Obituaries
Helen Michael
Helen Michael
Helen Michael of McAllen, TX, formerly of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025. Helen was born February 6, 1946 in Kentucky. She graduated from Charlotte High School.
Helen loved her family. She spent a lot of time mentoring her grandkids and great-grandkids.
She is survived by her daughter Suzy Michael; grandkids, Victoria, Tamara, Maggy, Carley, Chase and Joseph; great-grandkids, Zachary, William, Aidan, MaryJane, Nadia, Lilith, Ryder, Maisy and Damian; siblings, Roy (Rae) Maggard, Larry (Mary) Maggard, Catherine Shields, and Fay Binkowski; many nieces and nephews, and her best friend of many years, Carol.
She was preceded in death by her son Robert, her husband Douglas, and her parents Ishmale and Edna Maggard.
A graveside memorial with family will be September 11, 2025 at Bosworth Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Evelyn Bay Coffee Shop in Charlotte.
James Duane Miller
James Duane Miller, 79, of Nashville/Bellevue area went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He was born on March 24, 1946 to Oral and Marian (Klein) Miller in Nashville, MI. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1964 and Michigan State University in 1966. On October 20, 1968 he married Dena Potter in Bellevue, MI.
He served in the US Army from 1966–1972. Jim worked for Post Cereals for 36 years. He ran his own business, Oak Park Firearms, for many years. Jim also farmed his family farm, where he was a 4th generation farmer.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bellevue where he served in several positions for his Lord. He was serving as a Trustee of Assyria Township Board, he was a Life Member of the N.R.A. Jim also did Civil War re-enacting. He enjoyed being with his family, hunting, fishing, genealogy, history and reading. He also did competition shooting. Most importantly, Jim loved his Lord, his family and he had a love for others as well.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Dena; children, Joshua J. (Kristi) Miller, Jennifer (Dave) Carl; grandchildren, Zachary and Rian Carl, Kensington and Sutton Miller; sisters, Sandra (Eugene) Conklin, and Beth Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Suzann Miller.
Visitation was held Thursday, August 28, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with the funeral service that started at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue with Pastor Don Francis, officiating.
Immediately following the service, Jim will be taken to Ellis Cemetery. Everyone is invited back to the church for a luncheon and time of fellowship.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Jim are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Bellevue.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
Shirley Irene Romanek
Shirley Irene Romanek, 82, of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at The Porches in Gaylord. Shirley was a former longtime resident of Charlotte and Crystal Falls, Michigan.
Born August 16, 1943, in Detroit, she was the daughter of Leonard and Ruth (Rawson) Munn. After graduating from high school, Shirley enlisted in the U.S. Navy WAVES, serving for more than two years from 1962-1964.
Shirley was introduced to Lawrence Romanek Jr. in 1971 by her sister, Louise. The two fell in love and were married in Lansing on December 18,1971. They lived briefly in Lansing before moving to Charlotte. Larry worked at General Motors in Lansing, and Shirley worked as a key punch operator for the State of Michigan Department of Human Services in Charlotte. After they retired, they moved to Crystal Falls in 1990. Earlier this year they moved to The Porches Assisted Living in Gaylord.
Shirley loved animals, especially enjoying Irish Setters and later Beagles. She also enjoyed her horses, Regina and Haji. Shirley also enjoyed the deer around their home, especially Bucky, the orphaned fawn that was a constant presence around their home. Family and friends will remember her collection of chicken themed coffee mugs, always on display in their homes. Larry and Shirley enjoyed traveling, including trips out west, to Vermont, and to Ireland.
Shirley is survived by Larry, her loving husband of almost 54 years; her sister, Louise (Paul) Anderson; her niece, Rebecca (Steve) Ward and their daughters, Kelly and Robin Ward; her step-daughter, Lisa (Todd) Clark; nieces and nephews, Jim (Wanda) Darrow, Steve Taylor, Dan (JoAnne) Romanek, David (Kimberly) Romanek, and Gary (Jackie) Crowe; her brother-in-law, Robert (Elsa) Romanek; several grandchildren and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Munn and Ruth Jablonski-Doyle; and her stepson, Jeff Romanek.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where visitation was at 12:30 p.m. Interment with a brief committal service took place at 12:00 noon (CDT), Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls.
Please share your memories and personal messages with family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/shirley-romanek.
Dawn Michele Lothamer
Dawn Michele “Micki” Lothamer passed away surrounded by family in her home on August 18, 2025. Born on December 24, 1948, to James (Mike) and Mary Lou Mathews in Charlotte, MI. Micki attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1967.
On May 31, 1969 Micki married Peter Lothamer. Together they spent 30 years together running Lothamer’s Market on the corner in Bellevue. She had many happy memories watching families grow, children spending their allowances on the candy aisle, daily morning coffee and smoke with the locals and weekend hang out for the teens. Life was much simpler then. Later she worked at Riverside Cafe. She had a love for keeping her lawn and flowers beautiful.
She is survived by a loving family. Daughter, Racheal (Randy) Barnes; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Madison) Barnes, Nicholas Barnes, Miranda (Bryce) Maly, Noah Barnes; and great granddaughter Lily. Son, Mathew (Beth) Lothamer; grandchildren, Sam, Ethan, Issac and Reuben Lothamer. Sisters, Patti (Mike) Parish, Robyn (Scott Kramer) Long ,and Jamie (Dean) Mead. Plus, many nieces and nephews.
Some of her last words were, “Make sure everybody knows I love them.”
Her funeral will take place at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bellevue on September 13. Visitation will start at 10:30 a.m. and funeral at 11:30 a.m. with fellowship following.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Ricky Lynn Wireman
Ricky Lynn Wireman, 66, of Springport, MI passed away on August 19, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., August 30, 2025, with luncheon to follow, at the Clarence Township Hall, 27052 R Drive North, Albion, Michigan. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please come and share your stories and memories with the family at the memorial service.
Kim Marie Workman
Kim Marie Workman of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the age of 68.
Kim was born on July 17, 1957, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Charles “Max” and Patrica (Wright) Butler. She grew up in Eaton Rapids and graduated with the class of 1974. Kim began her career at General Motors, where she worked for 13 years before taking a buyout in 1989. Over the years, she held several positions she truly enjoyed, including delivering flowers for Belfiori’s Flower Shop, working at Michigan State University and Dowding Industries, and serving as head of housekeeping at Dusty’s English Inn.
Kim loved the outdoors and never missed a chance to bask in the sunshine. She enjoyed fishing, almost as much as she enjoyed eating her catch, and loved trips to the casino, especially visits to Las Vegas. A lifelong music lover, a passion she inherited from her father, Kim delighted in going to concerts with her daughters and collecting vinyl records.
Kim was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, James Workman; daughters, Michelle (Ryan) McMaster and Amanda Workman; sons, Jim (Marcia) Workman, Scott Workman; grandchildren, Corbin McMaster, Jordan Church, Sabrina Workman, and Lakota Fradette; sister, Kelly Butler; nephew, Brandon (Erin) Butler; great-niece and nephew, Brandon and Charlotte Butler; as well as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends.
No services will be held for Kim. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Steven Eugene Wolf
Steven Eugene Wolf of Eaton Rapids, passed away August 14, 2025, at the age of 75. Steve was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on September 25, 1949, the son of Edwin and Marilyn (Keesler) Wolf. He was a loyal member of The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Leslie, Michigan. Steve has a love of airplanes and tractors, and at one time held a pilot’s license. He loved music and dancing with his granddaughters. Steve was known for smoking some of the best salmon his family and friends had ever tasted. Not only was he a loving family man, he was a quiet, humble and peaceful person. Steve will always be remembered for his soft smile, gentle nature, and his mustache.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Wolf of Eaton Rapids; children, Gary (Edith) Wolf of Mississippi, Lindsay Wolf of Okemos, Amanda Wolf of Indiana, Tracie (Trent) Guild of East Lansing; grandchildren, Jedadiah, Olyvia, Rachel, McKayla and Michael. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Marilyn; siblings, Sheila Day, Samuel Wolf, Sanford Wolf; children, Kari Wells and James Wolf.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4861 S. Hull Rd, Leslie MI 49251, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
James Walter Whittum
James Walter Whittum of Springport, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the age of 78.
Jim was born on March 26, 1947, in Brookfield Township, the son of Horace and Hildred (Harkness) Whittum. He grew up in Eaton Rapids and graduated with the Class of 1965. Soon after, Jim was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War.
Following his military service, Jim returned home to work in the family business, Whittum Gravel, eventually becoming an owner and operating the company. Later in his career, he worked for Central Transport, ANR Freight, and Ayers Basement Systems, retiring in 2012.
Jim was an avid bowler and golfer, spending many seasons in leagues at Duck Lake Country Club. He loved to travel across the United States and through Northern Michigan; often setting out without a fixed destination, simply to enjoy the open road. Jim was a NASCAR enthusiast and proud member of the Springport VFW Post 6056.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Diana (Flower) Whittum; sons, Jim Whittum (Kim) and Jeremy Whittum; stepdaughters, Sarah (Tye) Buckland, Hannah (Brian) Gray; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Tom Whittum; and many extended family members and friends.
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, no services are scheduled at this time. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Richard Teel
Richard “Dick” Teel, a remarkable man whose kindness, integrity, and faith touched everyone around him, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born on May 31, 1929, in a farmhouse in Michigan’s rural thumb region, Dick was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents, Annie and Warren. During his senior year of high school, he met the love of his life, JoAnn O’Mara. They married in 1952 and shared 47 wonderful years together until her passing in 1999.
With a high school education, a strong work ethic, and unwavering honesty, Dick built an extraordinary career. He began at General Electric in Detroit, then followed his dream of self-employment by purchasing a furniture store in Eaton Rapids, eventually expanding it to seven locations across Michigan. Later, he found success in real estate, both selling and developing properties; most notably The Irish Downs Subdivision in Eaton Rapids, which remains a lasting testament to his vision and determination.
Through every accomplishment, Dick’s priorities were always faith and family. He and JoAnn raised three children: Mary Jo Teel, Barb (Russ) Cooper, and Rick (Becky) Teel. His greatest joy came from his grandchildren, Annie (Ryan) Luoma, Luke (Brittney) Penskar, Molly (Nick) Ranns, and Kellen (Justin) Teel; and his eight great-grandchildren: Dexter and Calvin Luoma, Wesley and Emily Penskar, Silas and Fiona Ranns, and Kenley and Kaiyah Teel.
Known for his generosity, Dick quietly lent a helping hand to countless people over the years, often without seeking recognition. He believed deeply in second chances, the value of hard work, the beauty of a simple life, and the power of prayer. His legacy of love and service will be cherished forever by his family and friends.
A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church in memory of Dick. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Yvonee Jeanne Pratt Seavolt
Yvonne Jeanne Pratt Seavolt, born April 21, 1943, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the age of 82.
Yvonne was born in Jackson, the daughter of Clinton D. and Mabelle Naomi (Pittinger) Pratt. On April 29, 1960, Yvonne married Ronald Norman Seavolt, and they just celebrated their 65th anniversary. The two raised their family of three children in Charlotte.
Yvonne was mainly a stay home housewife and mother. She was an Aide at Washington Elementary when her kids were little. Yvonne also worked at the Old Fashioned Parlor and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. She was a longtime volunteer at Hayes Green Beach Hospital, now UMH Sparrow Eaton Hospital. She also volunteered helping Eaton Community Hospice, now Eaton County Palliative Care with their fundraisers, and Relay For Life supporting other people with cancer. She was very proud to serve as the Charlotte Frontier Days Grand Marshal and one year as the General Chairperson.
Yvonne is survived by her three kids, Shelly (Rob) Rasmussen, Jeff (Donna) Seavolt, LeVon M. “Von” Seavolt; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Smith, Savanna (Alex Reid) Seavolt, Selina, Breanna (Austin Zank) Seavolt-Zank; great-grandchildren, Markelle Smith, Makala (Nolan) Coolidge, Damien Dunavant, and Amelia Reid; and great-great grandchild, Hadley. Yvonne also has three heavenly grandchildren, Mark Rasmussen, Shaun Rasmussen, and TJ Seavolt who welcomed her with open arms.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron who passed away on May 23, 2025; grandson’s Mark and Shaun and TJ; sister, Leilani; and her brother, Clinton Joseph “Joey” Pratt.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Yvonne’s family by attending a visitation and informal food reception from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Pray Funeral Home Gardens, Charlotte. A private burial will take place next to her husband, Ron at Center Eaton Cemetery, Charlotte.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care. You can share memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in care of Pray Funeral Home.