Obituaries
Brian C. Stults
Brian Charles Stults, age 65, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing. He was born February 13, 1957, in Charlotte the son of Pete and June (Smuts) Stults. Brian graduated from Charlotte High School in 1975. Brian worked the majority of his career as a Captain with the Charlotte Fire Department and teaching classes at the Hazmat Center in Lansing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling up north, attending car shows, and golfing. Brian was also an avid ham radio operator.
Brian is survived by his daughters: MacKenzie Stults of Lansing, Kaitlin (Dan) Stamm of Charlotte; siblings: Karen (Mike) Shepherd, Jack Stults, Randy Stults, Jill Stults; special cousin, Regina Lemmon; special niece, Sasha Peel; mother-in-law, Vonda Stanton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Kim Stults; and brother-in-law, Eric Stanton.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Brian’s honor to the Charlotte Fire Department or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.
To view Brian’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Helen J. Olson
Helen Joan Olson of Eaton Rapids, entered into the gates of Heaven, February 18, 2022, at the age of 87. Helen was born in Greencastle, IN, August 22, 1934, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Alexander) Renfro. She had a strong Christian faith, belonging to the Messiah Lutheran Church and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, both in Holt. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, and dancing. She also loved spending time in her flower gardens, was active at the Jean Bradford Kling Senior Center and absolutely adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Jack) Stohr of Eaton Rapids, Terry (Larry) Wicker of Eaton Rapids; son, Martti Siltanen; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Idamae Scott; brothers, Robert “Bo” Renfro, Charles “Dude” Renfro; husbands, Frank Hutcheson, John “Arnie” Siltanen, and Hughes Olson.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to any Hospice of the donor’s choice. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Orlen D. VanDriessche
Orlen D. VanDriessche, age 89, of Olivet, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Thursday, February 10, 2022. He was born June 21, 1932, in Albion, the son of Gerard and Mildred (Sebolt) VanDriessche. Orlen grew up in rural Olivet, and graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1950. On June 20, 1953, he married Jane Sharp at the family farm in Olivet. Together, Orlen and Jane faithfully raised a beautiful family and cherished each and everyone of them. Orlen was a devoted Christian, and was never afraid to share his faith in Christ with anyone he met. Orlen was a member of the Lee Center United Methodist Church, and served as a lay leader for many years. He was past president of the Albion/Marshall Chapter of the Gideon’s. In his spare-time he enjoyed attending the Olivet High School basketball games and traveling with friends to harness racing events around the area.
Orlen is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jane; children: Robert (JoAnn) VanDriessche of Olivet, Sharon Klingler of South Carolina, Connie (Bruce) Lack of Olivet; 12 granchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; sisters: Nancy Bumgarner and Ardella VanDenDriessche.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Anderson; and granddaughter, Gloria Klingler.
A private graveside service for the family was held at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. The family received friends on Monday, February 14, 2022 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lee Township Hall.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Orlen’s memory to the Lee Center United Methodist Church or The Gideon’s International.
To view Orlen’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 of Charlotte.
David E. Slocum
David Earl Slocum, of Dowling, formerly of Charlotte Michigan, died February 3, 2022, while wintering in Texas. David, 72, was born February 22, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan to Kenneth R. and Esther Mae (Hunt) Slocum. He graduated from the Maple Valley Schools in 1968 and went on to Lansing Community College. In August of 1969, David married Caroline Felder, and together they would raise three children. David served in the US Army as a helicopter Crew Chief in Viet Nam. After active-duty David joined the Michigan Army National Guard 119th Field Artillery, retiring in 2009. David worked for the State of Michigan for 33 years as a truck driver.
More than anything else David loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed taking motorcycle trips with his wife Caroline and their adult children and made many friends as a member of Gold Wing Road Riders Association. David also spent many hours as a volunteer in the community at Eaton Senior Center, Eaton Community Palliative Care and Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center. He loved playing guitar, collecting antique clocks, fishing and was an avid reader of American adventure books.
David is survived by his wife, Caroline Elaine (Felder) Slocum; son, David (Shannon) Slocum II; daughter, Victoria (Dan) Alt, daughter-in-law, Rachel Slocum; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Tyann (Bob) Drake; brother, Jerry Slocum; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Robert Slocum; and his brothers Robert and Kevin Slocum.
Visitation for Mr. Slocum will be Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home. A Life Celebration Service will be held this coming spring or summer. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in David’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Roberta J. Vedder
Roberta Jean Vedder, age 89, of Mulliken, was welcomed home by her Savior on Saturday, February 12, 2022. She was born October 24, 1932, in Lansing, Michigan the daughter of Robert and Ica (Woods) Fowler. She spent her growing up years in Gleason, Tennessee and graduated from Gleason High School in 1950. Roberta was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Her daily prayer was that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would follow Jesus. She attended First Baptist Church in Charlotte for many years. In her spare-time she enjoyed antiquing, playing the piano, quilting, and playing games with family and friends.
Roberta is survived by her children: Bryant (Brenda) Vedder of Charlotte, Dwayne (Robin) Vedder of Charlotte, Paula (Rick) McCloy of Vermontville, Martin (Theresa) Vedder of Charlotte; 11 grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith in 2008; great-grandson, Toby Livingston; and sisters: Clara Heath and Celeste Tilden.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The family received friends on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial took place at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Roberta’s honor to the Awana Club at First Baptist Church 1110 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Roberta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com