Obituaries
Carol K. Janousek
Carol Kathleen (Clarke) Janousek, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 18, 1938, to James and Dorothy (Towns) Clarke and grew up on the family farm, “Wonderland Farms,” in Onondaga, Mich. She attended Eaton Rapids schools, graduating from High School with the class of ’57. She married Kenneth D. Janousek on October 27, 1957, and together they had three wonderful children: Debra (Janousek) Graeve, Mark Janousek, and Sandra (Janousek) Costello. She worked at Olivet Pharmacy and Olivet College. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and grandchildren, whether making sugar cookies at Christmas, carving pumpkins at Halloween, tending the garden in July, or preparing Sunday dinners each week for her family.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth D. Janousek; daughter, Debra (Steve) Graeve of Littleton, Colo.; son, Mark (Rosie) Janousek of Olivet; son-in-law, Joe Costello of Olivet; grandchildren, Lindsay (Chad) Stewart of Marshall, Kendra (Levi) VanSyckle of Marshall, Dan (Jacque) Graeve of Lakewood, Colo., Julie Graeve of Lakewood, Colo., Lacy Janousek of Marshall, Alissa Costello of Olivet, Tara Graeve of Littleton, Colo., Gino Costello of Olivet, and Gabrielle Costello of Olivet; four great-grandchildren, Meredith and Griffin Stewart, Jameson Janousek, and Brynna VanSyckle (and two more on the way!!); brother, Robert (Jo Ann) Clarke,; sister-in-law, Rebecca Clarke, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother, Carl, and her daughter, Sandi.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Nancy Wilson officiating. Interment followed the funeral service at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Carol’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.
To view Carol’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Carl J. Florian
Carl John Florian, of Eaton Rapids, was carried away by the angels on June 19, 2021, at the age of 79. Carl was born in Jackson, Mich. on December 9, 1941, the son of Leo and Dema (VanDeusen) Florian. He worked for the State of Michigan in the Treasury Department for 37 years before retiring. Carl was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, teaching Sunday School and helping with the Wednesday night dinners. His hobbies included fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed editing the church’s Lenten Devotionals and his wife’s poetry. Carl is survived by his sons, Gregory (Danell) Florian of Lansing, John Florian of Mason, Jeffrey (Heather) Florian of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Alex and Benjamin Florian; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Dailey of Holt. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie; brother, Richard Florian. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, Eaton Community Palliative Care or Youth Haven Ranch. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Michael M. Miller
Michael Monroe Miller, 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2021. Some may have seen Michael as disabled, but the staff at Rainbow Homes helped Michael live a wonderful life full of “Abilities” for many years. His family is truly thankful that Michael’s life was enriched beyond measure because of the nurturing care and experiences they provided. The family also wishes to thank Sparrow Hospital, Regency at Lansing West, and Fairview AFC for their wonderful care of Michael for the last several months.
Previously employed at Felpausch and at Meijer in Mason, he retired from Peckham Industries in Lansing, Michigan in January 2020. Also, a greeter at his church, Michael enjoyed making friends and participating in lots of activities like making rock candy with his friends from Rainbow Homes at sister Ann’s at Christmas time. Michael also loved to bowl, play BINGO, watch Dukes of Hazard, learn to cook, and help fix things at Rainbow Homes. His love of Elvis included listening to all of his CD’s, wearing his Elvis costume, and a great trip to Graceland. If you asked Michael a question you could always count on an answer of “YupYup,” “Sometimes maybe,” “prit near,” or “I’ll think about it.”
His friends and family were all so proud of Michael after several years of “thinking about it” he overcame his fear of swimming and won a gold medal in the 25-meter freestyle and a silver medal in the 50 meter freestyle at the 2008 Special Olympics Summer games.
Michael’s Mom and Dad, J. Robert and Rowena (Castle) Miller have been waiting in Heaven for him. He is survived by his sisters, Ann (Jim) Welling, Margot, and JoEllen; and brother, David. He always looked forward to spending time with his nephews and their families, John, Hattie, Joshua, Christopher, Karey, Kyler, Morgan and Avery, Patrick, Emily, Aiden, Benjamin and Madeline.
Michael has willed his body to the MSU Willed Body program. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, contributions can be made in Michael’s name to Rainbow Homes, 2111 Adelpha Ave. Apt B, Holt, MI, 48842 or Special Olympics Michigan, 2901 Wabash Road, Lansing, MI 48910.
Steven Stewart
Steven Wayne Stewart of Charlotte—a very caring but no bull kind of guy—died June 13, 2021 at the age of 65. Steve was born in Rockford, Ill. on August 31, 1955 to Billie and Charlotte (Quackenbush) Stewart. He married Renae Reiland in February of 1977, and worked at General Motors as a skilled tradesman until his retirement. A member of the Capitol Area Harley Owners Group as well as Mid-Michigan Model A Club, Steve enjoyed everything about motorcycles and cars, especially trips to find all the best ice cream shops. A loyal and kind man, Steve was a good friend to many. He also enjoyed fishing, woodworking, tractors, collecting guns, and of course shooting so he could truly enjoy his collection.
Steve is survived by his wife, Renae Stewart; daughter, Stephanie (Andrew) Philo; grandson, Dominic Philo; brother, Dan (Adrienne) Stewart; sister-in-law, Rebecca Reiland; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Stewart; and brother-in-law, Bill Reiland Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was held Friday, June 18, 3 to 7 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines practiced. Funeral services are Saturday, June 19, 1 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens, with visitation two hours prior from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 Steven’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary Lee Kessler
Gary Lee Kessler, 84, passed away October 30, 2020. He was born June 24, 1936 to Raymond and Ardys (Helfridge) Kessler in Wabash, Ind. He grew up in Lansing, Mich. and graduated from Everett High School.
Gary loved life, spending time with his friends and family, and a good joke. He also loved to work and owned his own business for many years. He was a veteran and organized reunions with his Army unit. He also planned and enjoyed many family reunions. One of Gary’s favorite things was teasing his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and watching them laugh.
Gary leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including: Gail (Tarantino) Kessler; five children, Kellie (Greg) Sanville, Kathie Kessler, Kris Kessler, Ky (Deniece) Kessler, and Ken Kessler; twelve grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Andy) Kessler; and many nieces and nephews. He touched many lives with his kindness and humor and will be missed by many.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held July 24, 2021 at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte from 1 to 4 p.m., with a memorial at 2 p.m.