Obituaries
Chris E. Schultz
Chris Eugene Schultz, age 56, of Charlotte — known as a loving father who worked his behind off for his family — died unexpectedly June 22, 2020 at his home. Born March 15, 1964 at Camp Pendleton, CA to Donald and Alice (Hatcher) Schultz, the family later moved to Charlotte where Chris and his siblings were raised. Chris was a happy guy, known as a jokester, yet very respectful and private. Chris took great pride in his work, always working hard to make sure Grand Ledge Public Schools were taken care of; He was loved by the students and staff. Working for 33 years at the schools, Chris recently retired and was enjoying time with his wife, his children and time spent in his new role as grandfather. In his spare time, Chris loved metal detecting, taking care of his lawn, collecting coins and stamps and going to Menards and Harbor Freight. A family man through and through, Chris enjoyed camping and taking trips with his family to Cedar Point, Michigan’s Adventure and Florida.
Chris is survived by his wife of 30 years, Shawn; daughters, Megan (Devin Oberlin) Schultz, Madison (Eric) Smith; son, Mitchell (Paige Daniels) Schultz; granddaughter, Paisley; siblings, Clint (Tammy) Schultz, Chet (Jennifer) Schultz, and Cindy Weaver; step-mom, Vivian Schultz. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Schultz and Alice Hatcher.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at the Charlotte Assembly of God Church. Visitation is Monday, June 29, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 30 at 11 a.m. Webcasting of the service will take place so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on his tribute and then click on Photos & Videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the National Keratoconus Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Chris on his tribute page. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dr. Waldo Frankenstein
Dr. Waldo “Doc” Erhardt Robert Frankenstein, age 92, of Bellevue passed away at home on June 12, 2020 with his family by his side. Doc was a compassionate and caring man who loved his family, friends and community fiercely. Waldo was born on October 13, 1927 in Royal Oak. His parents, Paul and Hedwig Frankenstein, immigrated from Germany in the 1920s and instilled the value of education and hard work into their sons. Waldo served in the United States Army during World War II, volunteering to become airborne by the flip of a coin. After graduating from Detroit College, Waldo attended Des Moines University, graduating as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. While studying at Des Moines University, Waldo met and married his late wife Marilyn Frankenstein on June 19, 1954, in Prairie City, IA. They were married for 49 years. Waldo and Marilyn, along with their three children, John, Bridgett and Holly, moved to Bellevue in 1960 and made the village their home for over 60 years.
Doc’s commitment to Bellevue and its residents included serving as village mayor, multiple appointments on village committees and supporting any initiative or project that he believed would help his neighbors. Doc is probably best known for the years he spent as the local hometown physician. He practiced medicine in Bellevue for 55 years. Doc was devoted to his patients and it was common practice for him to make house calls, meet you in the office after hours or to see him on the sidelines at all the Bronco home games. He has touched the lives of almost everyone who has called Bellevue home. The impact Doc had on the Bellevue community as a physician, friend and neighbor will not be forgotten. When Doc was not in the office or making a house call, you could find him on the golf course or skiing, at Lions Club, or in the basement working on various woodworking projects. Some of his other hobbies included piloting, traveling with his wife and family, fishing and hunting. Waldo is survived by his three children; John (Terry) Frankenstein, Escanaba; Bridgett Frankenstein, Bellevue; and Holly (Ron) Baker, Middletown, Ohio; four grandchildren; six great -grandchildren; and brother Guenther (Ute) Frankenstein, Lebanon, NH. He was proceeded in death by his wife Marilyn Frankenstein and brother Paul Frankenstein.
Doc is greatly loved by all who know him and will be missed more than words can describe. Due to current health guidelines a private funeral service will be held for the family with a community memorial service planned for a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting kempffuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Dr. Frankenstein, 904 West Capital Ave., Bellevue MI 49021.
Virginia LaFleur Cox
Virginia LaFleur Cox “Ginny,” age 88, passed with peace and grace into the Lord’s arms June 23, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born on April 1, 1932 to Ernest and Mary (Shepard) LaFleur of Vermontville, where she graduated and was crowned Maple Syrup Queen in 1950.
Ginny loved knitting, playing piano, euchre parties and long walks. She will always be remembered as one who loved creating memories with fun and laughter. Ginny worked at Michigan Magnetics, Carl’s Supermarket and was a cook at Maple Valley Schools. In her later years, she wintered in Bradenton, Florida with her husband.
Ginny is survived by her children, Linda (Ron) Hannink of Big Rapids, Cindy “Sam” Grant of Charlotte, Debbie Furlong of Charlotte, Ross (Deb) Furlong of Vermontville and Teresa “Toot” (Steve) Hamilton of Hastings; along with beloved grandchildren, Mary Jean, Michaellynn, Veronica, Joheather, Leslie, Jessie, HyDee, Bobby, Michael, Jacob, Craig, Cory, and Dana; and many great-grandchildren for whom she created unique and loving nicknames.
A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, July 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. located under the pavilion at the park in Vermontville for all family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made in Ginny’s name to the Vermontville Maple Syrup Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ginny on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
James D. Bucher, II
James Donald Bucher, II, age 65, of Eaton Rapids passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Jim was born on March 14, 1955 in Holt, the son of James and Sara (Eckhart) Bucher. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended high school. Upon graduation, he attended Michigan State University, Golden Gate University and Columbia College where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1983. He worked in the oil and gas industries as a land leasing agent for many companies over his lifetime. Jim was a history enthusiast and had a wealth of knowledge in 20th and 21st century music. He also loved to work outside, maintaining and beautifying his property on the Grand River outside of Eaton Rapids.
Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Decker; step-daughter, Amy (Rick) Moore; step-son, Anthony (Regan) Forsmark; grandchildren, Malory Leonetti, Christopher Benjamin, Lauren Benjamin, Delany Forsmark, Everly Forsmark; sister, Susan (Gregory) Finley; nephew, Macklin Finley and niece, Madeleine Finley. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jim’s remains will be buried in Summit Hill Cemetery in Pocahontas, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in memory on Jim. To share memories or leave condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Susan D. Knight
Susan Darlene Knight, age 72, of Eaton Rapids — who was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister and daughter — passed into glory on May 30, 2020 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. She was the daughter of Robert and Violet (Crandell) Thompson.
Susan was the first grandchild born into the large family of Homer and Valeria Crandell (her maternal grandparents). She loved all of her cousins and was always proud and interested in all of their accomplishments. Susan was a great source of information regarding the family and the family history, and she enjoyed passing the information on to her family members. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1966. Susan married Donald D. Knight in 1968. She was a special transportation bus driver for Charlotte Public Schools and later drove bus for Potterville Public Schools. Susan had many other jobs working with the public, where she enjoyed interacting with people and helping anyone she could. She was well known for her loving and giving heart. Susan loved being involved in 4-H and her horses. She enjoyed sewing, cross stitching and produced some lovely projects with her talents. Susan was a particularly good cook and liked spreading her love through her food. The biggest loves of her life were her grandchildren. She devoted much of her life showing them how much she loved them. Susan also was proud of her collections of cowboy and American Indian memorabilia and displaying it in her home.
Susan is survived by her mother, Violet McCrimmon; daughters Daysha Knight of Lansing and Mary Margaret Medler of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jeffrey Perkins and Tavius and Darion Artis, all of Lansing; siblings, Duane (Kathy) Thompson of Charlotte, Karen (Keith) Tropp of Potterville, Ranee Wickwire (Chuck Carey) of Charlotte and Carla (Don) Nighbert of Olivet; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, her father Bob Thompson and her step-father Floyd McCrimmon.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Agricultural Society. Arrangements were entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Online condolences may be placed at millsfuneral.com.