Obituaries
Bryan J. Van Skike
Bryan J. Van Skike
Our family mourns the death of Bryan Junior Van Skike, who died on September 24, 2020, in Sturgis, Michigan. He was 92 years old. Bryan was born at home in Holliday, Missouri. on October 25, 1927,delivered by the doctor who arrived in a horse and buggy. His parents were Reva Smith Van Skike and Harry Bryan Van Skike. Bryan’s childhood and youth were spent in Missouri, during the depression, where he worked hard at various jobs, and was surrounded by the love of a caring grandmother, Nellie Smith. Bryan was a graduate of Paris, Missouri High School, and later of the Iowa Institute of Telegraphy. In 1948, he married Nehemiah Allie Holst (known as Nickie) and they moved to Michigan for work. Bryan and Nickie were married for 26 years. His working career was filled with a variety of jobs, but in all of them he was a diligent, faithful employee. In Charlotte, he was best known for his service at the Post Office as the friendly clerk at the window for 24 years. He also worked as a telegrapher and station agent for the Grand Trunk Railroad, a city policeman, a school bus driver and the owner of Van’s Window Washing service. He loved American history and world geography. He was an avid reader. Bryan was a past Vice-President of and volunteered with Helping Hands Food Pantry here in Charlotte. He organized the Holiday Food Basket for many years. Additionally, he cared about and served Native Americans at Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Bryan facilitated groups of grieving children at Ele’s Place in Lansing. For many years, he was the leader of the men’s prayer breakfast at Big Boy restaurant. He was a faithful member of the Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church, The Charlotte Free Methodist Church, and First Baptist Church of Charlotte. He raised his children in faith, discipline, and love. After the death of his wife, Nickie, in 1974, he married Patricia J. Clemens, the widowed wife of his friend, Richard. They have been married for 46 years, and Pat survives. Even though his last years were marked by the slow decline of dementia, he still recognized and loved his wife and children. Besides his wife, Pat, he is survived by Nickie’s children: Brynda (David) Filkins, Penny (Garth, deceased) Pickett, Nathan (Kathy) Van Skike, all of Charlotte; and Pat’s children, whom he considered his own: Linda (Larry) Hahn, Mary (Don) Houser, Katie Clemens, all of Sturgis, Michigan. His only brother, Jackie B. (Peg) Van Skike, of Iowa, also survives. Bryan was pre-deceased by his first wife, Nickie, and by sons, Monte Bryan Van Skike, and Brian Kills Crow Van Skike, daughter, Gretchen Nickie Van Skike-Campbell, and granddaughter, Vanessa Filkins. He has 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was known as Grandpa to many others under his and Pat’s care. A memorial service for Bryan will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1210 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte. Visitation with the family will be one hour before the service. For those who cannot attend in person, the memorial service will be livestreamed on Facebook on the First Baptist Church, Charlotte, MI Facebook page. The family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Bryan will be interred at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Bryan would be happy if you would do a kind deed in his name or contribute to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 in his memory. Bryan’s room was ready, prepared by God. We all rejoice because he is home in Heaven!
Carmen C. Vasquez
Carmen Campos Vasquez of Huandacareo, Michoacan, Mexico passed away on September 26, 2020 at her home in Mexico at the age of 96. Preceding her in death are her son, Leo Vasquez and husband, Henry Vasquez.
Carmen was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. She lived in the United States for 42 years, 20 of which were spent in Eaton Rapids. Carmen worked for Fasco DC Motors and upon her retirement she moved back to Mexico where she lived the rest of her life.
Surviving are her adult children, Maria (Terry) Dolan of August, Mich., Hilda (Jorge) Guiza of Mexico, Dawn Vasquez of Lansing, Gary (Irma) Vasquez of Cypress, Calif., Geneva (George Mock) Vasquez of Eaton Rapids, Linda (Paul) Vincent of Lansing, James (Rachel) Vasquez of Jackson; along with 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
A catholic mass was celebrated on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Huandacareo, Michoacan, Mexico.
Jane L. Custer
Jane L. Custer, age 92, of Alma, formerly of Six Lakes, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020 at Masonic Pathways in Alma. She was born January 30, 1928 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Wallace and Coral (Lindley) Swank. She was a 1945 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Michigan University. She would later earn a master’s degree in nursing.
Jane worked as a nurse with Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Eaton Rapids Community Hospital, Kelsey Hospital and retired from the Mid-Michigan Health Department in 1990 after 40 years in nursing. She won a Michigan Medical Award for designing snaps on the arm of hospital gowns.
Jane was a member of the Amble United Methodist Church and Masonic Pathways, Doig Chapel. She served at the choir director for many years at Masonic Pathways. Jane was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Jane enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and doing needle point. She won numerous awards at county and state fairs for her knitting.
Jane is survived by her children, Keith (Kathy) Custer of Blanchard, Kenrick Custer of Linwood, Washington, Kevin (Ginny) Custer of Sterling, Colorado, Kathleen (Richard) Bowersox of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kirk Custer of Cypress, Texas; nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles in 2011, two brothers, John and James Swank.
Per Jane’s wishes cremation has taken place with memorial services to be held at a later date. Interment will be held in Hillside Cemetery, Entrican.
Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to Amble United Methodist Church, Masonic Pathways or Heartland Hospice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Jane’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for family, please visit
luxfuneralhomes.com.
Peggy J. Gonser
Peggy Jean Gonser of Lansing, formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 21, 2020 at the age of 79. Peggy was born in Lansing, August 10, 1941, the daughter of William and Bonnie (Barron) Massey. She enjoyed scrapbooking, making cards, sewing, quilting, traveling, genealogy and going to church functions. Peggy volunteered at the St. Lawrence Surgical Unit for many years, was the past president of the Mercy League and worked at MSU for 25 years. She was a former member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids and a current member of the First United Methodist Church in Lansing, and a member of the Red Hat Society Scarlet Ladies.
Peggy is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Jon) Filley of Charlotte, Amy (Gary) Teague of Stockbridge; grandchildren, Bryan (Rachael Ayers) Filley, Heather (Jeff) Rolfe, Brandy Filley, Jessica (Frank) LaConte, Corinne Filley, Kyle Robbins, Garrett (Morgan) Teague; 13 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Beverly Frank, Flora Gilbert; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarington Gonser Jr. in 1996; daughter, Debbie Gonser; brother, Charles Massey.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the Mills Funeral Home Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday from 2pm – 4pm and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Cumberland Closet or the First United Methodist Church food pantry, both in care of the First United Methodist Church, 3827 Delta River Drive, Lansing, MI 48906. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
Allen Steele
Allen Steele, of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 18, 2020 at the age of 69. Allen was born in Eaton Rapids, June 6, 1951, the son of William and Mary Squeek (Bollman) Steele. He loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing. Allen liked to participate in many groups and organizations but never joined, was a regular at the Wednesday night Eaton Rapids cruise-in, was an excellent cook and enjoyed traveling to the upper peninsula, especially the Mackinaw Bridge area. The greatest joys in his life were that of his family and they will miss him greatly.
Allen is survived by his mother; wife of 46 years, Linda Steele; children, Teresa Laudenslager of Eaton Rapids, Wayne (Kristin) Parsons of Bellevue, Tina (Brian) Barrett of Eaton Rapids, Valerie (Tim) Pancost of Charlotte, Todd (Nicole) Steele of Lansing, Allen J. (Missy Sumerix) Steele of Eaton Rapids, Kimberly (Scott) Felice of Eaton Rapids; 17 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sister, Vickie Strader of Eaton Rapids; brothers, Cyril (Julie) Steele, William (Betty) Steele and Gordon Steele, all of Eaton Rapids. He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Versavene Steele and son-in-law, Eric Laudenslager.
A Celebration of Life took place on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Please visit their website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.
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.