Obituaries
Terri L. Visscher
Terri Lynn Visscher, a world traveler, highly recognized and accomplished flight attendant, beloved sister, and loving daughter passed away January 31, 2022, at her family’s home in Charlotte. Terri, 55, of Charlotte was born December 15, 1966, in Muskegon to Eugene (Gene) and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher. Terri graduated from Charlotte High School in 1985. Following high school, she graduated from Davenport University before finding her life’s passion of becoming a flight attendant. One of her proudest moments was when she graduated from the Northwest Flight Attendant school. She lived in Hawaii for 18 years taking care of passengers on flights from Honolulu to Tokyo and beyond. Though she was frequently far away, Terri valued her friendships and connections with her nieces, nephews and friends’ kids. She would often travel halfway around the world to attend a birthday party, dance recital, or just to say Hello. After her retirement, Terri returned to Charlotte where she continued to nurture her other passion, family and friends. She was often referred to as the “Favorite Aunt.” With a heart of gold and a passion for life, Terri lived each day to the fullest. Her generous spirit was often demonstrated through her willingness to help anyone at any time. During the holiday seasons, the smell of chocolate chip cookies and “Terri’s Special Chex Mix” would emanate from the Visscher kitchen with great anticipation from all. Terri will be dearly missed by anyone who was blessed enough to have had the opportunity to know her.
Terri is survived by her parents; Eugene and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher; brother, Jerry (Shannon) Visscher; sister, Traci (Dr. Kendall) Bos; 4 nieces; Samantha Visscher, Madelynn Visscher, Lauren Visscher, Reagan Bos; 2 nephews; Emmitt Visscher, Ethan Bos; and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring. It will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Terri Lynn Visscher tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to palliative care. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Terri’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Bernard D. Otto
Bernard D. Otto, 96, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. He was born on May 18, 1925, the son of Doris (Augustine) and Sidney Otto.
Bernard graduated from Bellevue High School in 1942. After high school he joined the United States Army 7th Infantry Division, Company A 82nd Mortar Battalion from July of 1943 to January of 1946. During that time he was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He married the love of his life, Joyce Oaster in 1946. Bernard owned and operated Otto’s Clothing Store in downtown Bellevue for 20 years. He also served as Bellevue Mayor from 1962-1963, City Clerk/Village Manager from 1974-1987 and the Bellevue Township Supervisor from 1996-2012.
Bernard and Joyce loved their family, spending time with their children and grandchildren were always their favorite things to do. They spent countless hours traveling to every athletic event, concert and many other extra-curricular activities their children or grandchildren participated in. The two attended and were active in the Bellevue Methodist Church for over 70 years. Bernard was active in the Village Players, Historical Society, Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce and also played a role in obtaining grants for developing the Edward Keehne Environmental Park.
Through his many involvements Bernard received rewards for his accomplishments. Many of which include, Michigan Minuteman Award in 1973, Bellevue Citizen of the Year in 1976 and Michigan Volunteer Award in 1977.
Bernard is survived by his son, Michael (Mary) Otto; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Otto; parents; sons, Gary, Donald and Steven Otto; grandson, Quinton Otto; brothers, Charles and Richard Otto; and sister, May Lou Vogt.
Visitation was held at the Bellevue United Methodist Church, 122 West Capital Avenue, Bellevue, MI 49021 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 with the funeral service to immediately follow.
Interment will take place at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bellevue United Methodist Church in memory of Bernard.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800.
Kevin Ripley
Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr., an avid outdoorsman, died January 16, 2022. Kevin, 61, of Vermontville was born November 6, 1960, to Richard and Janice (Ruperd) Ripley. With profound love, admiration and gratitude, Kevin’s family highlights what he meant to each of them. He was always tinkering on projects for others. This hard working, generous, soft spoken mentor loved helping others. A great lover of nature, Kevin enjoyed hunting and being outside on the family farm. A lifelong friendship with his father encouraged Kevin to frequently visit his father’s farm. He and his father, Richard, took great pride in Richard’s ponies and draft horses. Kevin was a captivating story teller, his humor and good nature making each narrative interesting. With a great love of family, Kevin was very supportive and loving to his wife, family and close friends. Without anyone ever feeling smothered, he knew intuitively what each one needed. Never lacking for intellect and varied expertise, his skilled diesel mechanic hands helped Kevin to keep the trucks dependably running for the Ryder Truck Rental Company. As a sports enthusiast Kevin spent many hours viewing the sport channels on TV. The time he spent watching sports gave him immense knowledge when it came to coaching his children’s various sports. He could always be counted on for his repertoire of ideas during games. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sally; sons, Kevin (Michelle) Ripley Jr., Derek (Kim) Ripley; mother, Janice Ripley; mother-in-law, Barbara Carter; brothers, Kenneth (Renee) Ripley and Kris Ripley; sister, Kaylene Shumaker; 7 grandchildren and 5 four legged children. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Ripley; father-in-law, Stanley Carter; brothers-in-law, Tom Carter and Stanley Russell Carter; and sister-in-law, Heidi Hackett-Ripley; grandparents, Burt and Eva Ruperd, Lemuel and Marietta Ripley.
Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were January 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Kevin’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family with personal checks being made out to: Sally Ripley. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles E. Viele, Sr.
Charles E. Viele Sr. was born to Rolla and Cleo (Crook) Viele on October 19, 1925 in Vermontville. The third of five children, he was raised on the family farm on Brown Road in Sunfield Township. He graduated from Vermontville High School in 1943 and tried to enlist in the military during WWII but was refused because of his colorblindness and instead found other ways to serve and contribute. On May 19th, 1946, he married Louise Joppie. Together they had five children and were married for 75 years. Charles passed away on February 1, 2022 at age 96 after living a long and very full life. Charles was very community conscious. He joined the Volunteer Vermontville Fire Department in 1953 and served into his 80’s, even becoming Fire Chief. He served nearly 30 years on the Vermontville and Maple Valley school boards. He was a member of the village council for many years, retiring in 2020. His volunteering extended beyond the village to the county level as well. He was a member of the Eaton Intermediate School District Board for many years and also a member of the Eaton County Road Commission for 10 years.
Charles started out farming but after watching some heavy equipment working on a neighboring farm, he fell in love with Caterpillar bulldozers. He bought his first CAT, a D6 dozer, in 1954 and formed the Charles Viele Bulldozing Company, adding other CATs one by one over the years. He worked hard, following his passion until he was in his early 90’s. Though Charles was usually all business, he did have one hobby and that was snowmobiling. He and Louise owned a place near Cadillac for that purpose and enjoyed many years of friends, family, and fun.
What Charles loved the most was his 5 great-granddaughters: Juliana, Charlotte, Mary Louise, April, and Evelyn. He took great pride in them and always had the biggest smile for them. He also loved and was very proud of each of his 5 grandchildren: Brandy, Justin, Ethan, Nichole, and Eren. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Raymond N. Viele, DVM; brother, John Viele; and his sisters, Jeanette Strait and Mary Trowbridge. He is survived by his wife, Louise; son, Charles Viele Jr. (Kathy Kolodica) of Charlotte; daughters, Jeanne Straub (Mel) of Lowell, Denise Berry (Dale) of Vermontville, and Maurene Viele (Karl Sorensen) of California; sister, Rachel Weiler of Pennsylvania; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
There will be no services at this time but a memorial will be held in the summer of 2022. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Vermontville. Memorial contributions can be made to either the Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund, Box 715, Nashville, MI, 49073, or the Vermontville Fire Department, 125 W. First Street, Vermontville, MI, 49096. Friends and family are encouraged to support Charles’ family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Harold L. Eitniear
Harold “Roy” Leroy Eitniear, a man known for his sense of humor and commitment to his family, died on Friday, January 21, 2022. Roy, 86, of Potterville, was born August 30, 1935, the son of Freddie and Mazzie (Lamphere) Eitniear. He was a graduate of Potterville High School class of 1954. Following graduation Roy began working for a candy distribution company, Schaefer’s Bread Company, and later at General Motors where he worked as a Machine Repairman, for 30 plus years before his retirement. In 1962 Roy mourned the loss of his dear wife, Mary Margaret, who died at the age of 24. Roy would later marry Harriet Durbin who was also a widow. The two created numerous memories together and with their blended family. Roy was a man who loved being outdoors, from camping, bicycling around Europe, canoeing, canoe races, stock car racing, hunting, and also fishing. He enjoyed woodworking, his children said he could make anything he set his mind too. The family camping trips were a big deal during the summer. Roy had constructed a trailer that would haul the supplies, canoes, and rowboats. Roy and Harriet attended Clown school, and together brightened other people’s day with their clowning. Many will remember Roy for the stories that he told; he was one that could talk your ear off. Above all, Roy adored his family and his years with General Motors.
Roy is survived by his wife, Harriet; children, Terri (Gary) Ross, Robin (Michael) McCain, Kim (Richard) Artibee, Cathy (Michael) Larson, Laurie Savage, Sally (Mark) Coleman; grandchildren, Jennifer Crane, Lisa Volz, Keith Ross, Deja Chavez, Staci Lowe, Jason Artibee, Matthew McCain, Joseph McCain, Rachel Hayes, Ann Larson, Rebecca Coleman, Tyler Larson, Bailey Coleman; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Ruth Eitniear; sister-in-law, Diana Boyce. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Margaret; brother, Phillip Eitniear; son-in-law, Theo Savage; parents; and stepfather, Vern Snyder
Friends are encouraged to support Roy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private visitation will be held at this time. At a later date the family will hold a Celebration of Life for Roy. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.