Obituaries
Lynned Russell Mosier
Lynned Russell Mosier, age 78, of Roscommon, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Grayling, Michigan, in the presence and comfort of his family.
Lynn was born September 18, 1947, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Louis and Dorothy (Riedl) Mosier.
Lynn married Debra Stafford on July 5, 2005.
Raised on a farm in Charlotte, Michigan, Lynn knew the meaning of hard work and living off the land. He often said there was so much work it was hard to get his schoolwork done. Lynn was drafted into the Army and flew to Vietnam on September 18, 1967, on his 20th birthday. He served in the 8th artillery 25th infantry (Tropic Lightning) Division in Vietnam.
Lynn took a job with General Motors when he returned home from the Vietnam war. He worked for GM for 38 years. He enjoyed working in skilled trades, maintaining, and repairing equipment. Lynn was a strong father figure, who made sure that his daughters, Lisa and Jessica, had what they needed and taught them life skills, like how to change a car tire. Whenever the girls visited, Lynn loved making his strawberry syrup, that was served on waffles with whipped cream. Lynn had a love of cars, fast ones and old ones. He could walk through an antique car show naming the year and model of most. Outside is where you usually found Lynn. When he wasn’t chopping wood, hunting, or fishing, he was helping his neighbors putting up siding or repairing a lawn mower or automobile. In the spring, summer, and fall, he mowed grass, blew leaves, and maintained a beach front for the neighborhoods we lived in. Lynn will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and good friend.
Lynn will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie, of 20 years; daughters: Lisa (Bill) Schutt, Jessica Mosier; stepdaughters: Katie (Nathan) Southern and Meredith (Henry) Muehlhausen; granddaughters, Autumn (Logan) Bragdon and Jasmine Schutt; Step-grandsons, Llewyn, Monty, and Griffin; sisters, Linda, Suzanne, Sibyl, and Kim; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Lynn is preceded in death by his parents, Louis F. Mosier, and Dorothy M. Riedl, and his brother Steven.
Family and friends will gather for a Military Honors Service on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at noon, with an hour of gathering prior, at Grayling Moose Lodge 1162, 7970 South Grayling Road, Grayling, Michigan 49738.
Lynn will be laid to rest at Gresham Cemetery of Chester Township, Eaton County, Michigan, at a later date.
If so desired, the family prefers memorial contributions be made in Lynn’s name to Northern Pines Assisted Living, 130 Mary Ann Street, Grayling, Michigan 48653.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon. Please share a memory or a message online at wagnerfunerals.com
Michael “Mike” John Eisenlohr, 70, of South Haven, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Kalamazoo, surrounded by the family who loved him so deeply, following a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma.
Mike was born in Lansing on July 6, 1955, to Robert L. Eisenlohr and Patricia D. (Postema). From an early age, he built a life centered around family, friendship, and the simple joys that meant the most to him.
He graduated from Bear Lake High School and went on to attend Ferris State University, earning his bachelor’s degree, later continuing his education at Aquinas College where he obtained his master’s degree.
Mike spent many years working at Care Free General Aluminum in Charlotte, where he formed lasting friendships and met the love of his life and devoted companion, Carmen. Together, Mike and Carmen went on to manage several recreational vehicle supply companies, including Blue Star Supply, Marlene Sine and Associates, and Fasteners Unlimited in South Haven up until his retirement.
Mike was a man who truly enjoyed life. He was an avid golfer who loved the game and the camaraderie that came with it, competing in the Golf Week Amateur Tour and celebrating several wins along the way. He also found peace and happiness in the outdoors—whether hunting, fishing, or traveling out west and up north, he was always happiest surrounded by nature, good friends and family. Beyond his hobbies, Mike will be remembered most for his easygoing spirit, kindness, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. He had a wide circle of friends and a close-knit family who meant everything to him, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
He was a proud member of the South Haven Moose Lodge, the American Legion, South Haven Rod and Gun Club, and the River Bend Boat Club, where he shared many good times and built lifelong connections.
Mike is survived by his loving mother, Patricia; his life companion, Carmen K. Sine; and his children, Jason (Brenda) Eisenlohr, Jamie (Mike) Gurski, and Jodie (Josh) Husted. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Timothy, Alyssa, Trevor, Randall, Kaiden, Braylon, and Lileigh, and great-grandfather to Cyris. He is also survived by his sister Deborah Eisenlohr; his twin brother Mark (Judy) Eisenlohr; niece Nisha; nephews Jared and Nicholas; and many extended family members and dear friends. He shared a special bond with his best friends, Brian (Diane) and Nick (Mel), who were like family to him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert, and his beloved grandson, Andrew James “AJ.”
Mike will be remembered for the love he gave so freely, the friendships he cherished, and the lasting impact he had on everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Mike, memorial donations may be made to the Glioblastoma Research Organization (gbmresearch.org) or Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation, 530 Beech St., Charlotte, MI 48813. Those wishing to share a memory of Mike may do so at www.starksfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.
Alan Carl Durham
Alan Carl Durham, 87, of Charlotte, a man whose life was defined by quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family, died April 13, 2026. Alan was born on October 22, 1938, in Durand, Michigan to Charles and Margaret (Reick) Durham. Alan graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1956.
In 1959, Alan married the love of his life, Mary Jane, whose father became a valued mentor to him in the skilled trades. He began his career at Allied Products in Hillsdale, Michigan, and later continued his work in skilled trades with General Motors
Above all, Alan was a devoted husband and an extraordinary father. Together with his wife, he opened his heart and home in a remarkable way – serving as foster parents to 25 children, while also raising their two beloved children. To each child who entered his life, Alan offered stability, guidance, patience, and unconditional love. His family will miss hearing his familiar and heartfelt closing words, “Thanks for callin’,” a simple phrase that meant so much and now holds even greater meaning.
Alan’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He loved the Lord deeply and encouraged those around him to seek comfort and strength in prayer. His quiet example spoke volumes – he lived his beliefs daily, never seeking recognition, never complaining, and always choosing grace. He had a passion for history and learning. He could often be found watching the History Channel, absorbing stories of the past with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm. This love extended to his travels, as he enjoyed visiting presidential homes, historical landmarks, and meaningful places that connected him to the nation’s heritage. Alan also cherished time spent traveling, especially his trips to Florida, where he found rest, joy, and special memories with loved ones.
Alan is survived by his children, Robert (Billie Jo) Durham and Cathy Reed; foster children, Ryan and Tanisha (Dre) Jefferson; brother, Robert Durham; grandchildren, Cody Durham, Chad (Nicolette) Durham, Korin Steen, Kayla Dysard, Martina and Corey Biddinger, Mary (fiancé, Ben Sawade) Reed; and great-grandchildren, Cameron, Paiden, Madisyn, Dalton, Leah, Bailey, Parker, Conner, Kylar, Tucker, Morgan, Tanner, Sheppard. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Jane; brothers Charles and Sam Durham; and sisters, Alice Richards and Helen Robins.
Friends are encouraged to support Alan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, April 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church and Helping Hands. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mitchell Carl Simons
Mitchell Carl Simons of Eaton Rapids passed away April 4, 2026, at the age of 76. Mitchell was born in Big Rapids, Michigan, August 2, 1949, to Carl and Ardena (Nelson) Simons. He was a graduate of Leslie High School Class of 1969. Mitchell worked and retired from Ranch Life Plastics. He served with the Army Reserves and the National Guard for 20 years earning the National Defense Service Medal as a sharpshooter and marksman.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR races, gardening, canning, searching for treasures with his metal detector, was an avid MSU Spartan fan and horseshoe player. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, and as a handyman, helping others when they needed it.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Evelyn Simons; children, Michael Simons of Eaton Rapids, Heather Allen of Eaton Rapids, William Smith of Lansing; grandchildren, Mariah Simons, Alexandra Ringo, William Simons, Owen Simons, Halle Simons, Lindsay Lampson, Tayler (Steven) Allen, Landon (Sydney) Allen, Ciara (Brett) Chamberlain, Autumn Doxtader; 11 great grandchildren; brothers, Charles Simons, Daniel Carl Simons; sisters, Jackie Howe and Shirley Mueller, as well as many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard, John and Jim Simons; nephews, Mark Mueller and Johnathan Simons and brother in laws, Alex Mueller and Clair Howe.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday April 11, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place before the service from noon to 1p.m. Interment will be held in Rosehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
Thomas Marion Opoka
Thomas Marion Opoka of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.
Tom was born on October 31, 1940, in Hamtramck, Michigan, to Joseph and Florence (Mengel) Opoka. He was raised in Hamtramck and graduated from Pershing High School. Following graduation, Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Detroit and attended the University of Detroit, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
On May 18, 1973, Tom married the love of his life, Carol Alsobrooks. In 1977, Tom and Carol moved their family out of the Detroit area to Eaton Rapids where they bought a small farm. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family, while raising their two daughters.
Tom dedicated many years of service to the State of Michigan, working as a mobile home auditor until his retirement in 2002. In retirement, he and Carol cherished spending their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Tom was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids for many years.
He had a deep love for sports, especially cheering on the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit’s professional teams. Tom also enjoyed his monthly casino outings with Carol. Above all, he will be remembered for his warm personality, his love for family, and his remarkable ability to tell a great story.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Andrew Opoka; and his sister, Laura Ostrowski.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Carol; his daughters, Kelly (Terry) Vandenbrink and Leanne (Damon) Lange; his grandchildren, Madison Lange, Makenna Lange, Kaitlyn Vandenbrink, and Nicholas Vandenbrink; and his great-granddaughter, Genevieve Vandenbrink. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery following the Mass at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Tom’s memory.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Marcie Faye Ditchie
Marcia Faye Ditchie of Eaton Rapids passed away March 18, 2026, at the age of 76. Marcia was born on October 2, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Peter and Marian (Crawford) Ditchie. She loved to garden and grow flowers. Marcia played softball for many years. She was employed at State Farm as a photographer for 17 years and also the Art Council in Lansing for 15 years.
Marcia is survived by her cousin, Shelley Estela of Fullerton, California; one nephew and three nieces- Brian, Kristina, Teresa, and Kathleen; neighborhood family, Jackie Coontz, Dan (MJ), Rick (Heather) Goerge, Rie and Bug Goerge of Eaton Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 11 a.m. on May 23, 2026, at the Howe Memorial Park Pavillion, 315 W. Knight Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. 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.
Harry Arthur Smith
Harry Arthur Smith, 93, of Charlotte, a loving father and grandfather with a responsible and hardworking nature, died peacefully on April 4, 2026, in Charlotte. Harry was born June 22, 1932, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Donald M. and Thelma I. (Parks) Smith. Harry left school in the 10th grade to help run the family farm when his father lost an arm in an accident. At 19 years old, Harry answered the call to serve his country, beginning military duty in April of 1952. He completed seven years of honorable service in the United States Navy, holding the rank of Fireman (FN) during the Korean War and concluding his service in 1960.
Following his military discharge, Harry built a 30-year long career at Oldsmobile, eventually enjoying a well-earned retirement. Co-workers and friends remember his steady dedication and reliable spirit.
Harry was an avid golfer who could always find happiness on the fairway. Whether lining up a putt or teeing off on the back-nine, Harry showed us that patience and persistence win the quiet victories that matter most. Harry was part of the Monday night men’s golf league, with long-time friend Frank Palacios, until just last year. Golf gave Harry immense joy, but family gave him purpose. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly, and moments spent with family were among his most cherished memories.
Harry is survived by his sons, Del (Suzanne) Smith, Dayton (Joan) Smith, and Dane Smith; daughter, Kelly (Mike) Wicker; grandchildren, Savannah (Andrew) Marino, Madison Smith, Blake Smith, Marcus Olsen, Kayla Bruce, Sara Smith, Trevor Smith, Danielle Smith, Joshua (Allison) Wicker, Nichole Wicker, Natalie (Joey) Neihaus, Stephanie (James) Campbell, and Logan Blair; great-grandchildren, Levi Smith, Taytum Smith, Riley Olsen, Alex Olsen, Angelo Olsen, James Blair, Leah Morris, McKenzie Blair, Allie Blair, Logan Blair Jr., Brooklyn Wicker, Grayson Wicker, Hudson Lee, Austin Wicker, Skyler Marie Freidinger, Logan Freidinger, Micah Neihaus, and Evie Rose Neihaus. He was predeceased by his wife, Elaine Smith; parents; grandson, Ian Smith; and granddaughter, Angie Blair.
Friends are encouraged to support Harry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, April 10, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral services were Friday, April 10 at 4 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. 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 Harry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dawn Michelle Bartlett
Dawn Michelle Bartlett, 48, of Charlotte, a loving wife, mother and friend, died on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Lansing after a brief illness. Dawn was born on May 14, 1977, in Charlotte, where she graduated before attending Ferris State for a few semesters.
Dawn had a deep love for children and devoted much of her life to caring for them. She ran her own licensed home daycare where she nurtured and cared for countless kids, treating each one as her own. She extended that same compassion to St. Mary Catholic School, where she worked in the lunchroom, not only providing meals to students but blessing them with many meaningful memories as well. She also worked several years for Allstate in downtown Charlotte.
Dawn was a devoted Girl Scout leader, serving for many years as her daughter was growing up through the program. In her spare time, Dawn found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially caring for her garden and crafting, where she expressed her creativity and caring nature. Dawn was happiest when surrounded by her family and loved spending time at the beach. Especially on Sanibel Island in Florida, always appreciating the beauty of the world around her.
Dawn is survived by her husband of 25 years, Shane Bartlett, and their children, Makkena (Shane DeJonge) Bartlett, Cameron (Jersey Gaedert) Bartlett, Aubrie Bartlett and Briley Bartlett. Friends are encouraged to support Dawn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Red Cross. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Linda Whiting
Linda Whiting age 64 of Dimondale, Michigan, passed away on April 4, 2026 at University Hospital, Ann Arbor with her family by her side. Linda died as a result of complications from a bone marrow transplant she received on December 9, 2025.
She is survived by her step-father Ken Burns, sister Gail Whiting (Larry Miesner), sister Carol Wood, brother Steve Whiting, brother David Whiting (Cheryl), nephew Dustin Baughman (Jasmine Simone), niece Katie Jo Miller (Joe), great-nephew Maverick Baughman, great-niece Brynleigh Baughman, and her kitties Holly and Abby. She was proceeded in death by her father Gary Whiting, mother Martha Burns, nephew Jeremy Wood, and sister-in-law Dee Whiting.
Linda was proud of her sobriety, having been sober for 17+ years.
She was witty, funny, self-sufficient, generous, hard-working and very resourceful. She was always there to lend a helping hand to her family. She helped with demolition, yard work, gardening, mowing, and home and machinery repairs. Her family could always count on her.
Linda loved to fish and took pride in her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed “her” birds and spoiled them with homemade suet. She loved rock-hounding trips to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and had fun traveling on the two-tracks to the beaches in the Upper Peninsula. She was a morel mushroom hunter extraordinaire and never gave up her secret mushroom hunting spots. Linda had a soft-spot for animals. She had many pets during her lifetime and once “rescued” a dog she named Lucky. She thought he would have a better life with her, and she did. In her younger days she was a hell of a softball player showing off her “side-arm” while playing the infield. She could also throw a mean spiral.
She was fortunate to live across the street from her great-nephew and great-niece, Maverick and Brynleigh. She loved them with all her heart and enjoyed playing with them, fishing with them behind their house, and teaching and helping them with little projects.
Linda leaves a big void in the hearts of her family and will be terribly missed.
The family would like to thank friends and family for their thoughts, prayers, and kind words about Linda while she was hospitalized.
A Celebration of Life will be held early summer when the weather warms up, and it can be held outside. For those desiring, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to Saved By Zade, 130 South Main St., PO Box 100, Leslie, MI 49251. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
David Vern Coats
David Vern Coats of Eaton Rapids was surrounded by his loving family and peacefully went home to be with the Lord on March 31, 2026, at the age of 75. Dave was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, April 2, 1950, the son of Vern and Dorothy (Malburg) Coats. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1968. Dave then joined the Michigan National Guard for six years. He attended Ferris State University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Dave became the manager at High Fields in 1983 and was especially proud of his many perfect audits. He retired after 30 years of service. Dave was an active, life-long member of St. Peter Catholic Church serving with the Knights of Columbus Counsel 6534, was a 4th Degree Knight and acted as treasurer and financial secretary. He helped with roadside pick-ups; tootsie roll drives and pancake breakfasts. Dave enjoyed playing golf, working in his yard, hosting the 4th of July and Memorial Day picnics at his home, teaching the next generation to hunt and fish and will be remembered for sending out birthday cards every year. He was a kind, compassionate, gentle man that dedicated his life to his faith, church, family and friends leading by example and will forever leave memories in our hearts.
Dave is survived by his loving wife, Reva Coats; children, Katie (Dustin) Edgington and Michael (Jackie Kelley) Upchurch; grandchildren, Dustin Edgington II, Tyler (Lexie) McCarrick, Ashley Edgington, and Mikayla Edgington; seven great grandchildren; sister, Arlene Davidson; brother, James (Pixie) Coats; niece and nephews, Eric (Julie) Davidson, Heather (Marty) Williamson, Todd (Renae) Davidson, Cade (Laura) Coats, Michael (Andrea) Coats, and Brandon (Courtney) Coats; several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Linton Davidson and Scott Cunningham.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday April 7, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight St. Eaton Rapids. Visitation took place on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. A rosary was prayed at 7:30 p.m., followed by a 4th Degree Chalice Ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities. Interment will take place in Clarence Twp. Cemetery. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.