Obituaries
David C. Young
David Cline Young, 76, of Charlotte, a tight-line ice fishing man of the outdoors, died Thursday, December 30, 2021 in Lansing. David was born February 21, 1945, in Lake Odessa, MI, the son of Rev. C. Fred and Joan Evelyn (Copeland) Young. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1963 and went to work with General Motors. The U.S. Army drafted Dave into service in the Vietnam War in 1965. He proudly served two years before returning to GM, where he worked 43 years, retiring as a Union Representative to Locals 652.
Dave was internationally renowned in the world of ice fishing. He first started fishing with his sons, over 40 years ago. He was one of the finest and widely-known anglers to use the tight line method, a technique developed in his native Michigan. More than anything, he loved to share his knowledge with others, leading him to teach thousands in the art of tight line ice fishing. He toured the country on the pro circuit, appearing in countless tournaments and shows, sponsored by Schooley Reels, Clam, and HT. Many will recognize his regular appearance on the TV Show ICE MEN. The North American Ice Fishing Circuit (NAIFC) says of Dave, “Dave’s love for teaching kids, for teaching tight lining is unmatched. The number of rods he gave away to people he just met is not countable. When he and son Mark won a prize at an event he looked for the nearest kid to give the equipment to…God bless, tight lines, rest in peace.”
Many will remember Dave’s generosity, passion for the outdoors, dedication to the Detroit Tigers, and, above all, love for his family. Much of Dave’s life was dedicated to hunting and fishing with his sons, and spending time with his grandchildren.
David is survived by his wife and life partner of over 55 years, Christine Young; sons, Matthew (L. Jacobsen) Young, Mark Young (Ann Johnson), Michael Young, Martin (Jessica Herrick) Young; daughter, Mandi Wallace; 9 grandchildren, Lindsey (Blake) Greiner, Josh (Sara) Young, Tyler Young, Brendan Brethauer, Haley Griffin, Hannah Thompson, Delilah Young, and MaKenna Young; 5 great-grandchildren, Justin, Brody, and Maverick Griener, and Easton and Connor Young; sister, Anita Stevens; many nieces and nephews; and countless close friends and sporting buddies. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Pamela Young.
Friends and family are encouraged to support David’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Kristie L. Buehler
Kristie Lynn (Surato) Buehler, 60, a grandmother extraordinaire and proud patriot, died Monday, January 3, 2022 in Lansing. Kristie was born May 14, 1961 in Lansing, the daughter of Thomas Dean and Sandra Lee (Porter) Surato. She graduated from Waverly High School in 1979 before earning her Bachelor degree from Spring Arbor University. Kristie was proud of her service in the Michigan Army National Guard. She climbed to the rank of Captain and served as Government Technician until 1993, eventually retiring from service in 2001. Following her military career, she worked as an I.T. Disaster Recovery for Consumers Power.
She married the love of her life, David Buehler on July 31, 1987, and the two enjoyed over three decades of happiness. Kristie was known for her prowess in the kitchen. She was always ready for any excuse to prepare prime rib or experiment with new culinary gadgetry. Her family will greatly miss her talents, her love, and, above all, spending time together across three generations.
Kristie is survived by her husband of 34 years, David; daughter, Andrea Arnold of Eaton Rapids; son, Dale (Stephanie) Arnold of Broadway, VA; grandchildren, Astrid and Alistar Arnold; her father, Thomas (Carole) Surato of Lansing; sister, Karole (Mark) Schutte of Ft. Collins, CO; brother, Kurt (Linda) Surato of Eaton Rapids; step-father, Daryl Eldred of Charlotte; and her nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Sandra Eldred in 2020.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Kristie’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Life Celebration will be held on May 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m., in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens. Memorial contributions are suggested to Animal Adventure Park, 85 Martin Hill Rd, Harpursville, New York, 13787. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Bonnie J. Johnson
Bonnie Jean Johnson, 90, of Charlotte, went home to see Jesus on Sunday, January 2nd, 2022. She was born October 2nd, 1931, in Vandercook Lake to Francis and Esther (Roettger) Roby. On August 19th, 1950, she married Ronnie LeRoy Johnson, the love of her life. Bonnie was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte. She enjoyed spending time with her family, crafting, camping, puzzles, and games. She taught sewing classes for many years, and she made wedding dresses for her daughters as well as some of her granddaughters.
Bonnie is survived by her children: Richie (Sue Ann) Johnson of Charlotte, Michigan, JoNesta (Dale) Thompson of Charlotte, Michigan, Janice Williams of Bellevue, Michigan, and Michael Johnson of Charlotte Michigan, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Phelps and sister-in-law, Royetta (Johnson) McGilvra.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronnie on January 21st, 2012, as well as her parents, Francis (Hazel) Roby and Esther (John) Phelps, siblings: Elnora Wilcox, Maxine Shorter, Louise Wilcox and Teddy Roby, in-laws Roy and DeEtta (Hey) Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Donald Williams, her granddaughter, Erica Thompson, and her brothers-in-law: Alan and Ora (Buck) Johnson.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bonnie’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte.
To view Bonnie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Dorothy R. Davis
Dorothy Rae Davis went to her heavenly home on December 29, 2021 at her home in Mason, Michigan. She passed from natural causes and was surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born on April 2, 1929 to Ray Otto Carpenter and Lois Ellen Carpenter (Hooper) in Calhoun County Michigan. She lived on their farm in Olivet for most of her childhood and attended Olivet Public Schools. After graduation she was employed as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell in Charlotte and married Virgil Dean Davis on December 20, 1947. She lived with her husband and four children in Charlotte Michigan for most of her adult life and retired from AT&T in Lansing MI after 41 years of service.
Dorothy enjoyed traveling, walking, reading, flower gardening, playing dominoes and Euchre with family, as well as cooking and entertaining family in her home. Dorothy and her husband Virgil enjoyed camping with their children and family most of all. They camped throughout Michigan, the United States, and Canada. They were property owners at Lakes of the North near Gaylord, Michigan and spent many weeks there with family and friends every year. Dorothy began attending the annual Mackinaw Bridge Walk with her family and was proud to have walked more than 100 miles across the straights of Mackinaw on Labor Day. Dorothy and Virgil also loved RVing around the country and had a special fondness of the Smokey Mountains in the spring and Sedona, Arizona in the winter months.
Dorothy was an active member in the Communication Workers of America and The Red Hat Society, as well as a volunteer for the Eaton County Meals on Wheels Program. She was a volunteer and board member of the Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association (horseback riding program for children with disabilities) as well as a Cub Scout leader.
Dorothy was a loving and devoted mother who often said her children were her legacy. Anyone who knew her thought she was the kindest person they had ever met. It is her children’s hope her legacy will live on through the life lessons she taught. Some of the most important lessons included actively reaching out and taking care of your family, spending time every day being grateful, forgiving all (even when they don’t ask for it), taking care of the vulnerable, and immersing yourself in the awesomeness of nature.
Dorothy is survived by her sister Charlene Masters, son Michael (Nancy) Davis, son Mark (Chris) Davis, daughter Jodi (Jeremy) Brace, and her daughter-in-law Debra Davis. She is also survived by her grandchildren Mery, Kristal, Nicholas, Melissa, Nicole, Michael and Matthew, as well as seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lois Carpenter, husband Virgil Davis, son Greg Davis, sister Betty (Winton) Hice, sister Jean (Robert) Denbrock, brother Dennis (Patricia) Carpenter, and sister-in-law Margie Godfrey.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association (1790 Packard Hwy. Charlotte, MI 48813) or Sparrow Home Hospice (1210 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48915).
To view Dorothy’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.
Nancy D. Courtright
Nancy Diane (Wehr) Courtright, of Charlotte, passed away on December 25, 2021 with loved ones by her side. Nancy was born on February 21, 1945 to Rex and Dora (Stanke) Wehr. Nancy graduated from Charlotte High School. She was a lifelong resident of Charlotte. She was a strong, independent, kind-hearted woman who was always thinking of others, and always quick to help anyone in need. She enjoyed visiting with her family and friends.
Nancy was a proud UAW member working at Fisher Body and retiring from GM. She had a good sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. She was very creative and enjoyed doing all types of crafts. Nancy was fondly known as Ma Kerns to her many “adopted” children.
She is survived by her children, Anthony (Deborah) Kerns, Tamra (Lewis) Betts, and Jeffrey (Larenda) Kerns; sister Jacqueline (Nolan) Spotts; brother David (Tanya) Wehr; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother and father; grandmother, Tillie Stanke; brother, William Wehr; sister-in-law Kaylene Wehr; nephews, Michael Emenhiser and Steven Wehr; and great niece, Cierra Lopez.
Per Nancy’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date.