Obituaries
Francis Chamberlain
Francis Chamberlain, a kind, gentle man, died in the company of his family on August 3, 2022. He was known as Frank, but also answered to Francie. Frank, 84, was born on April 4, 1938, in Portland, MI, the son of George and Odelia (Huhn) Chamberlain. Following high school graduation from St. Patrick in Portland, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. On March 11, 1967, Frank married Janice Jenkins, the couple would spend the next 55 years in a loving relationship and creating lasting memories. He worked as a meat cutter until his retirement in 1992. Frank was a very smart man, he loved books and reading and staying up to date with current events and politics. He also liked planes and trains, Frank enjoyed reading about their history and watching them. With his knowledge he was very good at trivia and everyone wanted him as a partner. Traveling was also important to Frank, he made numerous trips to the UP where he was member of the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. These trips were also used for rock collecting adventures.
Frank is survived by his wife, Janice; siblings, Patricia (James) Glossi, Thomas Chamberlain, Donald (Kathleen) Chamberlain, Michael (Rita) Chamberlain; brother-in-law, William Jenkins; and numerous extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn Sias; sisters-in-law, Dianne Chamberlain, Nancy (John) Spurgeon, and Cheryl Jenkins.
Friends are encouraged to support Franks’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service is to be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the VFW National Home for Children, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory c/o Michigan Audubon, or the City Rescue Mission of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
George David Campbell
George David Campbell, “Dave,” as he was known, was born March 3, 1935, in Battle Creek, Michigan to George E. and Beatrice E. (Struble) Campbell. Dave went to be with our Lord on August 3, 2022. Raised in Olivet, Michigan, he attended Olivet High School and was an Eagle Scout when he was young and then enjoyed football in high school. Racing cars down Main Street in Olivet, Dave drove the local police crazy as a young man. After high school, Dave enlisted in the Navy for one tour of duty.
On June 12, 1954, Dave married the love of his life, Judith Ann Short. They were married 51 years and enjoyed time together and with their eight children and later many grandchildren before Judy passed on July 9, 2005. Dave worked for many years at A & C Carriers and retired from there. A member of the Bellevue Baptist Church in Bellevue, Michigan for many years, Dave enjoyed debating scripture versus beliefs and values with his pastor and anyone else who would listen. Some of his dearest friends were his church family. He was a former member of the Olivet Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons.
Activities Dave enjoyed included gardening with his kids, fishing on the Big Lakes, fishing on the creek by their home, mushroom hunting each spring, camping, as well as ice fishing in the winter and playing cards with family and friends. Back in his early fatherhood days he was affectionately called “Mellow” by his loving children.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his parents, George E. and Beatrice E. Campbell; his infant grandson, David Campbell Tuckey; brothers, Norman and Daniel Campbell; sister-in-law, Shirley Campbell; niece, Cammi Campbell; nephew, Rex Baum; and great-nephew, Corey Campbell. He is survived by his children, David “Zig” (Irene) Campbell, Timothy (Maggie) Campbell, George “Joe” Campbell, Sally (Randy) Fritz, Sonia (Jed) Thorndyke, Stephen Campbell, Gregory (Sue) Campbell and Michael Campbell; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell, and Wilma Campbell; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 10 in Pray Gardens behind Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Don Francis officiating.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services or the Bellevue First Baptist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
JoAnne Marie Heinig
JoAnne was born on May 6, 1941, in Woodland, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Ruth (Brock) Blood, her husband of 63 years, Edward Heinig, her sisters Joyce (Southgate) Blood, Bonnie (Pennington) Blood and her brother Daryll Blood. JoAnne passed away August 3, 2022, at the age of 81 in her home surrounded by loved ones.
JoAnne attended Grand Ledge High School where she played basketball. She was a dedicated baptized Christian of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1957. She enjoyed painting, gardening, traveling and most of all cooking. She was an awesome cook and loved to host many family gatherings. Anyone that met her loved her, as she had many fine qualities, the most prominent of which was kindness. She was a dedicated mother of four children, Deborah/Krystal Heinig-Fraenig of South Lyon, Michigan, Steve (Kim) Heinig of Charlotte, Michigan, Laury Heinig of Lansing, Michigan and Brian (Nicole) Heinig of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. She had ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is survived by three siblings, Grant Michael (Patricia) Blood, Cathy (Halsey) Blood, and Paulette (Wolfington) Blood, and her four children.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2730 Delta River Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48906. For those not able to attend in person, a Zoom link will be provided to the local congregation or by personal invitation. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Carol L. Marsh
Carol L. Marsh was born September 15, 1942, and died on Friday, August 5, 2022. Carol had many jobs during her lifetime, but none more important than her 27 years as a welfare caseworker for the State of Michigan. She retired in 2000 and spent 20 years with husband Gary wintering in Florida before returning to live full time in Charlotte. Carol loved people and enjoyed getting to meet and know them. She loved movies, animals, her garden, flowers, puzzles and playing Bingo. She treasured her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and tried to remember everyone’s birthday with a card.
Carol leaves behind her loving husband Gary Marsh, her brother, Douglas Beam, his companion Don Griffin, her Aunt Leah Berkimer and sister-in-law Martha Beam; four children, Alan (Jan) Groner, Sumter, SC, Joni K. Powell, Potterville, MI, Cara Lea James, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Annjetta (Jesse) Kemp, Fredericksburg, VA. three step children, Lisa (Mike) Kavanagh, Grand Rapids, MI, Tim (Julie) Marsh, Ionia, MI and Jeff (Nicole) Marsh, Portland, MI. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, one niece and four nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Darrold and Doris Beam, brother Lee Beam, and her eldest son, Van Groner.
Cremation has taken place. There was a service to celebrate Carol on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Vistitation was held just prior from 10-11:00 a.m. Please limit children to over seven years of age. Plants are welcome but in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her name. Memories may be shared on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Larry Lee Vierk
Larry Lee Vierk, 72, a man of true grit and brutal honesty, died unexpectedly on August 1, 2022, at his home. Larry was born March 9, 1950, the son of Lee Warren and Helen Louise (Rickle) Vierk. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1968 before earning his Associates from Ft. Wayne Electrical. Larry then went to work as an electrician with General Motors, serving 30 years until his retirement in 2002. Larry’s favorite times involved fishing trips with family and friends to Canada, watching Red Wings Hockey, and working on the family farm. Larry won countless hill climbing competitions on the back of his Honda 350. He was a member of the Charlotte Motorcycle Club and was known to participate in the tractor pull at the Eaton County fair – he was a big John Deere fan. Larry could be seen often at the bowling alley until they outlawed smoking. He fixed computers for friends and family, and loved his Bassett Hound, Jersey. Above all, Larry loved his family.
Larry is survived by his sons, Mark (Denise) Vierk and Chris (Nicole) Vierk; daughter, Tracie (Chris) Portillo; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Jordan) Sandin, Taylor (Cody) Rowland, Jordan Vierk, Emma Vierk, Layne Vierk, Savannah Portillo, Alivia Portillo, and Saige Portillo; five great-grandchildren, Carson Sandin, Jason Sandin, Noah Sandin, Rilee Sandin, and Leah Rowland; and his sisters, Janet Bowers of Olivet and Brenda Vierk of Lansing. He was predeceased by his parents, Lee and Helen Vierk. The family would also like to thank Larry’s neighbor, Craig Hargrove for all the help and support.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial services were held on Thursday, August 11, 2022. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.