Obituaries
John A. Platte
John Anthony Platte, 80, of Charlotte, Mich., formerly of Lansing, passed away on March 20, 2021. He was born July 10, 1940 and raised in Westphalia, Mich., the son of Anthony John and Erma (Tillitson) Platte. John was a retired employee of the former Wolhert Corp. in Lansing, and worked for Springer’s Cleaners for around 15 years after retirement. He was a member of the Lansing Area Church of Christ; an avid bowler, and enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing.
John is survived by his wife of 14 years, Patricia; sons, Lloyd (Brenda), Michael, Robert (Julie), James (Beth); stepsons, David (Melissa) and Eric Grimwood; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife and mother of his sons, Georgianna Platte, and infant son Anthony John Platte.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Memorial contributions may be given in John’s name to be used according to the wishes of the family. Online condolences can be shared at petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Nathalie E. Weseman
Nathalie Elizabeth Weseman, 99 years young, of Charlotte, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died March 19, 2021 at her home of 66 years. Nathalie Elizabeth Wensing was born to William and Helen (Stroot) Wensing on November 19, 1921. Soon after her birth, Nathalie’s father was diagnosed with a blood disease and passed away when she was only four years old. Being an only child, Nathalie determined at an early age to one day have a large family of her own.
A graduate of Notre Dame of Quincy High School, Nathalie later attended Quincy College, where she joined a sorority and developed an interest in drama, where she played Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It was while a student at Quincy College, that she would meet the love of her life. One day, while buying a book from her sorority sister, Elizabeth, she was introduced to her very own Romeo, Elizabeth’s brother, Sid. From that moment on, Sid and Nathalie formed a bond that would last forever and shape both of their lives. Dancing together was one of their favorite pastimes.
When Sid signed up to serve in the Army Air Corps during WWII, Nathalie went to Iowa State where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree as a Dietitian. Nathalie and Sid wed on April 22, 1944, while Sid was on leave. Nathalie went on to intern at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis as a Dietitian. She also worked at Electrical Equipment Supplier, Square D, managing food services for their facilities in Milwaukee. With the war over, Sid finished his schooling at Marquette, and the couple started a family. Several jobs, cities, and seven children later, Nathalie decided the frequent moves were getting too hard on the family and that Charlotte was a great place to live so they made it their permanent home.
Nathalie and Sid enjoyed many adventures together, traveling near and far. In later years, they arranged many vacations with the entire family and enjoyed annual winter trips to the Gulf Coast. While not exactly a thrill seeker, when in her 60’s, Nathalie rode the tallest roller coaster at Cedar Point. Despite not caring much for swimming, she always enjoyed summer outings to Yankee Springs, color tours up north, and an occasional pontoon outing or cruise.
Nathalie worked for many years at their convenience store where she was always a customer favorite and enjoyed serving the “regulars.” She greatly enjoyed being active locally, being a member of St. Mary Catholic Church since moving to Charlotte and the St. Mary Women’s Altar Society. She also worked on the Eaton County Election Commission after each election to certify the vote, was a frequent solicitor for The Easter Seal Society, and has been a 50-plus year member and former officer of the Charlotte Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), as well as singing with the GFWC Charlotte’s chorus. Nathalie greatly enjoyed hosting holiday gatherings with family and loved a lively game of bridge with close friends.
Nathalie was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Sid Weseman. Nathalie is survived by her children: Sid III (Nancy Sinclair) Weseman of Chicago, Ill., Marcus (Carolyn) Weseman of Knoxville, Tenn., Judith Weseman of Kenosha, Wis., Aimee (Michael) Chartrand of Palmer, Alaska, Matt (Katie) Weseman of Idaho Falls, Ind., Luke (Mary) Weseman of Allen, Texas, John (Lori) Weseman of Vermontville, Mich., as well as 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Nathalie’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests instead of flowers that memorial contributions be made to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Nathalie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sharon E. VanVleet
Sharon Eileen VanVleet, age 79, of Bellevue, Mich., died on March 15, 2021. She was a homemaker.
Becky L. Slawson
Becky L. Slawson, 59, of Bowling Green, Mo., passed away at Barnes Hospital- St. Louis on March 12, 2021. She was born on October 30, 1961 in Charlotte, Mich. to Dewayne and Margaret (Bud) Casper. Becky attended the local schools along with her siblings. Becky and Stephen both worked at Central Missouri Correction Center in Jefferson City, which is where the couple met. They were later married on April 27, 1996 in Jefferson City in the Governor’s Mansion. To this union were born Jacob and Sarah. The family moved to Bowling Green in 1997, and Becky and Stephen both started jobs at Bowling Green Prison. Becky worked for St. Charles Community College and was a GED teacher for over 20 years at Bowling Green Prison. While she was working full-time and raising two children, she was able to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University. Becky was able to help many people over the years to continue their education. She was a member of Cornerstone Christian Church. Becky loved spending time with her husband, children and extended family. They loved to fish and often went to Mark Twain Lake. She will be sadly missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved her.
Becky is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Stephen Slawson of Bowling Green; two children, Jacob Michael Slawson of San Diego (Stationed with the U.S. Navy), and Sarah Slawson of Bowling Green; siblings, Mike Casper, Melody White and Randy Casper; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Karen Castanada.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials of the donor’s choice may be sent in care of McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 701 N. Business 61, Bowling Green, MO 63334. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at mccoyblossomfh.com.
Marian L. Damon
Marian L. (VanSyckle) Damon, 87, of Bellevue, Mich., passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at home surrounded by her most loving family.
She was born on June 28, 1933 in Tekonsha, Mich. to Harold and Velma (Green) VanSyckle. As a young girl, Marian loved cheerleading, working in Fruin’s Drug Store at the soda fountain, the Ice Cream Plant in Pennfield behind M-66 Bowling Alley and the old pickle factory in Eaton Rapids. On May 24, 1951 Marian graduated from Bellevue High School, and an hour later, married the love of her life Robert D. Damon Sr. They were lifelong residents of Bellevue where they raised their family.
Marian was the best homemaker to her family, always juggling the family schedule, taking care of their home, making family meals, desserts and ensuring every holiday occasion was special. She loved her family more than anything and especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed the challenge of a crossword puzzle, making the best birthday and wedding cakes, including the individualized creative decorating for every family member. Marian also loved her gardening in both the vegetable and flower gardens. She spent hours making personalized fresh flower arrangements and potted flowers for friends and family. In their early retirement, Bob and Marian worked with their son at Marshall Gardens where she enjoyed designing and creating arrangements and working in the greenhouse. Marian was a longtime member of Bellevue United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her children, Duane (God rest his soul)(LuAnn) Damon whose child and grandchildren are Dustin (Jessica, Lauren and Carter) of Marshall, Daniel (Peggy) Damon whose children and grandchildren are Michael (Abbi, Elliana and Hadley) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Thomas (Nicole) of Battle Creek; Vickie (Doug) Pennington (God rest their souls) whose son and granddaughter is Douglas (Michelle, Willow) of Bellevue, Debra (Ricky) Gardner whose children and grandchildren are Lindsey Butters (Douglas West and Braxton Butters) and Kilee Gardner (Melinda) of Bellevue; and Pam (Tom) Shilling whose daughter and grandchildren are Amber Shilling Schmitz (Emma, Alley and Bailey) of Bellevue. Marian enjoyed their seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Marian is also survived by her brother, Harold VanSyckle Jr. of Pinconning, Mich. and a special cousin, Jeannie Creyts of Eaton Rapids. Sadly, her husband of 54 years, Robert D Damon preceded her in death on April 1, 2005; as well as her brothers Roland VanSyckle, Roger VanSyckle and her sisters Shirley Seeley, Alberta Willis and Gladys Atkins and a special Uncle and Aunt Royal and Annie Kykendahl of Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Marian was lovingly and thoughtfully cared for in her home by her RN, Chrissy Eakins of Grace Hospice of Kalamazoo.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation, 201 West Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 or Grace Hospice of Kalamazoo, 2725 Airview Blvd. #101, Portage, MI 49002.
Graveside services for Marian were held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Bellevue. Please visit kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook or to leave the family condolences.