Obituaries
Robert Justin Wood
Robert “Bob” Justin Wood, a great storyteller and very talented man, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Bob, 92, of Charlotte was born on July 16, 1932 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Thomas and Agnes Fern (Arnold) Wood. Bob married Karen Sederlund on July 16, 1966.
Bob grew up quickly; having lost his father when he was 12-years-old he quit school soon afterwards and was granted a hardship driver’s license at age 13. He worked three different jobs to help support his mother and younger siblings; he instilled this same work ethic and sense of responsibility in his children. Feeling that education is important he later finished his education and eventually worked for the State of Michigan as a surface water quality investigator, where he retired from the DNR in 1994.
Never a dull moment with Bob, his interests and hobbies were many, including antique tractor and car restoration, antique clock restoration, fishing, hunting, gardening, nurturing fruit trees, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. He passed down the enjoyment of many of his favorite pastimes to his children.
Bob and Karen owned a cabin within the Chippewa River Vista, where they could often be found over holidays and weekends enjoying and hosting family and friends. Bob loved all things nature and out-of-doors related.
Bob never slowed down after retirement, he loved to be busy and had an excellent work ethic. His religion was very important to him, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte where he enjoyed serving on numerous committee positions and special projects. He was also a lifelong member of the Kalamo Masonic Temple, a 3rd Degree Mason.
Antique tractor and car restoration was a passion, including the restoration of his 1941 Farmall BN, purchased in 1950 at the age of eighteen. He was a member of the Central Michigan Two-Cylinder Club. Bob and Karen enjoyed numerous trips in the MGB convertible that he diligently restored. Eventually, Bob and Karen started spending winters in Florida, making Englewood their home away from home where they quickly made new friends and became regular members of the Englewood Church of the Nazarene.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children, Mike Wood, Sherry Wood Copenhaver, Dana Wood, Terry Wood, and Jon (Kim) Wood; grandchildren, Troy (Tonya) Pitcher, Shawn (Mike) Miller, Kristine Latchaw, Mark (Laura) Wood, Ashton (Chelsey) Wood, Brennon Wood (engaged to Paige Bird), Alexus (Joe) Wood-Anzaldua, Brooke Wood (engaged to Nick Burzycki), Jordan Wood, and Katelyn Wood; 21 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lorna (Wood) Crawford; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, JulieAnna Wood; son, Matthew Wood; grandsons, Randy Pitcher and Skylar Wood; siblings, Dennis Wood, Larry Wood, Pauline (Wood) Webster, Sam Wood, and Thomas Wood Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 20, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll 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 Bob’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 First Baptist Church Jamaican Mission Trips. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Elsie Elaine Wolever
Elsie Elaine Wolever, 90, an active and energetic woman of Vermontville, died on Monday, March 10, 2025. Elsie was born April 11, 1943 in Vermontville, Michigan to Floyd and Margaret E. (Barber) Rounds. She proudly graduated from Vermontville High School as valedictorian. She married Lloyd A. Wolever, and they began their life adventure and family together. Elsie was a prominent Real Estate Broker in the Vermontville area and well known throughout the area. Elsie and Lloyd took in exchange students from Germany and maintained an active interest in keeping in touch with them. She enjoyed karaoke, singing and dancing, and the old car club. She had been active as a school mentor and a member of the Vermontville Women’s Club. As hobbies, Elsie enjoyed crocheting, painting and doing crafts, baking, and she loved to travel.
Elsie is survived by her children, Dawn M. (Steve) Conklin, Nancy E. (Larry Jensen) Wolever; grandchildren, Matthew (Ellen) Conklin, Curtis Felder, Jennifer Felder, Laci Jo (Steve) Weltsek, and Andrew (Brandie) Belen; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Ardean (Archie) Gonser; and daughter-in-law, Margaret Felder. She was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd A Wolever; her parents; seven sisters; one brother; and son, Ronald Felder.
Friends are encouraged to support Elsie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, March 16 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services are Monday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m. at the Vermontville Bible Church with Pastor Joe Benedict 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 Elsie’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 St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Barbara Orville Bodell
Barbara Orville Bodell, a woman with a need for speed, died on Monday, March 10, 2025. Barbara, 90, of Charlotte, was born on September 15, 1934 in Lansing, the daughter of Earl and Kressa (Calhoun) Brummette. Throughout her life Barbara held many titles, one being mom, another being bus driver (as she drove bus for Charlotte Public Schools for a number of years), also business owner (she proudly owned and operated ClyBar Inn in Charlotte), but most importantly the title grandmother was the most meaningful to Barbara. She absolutely loved being a grandma. Her love for speed came from her passion for riding motorcycles, racing midget cars, watching NASCAR, and also Motocross. Barbara also enjoyed arts and crafts, fishing, cooking, watching sports, especially the Detroit Lions, and above all strengthening her relationship with the Lord.
Barbara is survived by her children, Terry Pottruff, Bobbi (John) Bruder, Norma Stoecker, and Clyde “Champ” (Heather) Bodell; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Doug (Jeanie) Brummette, Eddie (Marlene) Brummette, Shirley (Dick) Crosslin, and Beverly Geiser. She was predeceased by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Barbara’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William “Lee” Schumacher
William “Lee” Schumacher, 91, of Charlotte, a beloved coach, teacher, husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Charlotte. Lee was born December 4, 1933 in Harbor Beach, MI, the son of John and Josephine (Kramer) Schumacher. Growing up, Lee loved to play sports, a passion that would shape his entire life. He earned his teaching degree from Central Michigan University before starting his career as a physical education teacher and coach. His first post was as football coach in Hillman, MI, where he earned a place in the local athletic hall of fame. He went on to St. Clair Shores, and eventually Olivet, MI, where he and his beloved wife, Edna, raised their family. Lee’s family remembers him always listening to sports on the AM station in the car and was always talking about the game! He taught driver’s education for over 40 years, and his beloved stature as “coach” led him to touch the lives of countless students, many of whom kept in touch with him to the very end.
In retirement, Lee loved time spent up at Long Lake in Hale, MI, where he loved to hunt and play cards with his friends and family. Lee’s social nature also led him to remain active in his later years. He sold Northrup King Seeds all over the area and delivered Meals on Wheels, both were perfect for his gregarious nature. Lee loved food. He was never late for dinner, and he even was known to engage his family in friendly “eating competitions.” Lee leaves a legacy of love and care for all he knew.
Lee is survived by his son, John Schumacher; daughters, Tama (Fred Wieting IV) Boucher, and Shyla Tailor; grandchildren, Jessica (Greg) Adamczyk, Julie (Jason) Baker, Rhiana Tailor and India Tailor; great-grandchildren, Cole, Emma, Jameson, and Carson. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Edna Schumacher; his parents; and five siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Lee’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. The funeral was webcasted so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Lee’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 Olivet High School Athletic Department. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bobbie Jo Heilser
Bobbie Jo Heisler, a loving soul born on March 26, 1957, in Charlotte, Michigan, departed this world on February 26, 2025. She was a beacon of warmth and compassion whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A proud graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1975, Bobbie Jo went on to earn her associate’s degree from Lansing Community College, a testament to her dedication to education and personal growth. Her journey through life was marked by a genuine love for reading, a joy in coloring, and a keen interest in watching her favorite television shows. Bobbie also harbored a passion for collecting jewelry, each piece reflecting a story or a memory close to her heart. One of her most cherished pursuits was volunteering at the AA Fellowship Hall, where she spread kindness and support to those in need, embodying the very essence of community spirit.
Above all, Bobbie Jo adored her son, Blane, and daughter-in-law, Maggie, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Their bond was one of unconditional love, and they will carry her memory forward in the lives they continue to build together.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Schneckenberger; her dear mother, Helen Casey, and her stepdad, Jack Casey; and her brothers, Robert and Billy Schmunsler.
Bobbie Jo is survived by her son, Blane and daughter-in-law Maggie, as well as her longtime friend, Steve Spotts.
Those desiring to make contributions in Bobbie’s memory may do so by donating to Eaton Are Recovery, P.O. Box 243, Charlotte, MI 48813.
A celebration of Bobbie Jo’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the fu-neral home.
To view Bobbie Jo’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.