Obituaries
Christine K. Holgate
Christine Kay Holgate, of Marquette, passed away in the UP Health Systems-Hospital in Marquette, September 20, 2020 at the age of 68. Christine was born in Big Rapids, Mich., February 26, 1952, the daughter of Vern and Lulia (Dowell) Holgate and came to Marquette as a young child.
She is survived by her sister, Marcia Holgate of Charlotte and niece Mrs. Kellery (Patrick) Francek of Farmington, Minn. in addition to other nieces and nephews. Christine was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gerry Holgate.
Private graveside services were held Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Rosehill Cemetery with Pastor Marty DeBow officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.
Louis J Haley, age 88, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 21, 2020. He was born August 26, 1932, in Charlotte to John Joseph and Bernice (Woodman) Haley. On January 9, 1954, he married the love of his life Gaynell Ruth Wonser in Charlotte. Louis proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and retired from the State of Michigan Bureau of Lottery in 1991.
Louis is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gaynell; children: Michael Lynn Haley, Mitchell Louis Haley, Debra Sue Cathey; grandchildren: Lee M. Haley, Heather M. Haley, Daniel A. Haley, Jeremy Cathey, Amanda (Michael) Isaacs; great grandchildren: Brianna, Tyler, Alexander, Natalie, Sierra, Sidney; siblings: James “Bud” Haley, John (Pat) Haley, Michael (Carolyn) Haley, Josephine Roberts, Larry Clouse, Ken Clouse, Kay Humphrey, Linda Smith; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Joseph Haley, Eleanor Spotts, and Joanne Mol.
In keeping with Louis’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service may be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Louis’s honor to the Christmas Kiddies Fund, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Louis’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Dale Lowe and Jean Lowe
Dale Lowe, age 81 and Jean Lowe, age 72 of Charlotte walked hand in hand into Heaven on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. They were loved by everyone who knew them and our only comfort is knowing they are together in the presence of the Lord they loved so much. They shared a great faith in God, an amazing love for family and for each other.
They are survived by their children, Tammy Lowe, Timothy (Barb) Lowe, Terry Michael Lowe, Ken (Robin) Hill, Teresa (Phillip) Myers, James (Aimee) Hill, Vicki (Don) Wenzlick and Sarah (Kyle) Coppernoll. They loved every minute spent with their 17 grandchildren and their 13 great grandchildren. Each one has special memories they will cherish forever.
The family will be accepting visitors on October 2 from 5-7pm and there will be a Celebration of Love held on October 3 at 2pm for family and close friends at Chester Gospel Church, located at 3744 W. Vermontville Hwy. in Charlotte. The service will be streamed live for those who are unable to attend at https://www.facebook.com/chestergospelchurch. Another gathering will be planned this summer so we can all be together to celebrate their lives and love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to A New Beginning Pregnancy Center of Charlotte, Michigan.
June L. Leeser
It is with great sadness that the family of June Lawerence Leeser, 93, announce her passing. She was born to Warren and Fannie Lawerence in Plainwell, Michigan and passed away peacefully in Denver on September 3, 2020 with her husband of 72 years by her side.
She spent her childhood in her beloved hometown of Bellevue, Michigan where she graduated valedictorian from Bellevue High School in 1945. It was in high school that she started dating Russell E. Leeser and they would go on to marry on May 16, 1948 in Bellevue, Michigan. She worked and supported him as he went to college in Michigan. They would later live in Louisiana and Texas before moving to Littleton, Colorado in 1969. She always wanted to be a mom and they were blessed with the addition of Mark Warren to their family in 1959 and Kelly Lynn in 1961. She loved being a stay at home mom and support to her husband as he moved up the corporate ladder. Later in life, she cherished being an amazing grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Bellevue Historical Society. She also enjoyed listening to Russ play his saxophone, playing cards or dominoes, collecting things and working on her treasured scrapbooks and photo albums.
June will forever remembered by her loving husband, Russ (or as she called him, Pete) and children, Mark in Texas, and Kelly (Mike) Nichols in Greeley, Colorado. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Leah (Sean), Russell, Becky (Brian), Andrew, Allison (Esteban), Tyler (Meredith) and Grant. She also leaves behind five great grandchildren, two brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per June’s wishes, there will be no services. She will be cremated and her ashes returned to Bellevue, Michigan.
Ralph Emerson Newth
Ralph Emerson Newth, a generous yet stubborn man of wisdom and love, died Saturday, September 19, 2020 in Lansing. Ralph was born January 11, 1945, the son of Emerson and Sybil (Cathcart) Newth. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1963 before earning an Associate’s Degree and working in IT for Michigan National Bank. He then worked road construction for Hollister before starting his career with Fisher Body in Lansing. He retired from GM in 1998. Ralph enjoyed time with a bottle of Budweiser alongside his friends, whether at the Alpine or Playtime Bar in the old days, or CB’s Bar and Zoo since it opened in 1978. Many will remember Ralph as man who gave of himself, and loved his friends and family.
Ralph is survived by his children; Gayle Newth, Wendell (Majil) Newth, Robbie Xander Allan, and Theresa King; grandchildren, Thomas Herbst, Leonard Herbst, Tori Herbst, Zayne Newth, and Zaraya Newth; and his sisters, Carol Sweet and Donna Kruger. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, William Newth.
Friends are encouraged to raise a glass at CB’s in honor of Ralph. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ralph on his Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Edna S. VanSplintern
Edna S. VanSplintern, age 88, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Friday, September 18, 2020. She was born October 7, 1931, in Lansing, the daughter of James and Ethel (Allen) Symonds. When Edna was a young girl the family moved to Fife Lake. Her childhood years were very happy times for her. Edna graduated from Fife Lake in 1949. In 1950, Edna married Stanley VanSplintern. She enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, traveling, and spending time at her home on Duck Lake. She looked forward to the family reunions that were held at the family farm in Fife Lake. She enjoyed the activities at the reunion, especially horse shoes and BINGO. Edna retired after 31 years of service from Bell Telephone.
She is survived by her children: Robert (Sandra) VanSplintern of Charlotte, Debbie (Robert) Fullmer of Charlotte, Jody (Paul) Moran of Charlotte; grandchildren: Chad (Tracy) VanSplintern of Bellevue, Chanda (Shawn) Hall of Charlotte, Aaron VanSplintern of Olivet, Bradley (Zoe Johnson) Butts of Lansing, Bobbi Moran of Charlotte; five great grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; sister, Wynona Cummer of Fife Lake; and several special friends.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley in 2002; daughters: Tina K. VanSplintern in 1955, Susan Young in 1992; and six siblings.
A private graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Edna’s memory to the Sparrow Foundation, 1322 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 204, Lansing, MI 48912.
To view Edna’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Clyde Fox
Clyde “Art” Fox, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Monday, September 14, 2020. He was born March 3, 1930, in Vermontville, the son of Clyde and Ruth Fox. Art graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948. On March 3, 1950, he married Marilyn Jean Shiels in Charlotte. Art managed the Shell Station, Lansing Street Mobile, and Farmers Gas and Oil in Charlotte. He was a skilled mechanic who could fix or build anything. He also worked for Spartan Motors as a mechanic. While working at Spartan Motors he had the privilege of traveling throughout the country working on fire trucks and even at Universal Studios on their tram project.
Art loved his family and enjoyed being together at family gatherings. Art also enjoyed the outdoors and always looked forward to hunting season and his trips to the U.P. with other men from town. He was an active member of the Eaton County Buck Club. Art could be found every day at the round table at the Eaton Place. It was there that he would keep up with the happenings around town and connect with his many friends.
Art is survived by his children: Marcie (Paul) Racine of Vermontville, Marty (Eileen) Fox of Charlotte, Nancy (Scott) Anderson of Dimondale; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Ruth Fox of Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marilyn Jean Fox in 2013; son, Robin E. Fox in 2016; and brothers: Amos (Virginia) Fox and John Fox.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Church of Christ. The family received friends on Friday, September 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Art’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte.
To view Art’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Margaret H. Peltier
Margaret Hazel Peltier, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died September 6, 2020 at the age of 98 in Hartwell, Ga. Margaret formerly resided in Bradenton, Fla. and Charlotte. She was born March 3, 1922 in Hibbing, Minn. to George and Hazel (Bartlett) Tinkey. She graduated from Potterville High School where she lettered in basketball. She married Gordon Peltier on August 30, 1941. Margaret was a hard-working farmer’s wife who was busy, but always had time for others. A heart of generosity and a great memory, Margaret always remembered family birthdays and made sure she recognized them. She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, shuffleboard and visiting with friends. She and Gordon were on the shuffleboard league at El Rancho Park in Florida and she was the president of the Petticoat League for several years.
Margaret is survived by her son, Jerry (Alice Ann); daughter, Sue (Darryl); 10 grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Charlotte Wright in 1970; her husband of 67 years, Gordon in 2008; and daughter, Bonnie Norris in 2018.
A graveside service with immediate family will be held at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Friends are encouraged to support Margaret’s family by sharing memories of Margaret on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. If desired, a memorial contribution in Margaret’s honor can be made to a charity of your choice.
Marilyn W. Biczak
Marilyn W. Biczak passed away peacefully Thursday morning, September 10, 2020, surrounded by family; she was loved. She was born in Charlotte on May 9, 1939 to Charles and Gertrude Bush and was the older sister to twins Donna Cogswell (Donald) and Doras Weinley (Bob).
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Alan J. Biczak on May 2, 2016.
She is survived by her two lucky children, Laura Pulsifer (Jim) and David J. Olson (Brooke).
Laura and David feel fortunate to have had such a strong and encouraging advocate as their Mother. She was their biggest cheerleader in life and instilled in them a sense of compassion for others.
Marilyn was also blessed with nine grandchildren: Andrew McDonough (Kailee), Daniel McDonough (Callie), Dylan Sawyer, Dave Olson (Megan), Blake Olson, Grayson Olson, Andy Pulsifer (Paige), Alex Pulsifer (Ryann), and Jennifer Tenbrink (Nick). Alan and Marilyn traveled extensively during their retirement and settled back in West Michigan 10 years ago. At that time, she and her daughter and son-in-law created “Sassy Glass Necklaces” and participated in hundreds of craft shows throughout Michigan; Marilyn not only made the necklaces but was the personality of the business. Marilyn loved two things in life: family and shopping. She wasn’t interested in cooking and she wasn’t afraid to admit it. However, her delicious cheesy garlic bread was phenomenal! She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved spoiling them all with treats, reading to them and just talking to them about their day. Marilyn will be missed by her very best friends from high school, the “Eight-Eights” and Charlotte H.S. Class of 1957, her co-workers, where she worked as a medical secretary, many nieces and nephews, along with her adopted family at Shoreline Allergy. Marilyn was a world traveler, country music enthusiast, and honorary member of the Grand Ole Opry, world-class shopper and a friend to all she met. She was remarkable, in that, wherever she was she brought laughter, happiness and genuine caring for whomever was in front of her at that moment. She was kind, selfless and genuine in a way like people used to be; she was timeless. There will be no services at this time due to COVID-19. Please consider donations to Harbor Hospice of Muskegon in her memory. Arrangements entrusted to the Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
Jan Tefft
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Jan Marie Tefft, 64, of Vermontville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020 in her home with her loved ones by her side, after a short but valiant fight against ovarian cancer.
Jan is survived by her husband, Michael Howard Tefft of Vermontville; her son, Andrew Fowler and wife, Casey of Grand Ledge; daughter, Crystal Fowler of Portland, and grandsons, Grayson and Micha Fowler, Conner Gleason, and her beloved dog, Jasmine.
Also surviving are brothers, Brad Fedewa, Brian Fedewa and wife, Annette, Greg Fedewa, Chris Fedewa and wife, Lisa, and sisters, Valarie and husband, Doug Erwin, Tonya Fedewa and husband, Michael Nowik, Wendy and husband, Don Cole, Andrea Fedewa and husband, Dave Haines, Lynne and husband, Joe Vermillion, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of central Michigan. She is also survived by in-laws, Sue and husband, Randy Fogle, Steve Tefft and wife, Gloria, and stepson, Tyler Tefft and wife, Alia.
Jan was preceded in death by her father and mother, Vernon and Dorothy Fedewa and sister-in-law, Jeri Fedewa.
Jan Marie Fedewa was born in Lansing on January 20, 1956. She graduated from Portland High School in 1974 and worked for 30 years at Fisher Body before retiring in 2008.
Jan and Mike were married in Grand Ledge on September 17, 2007.
Jan had a feminine side that loved the color pink, hearts, and bling. But she had another side that was just as comfortable rolling up her sleeves and doing the hard and dirty work in the garden. She loved the outdoors and took great pride in her gardening and landscaping, with an ability to create beauty in outdoor spaces with her own very distinctive style.
Jan was a very high-energy person, always on the go, with the speed and agility of a hummingbird. She and Mike loved camping, hiking, and fishing, and especially enjoyed their time in the Ludington area. Jan was also an avid skater, skier, and bowler.
The Fedewa family is famous for huge family get-togethers for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Independence Day. Jan was an integral part of that tradition, highlighted by her wonderful baked beans and German chocolate cake, which rarely had leftovers.
There was no one more dependable than Jan when you really needed her. Most of all, Jan was a giver, always thinking of others and selfless in her relationships with friends and family. She treasured the time with her grandsons and formed a particularly strong bond over the last several years with Avery Hoppes, her young grand-niece.
Jan’s selflessness was shown right to the end. The last thing she wanted was to be a burden or trouble for anyone. Jan lived her whole life like that, always giving more than she took. We should all strive to learn from that part of her character.
The family requests that donations be made to Heartland Hospice of Mason. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at lehmanfuneralhomes.com.