Obituaries
Troy Bass
Troy Bass, 51, of Vermontville, died on Friday, April 23, 2021 in Bellevue Township from injuries sustained in an auto accident.
Troy was born on May 18, 1969 in Battle Creek to Larry A. and Loralie A. (Cronk) Bass. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1987. He married Michele Ameling and together they had a daughter, Sara. On May 23, 2001, he married Cindy S. Rugg-Beers and they raised a blended family of three children together for nearly 20 years.
Troy worked at several different auto manufacturing plants in the Lansing area. He recently retired from Loc Performance. Troy was a member of Bellevue Conservation Club and National Rifle Association. Troy and Cindy enjoyed traveling and going on vacations, and their favorite was a cruise they took in 2019. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and an avid Michigan State University fan. Troy also enjoyed camping, and spent many summers camping with his friends at Lake of Dreams campground in Merrill. Troy had passion for hunting and outdoors which he enjoyed sharing with others, teaching hunter safety for many years.
He is survived by his wife Cindy; children Sara (Jake) Esselink, Clayton (Kayla) Beers and Rachelle Beers; his father and step-mother Larry and Diane Bass; grandchildren, Julia, Chase, Adalyn, Bentley and Kyler; siblings Danny (Kelly) Bass and Michelle (John) Bush; nieces and nephews, Kenneth Bass, Joshua Bass, Hailey French, Brynlee Bass. He was preceded in death by his mother, Loralie Hunter on April 23, 2021 and step-father Ross Hunter on April 10, 2021.
Visitation will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021, with funeral service taking place at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to the family to help with Cindy’s medical expenses (payable to Clayton Beers). Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home, P.O. Box 519, Marshall, MI 49068 for delivery to the charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Antoinette Gutsue
Antoinette “Toni” Gutsue, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family following a long illness.
Toni was born on January 20, 1943, in Charlotte to Stanley and Lillian (Murawski) Kita. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1961 and later earned a degree in business. In September 1978, Toni and Mike journeyed on a Harley Davidson to Trout Lake, Michigan, for their wedding.
Starting in the early 1970’s, Toni owned and operated a restaurant in Bellevue for many years. After she sold the restaurant, she did medical billing for Dr. Frankenstein in Bellevue for 18 years. Toni also worked a short time for Archway and Home Health until she retired to spend time with her family. Toni, who was beloved by so many, enjoyed spending time outdoors, mowing the lawn on her own John Deere, planting flowers, and gardening (always loving to compete with her brothers). She was known to spend her spare time hunting for mushrooms –“near or around” permissible property. She also treasured fishing, going to the casino, and “poking fun” at friends and family to gain a smile. Toni deeply cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Toni is survived by her husband, Mikeal D. Gutsue; her children, Teresa (Dan) Wallace, Kristin (Shane) Miller, step-son, Mikeal (Kelly) Gutsue II, John (Jessica) Gutsue; her 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Stanley (Nancy) Kita and Bobby (JoAnne) Kita. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Lillian Kita, and her siblings, Joe Kita and Frank Kita.
A memorial gathering will be held at the Kempf Family Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, located at 205 North Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021. Memorial contributions in Toni’s honor may go to Bellevue Good Samaritan Food Pantry, 122 W Capital Avenue, Bellevue, MI 49021, or to your local Humane Society. For your convenience, you can mail your memorial contribution to the Kempf Funeral Home (PO Box 519, Marshall, MI 49068) for delivery to your designated charity. Please feel free to leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com.
Brandon H. R. Harmon
Brandon Howard Richard Harmon, age 41, of Vermontville, Mich., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in Vermontville, Mich.
Brandon was born in Charlotte, Mich. on September 22, 1979, a son of Shirley (Gardner) and Rodney Harmon.
He was raised in the Vermontville area and attended local schools graduating from Maple Valley High School in 1998. While in school Brandon enjoyed being involved in several activities including playing football.
Shortly after completing his education, Brandon began working at Lacks Enterprises in Grand Rapids, Mich. In a short time, Brandon’s work ethic and attention to detail earned him a promotion to a supervisor position, where he over saw several operations within the manufacturing plant.
Brandon was dedicated to his work, which left little time for extracurricular activities. However, in his free time, he enjoyed repairing cars at his home. In 2017, Brandon broke away from work, to join his parents on a cruise which took the family to several destinations in the Caribbean, including Cozumel in Mexico.
Brandon is survived by his parents, Rodney & Shirley Harmon; his son, Keaton Tyler Sirbaugh; two brothers, Christian Lee Harmon and Jason Michael (Heather) Harmon; nieces, Dakota Leigh Harmon, Adelia Rose Harmon; nephew, Asa Sabstian Harmon; and several aunts, uncles and cousins
Funeral Service were held on Monday, May 17, 2021 at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Michigan, with Pastor David Poole officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermontville Syrup Festival Corporation to support the annual Syrup Festival Event.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit their website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Jack L. Kineman
Jack Lavern Kineman, born October 16, 1935, in Brookport, Ill. to Owen Stephen Kineman and Mildred Fern Riepe, died May 31, 2021, in Charlotte, Mich.
Jack’s first 20 years were farm living and attending K-12 in Brookport, Ill. then to Paducah, Ky. Junior College for two years. Paducah is where he met his wife, Lavinia “Carolyn” Milner. They married on September 14, 1957 and lived in West LaFayette, Ind. while Jack earned his Civil Engineering degree at Purdue University, graduating in June 1958. As a Professional Engineer and Registered Surveyor, Jack was hired to lead a team surveying President Eisenhower’s Civil Defense Highway System by laying out I-75 the length of Michigan to Sault Ste Marie. Next, Jack entered the Civil Engineer Training Program of the Michigan Department of State Highways and quickly rose to oversee the layout of interstate, primary, and secondary highways throughout Michigan. After four years he returned to his home state of Illinois. to work for the Illinois Department of Public Works as well as other engineering jobs. However, he loved the rolling natural spaces of Michigan and was thrilled to be hired as the Civil Engineer Manager for Barry County in 1970-1979. Then on to Sanilac County 1979-1986, then back to Barry County as Manager 1986-Retiring 1997.
Jack and Carolyn have three children, Steven, Rhonda, and Melinda; and five grandchildren, Radie, Maizie, Zephie, Bram, and Oskar. After his retirement, he studied American society and became a staunch democrat working door to door supporting candidates that favored social and environmental justice. His biggest passion was to educate local people on the dangerous consequences of fracking. He also volunteered his many construction skills on international mission trips building schools, homes, and sanitary facilities. Domestically, he worked on numerous Habitat for Humanity Projects. His love of nature extended from his early years on the farm throughout his life, enjoying Barry County’s many opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Alzheimer’s took his life, but it did not take his spirit; this humble man made the world a better place and will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
A memorial service will be announced later this year.
Cards of remembrance can be sent to Steven M. Kineman 388 North Wheaton Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Jack’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Frances T. Finocchio
Frances “Teri” Thresa Finocchio, an honest and loving wife, mother and grandmother, died Monday, May 31, 2021. Teri, 80, of Charlotte, was born June 11, 1940, in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of William and Treva (Meyers) Glazier. She graduated from Bath High School and later went to work at General Motors where she held many positions over the years. It was working on the assembly line where she met Anthony Finocchio and created a connection. On November 7, 2003, Teri and Anthony got married and began their story together. Teri had a passion for children. She adored her only grandchild, Trinity, and helping other children that were in need. She had a very adventurous side, she loved scuba diving and was also a crew member for a motorcycle racing team where she got the nickname “Gas Lady.” Taking care of her family was her favorite hobby, from spending time with Anthony to spoiling her son and granddaughter, family meant everything.
Frances is survived by her husband, Anthony; son, Dion Shunk; granddaughter, Trinity Shunk; siblings, Chris (Sue) Glazier, Sylvia (Mike) Sidel. She was predeceased by her parents, and brother, Terry Glazier.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Frances on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.