Obituaries
Joseph E. Bullen
Joseph Edwin Bullen, age 82, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2021.
The eldest child of Fred and Bertha (Lasley) Bullen, Joe was born in Mason on July 6, 1939. After graduating from Mason High School in 1958, Joe completed an associate degree at Lansing Community College and began his 32-year career as draftsman and bridge inspector with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Bridge Design Division.
Following his retirement from MDOT, Joe embarked on his second career as Benton Township Supervisor, a position he held for 24 years. For 22 of these years, Joe also took on the role of tax assessor for several Eaton County Townships. He served on several committees during this time, including the Potterville-Benton Fire Board, the Board of Review, the Charlotte Recreation Board, and the CARA Recycling Board. Throughout this service to his community, Joe was known and respected for his honesty and integrity.
Joe grew up on a small family farm west of Mason, which likely fostered his undying love for farming. Active in 4-H throughout his youth, Joe met the love of his life, Agnes Webster of Webberville, at a 4-H event. Joe and Agnes were married in November 1964 and settled in their current home near Charlotte in 1976. Agnes had also grown up on a farm, so their involvement in the local Farm Bureau was a natural.
Somehow, Joe still found time in his busy life for collecting stamps and model trains, and he always had time for family. He was a quiet man of few words, yet his sense of humor was always at the ready with a witty comment. He never missed an opportunity to pick on the people who meant the most to him. Joe loved animals and every dog he met sensed that Joe was a soft touch with a ready treat.
Intelligent, creative, honest, hard-working, loving, and kind – Joe will be greatly missed.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Agnes; their two children, Sandra Benward of Potterville and Joseph W (Lisa) Bullen of Charlotte; seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his two sisters, Bernetta (Michael) Olin of St. Johns and Bertha (James Kruse) Bullen of Okemos; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Fred Lewis Bullen of Mason and Rex Elbert Bullen of Ontonagon.
Funeral services were held on Friday, September 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. Burial took place at Benton Township Cemetery.
Those wishing to donate in Joe’s memory are asked to consider the First Baptist Church of Charlotte, the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view Joe’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
David L. Carpenter
David Lloyd Carpenter, age 80, died on September 4, 2021. He was a resident of Charlotte. He was formerly employed as Vice President and Loan Officer at Eaton Federal Bank. A celebration of life is planned for Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte.
Geraldo L. Valero
Geraldo Luis Valero, 78 of Charlotte, Mich., a fun and full of life man who drew others to him, died September 4, 2021. Geraldo or “Louie” as his friends knew him, was born October 3, 1942, in Fairmont, W. Va. to Luis D. and Lena Valero. Louie proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and later enjoyed his affiliations with the American Legion Post 42 and The Fraternal Order of Eagles 3552. He was very proud to have been named Legionnaire of the Year by his fellow members. A really social guy, Louie loved to gather for fellowship whether it was on the golf course or a cookout. He enjoyed his “Good Times Pool League” and had his own unique, happy go lucky free style. Louie worked for Owens Illinois from 1966 until he retired in 1998.
Geraldo “Louie” is survived by his son, Antonio (Rachelann) Valero; grandson, Jordan (Erica) Valero; and was predeceased by his wife, Mona (Griffin) Valero.
Friends were encouraged to support Louie’s family at a memorial gathering at Pray Funeral Home on Friday, September 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by a dinner at the American Legion. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Geraldo “Louie” on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Harold D. Kelley
Harold D. Kelley, 85, of Bellevue, died on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Bronson Hospital Battle Creek.
Harold was born March 12, 1936, in Dayton Tennessee to Beathered B. and Christine (Hunter) Kelley. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1955. He would go on and graduate from Northwestern University. On May 26, 1956, he married Florence A. Kinnie, in Battle Creek. She preceded him in death in 1993.
Harold owned and operated Kelley Orthopedics in Battle Creek for 40 years. He sold the business in 2000. Harold loved his work and taking care of the people. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and traveling abroad. Harold loved spending time with his family and caring for others.
He is survived by two sons, Toney Kelley and Timothy Kelley; a brother Al Kelley; and a special friend Karen Zoss. He was preceded in death by parents; wife; three sisters and a brother.
A graveside service took place at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to one’s choice. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com.
David J. Gehringer
David James Gehringer, of Mason, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the age of 67. Born July 30, 1954, to Christopher and Evelyn (Scullin) Gehringer in Detroit, Mich. Dave graduated from Howell High School class of ’72 where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a Sophomore. He then received his associate degree from Ferris State University and went on to pursue his bachelors and masters degrees from Western Michigan University. He worked in hospital and nursing home administration his entire life. Dave started as the Director of Rehabilitation Services for Michigan Capital Healthcare, Lansing. He went on to work in the Respiratory Therapy Department at Community Hospital, Watervliet before moving to Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Charlotte where he was the Director of Specialty Clinics and EMS, Respiratory Director and Cardiac/ Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Director until 1989. Dave then went on to work for Lansing General Hospital and later Ingham Regional Medical Center as the Director of Transitional Care Program, Director of Respiratory/ Cardiology Services and Pulmonary Clinic, Acute Medical Rehabilitation Director and Respiratory Services Director all from 1989 through 2000. Following that he was the CEO from 2000 to 2007 at Select Specialty Hospital, Battle Creek, the Executive Director for Waltonwood at Cherryhill, Canton in 2007 and President and later CEO of Interdependence Home Care, Lansing from 2008 to 2009. Dave worked as Administrator for Capital Area Health and Rehabilitation Center, Lansing and Tendercare Health Centers of Kalamazoo and Albion from 2009 to 2012. In 2012 he became the Administrator of Ovid Healthcare Center until his retirement in 2014.
Dave was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids for 40 years where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6534 and a member of St. James Catholic Church in Mason for 20 years. Dave was also an Adoration Chapel Adorer at Immaculate Heart of Mary for 23 years. In 1999 he was blessed to be able to go and see Saint Pope John Paul II with his son in St. Louis. Dave devoted much of his life to prayer and reading the Bible as well as other spiritual books. He volunteered countless hours at his churches, St. Vincent De Paul, Mother Teresa House, Meals on Wheels, and to any family and friends in need. He took pride in being the President of Cedarwoods Condominium Association, a position he took shortly after moving in and held for the past two years.
Dave was passionate about gardening and very proud of his yard work and beautiful flowers. He was part of a monthly poker game with a core group of friends that had been meeting for the past 43 years where he earned the name “Mystery Hand.” Most of all he loved spending time with his family, and he adored his grandchildren. He was a very holy man whose love for Jesus, Mary and the Lord was displayed through his service to everyone. His life and his legacy will live on through his family and those who were blessed to call him a friend. Dave’s personality, smile and laugh will forever be remembered, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Preceding him in death were his parents; father-in-law, Edwin Crandall and brother-in-law, Neil Crandall.
Surviving are his wife, Donna Gehringer; sons, Eric (Becky) Gehringer, Steve (Jessica) Gehringer, Greg (Amy) Gehringer; step-children, Jason Underwood, Angie (Justin Couturier) Curtin, Jeremy Barker; grandchildren, Kana, Austin, Kaylie, Cullen, Garrett, Addison, Kohey, Liam, Ethan, Emma; brothers, Dan (Sharon) Gehringer, Dennis (Laurie) Gehringer; mother-in-law, Nancy (Tim) DeCorte; brothers-in-law, Larry Crandall, Steve (Carrie) Crandall; sister-in-law, Jean Crandall as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church with Fr. George Puthenpeedika as Celebrant. Family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. for visitation with a rosary service starting at 7:30 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent De Paul in Eaton Rapids or, Mother Teresa House in Lansing or, St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids or, St. James Catholic Church in Mason in Dave’s name. To share memories and condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.