Obituaries
Jack L. Kineman
Jack Lavern Kineman, born October 16, 1935, in Brookport, Ill. to Owen Stephen Kineman and Mildred Fern Riepe, died May 31, 2021, in Charlotte, Mich.
Jack’s first 20 years were farm living and attending K-12 in Brookport, Ill. then to Paducah, Ky. Junior College for two years. Paducah is where he met his wife, Lavinia “Carolyn” Milner. They married on September 14, 1957 and lived in West LaFayette, Ind. while Jack earned his Civil Engineering degree at Purdue University, graduating in June 1958. As a Professional Engineer and Registered Surveyor, Jack was hired to lead a team surveying President Eisenhower’s Civil Defense Highway System by laying out I-75 the length of Michigan to Sault Ste Marie. Next, Jack entered the Civil Engineer Training Program of the Michigan Department of State Highways and quickly rose to oversee the layout of interstate, primary, and secondary highways throughout Michigan. After four years he returned to his home state of Illinois. to work for the Illinois Department of Public Works as well as other engineering jobs. However, he loved the rolling natural spaces of Michigan and was thrilled to be hired as the Civil Engineer Manager for Barry County in 1970-1979. Then on to Sanilac County 1979-1986, then back to Barry County as Manager 1986-Retiring 1997.
Jack and Carolyn have three children, Steven, Rhonda, and Melinda; and five grandchildren, Radie, Maizie, Zephie, Bram, and Oskar. After his retirement, he studied American society and became a staunch democrat working door to door supporting candidates that favored social and environmental justice. His biggest passion was to educate local people on the dangerous consequences of fracking. He also volunteered his many construction skills on international mission trips building schools, homes, and sanitary facilities. Domestically, he worked on numerous Habitat for Humanity Projects. His love of nature extended from his early years on the farm throughout his life, enjoying Barry County’s many opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Alzheimer’s took his life, but it did not take his spirit; this humble man made the world a better place and will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
A memorial service will be announced later this year.
Cards of remembrance can be sent to Steven M. Kineman 388 North Wheaton Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Jack’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Frances T. Finocchio
Frances “Teri” Thresa Finocchio, an honest and loving wife, mother and grandmother, died Monday, May 31, 2021. Teri, 80, of Charlotte, was born June 11, 1940, in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of William and Treva (Meyers) Glazier. She graduated from Bath High School and later went to work at General Motors where she held many positions over the years. It was working on the assembly line where she met Anthony Finocchio and created a connection. On November 7, 2003, Teri and Anthony got married and began their story together. Teri had a passion for children. She adored her only grandchild, Trinity, and helping other children that were in need. She had a very adventurous side, she loved scuba diving and was also a crew member for a motorcycle racing team where she got the nickname “Gas Lady.” Taking care of her family was her favorite hobby, from spending time with Anthony to spoiling her son and granddaughter, family meant everything.
Frances is survived by her husband, Anthony; son, Dion Shunk; granddaughter, Trinity Shunk; siblings, Chris (Sue) Glazier, Sylvia (Mike) Sidel. She was predeceased by her parents, and brother, Terry Glazier.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Frances on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Norman “Norm” Merrill Francis, a man who dedicated his life to educating children, died peacefully on Sunday, May 30, 2021. Norm was born September 7, 1934, in New York, the son of Carlton and Daisy Francis. After proudly earning a master’s degree in special education, Norm began his career. He worked for the Eaton Intermediate School District, the State of Michigan, and after retirement as a realtor and helping people with their taxes. Norm was a man who enjoyed staying busy. Over his career Norm earned numerous awards for his dedication to his profession. After retiring he began volunteering on the Barry County Board of Mental health. Outside of work Norm was a very loving, joyful, understanding, prankster, father, grandfather, significant other, and friend. He was always willing to help people in need. Norm had a passion for his convertibles, he loved going for rides around town. He also enjoyed playing cards, camping, enjoying his home on Algonquin Lake, and traveling with his significant other Beverley throughout the United States. The couple wintered in the Sarasota area in Florida, where they created a large network of friends. Above all, Norm will be remembered for his love for his family and his profession.
Norm is survived by his significant other, Beverley Black; children, Chris (Danielle) Francis, Mark (Renee) Francis, Raymond Francis, Diane (Paul) Mapes, Travis (Jennifer) Black; ten grandchildren; brother, Gilbert Francis. He was predeceased by his wife, Janet Francis; brother, Duane Francis; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Norm’s family. Funeral services are Friday, June 11, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Reverend Raymond Francis officiating. Visitation is Thursday, June 10, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Norm’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 Children’s Research Hospital. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Norm on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
David W. Fuller
David Wendell Fuller, a friend to many with a big heart and an even bigger smile, died Friday May 28, 2021 at the age of 68. Dave was born November 30, 1952, in Lansing to Wendell and Faunita (Mayo) Fuller. Growing up in Charlotte, David graduated from Charlotte High. Following high school, he served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. In 1972 he married Mary Frances (Fran) Pawli. Together they raised their son Bradley.
Many people will remember Dave as the owner of Blue Ribbon Meat Products. He sold all kinds of meats, and other delicacies door to door to people throughout Eaton County and beyond. People loved to see Dave pull into the drive, not only for the product he brought with him, but also for his smile and story he might share. His “gift of gab” made him a friend to all he met. After his retirement in 2018, Dave couldn’t sit still so he started driving for Uber, and as a master conversationalist he was the perfect Uber driver.
His unique organizational abilities and his connections made through his business travels enabled him to help develop the Charlotte Junior Orioles Baseball program and help build the CJO baseball fields at the American Legion in Charlotte.
At home Dave would tinker and fix a number of things. His wife referred to him as her “MacGyver” who could fix anything. His favorite times at home were when ALL the family was over. He loved to entertain. Especially if he could share his best bartending concoction, the “BBC.”
Dave is survived by his wife, Fran; their son, Bradley (Melisa) Fuller; and granddaughter, Hazel Fuller; brother, Rod (Betsy) Fuller; and sister, Rhonda Fuller. He was predeceased by his brother, Bill Fuller and his parents.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The funeral mass was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Dave’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. We also encourage family and friends to share memories on Dave’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the St. Vincent Food Pantry. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Laurencio Ruiz
Laurencio Ruiz, of Potterville, passed away June 1, 2021, at the age of 86. Laurencio was born in Mexico, June 10, 1934, the son of Demetrio and Beatriz (Gonzalez) Ruiz. He worked for General Motors for 21 years before retiring in 1996. Laurencio enjoyed reading, woodworking, carpentry, working on crossword puzzles and was an active member at St. Peter Catholic Church. He loved being surrounded by his family and attending family gatherings.
Laurencio is survived by his wife, Thelma Ruiz; children, George Ruiz, Beatriz Popp, Carlos Ruiz, Joel Ruiz, and their families; six grandchildren; six siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and four brothers.
Graveside services will be held at Rosehill Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To place online condolences, please visit MillsFuneral.com.