Obituaries
Harold Trew Pinksa, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the age of 93. Harold was born on May 28, 1927 in Fayette City, Penn., the only child born to Joseph and Florence (Trew) Pinksa. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School class of 1945 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Michigan State University. Harold proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany towards the end of WWII. He worked as grocery manager for Market Basket in Lansing and a grocery buyer for National Foods in Kalamazoo and Muskegon. Harold eventually went to work for the State of Michigan in the highway department as a right of way buyer where he was heavily involved in the purchasing of land for the MLK Blvd. expansion and the development of Highway 696. He married the love of his life Patricia (Gaunt) Pinksa June 20, 1952. They spent 67 years raising their family, traveling the world where they visited countries on five continents and conquering together. Harold was an avid MSU Women’s Basketball fan, a season ticket holder and a member of the Fastbreak Club. He was an outdoors man who loved to cross country ski, snowshoe and walk in the woods. For many years he was an active player and later ran the community volleyball program. He was a talented horticulturist who had many gardens and loved tending to his roses.
Harold is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Pinksa; son, Randy Pinksa and his parents.
Surviving are his daughters, Carolyn (Tom) Rocheleau, Francene (Jim) Rasmussen; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the MSU Women’s Basketball program or to a charity of your choice. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Larry Lyle Johnson, age 80, a good and faithful servant, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 13, 2021 in his home surrounded by his family.
He was born July 10, 1940 to Lyle and Helen (Hegle) Johnson. He married Carol Jeanne Larry on February 3, 1963. Larry and Carol graduated in 1959 from Ithaca High School and were blessed to be raised in Ithaca, Mich. where their families lived, worshipped and worked together.
Larry graduated in 1962 from Ferris Institute in Big Rapids, Mich. with an Architectural Technical Associate Degree. He was a partner at Keystone Design Group in Lansing where he supervised construction, retiring in 2003.
In 1978, he designed and built their home in Eaton Rapids, Mich. He was an active member of Robbins United Methodist Church and for the last ten years at First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids.
He lived a generous life, serving God and others. In the early 1980’s he attended a mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains with his daughter’s youth group, where God drew his heart toward missions. He continued to serve and lead mission trips for thirty years. He loved the mountains and had a special place in his heart for Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Ky. Locally, he volunteered at Southside Community Kitchen, Youth Haven Ranch, and The City Rescue Mission of Lansing. For over twenty years he spent countless hours in his shop sharing woodworking talent with the We-R-A-4-H Club youth. He also served on the Aurelius Township Board for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and golfing.
His patience, gentleness, humility, and faith reflected his love for God, his family and his country. Rooted firmly in his faith, he faced his illness bravely and remained an inspiration and encouragement to us all.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Lori (Walter) Irwin, Peggy (Ylli) Bodinaku, and Amy Ammann whom he loved as a daughter; five grandchildren: Kathryn (Adam) Yusko, Hannah Irwin, Amelia, Juliet, Christian Bodinaku; great-grandson Teodors Yusko. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Johnson. He was welcomed in Heaven by his sons, Gregory and Gabriel.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the First Baptist Church with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Due to family health concerns, we are asking those attending to please wear a mask. For those unable to attend in-person, the service will be streamed via Facebook from the church’s website, facebook.com/FirstBaptistER.
Interment will be in Fowler Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Henderson Settlement, P.O. Box 205, Frakes, KY 40940 or Youth Haven Ranch, P.O. Box 97, Rives Junction, MI 49277. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live.” John 11:25.
Richard A. Verhelle
Richard Allen Verhelle, of Eaton Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 10, 2021 at the age of 80. Dick was born in Charlotte, Mich. on November 13, 1940, the son of Albert and Mary (VanDeMoortel) Verhelle. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1958. Dick served his country in the US Navy during Vietnam War. He then went to work for Western Electric, AT&T and Lucent as an Operations Area Manager for 34 years before retiring in 1995. Dick was a charter member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree.
Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lois (Manchester) Verhelle; daughter, Janene (Terry Mitchell) Rowe of Ohio; grandchildren, Chelsea (Nicholas) Sicillian, Terry “Trey” Mitchell III and Alissa (Jeremy Neff) Rowe; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Neff and Taylor Sicilian; sister, Margaret (Roger) Creighton. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Denise Verhelle Coats and brother, Robert Verhelle.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. A Rosary was prayed at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent De Paul – St. Peter’s Chapter, 515 E. Knight St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Please visit the Mills Funeral Home website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.
J.D. Bartley
J.D. Bartley, of Albion, left his wife and family to be with his Lord and Savior, March 13, 2021 at the age of 88. J.D. was born in Penny, Pike County, Ky., February 4, 1933, the son of Kennis and Alafair (Newsome) Bartley. He worked in the coal mines in Kentucky and at Atlas Drop Forge in Lansing. J.D. was a proud member at the Little Vineyard Church in Eaton Rapids, loved to walk, listen to Blue Grass music, play the guitar, fish and coon hunt.
He is survived by his wife, Easter (Shepherd) Bartley; daughters, Lou Cinda Bartley of Albion, Cathy (Melvin “Jake”) Stone of Bellevue; 13 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Barbara Jane; daughter, Patrisha Ann Rolison; grandson, Brandy Shannon Rolison; and 14 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were held at 11 am on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Little Vineyard Church, 1687 S. Royston Road, Eaton Rapids with ministers Estill Hamilton, Zach Collins and Sean Hicks officiating. Visitation took place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Friday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Vineyard Church. Please visit the funeral home website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.
James A. Field, Jr.
James Alford Field, Jr., 84, a tinsmith by trade and tinkerer by hobby, died peacefully March 2, 2021 at his home in Potterville. Born September 18, 1936 to James and Beryle (Page) Field Sr., James grew up learning about the importance of family, working hard, and being a good neighbor and friend. He graduated from Potterville High School in 1956, then enlisted in the Army and served in Germany where he met his future wife, Hildegard. They were married in 1959 and spent many wonderful years together, raising their family and enjoying life to the fullest.
During his career as a tinsmith, James started at Diamond REO, and later helped establish Spartan Motors in Charlotte. Over the years, James worked on some very notable projects, including rebuilding the Wright barn in Potterville, masonry work on the Charlotte Junior High School pool, building a dune buggy for his family from scrap parts of cars, and most notably to his family, tinkering to create helpful conveniences for his wife to help around the house. James and his father also built a family cottage on Silver Lake, where the family spent every weekend for many years.
A great friend and neighbor, James enjoyed building pig roasters for Fred Spears and giving them interesting names…ranging from Petunia’s Delight to Kermit’s Last Love. There were many local pig roasts prepared on Jim’s creations. James was a kind man, if you were in need, he would always find a way to help. He was an early adopter of the “pay it forward” philosophy. James also enjoyed Friday night bowling leagues, loved to golf, and time spent woodworking to make furniture for their home, as well as working on their cars in his garage.
James is survived by his children, Edward (Sheila) Field, and Pam (Bill) Haviland; grandchildren, Edward Field Jr., and Jennifer (Will) Haviland-King; great-grandchildren, Carter James Field and “Little Bean” who is on the way; siblings, John (Robin) Field, Judy (Wayne) Calnan; sister-in-law Judy Field; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Hildegard in 2005; brother, Jack Field in 2021; father, James Field Sr. in 1980; and mother, Beryle (Page) Field in 1958.
Friends are encouraged to support James’s family at visitation and funeral services, or by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, March 5, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Father Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Jim’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Douglas L. Henney
Douglas Larry Henney, 68, a loved member of his family and dedicated grandfather, died at his home on Duck Lake after a long battle with cancer, on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Doug was born January 10, 1953, in Lansing, the son of Larry William and Jennie Mae (Hector) Henney. He graduated valedictorian from Potterville High School in 1971 before earning his undergraduate at Michigan State University and a law degree at Cooley Law School. Doug went to work as a stock-broker and financial planner in the Lansing area at various institutions, including Merrill Lynch, EF Hutton, Paine Webber, Prudential, and most recently Wells Fargo. Doug enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren, especially boating on Duck Lake, waterskiing, and taking in movies. He was a car enthusiast and fan of all sports, especially watching his grandchildren play and following MSU. Doug coached recreational basketball for many years, including his children.
Doug is survived by his daughter, Carissa (Jason) Miller; sons, Kyle Henney and Troy Henney; five grandchildren, Gracelynn Miller, Landon Miller, Conner Henney, David Bennett, and Faith Henney; sister, Sonya Henney; brother, Steven (Kathy) Henney; and his former spouse, Sharon Henney. He was predeceased by his parents.
A private memorial service will take place this summer at Duck Lake. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Multiple Myeloma Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doug on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Nancy S. Tyler
Nancy Sue Tyler, 70, of Grand Ledge, Mich., passed away on Friday, March 5, 2021 in Lansing, Mich. She was born August 15, 1950 in Battle Creek, Mich., the daughter of Willard “Jess” and Elizabeth Harrison (Wozniak). Nancy married Donald Tyler on September 22, 1973.
Nancy loved to travel, especially within the United States and had a passion for searching out Michigan lighthouses. She truly loved to be outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, and hiking. Nancy also enjoyed making trips to many casinos and was known to be very fruitful in her winnings, she was extremely lucky. Nancy also had a passion for watching her kids and grandkids at all sporting events. She will be greatly missed by the many lives she has touched.
Nancy is survived by her mother, Elizabeth G. Harrison; two sons, Derek S. (Jennifer L.) Tyler and Curtis J. Tyler; two sisters, Kathy A. Roschek, and Marny L. Harrison; and two grandchildren, Cody and Abigail.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Tyler; and her father Willard “Jess” Harrison.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the Bachman Funeral Chapel.
Burial is at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and the American Battlefield Trust.
Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes, backmanhebble.com.
Verda M. Nightengale
Verda Mae Nightengale of Potterville, passed away at the age of ninety-nine. Verda was born in Lansing to Sylvester Clark & Vera Mae Whitney. Spanning two centuries and eighteen presidents, Verda’s life was filled with joy, laughter and a great deal of love.
Verda attended Potterville High School. An actual Rosie the Riveter, Verda worked on the assembly line during World War II. She married Phillip Nightengale in 1944 and was by his side for 55 years until his death. With Phillip, she raised two daughters, helped run the family farm and still found time for active involvement in the local women’s club. After their daughters left home, Verda worked at Carl’s Supermarket and became a constant figure at the check-out line for several generations of customers. Over the years, Verda and Phillip’s family grew through marriage, birth and adoption, and she proudly took on the roles of grandmother and great-grandmother.
Verda had a zest for life. She enjoyed big band music and would dance to her “records” while cooking, cleaning or just because the music was on. A thoughtful hostess, she would make sure everyone coming to her home felt cared for. Whether it was serving her guests’ favorite snacks at her monthly card parties, making her famous homemade noodles for every special occasion, or ensuring her freezer was stocked with treats for her grandkids, she knew how to make others feel special. Verda’s warmhearted nature had a positive impact on many lives.
She is survived by her two daughters, Sharon Nightengale of Charlotte and Cathy Nightengale-McHalpine of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren, Sara (Jose) Saylor, Suzie (Brian) Gee and Matthew McHalpine; great-grandchildren, Whitney & Jacob Castenholz and Buturo & Bowen Bartolomei; her siblings, Maxine Cady and Russell Whitney; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Phillip; son, Phillip Jr.; her parents; sisters, Orpha Hayden & Gloria Hickox; and brothers, Donald, Robert and Wayne Whitney.
A private graveside service will be held to celebrate her life.
Verda’s greatest legacy is the kindness and love she freely gave to others. And the ripple effect of that type of love is timeless. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you honor her memory through your own random act of kindness. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Verda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Homer M. Winegar
Homer Morris Winegar, 90, of Vermontville, Mich. passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021. He was born in Sunfield Township, Mich. on December 22, 1930. A graduate of Vermontville High School in 1950, Homer served as his class president all four years of high school. He excelled in basketball and baseball with his 1948 and 1949 baseball teams being inducted in the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Homer remained an avid fan of sports and loved attending his children, grandchildren, and then great-grandchildren’s athletic events, as well as any other special activities they participated in.
Homer and his wife, Joan, enjoyed travel, especially to Cadillac and Torch Lake in Mich., and to Anna Maria Island in Fla. Being outdoors brought Homer great joy. He was a passionate fisherman, birdwatcher, and hunter (he got his last buck in 2020 at the age of 90). Other activities that he enjoyed with his family included farming, cutting and splitting firewood, and tractor and wagon rides through his beloved maple woods (a favorite activity of the grand and great-grandchildren).
Service to his community and his church was important to Homer. He and his wife founded and owned Maple Valley Real Estate for over 25 years. An enthusiastic Christian, he served as Board Chairman and Elder and was a member of Vermontville Bible Church for 56 years. He was also Chairman and a founding member of Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya, a Christian youth camp in Shelby, Mich. Homer also served on the Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joan E. (Moore) Winegar; sons, Larry (Diane) Winegar, Rick (Shelley)Winegar; grandsons, Adam (Sarah) Winegar, Aaron (Jen) Winegar, Austin (Kaylynn) Winegar and Wade Winegar; granddaughters, Lora (Chris) Katje, Ruth (Shawn) Rosenberger, Renee’ (Frank) Pereiro, Tiffany (Alex) Winegar, Trista (Nick) Parisian, and Tara (Santiago) Martinez; great-grandchildren, Everett, Savanna, Carter, Carissa, Cruz, Conrad, Cecilia, Brody, Owen, Macy, Landon, Aviree, Payten, Emmett, Harrison, and Isaiah. Homer was preceded in death by his son, Tom.
Friends are encouraged to support the Winegar family by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Vermontville Bible Church with Pastor Joe Benedict officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Homer’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Vermontville Bible Church or Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Luke P. Jewell
Luke Perry Jewell, age 28, died on February 28, 2021. He was a resident of Charlotte, formerly of Bellevue, Mich. He worked as a Paint Maker at Kish Industries. He is being served by Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte.