Obituaries
Larry Robert Spaulding
Larry Robert Spaulding, 76, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 30, 2025 in Bellevue, MI. He was born on April 7, 1949 to Robert and Edna (Olmstead) Spaulding in Battle Creek, MI. Larry graduated from Bellevue High School in 1967. After graduation, he worked for Kellogg’s until being drafted in 1969 into the U.S. Army. Larry spent one year in the jungles of Vietnam. He was in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade as an infantry soldier. While in Vietnam he was awarded the Purple Heart. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to Kelloggs and started a dairy farm on 5pt Highway in Bellevue. In 1978, Larry attended Reppert Auction School and became an Auctioneer. Larry started a Real Estate, Insurance, and Auction business in Bellevue. He continued his career for over 35 years, until he had a stroke in 2014, he really enjoyed being a realtor and auctioneer because he enjoyed talking with people and making new friends. Larry enjoyed going to the casino and playing Craps, riding ATV’s and traveling in his motorhome, attending Vietnam reunions in Washington D.C., camping in Baldwin, going fishing in Cananda, being with family and trap shooting with his cousin, Gary Spaulding. Larry was a member of the American Legion Post 280 in Bellevue and AMVETS 1988 Post in Baldwin. Larry was President of the Bellevue School Board, Police Commissioner of Bellevue, President of the Battle Creek Board of Realtors in 1999, along with many other voluntary roles. Larry had a great sense of humor and was often asked to speak on behalf of others at multiple funerals. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
Larry is survived by sons, Rick (Tonya) and Randy (Naja) Spaulding; grandchildren, Lexy (Josh) Whitmore, Alizabeth Otto-Spaulding, Trevor (Kayti) Spaulding, Kayla and Jacob Spaulding; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Ricki Whitmore; sister, Jean Thorndyke and brother-in-law, Ron Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edna and Robert Spaulding; sister, Linda Clark and brother-in-law, Jay Thorndyke.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church – Bellevue, Bellevue, Michigan, with Reverend Don Francis, officiating.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Larry may do so to the Disabled American Veterans “DAV”.
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.
Harry Wallin
Mr. Harry Wallin, age 75, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at Regency at Lansing West in Lansing, MI.
Harry was born in Cleveland, OH, on December 31, 1949, the son of the late Lois (Langmead) and Harold Wallin. Harry attended local schools, graduating from Brecksville High School in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he received a bachelor’s degree as a Naturalist in 1972. He later earned his teaching degree from Michigan State University. While at U of M, Harry was active in the Wesley Foundation and later served on the Board of the same Wesley Foundation.
After completing his education, Harry began working for Cleveland Metro Parks where he worked for over five years. Harry relocated to Jackson and Lansing areas where he worked in various restaurants, retail stores and at Woldemar Nature Center.
In September 1994, while volunteering in the “Walk to Emmaus” event he met the love of his life Elnora (Rairigh) Sayer. Harry and Elnora were married on April 29, 1995, and made their home together in Vermontville. Harry continued his career as a substitute teacher for Lakewood Public Schools. Harry was well loved by the students and was highly respected by teachers and staff. Harry especially enjoyed using his science background teaching middle school but was willing to fill in wherever he was needed.
In his spare time, Harry enjoyed being outdoors bird watching and exploring all over the state of Michigan. Harry loved music and enjoyed singing in the Lakewood Area Choral Society and playing his Baritone with the Thornapple Wind Band and Hastings City Band. Harry was a member of the Nashville United Methodist Church and through the years has served on the church board, the worship committee, and teaching Bible study, or wherever the Lord called him to serve.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife Elnora, his stepchildren Drew (Rachael) Sayer, Craig (Erika) Sayer, Barry (Nahwal) Sayer; siblings John (Mary) Wallin, Pete (Dae) Wallin. Harry was especially proud to be a grandpa to Cuerstan (Jacob), Alicia, Cameron (Izzy), Sean, Corbin, Bailey, Cierra, Emerson, Hunter and Cohin. And great-grandpa to Liam, Kaizley, Peyton, and Kylian. He is also survived his mother-in-law, Marjory Rairigh; brother-in-law, Dallas Rairigh; and sister-in-law, Nola (Mark) Payne, and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Vivian Rairigh; and his brother-in-law, Randy Rairigh.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 17, at 12 p.m. at the Nashville United Methodist Church with his brother-in-law, Rev. Mark Payne, officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service beginning at 11 a.m. at the Nashville United Methodist Church.
Guests are invited to remain at the church for a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Harry’s name to the Wesley Foundation of University of Michigan, Lakewood Area Choral Society or Thornapple Wind Band, or a charity of your choice that supports nature, LGBTQI youth or underserved people.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Joan Lee Hyatt
Joan Lee Hyatt, 92, of Charlotte, formerly of Eaton Rapids and East Tawas, died peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025 in Lansing. Joan was born April 14, 1933 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Donald and Mildred (Ruehle) Davison. Soon after graduated high school she married the love of her life, Maurice J. Hyatt on June 10, 1950 in Concord, MI. Maurice and Joan enjoyed 52 years together raising three children at home on the farm. Maurice was a calf roper on the rodeo circuit, and they would often host his fellow rodeo cowboys at their indoor arena. When they finished, Joan always had a hearty meal ready for the group. She loved to host and cook food for her family and friends. In fact, the Hyatt homestead was often a gathering place for fellowship and good food.
Although she loved being on the farm, Joan worked in several careers throughout her lifetime. In her early years, she and her sister would help their dad make road signs in his welding shop. She also worked in a factory in Jackson. She was a nurse’s aide in Eaton Rapids at the hospital and worked several years as a secretary for the Michigan State Employees Association.
Joan was most at peace in the outdoors, especially fishing on the Tawas Lake in East Tawas, where they lived for many years. She and her husband went bear hunting in the Upper Peninsula a few times, and loved travelling, especially in mountains out West. Joan also loved playing the piano. She was a woman of deep Faith, and was a devout member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 70 years.
Joan is survived by her son, Steven (Diana) Hyatt of East Tawas, MI; daughters, Linda (Dave) Siple of Eaton Rapids and Tamara (William) Otis of Charlotte; 10 grandchildren, Ben (Melissa) Hyatt, Jeff (Katie) Whitaker, Stacey (Gary) Meyer, Becky (Frank) Psurny, David (Susan) Siple, Jarred (Katina) Siple, Stephen Otis, Christa (Lee) Hude, Justin (Tina) Otis, and Jamie (Ray) Goheen; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Jan) Squires; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Maurice; sister, Jackie Williams-Kasten; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Joan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 40 N. Chester Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Duane Baum
James Duane Baum, 89, of Charlotte, a generous-hearted man of God, died peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Jim was born October 29, 1935 in Springport, the son of Daniel and Goldie (Gettys) Baum. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954 before going to work as a millwright at General Motors. On November 25, 1955, Jim married the love of his life, Delores Fox, and the two happily raised their three sons at home on the farm. Jim loved agricultural life. After a full day’s work at GM, he would come home to a full set of chores and an evening working the farm. Jim could fix anything. On the job as a millwright, he was a talented welder, and at home on the farm he kept everything working properly. He also served his country as a member of the Michigan National Guard. He was a gifted healer, using his homeopathic wizardry to help many people with their ills. Jim was known to help anyone and everyone however they needed it. He was a longtime Elder at the Charlotte Church of Christ, where he shared God’s grace and mercy with everyone he met.
Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Delores; their sons, Gary (Julie) Baum, Dennis, and Steven Baum; grandchildren, Dustin (Kila) Baum, Katie (Michael Middaugh II) Baum, Kelly (Zack) Hartsuff, Danielle (Shaun) Thompson, Michael (Sara) Baum; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers, Francis Laverne Baum and Jack Baum; and his sister, Betty Jane Danku.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with visitation 12-1:00 p.m., at the Charlotte Church of Christ with Rev. John Bailey 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 Jim’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 Charlotte Church of Christ, Siren Eaton Shelter, or the Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
George DeVries
George DeVries, age 87, of Charlotte, Michigan, met his heavenly Father on Friday, April 25, 2025. Family was by his side during his last hours while in comfort care at the hospital due to complications related to congestive heart failure.
George DeVries was born at home on August 31, 1937, to Klaas and Fintje (Hoogenveen) DeVries in Ureterp (Friesland) Netherlands.
He was the youngest of 10 children. George’s family was closely involved in the Dutch resistance during World War II.
As a teen, George dreamed to immigrate to America like a third of his older siblings had done already. At age 19, in February 1957, he embarked on a 10-day journey across the Atlantic on the Zuiderkruis emigrant ship. He traveled alone and legend has it he had only $30 in his pocket. He ported in Hoboken, New Jersey.
George first worked as a milk hand on dairy farms in New Jersey and also for three years in Southern California.
Then he served in the United States Army (1961-1964). After six weeks of basic training, he returned to Europe and served his time with the Army in Stuttgart, Germany. In time, George learned conversational English and became a citizen of the USA in 1965, of which he was very proud.
He married Gert (Valkema) DeVries, the love of his life, on August 18, 1965, in Sussex, New Jersey.
They both were from the providence of Friesland and could speak Frisian, Dutch, and English to each other. They were married for fifty-nine years.
George was a second-generation butcher and owned DeVries Meats in Newton, New Jersey. George and Gert then moved with their four children to Charlotte, Michigan, in 1982. George operated Card’s Food Locker in Eaton Rapids from 1982 -1989.
George was very handy, and he transformed their pole barn into a seasonal deer processing business. From 1991–2011 George and Gert operated George’s Game Processing. George was known for making savory venison jerky and a variety of smoked sausages.
During those years on the off seasons, George and Gert spent many winters in Navarre Beach, Florida, where he enjoyed fishing. They also did mission work including a few summers at Camp Fahola in Grass Lake, MI, and a trip to Hawaii and Florida with the Assemblies of God RV Volunteers. They also went on two short-term mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Belize. George also went with a church group on a bold mission trip to Moscow, Russia, in 1992.
George was known for his dry sense of humor, storytelling, work ethic, loyalty to family, and unshakable faith in Jesus. He had a heart for the prison ministry and Gideon ministry.
George is survived by his wife Gert DeVries; his 4 children: Heidi (Buck) Hagy of Bath, MI, Kevin DeVries of Grand Rapids, MI, Walter (Kerrie) DeVries of Millville, PA, Felicia (Aaron) Almanza of Oak Forest, IL; his 11 grandchildren, Nate (Ciana) Hagy, Miah (Ben) Cook, Zach Hagy, Luke Hagy, Jack DeVries, Emma DeVries, Levi (Sarah) DeVries, Sam DeVries, Anne DeVries, and Amelia and Abigail Almanza; his 2 great grandsons, Grayson and Beckham Cook; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and multiple nephews and nieces in the Netherlands, Canada, and the USA. His nine siblings and parents preceded him in death.
George’s family would like to acknowledge the compassionate comfort care George received during his last days at U of M Sparrow Eaton in Charlotte. We are forever grateful to the care team.
A celebration of life will be held at Lakeside Chapel 5800 Park Lake Road, Bath, Michigan 48808, on Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow at the Hagy Homestead in Bath.
Cremation has taken place per George’s wishes.
If you have a story or memory of George you would like to have read at the celebration, please send to hagyherd@gmail.com.
Those desiring may make contributions in George’s memory to:
Lakeside Chapel https://lakesidechapelofbath.org/home,
Grace Explorations (Kevin DeVries) https://www.graceexplorations.com
Lansing Christian Schools https://www.lansingchristianschool.org
To view George’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.