrickson, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at the age of 93. Betty was born on March 28, 1927 in Lansing, the daughter of George and Margaret (Symonds) Wyatt. She graduated from Eastern High School class of 1945 and went on to attend Lansing Community College. Betty worked as a house mother at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids from 1966-1979. She also worked for Eaton Stamping, the Eaton Rapids Cable Company, Continental Cable and most recently at Family Fare in Eaton Rapids. Betty was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, George Hendrickson; sons, David Hendrickson and George Hendrickson; brothers, Patrick Wyatt and Raymond Wyatt; sister, Clara Wyatt; sisters-in-law, Jane Wyatt and Nellie Wyatt; and brothers-in-law, Ted Garrison and Bill Mills.
Surviving are her sons, Charles (Kathie) Hendrickson, Bruce (Dawn) Hendrickson; daughter, Anne (Jeff) Vance; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Garrison, Suzanne Mills; brother, David Wyatt; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center or to the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids
To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Daniel R. Knickerbocker
Daniel Ralph Knickerbocker, of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 14, 2020 at the age of 70. Dan was born on May 11, 1950 in Eaton Rapids, MI the son of Elden and Shirley (Themer) Knickerbocker. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1968 and went on to work as a residential builder and more recently as an oil and gas landman. Dan was a member of the Onondaga Sportsman Club, AAPL and the Builders Association. He was very involved with the Special Olympics where he would judge many events. Dan was an avid golfer and enjoyed collecting and riding motorcycles.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Knickerbocker; sisters, Peggy Knickerbocker and Kathy Meoak; and brothers, Michael Knickerbocker and Ted Knickerbocker.
Surviving are Rosanna Kay; his son, Dan Knickerbocker; grandchildren, Amanda (Clemente) Barron, Michael Knickerbocker, Jakob Knickerbocker, Chloe Knickerbocker, Vincent Knickerbocker, Nicole Knickerbocker, Emily Knickerbocker, Tyler and Lacey Reichert, Kyler Smith, Justine Torrey, Emily and Luke Collins; great grandchildren, Brayden and Morella Barron; brothers, James (Barbara) Knickerbocker, Randy (RoseAnne) Knickerbocker and numerous extended family and friends.
Visitation was be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics in memory of Dan.
To share memories or condolences please
visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Sabine Pardo
Sabine Pardo, of Charlotte, MI and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2020 at the age of 51. Sabine was born on October 31, 1968 in Munich, Germany the daughter of George and Anna Maria Marchner. She married her husband Rodolfo Pardo in 1997 and together they moved to the United States. Sabine currently worked as a butcher at Meijer in Charlotte, but was above all a loving mother who spent most of her adult life raising her daughter, Christina.
Sabine is preceded in death by her father, George Marchner. Surviving are her husband, Rodolfo Pardo; daughter, Christina Pardo; mother, Anna Maria Marchner; brother, Deiter Marchner and sister, Susie (Tab) Baledes.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To share memories or condolences please
visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Douglas W. Moreau
Douglas W. Moreau died peacefully in his home on August 10, 2020. Preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Moreau and daughter, Pamela Garland. He is survived by his wife, Karen Moreau and two sons, Michael Moreau of Onaway and Mathew Moreau of Lansing. Doug’s family included 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Doug was born in 1930 in Escanaba. He was a life long U.P.’er at heart, his childhood was spent roaming the woods, streams and streets of Michigan Upper Peninsula. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Doug earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He and his family moved to Eaton Rapids in 1967. Doug led a life of public service as a director for the American Legion Children’s Home, a high school counselor in Eaton Rapids and Charlotte and in Regional Detention and Children’s Services for the State of Michigan. Being a child advocate was his life long passion.
After his retirement in 1990, he and his wife Karen enjoyed traveling and family, escaping many winters in Texas and Arizona. Doug also enjoyed fly fishing, golf and college sports, especially MSU football, many Saturdays were spent tailgating before the big game. He was a lover of art and beauty, believed in U.F.O.’s, hated Trump, in later years, was an avid reader, sometimes reading three books a week, always wanting to learn more.
A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Peter J. Rottenbucher
Peter John Rottenbucher, IV, of Tarpon Springs, FL and formerly of Eaton Rapids passed away on July 25, 2020 at the age of 54. Peter was born April 13, 1966 in Eaton Rapids, the fourth of five children born to Peter and Donna Rottenbucher. He grew up in Eaton Rapids where he graduated with the class of 1985. Peter had a kind and gentle spirit. His career included working at the family pharmacy where his knowledge was beneficial to the customers he served. He also worked in the real estate business for a period of time. His greatest love was for his family, second to that was his love for sailing.
Peter spent many summers sailing the Grand Traverse Bay at the family summer home.
Peter was preceded in death by his father, Peter John III and brother, David Rottenbucher.
Left to grieve his absence and to celebrate his life are his mother, Donna Rottenbucher; sisters; Dianne Rottenbucher, Denise (Bob) McKenzie, Kristin (Mark) Kleinfelt, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass of Christian burial was held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church or to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Peter. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Doretta K. Malerba-Cathcart
Doretta Kay Malerba-Cathcart “Punky,” known by many for her volunteer activities, died August 10, 2020 at the age of 67. Doretta was born, raised, and lived her life in Charlotte, Michigan. She loved her community and gave back through many organizations. Born November 17, 1952 to Roger and Dorothy (Shaul) Pruden, she graduated from Charlotte High School in 1970 and spent over 20 years with Carter’s as a store employee, manager and working in the corporate office. Prior to that Doretta worked with her best friend, Barb, at the Charlotte Country Club for 13 years. Some of her many volunteer activities included: Relay For Life participant and board member for many years; Charlotte Frontier Days committee member for many years, as well as General Chairman for multiple years and Grand Marshal in 2015; and Potterville VFW Auxiliary working often at BINGO.
Doretta was not only loved and admired by her community for her generosity, but also by her family for her kind ways and always finding time for the important things in life. She was very proud of her daughters and her 4 grandsons, and really enjoyed trips to the family cabin in Harrison. She dearly loved her bassett hounds, Sam and Maggie and shih tzu, Bella. Doretta was loyal, generous, and a hard worker. She gained even more admiration from her family and friends with the strength she showed during the struggles she faced over the years.
Doretta will be missed dearly by her family, including daughters, Melissa (Bryan) Foster, Marci (Jerry) Kohler; grandsons Blake, Bryson, Carson, and Bronx; brothers, Robert (Vickie) Pruden; Anthony Rodriguez, Tim Rodriguez, Dean (Candace) Rodriguez; sisters, Susanne Rodriguez (Todd Trowbridge), and Annette (Brian) Davis; step-mother, Jackie Pruden; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Barb Powers, Sue Wolcott, and Roxanne Ripley. She was predeceased by her husbands, Michael Malerba II in 1987, and Michael Cathcart in 2015; best bud Steve Cyphert; and her parents. The family is at peace knowing that Doretta is reunited with her son, Michael Malerba III, who passed away in 2007.
Visitation will be at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, August 14, 2020, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are Saturday, August 15, 11 a.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Garden with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Mask and social distancing guidelines are required during visitation and funeral services. The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Doretta’s tribute, then click on Photos & Videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the House of Ruth or Special Olympics Michigan Area 8. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doretta on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Wilma R. Blatt
Wilma Rae (Reed) Blatt, 82, of Eaton Rapid and most recently Odessa, FL, passed away on July 15, 2020. She was born March 3, 1938 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Roland and Mildred (Emery) Reed. Wilma was one of the first in Michigan to obtain the designation of Certified Professional Secretary while working for Michigan Farm Bureau in the mid 70’s. Wilma was also part owner of Auto Truck in Potterville. Wilma lived the last 25 years in the Tampa, FL area. Wilma cherished her family and dog, Lucy. Wilma was lovingly cared for by her family the last few years while enduring dementia. She is survived by her brother, Russell (Pam) Reed; her sons, Steven (Sandra) Turner, and David (Leslie) Turner; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A family and friends gathering will be held in September, 2020.