Obituaries
Lance B. Brumm
Lance Bryan Brumm, 51, of Vermontville, a man known for his wit, skills with his hands, and his love for his family, died Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in Charlotte. Lance was born September 28, 1969, in Charlotte, the son of Chris LeRoy and Penny Jean (Barlond) Brumm. He graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1988, and was a member of the wrestling team. After school, he went to work at Ray Grant’s Woodshop before moving to Sturgis, MI, where he worked at the Kirsch Company, and enjoyed the birth of his son, Lucas. Lance moved back to Vermontville shortly after and started his career with Spartan Motors as an Electrical Technician, where he worked over 30 years. On the job and at home, Lance could be counted on for his expertise to fix and repair anything and everything. Throughout his life, he enjoyed trips up North to Barbeau, MI, where many family memories were made alongside the St. Mary’s River. He also loved riding Harley motorcycles and dirt bikes, especially with his son. Lance was also known for his quick wit, and complete devotion to his family and many close friends. Even while enduring great pain in his last year of life, Lance continued to provide strength and support for others. Lance treated everyone with equality and compassion, and will be forever remembered for strength of character, and for being the best dad a child could ask for.
Lance is survived by his wife, Tina Brumm; sons, Lucas (Kyahsondra) Brumm and Braydon White; grandsons, Jayce and Gunner Brumm; parents, Chris and Penny Brumm; brother, Lane (Laurie) Brumm; sisters, Lacey (Chad) Johnson and Lanette (Jim Skelton) Conger; nieces and nephews; and his best friend, “Homie.” He was predeceased by his grandparents, Richard and Shirley Brumm, and Ray and Barbara Barlond; and his cousin, Michael Dennis.
An upcoming private family gathering will take place. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lance on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. Memorial donations may be made to the family in the care of Tina Brumm. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Thomas B. Boggs
Thomas Brent Boggs, 66 of Charlotte, MI, died May 5, 2021 at the age of 66. Thomas was adopted by William and Martha (Phillips) Boggs in Jackson on February 17, 1955. Tom owned and operated Tom’s Tax Service for over 40 years, and after 30 years retired from GM in 2008. He also volunteered at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. A very loving father, Tom had two sons that he very much enjoyed spending time with. Tom was very passionate about MSU sports, he was a football season ticket holder for 35 years, and also enjoyed watching MSU basketball games with his spartan buddies at Abie’s bar in Eaton Rapids. He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Duck Lake Country Club in Olivet, MI.
Tom is survived by his sons, Matt Boggs and Chris Boggs; he leaves behind many friends, colleagues and clients. He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Bill Boggs.
Friends are encouraged to support Tom’s family. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Tom’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Tom on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Susan L. Courtnage
Dr. Susan Louise Courtnage, age 71, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2021 after a brief illness. Born November 26, 1949 in Binghamton, NY to Dr. William H. and Marjorie L. (Hunter) Courtnage . Sue attended Carmi High School in Carmi, IL., After high school she attended the University of Illinois where she received her undergraduate, and then fulfilled her medical doctorate degree from the University of Illinois Champaign and Chicago. She became board certified in Internal Medicine in 1977. Dr. Courtnage opened her medical practice in Eaton Rapids, providing compassionate care for her patients and advocacy services for those with disabilities. She served Eaton Rapids and the surrounding community for her entire professional career until her retirement in 2019.
At a young age, Susan had a curious mind and developed a love for learning. During her school years she channeled this into music playing piano and the trumpet and art (painting). She loved the out of doors and achieved the First-Class Girl Scout award at a young age. She continued her scouting involvement with her sons in the Boy Scouts of America organization as a leader and a supportive volunteer.
Susan was an enthusiastic traveler, exploring all aspects of the food and culture of each destination whether in the U.S. or internationally. She was a tourist in her own state educating herself on Michigan native flowers and the beautiful state parks. Every roadside attraction or museum captured her interest and was a learning opportunity for her. Susan was also an avid card player, always armed with a deck of cards and prepared for a friendly, but competitive game.
She was interested in investing and became a founding member of the Golden Girls LLC Investment Club which she was the longest standing member and currently was serving as President and the Education Chairperson. Beyond retirement Susan continued learning by taking educational courses in the medical field, law, architecture, art, botany and many other areas. She was an active member of the Eaton Rapids Art Guild. Her many friends knew her as caring, independent, and always having a smile.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents and infant son Scott. Left to grieve her passing are her two sons, Brian Stipanuk of Holt, MI and Christopher (Jesica) Stipanuk of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Ethan, Ezra and Elias McNamara. Sisters, Margaret (Jeff) Burrell of Kansas City, MO; Christine Courtnage of Austin, TX; Gale Sipe of Irving, TX and Patricia (Todd) Sampsel of Wimberely, TX; nieces, nephews and many friends.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Rapids Women’s Shelter, ASPCA or Heifer International.
For online condolences please go to www.skinnerfuneralhome.com.
Carolyn L. Ballard
Carolyn Louise Ballard of Holland, formerly of Hamlin Twp., passed away May 10, 2021 at the age of 91. Carolyn was born in Dearborn, MI, May 27, 1929, the daughter of Walter and Flora (Roser) Kautz. She was a teacher, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids since 1954 and a member of the Square Dance Club. Carolyn was a farmer’s wife who worked very hard and was extremely proud of the 4 children she and her husband Jim raised. She loved to cook, sew, travel and winter in Texas and Florida. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her great joy.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jim; children, Ronald (Karen) Ballard of NC, Cathryn (Phillip) Bowen of Grand Rapids, David (Joanna) Ballard of Hamlin Twp, Bruce (Julie) Ballard of Holland; grandchildren, LaRona (Robert) Jones, Patrick (Aleaha) Bowen, Drew (Lisa) Bowen, Laura (Jaime Koopman) Steffens, Jeff (Melissa) Ballard, Meri (Kristi Kruppa) Ballard, Abbey Ballard, Brandon Ballard; 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. A second Celebration of Life will take place outdoors at Tunnel Park, 66 N. Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI 49424 on June 27, 2021 from 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church, the hospice of donor’s choice, or the Freedom Village Scholarship Fund, 145 Columbia Ave., Holland, MI 49423. To place online condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Douglas E. Koivu
Douglas E. Koivu, 77, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 in Lansing. He was born in Detroit on December 3, 1943 to the late William and Patricia (McGill) Koivu. Doug was a proud veteran of the US Army. After working much of his life in food services, in retirement Doug worked for Advanced Autoparts in Holt, delivering autoparts. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family including many grandchildren’s sporting events, although hunting, fishing, and the Thursday night man cave gathering were close seconds.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kristine Koivu; son, Aaron (Sheng) Koivu; daughters, Angie (Darren) Green and Michelle (Ben) Northrup; grandchildren, Jack and Julian Koivu, Anthony Freeman, Cody, Christie, and Zach Green, and Trenton Northrup; great-grandson, J.R. Freeman; brothers, Norman Koivu and William (Barbara) Koivu; sister, Lynne (Roger) Smith; extended family Gail (Dennis) Southward, Burt (Mary) Bentley, and Bonnie (Harv) Schroeder; and numerous treasured nieces and nephews.
According to his wishes, no services will be held.
In honor of Doug, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, an organization to which he donated his time for many years.