Obituaries
Helen J. Olson
Helen Joan Olson of Eaton Rapids, entered into the gates of Heaven, February 18, 2022, at the age of 87. Helen was born in Greencastle, IN, August 22, 1934, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Alexander) Renfro. She had a strong Christian faith, belonging to the Messiah Lutheran Church and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, both in Holt. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, and dancing. She also loved spending time in her flower gardens, was active at the Jean Bradford Kling Senior Center and absolutely adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Jack) Stohr of Eaton Rapids, Terry (Larry) Wicker of Eaton Rapids; son, Martti Siltanen; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Idamae Scott; brothers, Robert “Bo” Renfro, Charles “Dude” Renfro; husbands, Frank Hutcheson, John “Arnie” Siltanen, and Hughes Olson.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to any Hospice of the donor’s choice. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Orlen D. VanDriessche
Orlen D. VanDriessche, age 89, of Olivet, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Thursday, February 10, 2022. He was born June 21, 1932, in Albion, the son of Gerard and Mildred (Sebolt) VanDriessche. Orlen grew up in rural Olivet, and graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1950. On June 20, 1953, he married Jane Sharp at the family farm in Olivet. Together, Orlen and Jane faithfully raised a beautiful family and cherished each and everyone of them. Orlen was a devoted Christian, and was never afraid to share his faith in Christ with anyone he met. Orlen was a member of the Lee Center United Methodist Church, and served as a lay leader for many years. He was past president of the Albion/Marshall Chapter of the Gideon’s. In his spare-time he enjoyed attending the Olivet High School basketball games and traveling with friends to harness racing events around the area.
Orlen is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jane; children: Robert (JoAnn) VanDriessche of Olivet, Sharon Klingler of South Carolina, Connie (Bruce) Lack of Olivet; 12 granchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; sisters: Nancy Bumgarner and Ardella VanDenDriessche.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Anderson; and granddaughter, Gloria Klingler.
A private graveside service for the family was held at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. The family received friends on Monday, February 14, 2022 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lee Township Hall.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Orlen’s memory to the Lee Center United Methodist Church or The Gideon’s International.
To view Orlen’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home of Charlotte.
David E. Slocum
David Earl Slocum, of Dowling, formerly of Charlotte Michigan, died February 3, 2022, while wintering in Texas. David, 72, was born February 22, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan to Kenneth R. and Esther Mae (Hunt) Slocum. He graduated from the Maple Valley Schools in 1968 and went on to Lansing Community College. In August of 1969, David married Caroline Felder, and together they would raise three children. David served in the US Army as a helicopter Crew Chief in Viet Nam. After active-duty David joined the Michigan Army National Guard 119th Field Artillery, retiring in 2009. David worked for the State of Michigan for 33 years as a truck driver.
More than anything else David loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed taking motorcycle trips with his wife Caroline and their adult children and made many friends as a member of Gold Wing Road Riders Association. David also spent many hours as a volunteer in the community at Eaton Senior Center, Eaton Community Palliative Care and Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center. He loved playing guitar, collecting antique clocks, fishing and was an avid reader of American adventure books.
David is survived by his wife, Caroline Elaine (Felder) Slocum; son, David (Shannon) Slocum II; daughter, Victoria (Dan) Alt, daughter-in-law, Rachel Slocum; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Tyann (Bob) Drake; brother, Jerry Slocum; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Robert Slocum; and his brothers Robert and Kevin Slocum.
Visitation for Mr. Slocum will be Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home. A Life Celebration Service will be held this coming spring or summer. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in David’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Roberta J. Vedder
Roberta Jean Vedder, age 89, of Mulliken, was welcomed home by her Savior on Saturday, February 12, 2022. She was born October 24, 1932, in Lansing, Michigan the daughter of Robert and Ica (Woods) Fowler. She spent her growing up years in Gleason, Tennessee and graduated from Gleason High School in 1950. Roberta was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Her daily prayer was that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would follow Jesus. She attended First Baptist Church in Charlotte for many years. In her spare-time she enjoyed antiquing, playing the piano, quilting, and playing games with family and friends.
Roberta is survived by her children: Bryant (Brenda) Vedder of Charlotte, Dwayne (Robin) Vedder of Charlotte, Paula (Rick) McCloy of Vermontville, Martin (Theresa) Vedder of Charlotte; 11 grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith in 2008; great-grandson, Toby Livingston; and sisters: Clara Heath and Celeste Tilden.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The family received friends on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial took place at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Roberta’s honor to the Awana Club at First Baptist Church 1110 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Roberta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Laura C. Berry
Laura C. Berry passed away peacefully in Tuscon, Arizona on February 9, 2022 at the age of 92.
Laura was born to Wilbur and Minnie (Hendershott) Schantz on March 22, 1929, in Hastings, Michigan. The youngest of three children, she was raised on their farm in Baltimore Township. After graduating from Hastings High School, she married the love of her life, Donald E. Berry, on June 15, 1946. Together they had six children while working their farm in Bellevue, Michigan. They were married for 45 years until Donald passed in 1992.
Laura couldn’t stand being idle and was always busy with garage sales, working in her flowerbeds, visiting with friends and family, baking cookies, and helping others. She loved arranging annual family get-togethers and holiday celebrations. For many years she volunteered her time with church activities, Hospice, Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and Siren Organization for abused women. She was recognized by the American Red Cross for having donated over 20 gallons of blood in her lifetime. She also spent countless hours crocheting afghans to which she donated to provide comfort and warmth for many newborns and adults.
Laura’s priorities were faith, family and friends. She was devoted to her family, especially her many nieces, nephews and their families as well as many friends she considered family. She took great pride in her grandchildren Jill (Alan) Austin, Kelly Dilley-Anton, Chad (Andrew Skar) Anton, Alison Ericson, Ethan Berry, Jonathan Berry, and Eren (Corey) Berry Smith and her great-grandchildren, Josef, Jacob, Jaden, Charlotte, and Evelyn.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her beloved husband, two sons Donnie and Bert, and her sister Bernadine Van Syckle. She is survived by her brother Karl Schantz, children Edward (Loretta) Berry, Dale (Denise) Berry, Cleone Anton, and Yolanda Berry, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Laura left us many fond memories, was loved by all, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
There will be no services at this time, but a memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at the Dowling Cemetery near Dowling, Michigan.
Memorial contributions can be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 267 South Cochran, Charlotte, Michigan, 48813.