Obituaries
Richard Edward Toncray
Richard (Rick) Edward Toncray, 75, departed this earth after a short illness, while surrounded by his family, on June 22, 2024, in Rochester, Minnesota.
Rick was born January 8, 1949, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to Richard Horner and Phyllis (O’Mara) Toncray.
Rick’s life was complete in a way few others can claim, yet all who knew him know that his leaving came in God’s own timing, as Rick’s plans were far from finished.
Throughout his life, Rick achieved many great things, fulfilling his own seemingly impossible dreams and inspiring others to do the same. He had an indomitable will, which showed itself at an early age, overcoming lower body paralysis from polio to enjoy water skiing and eventually becoming a professional golfer and PGA professional. When he set his mind to something, he would not stop until it was 100% finished.
Rick began his golf career at 15, working as part of the grounds crew at the local country club. Then, while attending high school at the Howe Military School, he played on the varsity golf team. He graduated in 1967 and continued working at the country club while playing tournament golf. During this time, the head professional invited Rick to join him in business, forming a company to build golf courses in Florida. Rick jumped at the opportunity and moved across the country, where he worked and played professional golf on various golf tours.
Rick met his wife, Pam, on a blind date in Michigan in 1973. They were immediately inseparable, spending 5 days together before Pam returned to school in England. The following month, Rick flew to England and they married two days later, on November 3, 1973. The newlyweds began their life with an epic adventure, backpacking through Great Britain, Western Europe, and North Africa before returning to Florida, where a new adventure awaited them. They welcomed their first child, Richard Robert, in January 1975. Splitting time between Florida and Michigan, Rick worked to acquire his PGA professional card. They eventually made Michigan their permanent home in 1979, purchased Olivet Country Club, and welcomed their second child, Lissa Jean, in August of that same year. They settled in to raise their family and develop the golf course- which they owned and operated for the next 35 years.
Rick’s passion for life and learning expanded; he raced sailboats, learned engine-building, and all that goes along with racing a front-engine dragster. He also owned and raced IMCA modified and Winged Sprint cars, and became a NAUI-certified dive instructor, diving WWII shipwrecks in Micronesia and more locally shipwrecks in the Caribbean, Atlantic Ocean, and the Great Lakes with his son. He also became a private pilot.
He liked to travel and enjoyed Europe for its rich history. When his work schedule limited his travel, family members often brought him back destination t-shirts to taunt him, which became a comical tradition and the source of many jokes.
Even the winter months did not deter his enthusiasm. He enjoyed building, repairing, and sailing ice boats. In 1999, Rick became crew chief for his daughter’s snocross racing program, helping her to obtain multiple world titles. He loved snowmobiling, which had influenced their move to the UP of Michigan, his “favorite place on earth.”
He often wore a t-shirt that read, “he who dies with the most toys wins”- it was a motto he lived by. He loved powersports and owned a variety of snowmobiles and motorcycles. He especially enjoyed riding his motorcycle along with his best friend on their many rides throughout the Midwest. He also grew fond of riding side-by-sides and rode often with his wife, Pam, and their close friends.
Rick was affectionately known as Mr. Fix It. If he wasn’t outside working in the yard, he could be found in the shop. Filled with knowledge, he was the person people went to with questions and for advice, and was his family’s personal search engine. He will be remembered for his genuine concern and his usual first questions, “How are things going?” and “What projects are you working on now?” Being with family, working on a car, a snowmobile, a motorcycle, a boat, an engine or anything mechanical was his favorite thing to do, particularly with his son, son-in-law, and grandsons. He was always there for others wanting help or advice.
Rick was a lifelong learner and an avid reader; hardly a day went by when he didn’t spend a few hours reading with a book or his iPad in his hands. He was determined, some might say stubborn —a trait which served him well and which produced great gains in many areas of his life. That, however, was not perhaps his best trait when playing cards, as he played to win—making card games hilarious, and the family made great fun of his competitive nature.
He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, grateful to share life with his wife, Pam. She was his best friend, matching his zest and enthusiasm for life and family. They pursued life together, working hard, chasing adventure, and taking on whatever life threw at them. Even in the mundane, they worked as a team. He took pride in cooking, doing laundry, and even knew how to sew—which his mother had taught him early. These proved invaluable skills, and he was always ready to help his grandchildren with any project, even crafts and jaw-dropping Halloween costumes!
After their retirement, Rick and Pam spent many hours in their motorhome exploring the country— at times wintering in Florida or making their way wwto spend time with family and friends, wherever that might be. They also logged many miles snowmobiling and riding side-by-sides hosting friends and family from their home in Manistique, Michigan. Rick paid very close attention to the number of miles ridden on every trip, still focused on goals it brought him so much happiness to mark the miles. The challenge is what pushed Rick— that was never more evident than when he would spend hours hitting golf balls at the driving range. He would set challenges for himself at the range which he found more rewarding than a round of golf at the most prestigious course.
Family was Rick’s greatest joy. He truly cherished the time and memories he created with his wife, their children and spouses, their grandchildren and great-grandchild. He was deeply invested in their growth, and well-being, spending much of his time supporting them in their own endeavors, sharing his experience, or just listening, and spending time together. Nothing was more important.
Rick was rich in friendships. He befriended a trusted group of forever friends, and he cherished each of them; Duke, Charlie, Dan, Anthony, Dave, Dan the Governor, and his snowmobile trasher friends, who became part of his family.
Rick loved unconditionally and without demands.
Those remaining to cherish Rick’s memory are his wife of 50 years, Pamela Toncray, children Richard Robert (Lisa) Toncray of Foster, Virginia, and Lissa (Chad) Marsolek of Menomonie, Wisconsin; grandchildren Richard Ryan and Alaina Toncray, Allena Washburn, Cole, Kinsey and Kenna Marsolek, great grandchild Richard Roman Toncray, his brother-in-laws Charles Becker and Robert Young, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Horner and Phyllis Toncray, his sister, Terry Lee Becker, his uncle Michael O’Mara, and his grandparents.
He was our Iron Man and we will miss him dearly.
We are so honored to have been Rick’s family, and his friends, and we are proud of the enduring legacy he leaves. He was a rare and special person, who brought us joy and love, which made us hopeful, courageous, and strong. While we wish to have him with us, we trust God and know that his story lives on.
Our memories are forever rich because he was ours.
We know that Rick would want the same for all of you, so rather than a donation, please invest time to be with your family, and your friends, making stories that will live forever.
A memorial “gathering/ride” to honor Rick will take place at a later date.
Jenessa Christine Dack
Jenessa Christine Dack, 36, of Charlotte, a loving mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, and protector of animals, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 21, 2024. Jenessa was born March 24, 1988, in Charlotte. Growing up, she developed a lifelong love for animals and passion for their rescue and care. The family often pulled the car over to help a turtle out of the road, and many other acts of care inspired by Jenessa. In fact, she even earned the nickname, “Nessa Raccoon,” when she had to dumpster dive for a lost purse at night under the headlights of the car.
She graduated from Charlotte High School in 2007 and a few years later married Paul Dack, and the two settled in to family life, raising their two children and many pets. Jenessa worked at NaKids Sphynx Cattery in Eaton Rapids. The family home was full of activity between their daughter, son, six cats, goldfish, Axolotl and inseparable Pomeranian, Daisy. Jenessa also kept the house full of glorious plants. She had a gifted green thumb and could rescue any withering plant and transform it into a vibrant display. Jenessa was also very artistic, displaying since childhood a gift for painting. She and her grandmother, Baker, enjoyed antiquing together throughout the years, and always shared a special bond.
Jenessa is survived by her husband, Paul Dack; children, Esmé and Jack; her parents, Charla (Chris) Parkinson, and Mark (Joy) Cordell; siblings, Heather (Freya) Baker, Mason (Alyssa) Cordell, Kendra Cordell, Dakota Shepard, Amber Halstead, and Brad (Jessica) Dack; mother-in-law, Ilene (Brian) Morrison; father-in-law, John Dack; grandparents, Mary-Jean Baker, Helen Parkinson, Patricia Dack, Kathy (Bob) Grinstead, Millie (Joe) Zakora, and Arlene Handsy; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends are encouraged to support Jenessa’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jenessa’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 the Interstitial Cystitis Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles Arthur Kikendall
Charles Arthur Kikendall of Eaton Rapids, passed away June 19, 2024, at the age of 72. Chuck was born on January 13, 1952, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the son of Francis and Ruth (Egan) Kikendall. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1970. After graduation he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country until 1976. Chuck worked for Meridian Magnesium for over 20 years before his retirement in 2019. He worked at Ace Hardware in Eaton Rapids after he retired to fill some of his free time. Chuck was a family man and doted on his daughter, Brianna. He enjoyed reading, gardening, and tinkering around in his garage.
Chuck is survived by his daughter, Brianna (Chase) De Glopper of Allendale; siblings, Georgia (Robert) Stapleton of Eaton Rapids, Penny Parsons of Eaton Rapids, Lois (Dave) Colestock of Eaton Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Kikendall; brother-in-law, Thomas Parsons.
Funeral Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in loving memory of Charles Arthur Kikendall. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Donna Kay McBride
Donna Kay (Davis)(Johnson) McBride, born June 25, 1938, passed peacefully at home with her daughter on May 20, 2024. She married James Martin McBride in 1969, and moved to Eaton Rapids, MI, where she and James became very active members of the community. Donna managed James’ successful campaign for Mayor in the mid ‘70’s. She also managed Claudia Brown’s successful campaign for City Council. She was the chair of the ER Redistricting Committee. Donna was a member of the ER Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the U&I Club. She hosted the ERHS Senior Tea for several years. Donna was instrumental in cataloging graves in the Eaton County cemeteries, and many other civic activities.
She leaves behind her daughter, Brenda (Johnson) Harvey of Millers Falls, MA; three granddaughters, Hannah Harvey of Morehead Beach, NC, Halle Harvey of West Springfield, MA, and Hattie (Kevan Bordner) Harvey of Northfield, MA; two great grandchildren, Calvan and Blair Bordner; sisters, Bess Wiggins of Midland, MI and Mona Miller of FL, as well as many nieces and nephews. Donna is predeceased by her husband of 53 years James; brothers John and Grant Davis; sisters Shirley Emmendorfer and Irene Howe.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life to honor Donna and James (June 17, 1938 – October 11, 2022) on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Charlotte VFW from 1-4 p.m. Interment will be private.
Elsie Marie Love
Elsie Marie Love, age 94, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on May 12, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Elsie was born in Ionia, Michigan on October 15, 1929, the daughter of Edward and Lena (Dunham) Shamp. Elsie attended school in Charlotte, Michigan, graduating with the Class of 1947.
Shortly after graduation, Elsie married Alton Willis. During this ten-year marriage, Elsie became the mother of two daughters, Sandra Willis and Wanda (Willis) Hughes. In 1976, Elsie married Lewis Love, Jr. to whom she was married until his death in 1999.
Elsie was employed as a Teller at the Charlotte Branch of Michigan National Bank for nearly ten years. She then joined Owens Illinois as a payroll clerk, later taking a position as plant manager’s secretary and retiring from that position.
Elsie was artistic. She loved needle crafting and quilting. She was a master cake decorator, highlighted by her providing a tiered wedding cake to serve over one hundred people at her daughter Wanda’s wedding. She was also a woodworker, carving and painting hummingbirds and, with the help of her husband Lewie, crafting and painting unique doll furniture for her granddaughter.
Elsie’s long-remembered legacy will be her unfailing dedication to her family. Elsie’s entire life was devoted to supporting her children and grandchildren, often sacrificing her own needs.
Elsie leaves behind her daughter Wanda (Ivan) Hughes of Stillwater, Oklahoma; grandson Ivan “Chip” (Lauren) Hughes, Jr. of Fulshear, Texas; granddaughter Christina (Andrew) Waller of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and great-great grandchildren Peyton, Wesley, Trey, Elizabeth, and Taylor. She was preceded in her death by her father and mother, her husband Lewis Love, Jr., and her siblings Edward, Donald, and Joyce (Weever) Shamp.
A private graveside service was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.
To view’s Elsie’s obituary online or 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.